Travelling to Vancouver Island from the Okanagan is a full travel day after the drive, the wait for the ferry, the ferry ride and then driving to your destination. On our last trip to the Island, we decided to break up the time and explore the Tsawwassen and Delta area. We ended up wishing we’d stayed longer! Here is a must see/do itinerary for this underrated port city.
Where to Eat?
Mario’s Kitchen and Gracie’s Next Door
With local live music seven days a week, this Tsawwassen family-owned hot spot is a must stop. The restaurant is decorated with the most beautiful greenery, it feels like dining in a garden. Very family friendly, our boys enjoyed this spot so much. We even got a, “This is the best burger I’ve had” out of our picky eater.
With specials every day, pizza that comes on a platter, and amazing desserts, we left so satisfied. Next to Mario’s Kitchen, these local owners also run Gracie’s Next Door, a trendy establishment geared towards a younger crowd of restaurant-goers. Check out their extensive appetizer list!
Shopping
We found such good deals at this Outlet Shopping Mall which is home to discount Lululemon, Kate Spade, Coach, Lindt, Banana Republic and more. Of course we usually spend half of our shopping time with the boys mesmerized by the fish tank in Bass Pro Shops. Of course, these are just a handful of the 200 retailers inside the mall so make sure you leave yourself enough time to explore it all with plenty of time to eat in the amazing vaulted food court!
Outdoors
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Instagram @sosfung
One of Canada’s highest ranked spots for bird watchers, this sanctuary is nearly 1000 acres of protected land for feathered friends. Hawks, herrons, swans, and waterfowl are among the hundreds of species that make their appearance here. Book your reservation online before you visit and note they are closed on Mondays.
Photo Credit: Instagram @cliffnietvelt
Centennial Beach
This beautiful spot has ample parking, a huge playground, restaurant, beautiful seaside walking trails, and showers for after your dip in the ocean. With beautiful mountain and ocean views, this is somewhere you could easily spend the day!
Photo Credit: Instagram @bigsplashpark
With 13 adrenaline pumping slides over this 7 acre park, this is definitely the place to beat the heat. The best ride? The 40’ vertical Boomerango, the only one in Western Canada. Rent VIP cabanas to chill, sipping drinks between rides.
Photo Credit: Instagram @tsawwassensprings
Come swing at this all-season golf course where architects have worked the wet climate into a beautiful design with modern management techniques. The waterways are habitat to many birds that delight golfers as much as the views of the North Shore Mountains.
If you have a favourite spot in the Tsawwassen or Delta area of BC, make sure you connect with me on Instagram @loewenlifestyle so we can check it out next time!
PS. Did you see the sneak peeks of our maternity shoot with Julie Dorge Photography?
