BC small town for holiday drive?

Doryman · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:18 pm Post subject: BC small town for holiday drive?

Lori wants us to head up into BC by car tomorrow, bypassing Vancouver. Any suggestions for cute towns, particularly with holiday themes (like Leavenworth) to visit? This is a day trip from Anacortes, so should not be too far north.

Thanks!
Warren

rogerbum

hardee · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 7:55 pm Post subject:

Might not be exactly what you are looking for, but take the ferry to Sidney and then go to the Buchart Gardens. They should be pretty well in full swing for Christmas holiday decor by now.

Don't forget to stop at "Fish on Fifth" for the best fish and chips anywhere, on the way back to the ferry.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

JDS · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 9:04 am Post subject:

Harvey,

Better fish and chips than The Tides in Gig Harbor? That is number one on our list but we've never been to Fish on Fifth. Where is it exactly?

Jim

ghone · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 10:45 am Post subject:

Hi Warren it depends on how much time you have. I second Chemainus for a visit as well as Ladysmith just up the road a ways further. Nice towns with Chemaianus having murals and xmas lights in Ladysmith. If you have a few days more and weather permitting Uclulet and Tofino offer storm watch and West Coast scenery hard to beat. Have fun, George

hardee · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 10:53 am Post subject:

Jim,

Fish on 5th is a locals choice in Sidney. From the Sidney Port Marina, go west on Beacon Ave, to Fifth St, turn right about 150 feet, and it is on the left (west) side of the street.

9812 5 Street, Sidney, BC V8L 2X4, Canada
+1 250-656-4022
‎
http://www.fishon5th.com/Welcome.html

Can't say I have been to the Tides but I can say this is the first I have heard about it. Locally we enjoy the F&C at CJ's in Port Townsend as the best in our area. (CJ's is another local's favorite.)

Hope that helps, Jim.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 1:24 pm Post subject:

Best fish and chips? About half a dozen places in White Rock, which is indeed the town Warren is looking for...

Doryman · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 1:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks, everyone, for the tips. Unfortunately (a) my daughter decided she was not up for a long drive and (b) I should have specified that I was looking for places to go that did not involve a ferry ride! So, for next time, any suggestions for the mainland side?

Thanks again,
Warren

Ron on Meander · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 4:50 pm Post subject:

Warren,
A couple of places on the mainland side.

Fort Langley - About 30 mins north of the border (using the first crossing east of main Peace Arch crossing) a touristy kind on place. One of the original european settlements in BC. The original fort is a well maintained national historic site and is interesting by itself. The village has numerous restaurants and tourist type shops.

Harrison Hot Springs - probably 1 1/2 hours from the border using the Matsquai crossing. (I'm not sure what you call it on your side) Once again a touristy place. Has hot springs to soak in if you are so inclined. Is on a 40 mile long lake and is quite scenic. Be sure to look for Sasquatches if you go. On the way to or from you could stop at Minter Gardens. Minter Gardens is a smaller version of Butchart. Not quite as spectacular but still a great place to visit if you like colourful and green things that grow in the ground.

White Rock just north of the Peace Arch crossing is worth a visit and Steveston is fun.

Of course there's always Whistler as well.

Ron