A Romantic Road Trip

I’ve always loved a weekend road trip, heading out of town on Friday afternoon with my favourite playlist and a taste for adventure. The best trips are when I have no agenda and no schedule. A winding road, good company, cold local beer and snacks from the local farmers’ market in the cooler, and a new destination to explore. 

While my husband and I don’t escape for romantic weekend getaways quite as much as we used to before kids (that could be WHY we have five children, now that I think of it), I’m happy to say that we still make time for occasional weekends away, just the two of us. We’ve always loved country inns, beachside cottages, and of course, great food and wine. I remember working our way through a list of Top 10 Romantic Country Inns years ago, and it inspired me to start a new list. Vancouver Island is the perfect playground for weekend trips, especially when combined with world class food and wine. 

My list was very specific: a cozy cottage, preferably close to the ocean, a fireplace, maybe a hot tub. Because I love collecting local food along the way, a kitchen is a must for me, but I also love the option to dine out or have a gourmet meal delivered to our room—all the makings of a great romantic weekend. 

There are so many options on the Island, but this weekend we chose the Rainforest Cottages at Long Beach Lodge—they fit the criteria perfectly! While I do love the Lodge itself and the incredible views from an oceanfront room, there is something about the cozy cottages that brings me joy. A glass of wine in front of the fireplace, our own private hot tub, and a place where we can turn on the tunes, cook dinner together, feed our senses and nourish our souls. There is something so intimate about cooking together, especially on the West Coast where you can be slurping fresh local oysters and sipping local bubbly while you cook. 

So off we went. 

Arriving at Long Beach Lodge on Friday evening, we decided to simply revel in our surroundings and enjoy each other’s company. The cottage itself was so cozy and welcoming—our own private hideaway with a little garden area and private hot tub tucked into the rainforest. After a long walk on the beach and an early sunset, we ordered a Charcuterie Platter from the Great Room to enjoy in front of the fire. Paired with a bottle of Unsworth Charme de l’île, it was the perfect transition from a busy week to a relaxing West Coast weekend. 

The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge has some of the best views on the West Coast, and the next morning, after a misty walk along Cox Bay, we enjoyed brunch in the Lodge. The centrepiece of the room is a massive fireplace, and the warmth was welcome after our cool walk. We sat in front of the fire and sipped our coffee, which made the entire experience feel less like a restaurant and more like we were sitting in someone’s home. 

Beet Rancheros with Black Rice and Chipotle Crema is one of the dishes featured by Chef Shaun Snelling in the book Island Eats: Signature Chefs’ Recipes from Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea. While I admit to a slight bias, it really is a must try. And as an added bonus, you can buy the book and recreate the recipe at home! 

My idea of a perfect weekend getaway always includes cooking, and I was looking forward to making good use of our kitchen. My husband was tempted by the cottage catering menu, and I have to admit that I love their idea of catered family meals in the cottage. A gourmet meal of roasted chicken or baked halibut was enticing. But for this trip, I was happy to do our own thing. I love knowing that we can enjoy cocktails and appetizers in the lodge, but plan the main event (I mean dinner! Sheesh…) back in our cottage.

So after brunch (and maybe a short nap), we headed into Tofino to wander the shops and gather some snacks. Even a crisp winter day in Tofino brings wonder and awe, as the entire town breathes a sigh of relief after another busy summer. Locals were sipping coffee in the streets and fishermen were swapping stories down on the docks. 

Our first stop was Naas Foods, a small seafood market just off the main road beside Tofino Resort and Marina. Naas has made a name for themselves in the kelp industry, creating unique seasonings and products from the wild local kelp. But they also supply many of the local restaurants with fresh seafood on a daily basis—I was thrilled to find a few Dungeness crabs and local oysters!

Next was a visit to the recently relocated Ouest Artisan Patisserie for a little sweet something. Their creations are incredible works of art, and choosing only one is near impossible. We decided to keep it simple and bought a few of their truffles. 

There is something so intimate about preparing a meal together that is heightened when we are away from our daily routine. Cooking together in a small cottage, making time for a stroll through the forest and a dip in the hot tub between courses. Listening to music and talking about plans for the future. It becomes more than a meal but an opportunity to slow down and listen to each other. That and the fact that sometimes I just like to eat in my pjs and not have to make small talk with a server. I just happen to like having the option. 

At Long Beach Lodge for example, we can wake up, make some coffee (locally roasted by Tofino Roasting Company), and then decide whether to wander over to the Lodge for brunch or make our own breakfast and read in our jammies for a little longer. On Sunday morning we did exactly that. Coffee and granola in our pjs in front of the fire, reading a good book and enjoying the last few hours of paradise before heading home. 

I am already planning ahead for our next adventure, and have made a list of similar romantic destinations to try over the next several months—all with the option of a gourmet feast or a cozy cottage dinner with a view.