On The Hill: Radar Hill Blog

To have a good time this summer you don’t need to go far. There’s so much to see and do right here on Vancouver Island, and we have a number of clients who are a key part of that!

Whether you’re planning an extended staycation, or just looking for an enjoyable day out, be sure to check out this list featuring our amazing clients for some must try experiences for a great vacation. 

On the Water – Boats and Fishing

3 Hour Sail

Transport yourself back in time with this amazing and unique experience with 3 Hour Sail, and enjoy the chance to travel on an authentic 20th-century heritage sailing vessel. Built in 1939, the Duen is a tall ship that can carry 24 guests for day sails, and 16 for overnight journeys. And you will be able to enjoy its comfort and charm while travelling along the spectacular Natural Coast of the Pacific Northwest!

To book your own tour, visit www.threehoursail.com

Fantasea Charters

Fantasea Charters is Victoria’s Ultimate Party Boat! Make fantasy a reality with this once-in-a-lifetime experience from Fantasea Charters. Nothing says luxury and a great time quite like a boat party aboard a 41-foot luxury yacht complete with its own licensed bar! Impress your friends and make sure everyone has a summer to remember with the party to outshine all other parties.

To reserve your own party cruise, visit www.fantaseacharters.com

Angling Sports

Based in London, Ontario, Angling Sports ships to locations across Canada, which is good news for anyone who wants to make the most of the amazing rivers and lakes across the country and spend a relaxing day out fishing!

Angling Sports can help you equip yourself with the best fishing gear, whether you’re an experienced angler or a relative newcomer. To find the right equipment for your fishing trip visit www.anglingsports.ca

Island Outfitters

This year we’ve all been trying to get out and make the most of wide-open spaces, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing in these stressful times as a spot of fishing. Since 1994, Island Outfitters has been supplying Victoria’s fishermen with all their bait and equipment needs, as well as a range of other hunting supplies.

Find them at 1681a Island Highway or visit www.fishingvictoria.com

Beasley's Fishing Charters

There’s nothing quite like getting back to the elemental pull of nature and taking to the waters to see if you can land the catch of the day. At Beasley’s Fishing Charters in Victoria, that’s exactly what you can get, all guided by the expert knowledge and skills of local fisherman Darren Beasley. These excursions are the ideal day out for family gatherings and work outings alike.

To book your own fishing trip visit www.beasleysfishingcharters.ca

Food – Restaurants and Picnics

Beach House Restaurant

The Beach House Restaurant offers the chance to enjoy casual fine dining with some truly spectacular waterfront views. Nestled on a bluff that overlooks Cordova Bay, the restaurant serves an assortment of menu items using the very best of local ingredients and drawing inspiration from its west coast surroundings. Their street front cafe also offers an assortment of fresh baked treats, takeout & coffee for a delightful picnic on the beach. Open Wednesday to Sunday (Café 7am – 7pm, Restaurant 11am – 8pm)

To see their full menu, visit www.beachhousevictoria.com

Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry

A picnic should be a relaxing experience, just great food, beautiful weather, and the company of those close to you — so why stress over getting the right food, especially when Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry has such a wide selection for you to choose from. With fresh salads, vibrant dressings, and an appetizing array of local seafood, there’s something for any picnic occasion.

To order your own luxury picnic basket, visit www.cherylsgourmetpantry.com/picnic-baskets

Saigon Char-Broil

When you’re exploring Victoria, you can’t pass up the opportunity to sample some of the area’s amazing restaurants. And Saigon Char Broil offers a unique and mouth watering Vietnamese BBQ experience, covering classics such as Banh Mi and Pho, so be sure to check out one of their 3 locations. To view their menu visit www.saigoncharbroil.com

Oak Bay Seafood

There’s nothing like enjoying some fresh seafood by the coast, and there’s no better place to buy the finest in local seafood and freshly sourced delights than Oak Bay Seafood. They offer a fantastic selection of fresh local fish, shellfish, and a variety of canned, smoked, and frozen products. All products are fished and sourced with the highest commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Find them at 2024 Oak Bay Avenue or visit www.oakbayseafood.com

Eugene’s Greek Food

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean without ever leaving Vancouver Island with the authentic Greek flavours and delights of Eugene’s. Their products include delicious Tzatziki, Homous, Pita Bread, and Spanakopita, all prepared from traditional Greek recipes. These are essential for anyone looking to assemble the perfect picnic platter or ideal snacks for a long day out enjoying the natural sights or one of Vancouver Island’s many amazing parks and gardens.

