CANADA 150 CONTEST WINNER: Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort Trip

My husband and I have vacationed at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort, Parksville, Vancouver Island, B.C., twice in the past few months, courtesy of True Key Hotels & Resorts and the prize they offered through their #Canada150 photo contest. What a pleasure!!

As always, we experienced the True Key staff as friendly, helpful, and professional. We felt welcomed by the amenities of the hotel: its private yet centrally located location, the convenient parking facilities, the hospitality lounge, the fitness centre, the hot tub (and the swimming pool, when in season), the outdoor fireplace, the beach access, and the in-unit laundry facilities! We immediately felt ‘at home’ in each of the spacious one-bedroom suites that welcomed us. (If we had travelled with a larger crew one of the 2 or 3-bedroom suites would be ideal!). Each room – living room (with a wonderful gas fireplace), kitchen, bedroom and bathrooms – was stylishly and comfortably appointed and fully equipped. The generously proportioned decks and balconies provided opportunities for bbq-ing and feeling connected with the natural world. It was tempting to cocoon in the suite…but oh so very lovely to return to its comforts after hours of happy sight seeing!

Sunrise Ridge’s central Vancouver Island location is a wonderful draw. The resort is located in the midst of activities and attractions to suit all interests, tastes, ages and constellations of travellers. In Parksville and the adjacent communities, including Qualicum Beach, Coombs and Errington, each season offers unique festivals and events. During our visits we experienced recreational facilities, restaurants, artisans, museums, beaches, visits to working farms and unique markets, and unparalleled scenery.

We visited Morningstar Farms, Milner Gardens and Woodlands, Robert Held Art Glass and BoMe Cheese, and we enjoyed the antics of the ‘goats on the roof’ at Coombs. The numerous and accessible parks and natural wonders in the vicinity offered a plethora of delights for us, as they would for any traveller and/or adventurer: rivers, lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife, flowers, forests and mountains. We particularly enjoyed hiking at Englishman River, Little Qualicum Falls and Cathedral Grove.

Visiting the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre was a highlight: in September we enjoyed the wildlife, gardens and displays during the day and in December we were entertained by the night time seasonal laser light display.

We have enjoyed the resort’s hospitality during the months of September and December. But a stay at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort would be spectacular in any season. I look forward to visiting during the Spring and Summer months, as I would feel invited to wade, swim or paddleboard in the warm and sheltered ocean waters. And, since I am a ‘fair weather’ cycler, biking would be an excellent way for me to explore the land-based area, during the warmer months.

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort delivers hospitality exceptionally well! Thank you, True Key!