Vancouver to Nanoose Bay, BC
It has been at least two years since we have been to Vancouver Island (we obviously love Vancouver) but last week we had some business to do on the Island and turned the trip into a few extra days. We made a reservation on the 8:30 am BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and were surprised to find the sailing almost empty. We arrived at Fairwinds Golf Course by noon and it was a beautiful day, too bad we were there to work and not to play golf.

Bed and Breakfast On the Green
We checked into a Bed and Breakfast located at the end of the driving range of Fairwinds Golf Course called ‘On the Green’. We were pleasantly surprised by the ‘newness’ of the accommodation. With a private entrance and three private rooms as well as a spacious common kitchen and living area it would be a great place for a family or group getaway. For business travelers, as we were, complimentary high speed wireless internet was provided. We were the only ones staying that night so had the large flat screen all to ourselves. Of course we both wanted to watch something different so the smaller flat screen in the bedroom was a bonus. For breakfast we had our choice of toast, cereal, yogurt, hot-cross buns, juice, coffee and tea all right in the suite. We are not on the Island often but would stay again and next time take advantage of the kayaking lessons at nearby Schooner Cove Marina or a round of golf at Fairwinds Golf Course.

Tigh-na-mara Seaside Spa, Resort & Conference Centre
For dinner we decided on the nearby (about 10 minutes drive) restaurant at the Tigh-na-mara Resort. We made a reservation but did not expect it to be very busy on a weeknight so were very surprised to arrive and find the parking lot almost full. We discovered as soon as we sat down in the Cedar Room (Dining) that entrees were on special for $10. Yes all entrees for only $10 each. They also had an appy special in the Copper Lounge and there was a line-up to get in. For starters Tara had the Local Squash Bisque and Jeff had the Grilled Mini Lamb Chops with mint and basil jelly. For entrees we both choose the Filet of Sole stuffed with Crab and Lobster on rice with a citrus butter sauce. The appetizers were both great, as was the fish but the rice was a bit undercooked. The food overall was very good. The service was good, but not great. Perhaps they were not staffed for the large number of guests. The wine list offered some good choices and we had the Blue Mountain Gamay Noir from the Okanagan, one of our favorites!

Next…
Really enjoyed our time at Fairwinds Golf Club, thanks everyone for your hospitality! Watch for our next blog as we headed down Island to Victoria for a couple of days of meetings and of course, dinners.

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