On Vancouver Island, the golf-and-fishing combo is hard to beat

It’s a widely known truth: golf and fishing go collectively like cake and ice cream. Chips and salsa. Wine and cheese. You get the concept. It’s a match made in heaven. And, in case you’re on board with that bliss-filled “marriage,” you’ve little doubt bought your favourite locations to bag birdies within the morning and land lunkers within the afternoon. (Or vice versa.) My favourite vacation spot for “fins and skins?” Vancouver Island.

Why? Merely put, the salmon fishing is famous and the golf is top-shelf.

Simply reached by air (Victoria and Comox are the 2 essential airports on the island) or ferry (BC Ferries runs the 1.5-hour route a number of occasions a day from a few mainland terminals close to Vancouver), Vancouver Island has lengthy been thought to be among the best island getaways in North America. In reality, journey media heavyweight Conde Nast has repeatedly touted VI as among the best island trip locations on this planet. Pristine Pacific Northwest surroundings, excellent eating places and resorts, easy-going vibes, uncrowded seashores, elegant seaside trails, world-class whale-watching — that is only a sampling of the various points of interest on this 300-mile-long island.

And if golf and fishing is your sport, you’re greatest off spending the majority of your time farther north on the island close to Campbell River. Nevertheless, you must undoubtedly spend a while exploring Victoria’s spectacular Inside Harbour, craft breweries, cafes and European-like charms. Victoria, which is British Columbia’s provincial capital, has loads of tourism attraction and a wealthy marine historical past.

A two-night keep in Better Victoria at Westin Bear Mountain, which is residence to 2 excellent Nicklaus-designed golf programs, could be the best option to get your journey underway. The terrain that each programs (Mountain and Valley) dip and dive by way of is rocky and rugged and by no means boring. Moss-coated rock outcroppings, towering cedar and arbutus timber, deep ravines, spirited creeks, spring-fed lakes; the sum of the elements is a drama-filled model of golf that many would say is one of the best on the island.

Situated roughly 165 miles north of Victoria on the Island Freeway (the drive is, at occasions, beautiful), Campbell River is a small seaside outpost that’s usually referred to as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The centuries-old fishing historical past right here is due, largely, to the geographic setup. The channel right here (the Discovery Passage) narrows, funnelling fish by way of the waters simply offshore of Campbell River. And 5 totally different salmon species — Chinook (additionally referred to as King), Coho, Pink, Chum and Sockeye — all migrate by way of the passage in mass numbers. Additionally, for journey planning functions, the salmon runs begin in Might and undergo October. August and September will be phenomenal, which conveniently coincides completely with one of the best time to play golf.

Nevertheless, whereas the fishing in Campbell River is great, the channel can get busy. Particularly in summer time. Everybody needs a bit of the motion. My recommendation? First play your golf in Campbell River — Storey Creek is a should and extra rounds on the Campbell River Golf Membership and Crown Isle Golf Resort are undoubtedly value incorporating — after which head to a tucked-away lodge on the west facet of the island for a couple of days of unforgettable salmon fishing. (Extra on that later.)

By way of the golf and the place to remain in Campbell River, the apparent selection is Naturally Pacific Resort. A model new luxurious resort situated simply minutes from downtown Campbell River, Naturally Pacific is a boutique resort expertise that has all of the bells and whistles. Phenomenal meals, luxurious spa, indoor/outside swimming pools and spacious and modern suites are simply a few of the promoting factors.

For golfers, maybe one of the best attribute is the place it’s located; about twenty steps from the primary tee of the Campbell River Golf Membership. A sporty parkland check that boasts, maybe, one of the best turf situations west of Augusta (not kidding), the CRGC is the quintessential resort golf expertise. The course is gorgeous, comparatively straight-forward and simple to play, and, sure, turf situations are off-the-charts good.

The Storey Creek Golf Membership, which is situated simply south of Campbell River in a dense blended forest, is a unique kind of expertise. And, in case you take pleasure in programs woven by way of wilderness, that is one you’ll savor. With the intention to hit a home, condominium, or some other artifical construction of any type, you’ll should hit your ball about 4,000 yards off line — a novel talent that just a few choose golfers (I could be one in all them) possess. Designed by prolific Canadian architect Les Furber, Storey Creek can be a robust, well-rounded check that requires precision off the tee. Nevertheless it’s the peaceable “in nature” environment right here that basically stands out.

Though the Crown Isle Golf Resort in close by Courtenay has residential growth, the Graham Cooke-designed golf course is scenic and pleasing from begin to end. It’s one other robust Pacific Northwest check with towering timber, loads of water and a beautiful clubhouse that reigns regally over the property. This course has hosted quite a few Canadian PGA Tour occasions and, presently, is a qualifying web site for the PGA Tour Americas. So, sure, the 7,000-yard at-sea-level yardage and undulating terrain is demanding for the typical Joe. Tip: play one tee up from the place you usually would.

After you’ve received all of your “skins,” you’ll wish to focus in your “fins” for the following portion of your journey. On my final journey to the Campbell River area (June 2024), I used to be lucky to go to one of many premier fishing lodges within the Pacific Northwest. The Moutcha Bay Resort, situated roughly two hours west of Campbell River on Nootka Sound, knocks it out of the park for a spectacular salmon fishing foray.

Owned and operated by Nootka Marine Adventures, The Moutcha Bay Resort focuses on customized fishing adventures within the salmon-rich waters of Nootka Sound. Along with model new luxurious yurt lodging (they really have three separate lodges within the space), this resort boasts one of the best guides, one of the best state-of-the-art fishing fleet (they’re the one lodge in BC that has Seakeeper 3 Stabilizers that eradicate pitch-and-roll, lowering seasickness), connoisseur meals, full-service marina, reward store, kayaking and SUPing within the cove, plus rather more. Additionally, the west coast surroundings from the seaside lodging is spectacular.

On my journey, not solely did we catch our quota earlier than midday (two per individual of every species), however we additionally visited plenty of historic websites on this storied area. For instance, on the very tip of Nootka Sound, Pleasant Cove is without doubt one of the oldest repeatedly inhabited villages in North America. Folks have been residing there for over 4,300 years. The cove can be the place Europeans first made contact with First Nations folks in British Columbia. (In 1759, in search of shelter from a storm, Captain James Prepare dinner steered his ship to Pleasant Cove and met the residents who have been, in brief, “pleasant.”) Pleasant Cove can be residence to a historic and beautifully-kept lighthouse operated by Parks Canada. Strolling round this historical village and exploring the location after we have been achieved fishing was one of many highlights of my journey.

Naturally, given the success of my massive journey, a few chilled craft beers have been so as on my remaining night time at Moutcha Bay. In any case, I used to be coming residence with “fins and skins.” And beer, in case you ask me, pairs effectively with something.

Andrew Penner is a contract author and photographer based mostly in Calgary, Alberta. You may observe him on Instagram right here: @andrewpennerphotography.