It's hard to beat the view from this place, especially when it's a warm summer evening and the sun's setting over Active Pass. Throw-in some tasty fish and chips, a burger, a cold beer or a couple of cocktails, and it's pretty much heaven!
I'm talking about the Spring Water Lodge, of course, located on the west side of the island in Miners Bay, right on Active Pass.
The Springwater lodge is reported to be the oldest continuously operating hotel-bar in British Columbia. It was established in 1892 and began hosting lodgers in 1895. In the early 1900s, Canadian Pacific Railway Ferries would stop at Miners Bay, next to the Springwater, while traveling between Victoria and up north to the Fraser River and Caribou gold rushes.
This vintage photo shows the Lodge to the right of the store and Post Office, while the one below is of a passing paddle boat steamer, in Active Pass.
(Historical photos courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives)
Recently, the Springwater's been hosting live bands which make the evenings in the setting sun even more magical.
Last night, we had the pleasure of listening to Sinéad X Sanders, a Vancouver artist whose style is a mix of R&B, rockabilly, blues, and good old rock 'n' roll.
It was awesome! Not only did she play several amazing toe-tapping songs from her own catalog, but she and her band also delivered a beautiful rendition of a Spice Girls' hit that was mesmerizing.
Next time you're looking for a sunset meal with a view, check out the Springwater Lodge, and if there's a band, it'll be magical, no matter the genre!