Hotel at a Glance: Foxglove Inn & Gardens

The innkeepers at this quiet B&B on Vancouver Island are passionate about food. Head chef Mark Hillson uses herbs and vegetables from the onsite gardens in his farm-to-table cooking classes (included with this getaway), during which students prepare a three-course dinner from scratch. After feasting on your own creations, you can retire to a spacious suite located in one of the property’s original guesthouses.<p>

• Model homes: Designed to look like English cottages, guest suites feature slip-covered couches, high-back wing chairs, and mismatching linens.
• Shared balconies: Overlooking Osborne Bay and snow-capped mountains in the distance
• Other culinary treats: Daily continental breakfast and a wine reception
• Fit for a chef: The kitchen features a commercial-grade cooking range.
• Innkeeper’s inspiration: Julia Child

Crofton, British Columbia: Tiny Coastal Town with Lake Fishing and Mountain Trails

The sleepy town of Crofton sits at the edge of Osborne Bay on southern Vancouver Island. The land slopes gently like a large bowl, framed by verdant hills and coastal mountains, with ocean views on all sides. There are no freeways or chain stores nearby—just a handful of mom-and-pop shops and a lot of peace and quiet.

Osborne Bay Park and Quamichan Lake offer ideal fishing conditions, particularly for salmon, brook trout, and bass. You can also go clamming along the bay, keeping your eyes peeled for barking sea lions and killer whales. One of the best ways to experience the waterfront is by taking a stroll along the newly developed sea walk, which stretches from the wharf to Crofton Beach.

Ferries regularly depart from Crofton to Saltspring Island, the largest and most visited spot in the Gulf Islands chain. In the village of Ganges, you can watch artisans blowing glass, crafting pottery, and whittling wood.