Tucked in the heart of Nanoose Bay is the Fairwinds Waterfront Community of Vancouver Island. Just a two-hour drive from Victoria, one need not go far to experience resort-style living and world-class cuisine. My husband and I spent the B.C. long weekend exploring the area.
Come along with us on our three-day itinerary, and discover the perfect place to dine and unwind.
Day 1:
Go for brunch at the Nanoose Bay Cafe
While driving up island is often a breeze, unusual holiday traffic added an hour to our travel time. There was no better welcome than walking into this airy space, taking in the wood and lux-green interior, and looking out at the marina. I took a seat in the indoor-outdoor dining room and promptly forgot about the city jam. A glass of sparkling wine and an amuse bouche – steak tartare on crostinis with truffle mayo – began our meal.
The weekend brunch and lunch menus are extensive, offering West Coast-meets-Asian fare. From the Bacon Benny and the half-sized Chopped Salad to the Pork Dumplings and the Chicken Karaage, every dish was generously portioned, made with local ingredients, and they were all delicious.
For sweets, we shared: the house-made Liege Waffles, with yuzu curd and blueberry toffee sauce; the refreshing Strawberry Pavlova; and the Ube Cheesecake, each bite of which was a reminder of my childhood in the Philippines.
Check into an Oceanview Suite at Fairwinds Residences
Conveniently located below the Nanoose Bay Cafe, our suite has been thoughtfully designed for both short- and long-term stays. The living area has a full kitchen, in-suite laundry, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in natural light. The bedroom features a comfortable queen-sized bed, ample closet space and an en suite four-piece washroom. The space is modern, tranquil and equipped with heating, air conditioning, Smart TV and WiFi. The private deck overlooks the marina and is the perfect spot from which to bird watch.
We placed our delicious leftovers in the fridge, put our feet up on the sofa, and watched the eagles and afternoon go by.
Dine at the new Greenview Taphouse
Soon enough it was time for dinner. We made the three-minute drive over to the Greenview Taphouse. Nestled at the 10th hole of the Fairwinds Golf Club and having just opened in June, this vibrant and cozy restaurant is quite the hidden gem. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the serene view of the golf course, a pleasant gathering of deer and golfers alike.
On the drinks menu are over 20 local taps and a nice selection of B.C. wines. My husband enjoyed the Salted Lime Lager from North Vancouver’s La Cerveceria, as well as the Black & Tan from Wolf Brewing from nearby Nanaimo. Meanwhile, I indulged in Okanagan reds, first the Blasted Church Big Bang Theory, followed by the Hillside Syrah.
While a glance at the food menu tells you that comfort food is the name of the game here, a taste of the Greek Green Salad, the Pickle and Pierogi Dogs, the Cornflake-crusted Cod Fish & Chips, the Roman-style Papa’roni pizza, and the Flourless Chocolate Cake emphasizes Chef Todd Bright’s seasonal, quality approach. Playful too – as evidenced by the cutest tiramisu, made to look like a putting green complete with a golf ball.
Play and relaxation are incorporated throughout the restaurant. Just beside the indoor dining room is a lounge area, with plush couches, a pool table and an impressive whisky bar, providing a private club feel whilst being casual and open to everyone. On the patio are mini-golf areas. We tried our hands at putting and it was good fun.
Day 2:
Wake up to your in-room breakfast
A restful sleep had us waking refreshed and ready for breakfast. Fortunately, room service is available during Nanoose Bay Cafe’s business hours, and a board of pastries, sandwiches and fresh fruit bowls, along with French Press Coffee Roasters drip, was delivered to our suite. Of particular delight was the lemon poppyseed cake from Loaf Oceanside, a micro bakery in Parksville. This goodie, the muffins, the Breakfast Sandwich and the Chicken Basil Sandwich are all available at the Nanoose Bay Cafe’s coffee shop, open daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Head to Qualicum Beach Cafe for lunch
We drove 30 minutes north of Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Beach Cafe. Located within the Qualicum Beach Inn, this restaurant has been serving up elevated West Coast cuisine with an Italian flair since 2021. We’ve had the pleasure of dining here before. We knew to expect tasty food and outstanding hospitality, and were not disappointed.
We sat on the sunny patio. Pleasing live music accompanied our meal. After a welcome glass of non-alcoholic passionfruit spritz and salmon mousse bites, we ordered a variety of plates to share. Our favourite was the Bison Carpaccio, closely followed by the Strawberry and Basil Burrata. The West Coast Crab Cakes – a QBC tradition – and the Tuna Tartare rounded out the assortment. Considering how well- fed we had been, I was surprised and impressed that we finished everything.
Visit the Fairwinds Wellness Club
This stunning 20,000-square-foot facility features a 20-metre pool, a hot tub and sauna, cardio and weight rooms, a multipurpose room for sports and fitness classes, and an outdoor tennis court. But it is more than a place to work out. Much like the rest of the Fairwinds properties, it is also a space for leisurely activities. There are billiards, cards and reading rooms, and a kitchen with refreshments. We took a swim and a hot tub dip, followed by a game of nine-ball for my husband and tea time for me. With monthly memberships, personal training sessions, and class cards available, improving one’s fitness has never looked so appealing.
Return to the Greenview Taphouse
We once again dined on the patio at Greenview Taphouse. The Pork Dumplings at Nanoose Bay Cafe were so good, we had to have it again. Thankfully, Seared Pork Gyozas with ponzu glaze were on offer here. My husband ordered a brew from Nanoose Bay’s Rusted Rake to go with the dish.
Having had the classic comfort foods the evening prior, we opted to share one of the mains, the Braised Short Rib. Served with baby potatoes, grilled broccolini and crispy onions, the meat was flavourful and fell apart at the touch of our forks. I had a glass of Black Sage Cabernet Sauvignon from the Okanagan.
We savoured every bite, every sip, and stayed a while into the golden hour.
Day 3:
Check out of your suite and plan your next visit
We checked out of our suite and dropped by the Nanoose Bay Cafe coffee shop upstairs. We enjoyed buttery croissants and coffee, and perused the marketplace, which sells artisan goods and locally made food. We journeyed farther north to visit friends, before making our way back home to Victoria.
The long weekend was altogether wonderful. Thank you Eli Brennan and team for the warm hospitality. We relished every moment and look forward to visiting again.
Hosted by: Moments Hospitality Collective in conjunction with SMC Communications Inc.
All photos: @canadianne_eats Contributor for: MyVanCity.ca
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