Gibralter Rock Ocean View B&B

A cozy, warm house with everything you could need and a stunning view that’s hard to forget. Thanks to the hosts for the delicious breakfast. We visited in winter and are already thinking of coming back in spring or summer.

It’s a peaceful, private place with a horizon-wide view. You can watch boats, ferries and sea life and just relax. The home is meticulously cared for, and the gracious hosts have thought of every amenity, from morning coffee or tea to shampoo and body wash. A stunning stay and, to me, the very best Vancouver Island has to offer.

We wanted a peaceful place outside town with a view, and this delivered a beautiful one. Dining out means driving back into town, which was fine for us. It’s reasonably priced, but read the details before booking. You rent a room with an en suite bathroom in the owner’s home, where he and his family live. There’s balcony access but no private entrance. The owner meets you at the front door and gives you codes for the main entrance and your room. The bed was very comfortable and the spacious bathroom was clean. There’s a TV, mini fridge and coffee and tea maker. The room felt warm and stuffy, though. There’s only a fan, no AC, so we left the patio door open all night hoping for a breeze. I’d had higher expectations since I hadn’t stayed in a B&B before. Still, all in all it was a good one-night stay.

The room and bathroom were very clean, and the view was breathtaking. It’s far from Nanaimo, though, so you’ll need a car. The listing calls it a Bed and Breakfast, but breakfast wasn’t included. Also, you share the apartment with the owner and his family, so it’s really a room in a family home. They weren’t especially hospitable, and it was noisy at night and early in the morning. There’s no private entrance, so privacy isn’t guaranteed.