After just semi-completing a Stress Management Course, this was the most anticipated vacation I had ever planned.
It’s a nature resort, just what I needed to practice those yoga moves and become one with nature. It took me a long time to get this week because, at the time, Pacific Shores was the fourth most requested destination in North America.
Unfortunately, I don’t drive and wasn’t able to really fully experience many of the nearby sights off the resort. The taxi fare was $85 from Nanaimo Airport.
The guided walking tours around the resort gave me a greater appreciation of how much planning was involved in landscaping the resort with the many varieties of plants and trees. I can’t possibly remember all of their names, but I sure learned a lot. Nearby, they actually released fish fry in the local stream from a small hatchery. Within a short walking distance was a bird sanctuary.
The most important information you need to know are the times of the low and high tides. Walking along the shore to the nearby dining establishments gives you an opportunity to explore and beach comb. However, be mindful of when you want to come back because the tide may be high and your way back blocked. While you are busy finding those shells and stones and have actually walked a fair distance from shore, pay close attention to the rising waters. While you may have sat on those huge rock formations in front of the resort, the next time you might find they are completely submerged in water. I was actually ashamed of myself for collecting those beautiful sand dollars -- I thought they were empty shells, but then I found out they are really living creatures.
The sunrises/sunsets are spectacular with a variety of pinks and purples. Take some time and sit by the shore, listen to the birds, and admire the scenery, especially in the fall with the turning of the leaves.
After taking long and leisurely walks on and off the resort, take a dip in the ozonated swimming pool. Take advantage of the on-site spa. A seaweed wrap is an experience and they actually use local seaweed! There are lots of treatments to try and pamper yourself.
After this trip, I learned to be more conservation-conscious and take the time to enjoy what nature has to offer. This is a wondrous opportunity to relax and just sit around doing nothing!