Slow down, pause and breathe in the scents and aromas of South Vancouver Island.
Below is a collection of activities you may have seen in the Spirit Loop video content. These are intended to help you build your personalized road trip itinerary. Pick and choose what speaks to you – let your soul guide your journey.
Take a wildflower hike: awaken a sense of wonder and breathe in the fresh air with a sunrise hike at Mt. Wells. Visit in Spring and quite literally stop and smell the wildflowers along the way.
Enjoy fresh coffee and donuts: head to one of the many charming coffee shops in Langford, like the Coffee Shack, where the scents of baked goods and coffee beans fill the air, be sure to pick up an Empire Donut while you are there.
Sample a unique batch of beer: visit the tasting room at the Millstream Beverage Company and experience the aromas of freshly brewed beer and seltzers. Don’t miss their “Firkin Friday” event where a small unique batch is available in a bitty cask (the firkin) for in-house sampling only.
Breathe in fresh ocean air: if your lungs are craving fresh air, Aylard Farms in East Sooke Park is a must. This beautiful coastal park boasts stunning views and truly breathtaking hiking trails. The fragrant aromas of the forest will surround you as you walk through this scene straight out of a movie.
Experience hoppy aromas: stop by Sooke Brewing Company, a local brewery, where you can sample a variety of craft beers and take in the rich, hoppy aroma of the brewing process. Enjoy a flight of beers and leave with one of Sooke Brewing Company’s iconic growlers.
Be transported to the past: delve into the history and culture of the Sooke region at the Sooke Region Museum. Take a deep breath and smell the musty scent of old artifacts as you explore the exhibits and learn about the area’s rich past.
Discover tide pools: explore the intertidal pools and rock formations at Botanical Beach Provincial Park. Inhale the salty sea air mixed with the aroma of seaweed and marine life, and be sure to visit at low tide for optimal experience. Don’t forget to check the tide chart before you go!
Stop for lunch: stop by Coastal Kitchen Cafe, a cozy eatery serving up fresh, locally sourced food. Savor the aroma of their homemade baked goods and freshly brewed coffee as you enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Unwind at the fire pit: book a stay at Wild Renfrew and unwind after a day of adventuring. Relax and bask in the fragrance of the campfire, cedar, and sea breeze as you cozy up in front of the fire pit. Let the scent of the natural world soothe your senses and rejuvenate your spirit.
Swing in the fresh air: Hike to the summit of Old Baldy Mountain and find the instagram famous wooden swing. Go for it, take a swing and be surrounded by the restorative scent of the forest. Your inner child will thank you.
Be surrounded by forest scents: Take a stroll along the Kinsol Trestle and be immersed in the sweet scent of cedar and the earthy aroma of the forest. Get a tree’s eye view as you gaze down from 44 meters up.
Take a coffee break: Don’t forget to stop at Malahat SkyWalk for the ultimate Island experience. Wander through the forest as you make your way to the top for breathtaking views, but first, be sure to stop at the cafe to start your journey feeling invigorated and recharged.