One thing I truly enjoy about living in British Columbia is the vast array of year-round activities and adventures in nature. As parents, we want to pass our love for the outdoors onto our son, as well as offer him the opportunity to explore and discover the joys of experiencing all that our province has to offer.

Dylan has never been to Vancouver Island, so we decided to take BC Ferries over to the island towards Sooke, BC. The trip was such a trill for Dylan, who loves boats of any sort. The ride only took approximately an hour and a bit, and the ferry is full of amenities, such as a kid’s play area, free WIFI, buffet dining, gift shop and so much more.

It was with great excitement on my part that we booked a family Easter weekend staycation in Vancouver Island at Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina, This perfect oceanside getaway is a boutique-style resort that serves as an ideal home base for any traveler, offering direct access to iconic scenery as well as whale watching, kayaking, and beachcombing right from their doorstep.

When we arrived, we were quickly checked in to our penthouse suite. And what a view of the landscape…we were literally steps from the private marina and beach. All manner of amenities were also available to us, including a hot tub, full kitchen and living room, multiple bedrooms and comfortable outdoor seating on our balconies.

Everything we needed was literally below our suite. All we had to do was walk downstairs to book our kayaking trip and whale-watching adventure.

A few steps away was the marina dock, with an abundance of wildlife. Dylan was even able to get within touching distance of the seals who made the marina their home. The resort, located at the water’s edge in scenic Sooke, it’s just 35 minutes away from downtown Victoria.

Our days were full of exploration and adventures, taking in the sites and scenery, tasting the freshly caught seafood and relaxing in our luxurious penthouse (It’s literally twice as big as our apartment in Surrey!) Species such as Halibut, Salmon and Cod are abundant. Not only is the resort located conveniently close to five star fishing on the Pacific Ocean, but it also has a full service 114 slip marina that houses a number of fishing charters. So you can walk out of your front door and into a fishing adventure.

One thing that I really noticed on this trip is the powerful influence of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s definitely something about taking the time to unwind in a place like Sooke. It’s laid back vibe coupled with its picturesque landscapes encourages you to take a break. Also, our comfortable living arrangements and amenities were located within a few feet of the beachfront which definitely helped us relax more and enjoy our downtime.

Our experience of the resort and fun activities in the area definitely left us feeling more grounded, recharged and happier. Who knew that just a few days of rest in a place where you can literally see the stars at night and the shimmer of the moon on the water would leave us feeling energized and ready to return to the hectic pace of the city.

Book your own stay at Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina here.