Still in a "renew the spirit" and pre-Spring "daytrippng" mood?
In that Vesuvius to Crofton "jaunt", this time drive straight ahead, off ferry, and head to Chemainus, the "town of murals" fame, on the "old Island Highway".
Chemainus' Old Town is not to be missed, either. (If you're including Thetis Island, then here's the ferry terminal).
After enjoying Chemainus' murals, continue along the Old Island Highway, through Saltair (the "banana belt" of Vancouver Island, weather-wise), and pop back out onto the "new" Island Highway at Ladysmith.
It's fun to pop on and off the new highway, and connect to the old, and meander through the old villages. A sidetrip through Ladysmith is always fun...a time tunnel town. (They win the "best decorated town in B.C." award, every Christmas!).
Depart the main highway just before the Nanaimo Airport, and you're on Cedar Road...the entry point to the rural charms of Yellowpoint! Turn right off Cedar, onto Yellowpoint Road...the Crow and Gate Pub is an authentic "English Pub" experience, with good lunch and dinner selections...dine in the garden, in "the season".
Nanaimo hosts malls and "big box" locations, of course, but if you choose the "lower road" into Nanaimo, you can check out the refurbishing of "old town", and the development along the new breakwater...the ferry to Gabriola Island goes out from here.
Wanting to go a little bit farther north? Check out Lantzville...now a part of "North Nanaimo", and still retaining some rural charm.
The trip back to Crofton, via new highway, is a speedy one....and then it's the "ahhh" moment, with Salt Spring shimmering across Stuart Channel, welcoming one home....lucky us!
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
