On The Hill: Radar Hill Blog

There’s a good reason Vancouver Island is a popular holiday destination for many, and we’re all certainly lucky to live in a place with so much to offer! Which is why summer is the perfect time not just for traveling, but for having a staycation and making the most of all that there is to see and do right here at home.

To help you plan your trip or day out, we’ve curated a selection of our amazing clients that have something to offer you this summer, covering everything from being on the water to accommodation to delicious food.

Days Out – Boats & More

3 Hour Sail

Transport yourself back in time with this amazing and unique experience from 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

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

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

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 just 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

Island Outfitters

Vancouver Island is renowned for its rivers, lakes, and wide open surroundings, and if you’re planning to take advantage of those, you’re going to want the best in supplies and gear for your trip. 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

Food – Restaurants and Picnics

Mother Nature’s Market and Deli

It doesn’t have to be difficult to find healthy and delicious food for your picnic or day out snacks. Get the very best quality, organic, and locally sourced products and produce from Mother Nature’s Market and Deli. They provide top-quality natural foods and organic produce while supporting local farmers and suppliers. With a range covering body care, snacks, fresh produce, drinks, snacks, and more, they carry everything you need for a sustainable and healthy staycation. To shop online visit www.mothernaturesbc.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

Heart & Bone

If you’re looking to plan a picnic for people adhering to a keto or paleo diet, you’ll be well served by Heart & Bone. They specialize in organic paleo and keto-friendly foods, offering both sweet and savoury. They carry a range of premium bone broths that have numerous health benefits, from healing your joints to detoxifying your body. Or try their keto fatbars, with a wide range of flavours from matcha to lemon to salted hazelnut. Visit their shop in person on Salt Spring Island or order online at www.heartandbone.com

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

The Village Taverna

This neighborhood kitchen in the heart of Cook St. Village offers fresh and authentic Greek classics in a casual dining atmosphere. With a menu loaded with traditional recipes and reflecting generations of tradition, this restaurant is sure to deliver on both flavor and quality, emphasizing the qualities of traditional Greek hospitality or “filoxenia”. To view their menu go to www.thevillagetaverna.ca

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. On sunny days, their beachfront patio is a popular spot for one of their great cocktails. Open Wednesday to Sunday (Café 8am – 7:30pm, Restaurant 11am – 7:30pm). To see their full menu, visit www.beachhousevictoria.com

Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry

With so many beautiful picnic spots, this is definitely something that should be on your list this summer. 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

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 perfect for anyone looking to assemble a delectable 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

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

Mill Bay Beach House

Make your stay on 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

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

International and Currency

FX Connectors

If you’re traveling abroad this summer, 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. And if you’re visiting and need to convert foreign cash to Canadian Dollars, they can do that too. To find out more visit www.currencywholesale.com

Loreto Bay Homes - Mexico

If you’re looking to travel this summer, there are fewer destinations with more to offer than Mexico, with its stunning weather and scenery, and vibrant culture and food. And if you’re looking to make the most of all Mexico has to offer, 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

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