Recently my wife and I were fortunate enough to spend our vacation at the Rockwater Secret Cove Resort along the Sunshine Coast in North-Western British Columbia, Canada.

Our trip started out on a Southwest Airline flight into Seattle where we had a short layover which provided us just enough time to get through security and stop for a bite at the Big Foot Restaurant.

From there we had our first experience flying Air Canada to Vancouver.  There we rented a Budget rental car for our trip north.  We rented a very nice black, convertible, Ford Mustang.  We pulled out our trusty map and navigated our way north through downtown Vancouver.  The city is an eclectic mix of buildings and narrow streets.  We went North along Granville St. to connect to the Trans-Canada  Highway #1.

Emerging from the tall buildings of down-town we were greeted by a vast forest of evergreens as we made our way to the BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay terminal.  This was my first experience as well of taking my car onto a ferry.  I know it may sound trivial for those who trudge along each day with this as part of their daily routine but for someone who goes about their day in a land-locked state it’s not a trivial experience.

We had a 45 minute cruise into Langdale and the skies were broiling and threatening to rain.  We took a tour around the ferry and enjoyed the fresh air.  Once to the other side we joined the throngs in making our exodus along the SunShine Coast Highway.  We drove North-West along the coast as the sun was setting and just after dark we found our way to the resort.

We were greeted by a cheerful member of the staff who checked us in and were very helpful in getting us settled and a meal from room service after our long day of travel.  Our Tent House Suite was the last lodging along the string of secluded buildings.  You start your journey to you suite through a stone arch and cobbled pathway.  The path soon joins a wooded walkway perched amongst the tall trees and foliage.  It was like we were emerging onto the scene of a serene dream.   It was one of those occasions you have traveling where you are presented with a scene that defies your imagination.  Were you feel your walking on to a scene that immediately dwarfs you and paints a picture unlike you’ve ever seen before.  I recall one of these experiences the second day of a cruise after having been at sea for a day on a Caribbean cruise.  After two days of beautiful blue oceans I was awakened to a scene straight out of the movies as this lush green island replaced the cerulean waters.  Walking along this wooden path with the soft lights illuminating the boards was one of these moments.

Upon reaching our Tent House Suite we dropped our bags and had to pinch ourselves, wide-eyed and in awe of our surroundings.  It took quite a while to take in everything as we walked around the room experimenting with the lighting and heating, poking around and testings each aspect of the room like a child on Christmas morning.

The room which on the outside appears to be a mere canvas tent is a stark contrast to the inside.  The outside matches the surroundings and gives you a feeling of living on the edge of the wilderness out of reach with society and exploring some unknown region.  Inside you are tethered to society and in the lap of luxury with all the expected necessities of a standard four star hotel but much much more.

As you open the door to your suite you’re greeted by a downy bed that beckons you to wrap yourself in the comfort of it’s sheets.  However you can’t give in just yet as there’s so much to see.  Straight away you notice the ashen slate floors and once you’ve removed your shoes you find they are warm to the touch.  Off to the side is a lovely above counter sink to refresh yourself from a long trip.  Next to that you have a slate-tiled shower with a shower head that makes you feel as if your under a small waterfall on a tropical island.  You can even look out your own private window as you shower.  Next you’ll find a unobtrusive propane fireplace that makes the room nice and cozy for those cold nights of snuggling with your loved one.  Across the room sites the piece de resistance, the bath tub or should I say personal Olympic pool.  The bath is big enough for ever the largest bather and spacious for two.  While sitting in your bath you can look out over the rocky shore and into the blue of the Pacific Ocean.  The windows were very large picture windows that unzipped from inside to either a plastic covering or a screening if you’d like a breeze.  This makes the perfect spot for relaxing in a quiet bath, enjoying a good book and sipping your favorite beverage.  The toilet may be the only area that was skimped on as it was just a small nook with rice paper doors.  In the middle of the room directly under the ceiling fan and small vent windows is perched your bed.  The bed was very comfy with perfect pillows and a throw that just might have been the softest thing I’ve ever felt.  At the foot of the bed was a small table for two with just enough room for a room service tray which we enjoyed on several occasions.  What can I say, the room was so nice and inviting that it was difficult to peel yourself away.

