Trip to Visit the Orcas

From Orca

This weekend, we traveled to Vancouver Island to go whale watching. We booked a tour with Stubbs Island Whale Watching in Telegraph Cove, BC. The Stubbs crew was fantastic, and we encountered at least a dozen Orca Whales in Johnstone Straight, from three families of Orca Whales, including an infant cub during our 3 hour tour. Pictures are posted here, and a stitched-together video is here, and below. Forgive the quality, as it was taken with my digital camera. It really doesn't lend itself to how close we were, and how large and graceful these mammals are.

If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend Stubbs as a charter to visit the whales. They ran a great show, experienced and capable crew on a nice boat. I see now why I had so many others recommend them to me.

We spent the weekend in the Comox valley, and had a couple of other experiences to promote. Our first visit was to Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery, a 2 year old operation just outside of Courtnay. Owner-operators Susan and Jeff Vandermolen are excellent hosts, offeirng a detailed tour of their quaint winery. A tasting had us purchasing several bottles to enjoy, our favourite being the Pinot Gris, and we'll be ordering from them again. If you are in the area, and enjoy your wine, it's a great place to stop in.

The Vandermolen's suggested the restaurant "Locals" for dinner and to enjoy more of their wine, and it was an absolutely outstanding meal. Chef Ronald St. Pierre serves only local fare, committed to the 'hundred mile diet', and the selection is outstanding. Paired with a wonderful Beaufort wine, it was a dinner to remember. While it wasn't the best meal I've ever had (that honour remains with 529 Wellington in Winnipeg), it was among the top few, certainly worth recommending. Again, if you are anywhere near the Comox valley, this is a spot to visit.

It was a great weekend, and if the opportunity presents, it's a fantastic experience.