Original Article by By Nikkita Nair for The New York Times

The largest city in British Columbia makes a perfect gateway to explore the rich marine wildlife and beauty of the region

Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia, is studded with 17,000 miles of coastline and 40,000 islands dispersed across its waters, many of them enchanting destinations on their own. Vancouver, the largest city of the province, serves as a gateway to the region, which is home to a host of marine life like Steller sea lions, sea otters and Pacific octopuses.

Here are four coastal destinations, a relatively short journey from Vancouver, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you travel via ferry or floatplane, the journey offers a panoramic view of the North Shore mountains and open Pacific waters.

Salt Spring Island

Spread along the Salish sea between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia are the Gulf Islands. The largest of them is Salt Spring, which spans approximately 70 square miles.

If you are traveling by foot, the island has a reliable transit system to get around the main areas. Or you can rent an e-bike from Outspokin Bike Shop or a scooter from Salt Spring Car & Scooter Rentals. Experience the waters along the Trincomali Channel by renting a kayak or joining a whale-watching trip organized by Salt Spring Adventures.

The island’s newest winery is Vivezza, where you can stop by for a tasting. Paul Troop, Vivezza’s founder, said that the island’s unique weather patterns, with warm winters and long, dry summers, “result in slow ripening” and “wines with pronounced fruit flavors and aromas with balancing acids.”. 

Kutatás Wines is known for its chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. The founders, Mira Tusz and Daniel Dragert, aim to grow and produce terroir-driven wines, through continual experimentation and research. All wine is produced on the island using “sustainable practices like dry farming and no irrigation,” which allows for maximal concentration of flavor, Ms. Tusz said. Sample a selection of five wines or enjoy a bottle on the patio overlooking the vines during your visit.

Salt Spring is also known for its warm bakeries and gourmet foods. Stop at Francis Bread, for fresh sourdough and pastries. Next, take the winding island road to Salt Spring Cheese Company and observe the production facility on a self-guided tour. Sample a variety of goat cheese produced on-site, such as the creamy garlic chevre or the juliette, a rich ripened Camembert-style cheese. Before leaving the island, grab some locally made preserves and spreads at Salt Spring Kitchen Co.

Stay the night at one of the oceanfront guesthouses at Lightwater Cove (starting at 420 Canadian dollars a night), waking up to the crisp scent of fir and expansive water views. The property’s 31-acre garden, including a glass greenhouse for fresh greens all year, is a highlight. Add a thermal mineral pool session where you can unwind in an outdoor heated saltwater pool, ocean-facing wood barrel sauna and hot tub.

Getting there: Ferries depart about twice daily from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen ferry terminal, with the first ferry leaving around 10 a.m. Returning ferries leave around 7 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, and around 4 p.m. the other days. Reservations are recommended. Tickets start at 29 Canadian dollars per individual and additional 85 Canadian dollars for a standard vehicle round trip.

Alternatively, hop on a floatplane with Harbour Air, departing multiple times a day between both destinations, with the earliest flights leaving Vancouver around 8 a.m. and the latest flights leaving Salt Spring around 6 p.m. Tickets start at 103 Canadian dollars one way.

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