All articlesCatch the Spirit: the day trip.
Whether you’ve got a free Friday or a spontaneous weekend, the communities just outside Victoria offer some genuinely fantastic experiences — great food, unique activities, and the kind of laid-back energy that makes a day trip feel like a proper escape. Here are a few of our favourite recent adventures to get you inspired.
Trip #1 — Langford Lanes Bowling & Entertainment
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a great bowling alley, and Langford Lanes delivers in spades. Book a lane for an hour or two and settle into the buzzing, energetic atmosphere — families, date nights, groups of friends, and the occasional solo bowler who clearly knows what they’re doing. The people-watching alone is worth the trip.
Don’t skip the food and drink at the City Centre Grille. Yes, you can enjoy a drink while you bowl — which only adds to the fun. Book your lane in advance, especially on weekends, as it fills up fast.
Pro tip: Head out earlier in the day and treat yourself to lunch before your reservation. There are lots of great food options!
Trip #2 — Langford Lake & BoulderHouse Langford
This combination makes for one of the most satisfying day trips you can do on the west side of the island — and it works beautifully whether you’re flying solo or bringing the crew.
Start at Langford Lake, accessible via public parking on Leigh Road. The lake has a well-earned reputation for being warmer and gentler than many other local swimming spots, making it ideal for those who prefer their outdoor swims on the refreshing rather than punishing end of the spectrum. A swim out to the middle and a lazy float on your back with nothing but sky above you — it genuinely doesn’t get much better than that.
From there, head to BoulderHouse Langford — a stunning two-storey bouldering facility featuring 150 linear feet of main wall space and a dedicated training area. Never bouldered before? Perfect. The intro session is absolutely worth booking. The instructors are excellent at breaking down technique — teaching you how to read a route, plan your path, and use your body efficiently. It’s the kind of physical activity that engages your mind just as much as your muscles, which makes it uniquely satisfying. Routes are updated regularly, so even frequent visitors will always find a new challenge waiting for them.
Finish the day at Turmeric Indian Cuisine — and do not hold back. The Chicken Pakoras, Lamb Biryani, Eggplant Bharta, Paneer Tikka, and Mango Ice Cream are all delicious. Indian food leftovers are always a bonus, so order generously and enjoy every bite. So many great food options to choose from – find what you love at: www.explorelangford.ca/things-to-do/food-drink
Pro tip: Do the bouldering before the lake swim — or be prepared to cool off twice. You’ll work up more of a sweat on the wall than you expect!
Trip #3 — Merridale Cidery & Distillery, Cobble Hill
If you haven’t made the drive up to Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill yet, move it to the top of your list. This isn’t your average winery visit — Merridale has been doing things the artisanal way for over 30 years, long before it was fashionable, and it shows in every detail.
Every apple-based beverage they produce is made with undiluted juice from fruit grown right on their property — apples planted in the 1980s that have been tended with genuine care ever since. But the cidery is only part of the story. They also craft gin, vodka, and rhumb — their unique spin on rum, made with caramelized honey rather than sugar cane. It’s as distinctive and delicious as it sounds.
The setting is breathtaking. Rolling orchards, manicured gardens, and a beautiful open-air eatery that practically begs you to linger. For a truly indulgent brunch, consider going all-in on their charcuterie experience. The Breakfast Charcuterie Board — featuring sausage, smoky bacon, French toast strips, fresh scones, Brie, house-seasoned yoghurt, and their incredible Apple Butter — pairs magnificently with the regularCharcuterie Board loaded with cured meats, seasonal cheeses, housemade chutneys, Cyser Mustard, pickles, and fruit & nut crisps. Wash it all down with a cocktail or explore the Mixologist Flights to sample their house creations side by side.
Before you leave, stop into the farm store. The housemade rhubarb and apple pie, the Horseradish Pepper Jelly, and the Scrumpy Apple Cider Vinegar are all worth bringing home. For those who want to extend the experience, Merridale also offers charming yurt accommodations on the property — a lovely option for a more leisurely overnight stay.
Coming Up Next — On Our Radar
We’ve already got our next adventures lined up, and we can’t wait to share them with you:
- Pacific Northwest Raptors (near Duncan) — Get up close with eagles, falcons, and turkey vultures through live flying demonstrations led by passionate biologists and falconers dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey.
- Langford Station (Langford) — An arts and culture district in the heart of downtown Langford where you’ll find a creative ecosystem of local artists, retailers, murals, sculptures, lighting installations, food trucks, live music, events and more! Retailers, artist studios, and resident food trucks are open year-round from Thursday to Sunday. Check out Fridays at the Station – Live music and beer garden every Friday throughout the summer.
- Mystic Beach (past Jordan River) — One of the most stunning and secluded beaches on the island, accessible via the Juan de Fuca Trail. Wild, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable.
