How to Enjoy a Three-Day Vancouver Island Getaway to Nanoose Bay

A picturesque 20-minute drive north of Nanaimo is the premier Fairwinds, a resort style, master-planned community in Nanoose Bay where coastal charm meets elevated living.  A sophisticated world-class seaside resort surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of Nanoose Bay, it boasts a marina, restaurants, a PGA golf course and a wellness centre. I recently spent three nights at the resort’s new Fairwinds Residences. Whether you want to take it easy or stay busy, follow me as I indulge in both.

Day One

Golfing at the Fairwinds Golf Club

After checking out my bright and airy one-bedroom suite with sweeping marina and mountain views, I met up with golf pro and PGA-certified Travis Busch. Set against the stunning backdrop of lush forests, rolling fairways, spectacular ocean views and several hungry deer, a non-golfer like me couldn’t help but be excited to “attempt to play” nine holes. With Busch’s encouragement and patience, I learned the fundamentals, such as grip, stance and basic shots like chipping and pitching. I even managed to get a couple of thumbs up from Busch.

Dinner at the New Greenview Taphouse

Nestled at the 10th hole of the Fairwinds Golf Club, the newly opened Greenview Taphouse is co-owner Eli Brennan’s third restaurant (he is also a partner in Nanoose Bay Cafe and Gastown’s Water St. Café). I met up with the affable Brennan and one of his partners, chef Todd Bright, for a tasty culinary journey. Bright designs the menu to be shared, so we indulged in the absurdly delicious crispy smash burger, a veggie lovers pizza that could become an obsession and the Greenview tiramisu, which is designed like a putting green. The taphouse brings together great food and the best of B.C.’s beer and wine in a truly vibrant and relaxed ambience.

Day Two

Head to Moorecroft Regional Park

After a leisurely breakfast in our suite overlooking the marina filled with boats, we headed to Moorecroft Regional Park, a 10-minute drive from the Fairwinds community. The park’s landscape includes a network of forest trails surrounded by towering Douglas fir, Western Red Cedar and Arbutus trees. That’s not all—you might catch sight of wildlife in and around the rocky shores, like eagles, harbour seals and sea lions.

Lunch at Fern + Cedar Brewing Co. in Qualicum Beach

This hip brewery is eye candy with cascading ceiling ferns and voguish cedar decor. But the farm-to-table menu and small batch locally crafted beer—both using locally sourced ingredients celebrating the region’s bounty—will win you over. May I recommend sharing plates, like the broccolini, citrus avocado bowl and the rock crab cake?

Visit the 125-Acre Paradise Acres Ranch

Rated in the “TOP 10% of Attractions Worldwide” by Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2021, 2022 and 2023, this ranch features picturesque trail rides that traverse through Arbutus groves, Craig Creek and hills with views of Mount Arrowsmith and Mount Moriarty. After we suited up with our riding cap, our guide walked us over to the pasture to meet our horses. After a safety briefing, I mounted 12-year-old Rocky—a gentle mare with a mind of her own. The experience of riding through the forest is a wonderful way to spend an hour or more.

Dinner at Nanoose Bay Cafe

This waterfront cafe opens up to an inviting patio that brings together the best of Pacific Northwest coastal beauty fused with the finest of B.C.’s local producers, suppliers and wines. We began with a couple of its signature appetizers, the Korean cauliflower and the tuna tataki. The main was an eight-hour braised short rib that was so tender you could eat it with a spoon. For those in search of excellent food and drink coupled with a sophisticated seaside décor, Nanoose Bay Cafe delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

Enjoy the Nanoose Bay Cafe‘s Waterfront Music Series

One of the best ways I can think of to cap off a memorable dinner is to dance under the stars to tunes by the Beatles tribute band, Dear Prudence. We swayed and sang along to hits such as Hey Jude, Let it Be (young and old were belting out this song), Come Together and many more medleys. Enjoy the gorgeous marina, ocean and mountains views as you kick back with a drink in hand and jam out to the lively tunes (with more musical guests lined up for the rest of summer 2025).

Day Three

Go on a Whale and Wildlife Adventure Aboard Ocean Ecoventures

From the first “ahhh” to the last, this was a four-hour whale tour to remember. As we bumped along the waters of the northern Salish Sea, the boat’s engine cut off at a few strategic “hot whale sightings spots” and we cast our gaze over the waters. In one area, we saw 11 humpback whales, harbour seals lazily sunning themselves and sea lions.

Lunch at the Beach Club Resort Restaurant & Lounge

This restaurant offers a variety of dining experiences. Whether in the restaurant, on the upper patio or beachfront patio, its seasonally inspired bill of fare showcases the bounty of Vancouver Island, featuring fresh, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. With the sound of the waves lapping against the rocks as my backdrop, I opted for its famous burger.

Walk Along Rathtrevor Beach Park

A pristine stretch of white sandy beach with three kilometres to explore, as well as a forest (complete with a circular, oceanfront trail), and parkland (including shaded picnic grounds). I loved this trail, and after lunch I enjoyed a long walk along the waterfront or through the rugged trail system.

Dinner at Rusted Rake Brewing

If you’re seeking an artisanal experience, you’ve found it. Once a neglected hay farm, this country restaurant is a triple threat—a homage to food, agriculture and craft beer. Set amongst the organic farmland that supplies much of its ingredients, we shared summer favourites—the blueberry salad and the tomato salad with heirloom tomatoes and burrata cheese; both were standouts. P.S. don’t forget to grab a six-pack of their award-winning craft beer on the way out before heading home from the trip.