Local Getaway: Unwind at a Vancouver Island Coastal Retreat 

Location: Shirley, British Columbia 

The details: $450 per night plus fees (two-night minimum stay); sleeps seven

The amenities:

This beautiful 2,500-square-feet cedar home is nestled in the trees and acts as the perfect home base for your west coast adventures. Escape into nature with your loved ones for a relaxing weekend adventure, or stay a week or two to savour the bliss. 

This stay is situated on 2.5 acres of land, complete with a hot tub, indoor fireplace, wraparound decks, expansive lawns, reading library and fire pit. Enjoy endless possibilities on how to spend your days at the property. 

Relax in the tranquility of nature in the outdoor hot tub after a day of exploring beaches and trails, as you gaze up into the starry night. Lounge in the hammock on the wraparound deck, or enjoy an evening grilling up hot dogs on the BBQ grill. This stay comes with plenty of options, so plan your days wisely! 

As you head inside the home, you’ll find cedar beams along the high vaulted ceiling, as well as matching coloured countertops and wooden stools. The skylight along the ceiling allows in plenty of natural lighting. The combination of lighting and wooden elements in the space make you feel cozy and right at home. 

On the main floor, you will find two bedrooms, one with a queen-sized bed and the other with one double and one single bed. There is a fully-equipped kitchen on the same floor, with everything you need to cook up a gourmet meal for family and friends. There is also a coffee machine available for you to make your morning cup of joe before you head to your outdoor adventures.

A cozy entertainment room is also offered on the main floor. This corner room has great ambiance for a movie night, or even just hanging around for late night heart-to-heart talks. Next to the entertainment room is a popcorn station – perfect for all your movie night needs!

Head upstairs to find the master bedroom with a king-sized bed and ensuite bathroom. This room has a large skylight to let in plenty of natural lighting, french doors to access the wraparound deck and access to a private loft (which is great for reading or journaling)!

The living and dining rooms are also on the upper floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows for you to look out into the lush greenery as you enjoy your meals. There is access from the living room to the wraparound deck, so you have the option of eating outside as you listen to nature’s sounds. 

Activities in the area:

Although the lodge is situated in a forest and quite secluded, there is an abundance of fun spots just a few minutes’ drive away. French Beach is only a one-minute drive away and Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria is two minutes away. There are also plenty of hikes, beaches and forests available for you to explore in the area.  If you enjoy wildlife watching, there are also opportunities for orca, sea lion and whale watching. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and local bunnies at the lodge! 

Because the lodge is in a rural area, many wildlife frequent the premises. That includes wild black bears! The host recommends visitors bring bear spray as a safety precaution.