Just beyond the table where French doors that opened onto your own private balcony.  Inside you might hear the pitter-patter of rain drops but it’s very quiet.  Once opening the doors though it’s like all your senses are brought alive.  You suddenly smell, feel and hear your surroundings.   You smell the dampness of the trees after the morning shower behind you and a bit of the salty air of the ocean to your front.  You feel the coolness of the ocean setting, large granite rocks welcoming the azure waters and feeling the sunshine peer through the canopy of trees.  You hear the ocean lapping at the shore and the wind rustling the trees.  Your balcony stretches on a winds to a patio with dapper wicker chaise lounge and a table with a candle powered lantern.  Off your patio you can see all around you, the islands out in the ocean, the sail boats breezing along in the distance and the meeting of the forest green and ocean blue all along the coast.  It’s truly a sight to behold.

The restaurant had very good food that was better presented than you would expect for a wilderness outpost setting.  My wife loved the blueberries that were so sweet rather than the bitter ones we get back home.  The restaurant staff were quite jovial and made our stay very nice.

One day we ventured out chartering a boat to take us to Jedediah Island.  It was once privately owned and is located between Lasqueti and Texada islands in the Strait of Georgia off central Vancouver Island.  A family by the name of Palmer bought the island in 1950 and were the only residents living there in 1972.  They lived there for 22 years and before their passing they wanted the island to be kept from developers so they donated the land to the provincial government who turned it into a marine park.  For most of our time on the island we were the only visitors.  It was quite the experience to sit in front of the now dilapidated family home on a grass covered hill directly above the beach and bay that welcomed visitors and imagine what it must have been like to live on the island.  There are wild sheep and goats who still forage under the now unkempt orchards and surrounding woods.  There are trails leading through the diverse landscape of the islands.   At one moment you’re walking through the shaded tree lined path and the next you’ve come out into an open field.

We ventured through the forest winding our way to the shore over piles of beechwood to the tide pools.  The pools were full of sea life, mostly small fish and crabs and crustaceans.  What an adventure this place must have been for the children, endless places for playing hide and seek and trekking through the forests.  They were also lucky enough to have their own protected bay that served as a giant swimming pool where they must have had numerous lazy summer days floating and splashing their afternoons away.

A short boat ride and we were back on shore headed for a meal at the Garden Bay Pub.  It was our last night so we decided to go all out.  We started off with the Ahi Tuna seared with pepper and lime zest crust we then tried the wild Halibut and a pasta dish with with an assortment of seafood.  It was very tasty and we were able to sit out on the deck while we dined to enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the various boats and people pull in and out of the dock.  We then took a leisurely ride back to our resort with the top down on the convertible letting the breeze blow by and soaking in the experience.

Our last night at the resort we stayed at the main resort as we had to leave early in time to make the ferry and our flight out of Vancouver.  The rooms there were nice and still overlooked the pool, property and the ocean.  Having stayed in the Tent House Suites spoiled us for anything less though and so it paled in comparison.  Many times you’ll see pictures of a resort and upon experiencing it first hand you’ll comment that they must have had excellent photographers as the photos sold you a different picture.  Here at the Rockwater Secret Cove it was just the opposite.  Although it seemed breathtaking on their web site and a scene straight out of the old computer game Myst, the first-hand experience made it impossible to fully describe.  It must be experienced to understand.

Aside from a few frustrations with Air Canada and the Vancouver airport the whole trip was a smashing success leaving us yearning to return once more someday.  Now as we’re back and going through our daily activities and frustrations with life my wife will every now and then look at me with a twinkle in her eye and say “Oh, Canada”.  We’ll both smile and loose ourselves in the memory for a moment.