November 1
A relaxed start to the day — because who doesn’t like to ease into a road trip that involves two mountain passes known for snow? We hit the Okanagan Connector in a fog so thick it felt like we’d just driven straight into the sky, then rolled onto the Coquihalla toward Hope, BC without incident.

Until Abbotsford. Around 2 p.m., the X5 cheerfully announced a “drivetrain malfunction.” WTF. Cue frantic Googling for European car repair shops open on a Saturday. Miraculously, we found one that squeezed us in. Turns out, not the drivetrain at all — just a coil failure. Why change just one coil? So, naturally, we replaced all the spark plugs and coils. It needed to be done anyway. Cha-Ching! Great start to the vacation spending! And the x5 is considerably more peppy now!

Back on the road by 6 p.m., we headed to Daryl and Karen’s new home — friends freshly relocated from Regina — and reconnected with Karen’s sister Donna and husband Gord (also former Saskatchewanians). The evening was saved with good wine, great company, and a fantastic dinner.

November 2
We poked around the Lonsdale neighbourhood in North Vancouver — and wow, what a happening little corner of the world. Daryl and Karen guided us through the streets and up the hill, making sure we hit all the essential stops for snacks and wine to fuel our sightseeing. Because, priorities.

Later, we ventured over to Ambleside in West Vancouver for a stroll along the seawall — fresh air, water views, and locals fishing for crabs. Just like we used to do off of White Rock pier! And yes, naturally, another snack and more wine to soak up more sea views.

Dinner? A cozy local Greek spot, Anatoli Souvlaki . Since we had been snacking all day we decide to split our main dishes. Good thing because the servings are huge!

Games you play while waiting for food……….

November 3
Hit the road to the Horseshoe Bay ferry — super organized and efficient, zero drama. Naturally, we couldn’t resist a little shopping onboard. Who knew ferries could stock clothes that are both casual and vaguely fancy?

Back on the highway from Nanaimo to Ucluelet, we navigated the single-lane twists and turns of the coast. A highlight: Cathedral Grove near Port Alberni. These Douglas firs are literal ancient pillars — some over 800 years old — towering like silent witnesses to a world before technology and blogs.

Check-in at Black Rock Resort and wow!! Ocean views straight from the room, waves crashing on the black rocks below, and an outdoor hot pool calling our names.

Later, we met Gerry and Joanne in the hotel restaurant for dinner — a bowl of chowder so good it demanded a slow, appreciative sip of wine with every bite of shrimp and scallops.

And the moon… oh, the full moon. It lit up the bay like Mother Nature’s own disco ball, sparkling across the waves. Hard not to go full tourist and snap about a million photos of the crashing surf.

Listen to those waves! And look at that Moon!

November 4
Sunshine! Perfect hiking weather. We kicked things off with Radar Hill hike — great views, intriguing history, and some absolutely enormous mushrooms along the path. Then it was off to the rainforest trail. One section was closed thanks to a landslide, but the open part? Lush, peaceful, and totally tranquil. Boardwalks and stairs kept us high and dry while Pacific Rim National Park showed off nature at its absolute best.

Then to Long Beach for a sauntering walk over driftwood and bull seaweed and wet sand. Tide out, waves roaring in — exhilarating.

Lunch and wine at Wickaninnish Inn at the side of Chesterman beach. Stunning views, delicious food, and surfers catching waves right out the window. Couldn’t have scripted it better.

Tofino itself? Typical resort town vibes — shops mostly unchanged since our last visit. On the drive back to Ucluelet, we glimpsed a cyclist in a full wetsuit with a surfboard strapped to their bike. Epic. Sadly, no good stopping spot for photos — but definitely a “this is living here” moment.

Another quick dip in the hot pool before evening. Supper? Skipped. Instead, we kicked back with Gerry and Joanne for charcuterie, Cheezies, and wine — a quiet night that somehow felt perfect.

November 5
The storm we’d been waiting for finally arrived — spectacular waves, wind, and rain that made every photo worth it. Perfect day to stay put and soak in the resort vibes. Hit the gym to preemptively atone for tonight’s culinary indulgence, then braved the hot pool in pouring rain. Somehow, being soaked made it feel exclusive. Lazy afternoon achieved.

Dinner at Pluvio in Ucluelet — one of Canada’s top restaurants — and it did not disappoint. Five courses? We added two more: buckwheat blinis with sturgeon caviar and scallops. Incredible. Impeccable but casual, no pretension in sight. Servers actually knew our names and chatted with us. Presentation was playful and creative, celebrating the local environment and ingredients — think candied salmon in candy wrappers. Interesting wines too, especially a natural Albariño with… let’s say a “unique” aroma. Not your typical Albariño, but memorable.

November 6
Amazing sleeps thanks to the crashing waves — seriously, who needs an alarm clock when nature is on duty? The storm keeps raging. Gerry and Joanne left this morning, so it’s just us and the weather.

Neil and I donned the resort’s cheerful yellow rain slickers and hiked around the Ucluelet Lighthouse. Wet, windy, and worth every soggy step — the waves were spectacular. Totally different than summer of 2008 when we did this hike in flip flops – thanks to Scott!

Next stop: Ucluelet Aquarium. Totally blew our expectations. Fascinating exhibits, a deep dive into underwater life, and a newfound respect for what’s happening beneath the waves.

Maybe we also grabbed a cinnamon bun and coffee. Just maybe. Then headed north to check Long Beach again — closed thanks to high tide and waves smashing into the parking lot.

Then Chesterman Beach and at Mackenzie Beach where we were offered some wild surfer sightings. These folks are nuts.

Back at Black Rock Resort for happy hour in the lounge, followed by a quiet evening, soaking in the tub with a view of the waves and TV — last night to savor the ocean’s soundtrack.

November 7
Back on the windy roads — Cowichan Lake bound to catch up with our Regina friend Dave Burke over coffee. It had been years, and after some serious health issues, it was amazing to see him looking so great. Fantastic visit and a reminder that some friendships just pick up right where they left off.

Later, we made our way to Nanaimo for the night. Mission: fresh local oysters. Reality: none to be found. Really? In the heart of oyster country? Are they all exported?

November 8
Up early for the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay, then back on the Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector. This time? Clear skies and smooth sailing. Home before we knew it.

And this view of Big White ski resort with all the ski runs from the Okanagan Connector? WOW!

What a week — friends, wine, cheezies, crashing waves, ancient forests, and wild storms.

Canada, you never disappoint. Feeling lucky to live in such a spectacular country.