Sea Breeze Lodge: A Winter Haven
There is something special about visiting a place that is built around the love of a family, and Sea Breeze Lodge is the perfect embodiment of this. Brian and Gail Bishop purchased the farm in 1972, transforming the handful of old cottages into 16 beautifully rebuilt waterfront cottages. Their sons, Jeffrey, Stephen and Michael, were all under 10 years old at the time of purchase, but eagerly took to helping; becoming jacks-of-all-trades to peel vegetables, wash dishes, conduct repairs and serve guests. Over the years, the children grew up, married and had children of their own; now, all three generations have a hand in the daily operations. (You'll still find Brian mowing the lawns and Gail advising in the kitchen!)
Hornby Island is a great place to stay and play, with many beautiful hikes wandering through lush forests, up to incredible viewpoints, and down to sandy beaches. Don’t let winter scare you away; there’s some fantastic storm watching to be had, and the cold outside makes the warmth inside your cabin feel even cozier. Curl up by the woodstove and forget all about the winds of winter. The cabins even have full kitchens, so you can hibernate and still enjoy your favourite home-cooked meals.
Of course, 48 years of building a successful business hasn’t been without its difficulties, and a few years ago their main building succumbed to a massive fire. They took this misfortune as an opportunity to rebuild even better than before, and their gorgeous new lodge and restaurant boasts huge windows that provide stunning ocean views. The restaurant operates on a seasonal basis (with catering available for larger groups in the winter), and they prioritize working with local producers and sourcing local ingredients to create their delicious menu.
Whether it’s just you and your partner or an intimate gathering of family or friends, Sea Breeze Lodge is the perfect place to staycation or use as a “home base” for exploring Hornby Island or other nearby islands.