To see a full list of where you can get their products or order online visit www.eugenes.ca

Souvenirs

Out of Ireland

Out Of Ireland have a wonderful collection of knitted goods, including scarves, wraps and hats right here in downtown Victoria. Additionally, the store showcases Irish jewellery, wool throws and many other items that would make for a tremendous souvenir or gift.

Visit them at 1000 Government Street, or with worldwide shipping available order now at www.outofireland.ca

Cuban Cigar Shop

There are few products that carry more social cache, quality, and style than the Cuban Cigar, with its worldwide reputation and storied history. Making them the ideal gift or souvenir this summer, and the Cuban Cigar Shop in Victoria offers a wide selection of quality options. They are Habanos Specialists, and as such they carry all Cuban cigars available in Canada. Additionally, they have an impressive selection of accessories, including luxurious humidors, cigar cutters, and lighters.

To see their full selection of products, find them at 938 Fort Street or visit www.cubancigar-shop.com

Heritage Wooden Gifts

It is now easier than ever to find beautiful custom works of art, and with Heritage Wooden Gifts you can find something which is carved with love by expert engravers.

They have a wide selection of pieces, including cribbage boards, medals, magnets, bookmarks, wall art, ornaments and coasters, which gives you the chance to present someone with a truly unique gift that captures and transforms the natural beauty of the West Coast into a lovingly crafted treasure.

To view their full selection of products and order now visit www.heritagewoodengifts.com

Grace Point Square

A day trip to Salt Spring Island wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Grace Point Square. Here they offer a choice of restaurants, art galleries, shops, day spa, and more. With a convenient location, on the doorstep of the Saturday Market in Centennial Park, and near all three of Ganges’ main marinas, there’s no excuse not to put it on your itinerary. For the full store directory visit www.gracepointsquare.com

Accommodation

Salish Seaside RV Haven

You don't have to travel far to have an amazing holiday. Stay at Salish Seaside RV Haven and have your very own unforgettable RV staycation. The park features 20, 30 & 50 Amp power, fire pit rentals, and a club house. Proudly owned and operated by the Songhees First Nation and Esquimalt First Nation, bask in the sun with a stay right by the spectacular Harbour!

To reserve your spot, visit www.salishseasidervhaven.com

Loreto Bay Homes - Mexico

Something we’re all looking forward to is the chance to visit some more far flung destinations once again, and there are few places better for food, culture, and weather than Mexico. If you are lucky enough to visit, be sure to check out Loreto Bay Homes. Nestled below the dramatic Sierra de la Giganta, with the warm, clear waters of the Sea of Cortez at the doorstep is Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Loreto is a historic town and is protected as a World Heritage marine site, where you can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, scuba, golf, hiking, deep-sea sport fishing, or just relax by one of the many pools and beaches. Whether it’s a short-term rental or your new vacation home, visit Loreto for stunning views and a great environment.

For more information visit www.loretobayhomes.com

Misty Meadows Bed & Breakfast

In an age of sterile, cookie-cutter vacation experiences, many people are looking for something different, with unique charm and personality, and that’s exactly what can be found at Misty Meadows. This rural and forested stay offers elegant and delicious food platters, a wide array of animals for you to bond with, and a charming magical interior.

To make a booking visit www.mistymeadows.com

Mill Bay Beach House

Make your stay in Vancouver Island one of comfort and relaxation, by finding your home away from home at Mill Bay Beach House. Located just to the north of the Mill Bay ferry, this is the ideal location for exploring the picturesque sights of Cowichan Valley, as it includes panoramic views of the Saanich Peninsula.

To reserve your piece of paradise, see www.millbaybeachhouse.com

Currency

FX Connectors

If you’re travelling abroad, you’ll need FX Connectors. FX Connectors takes care of one of the more stressful and unenjoyable tasks: making sure you have the right currency! No one wants to be caught abroad without cash, or caught off guard by expensive credit card fees, so let them help you sort everything out.

To find out more visit www.currencywholesale.com

Thank you for reading our tourism newsletter. If you would like to be featured in future ones, please email info@radarhill.com!

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