Kelly Kirk

This place is in a cute, old home. There is AC in the waiting entry. The wait can be more than an hour. The parking lot goes back further than first impressions indicate. There are multiple signs stating cameras are all over, so no worry about break-ins. We were lucky and only waited twenty minutes. Once we were seated, they got us our drinks and order quickly. We each ordered the gluten-free pancakes. I let the waitress know it was an allergy, and they scraped the grill. I didn't get sick.
The entire middle row of the pancakes flavors can be made gluten-free. The price may seem on the high side until you receive your food. The cakes are 6-8" in diameter, and you get 7! I was able to eat three while there and had plenty of leftovers for later. The other half ordered an egg, and they brought a side of two. He went with it. I ordered a side of hashbrown, extra crispy. They were, but when they say butter hashbrowns, they mean soaked. I couldn't eat more than two bites as they were so grease soaked. I can't recommend them at all. The pancakes, on the other hand, were the best in an hour drive... maybe anywhere outside of home.
He ordered the banana pancakes, and they used fresh banana pieces. I ordered the pecan. I swear there was a half pound of nuts on my plate! They are not candied or salted, just plain, raw pecans. Both plates came with a small pitcher of housemade tropical syrup. It's orange juice and fresh squeezed lemon cooked into a thick syrup. I definitely recommend giving that a go. Unfortunately, the syrup at the table is a real maple mixed with corn syrup blend. I dislike corn syrup and can taste the difference. I recommend skipping this concoction if you use real maple syrup at home. I ordered a coffee, and it was definitely better than average.
I would recommend the coffee and gluten-free pancakes without hesitation. Skip the hashbrowns unless wishing for instant, clogged arteries.

This has been on my list of places to see for a few years. I finally got around to it yesterday. There are plenty of distant views. There is a gift shop, as well as displays of clothing typical of the early 1900's...when it was built, stones and rocks found regionally, and photographic comparisons of 1917 to 1997. It's interesting to see what buildings existed when. Many local buildings burnt down and had to be rebuilt. All of this is touched on, along with photographs. There is also some history on the building, purpose and related controversy of the Vista House.

I snagged some carved, metal, feather magnets, outlining a flying bird. They are being used as holdbacks for my kitchen window curtains. They work beautifully. I also purchased a pendant with a raven and the three moon phases from the half off box. Unfortunately, the chain busted when I removed the price tag (sticky wrapped on chain). I will need to replace the chain because of that. I wish they used a different method to tag the necklaces.

Parking is a pain as there is not near enough. Tour vans were also bringing people to the site, so it was very crowded. It's worth the visit, but be prepared for unaware people blocking walk paths and sometimes being rude about blocking areas.

There is a coffee shop and fully plumbed washrooms.

They are only open Friday through Monday to tour inside and get to the top level. There is no fee as of the time of my visit.

This is a beautiful and well thought-out park. There is a really tall totem pole, a tennis court, a lawn bowling (croquet for the Americans), a long beach walk, a series of groomed, wood chip trails through woods as well as concrete and a children's playground.

While we were there we were lucky to come across a peacock, sparring for crumbs with a squirrel and an owl we interrupted the lunch hunt for. There were many birds, squirrels and creatures talking and singing as we walked through the woods. The beach trails is impressively long and gorgeous. There are many flowers still blooming in mid-June along the walking path. There is an unfenced, grassy area between the road and the beach path where dogs are allowed off leash. On the path, they are requested to be on-leash.

The park is not large but packs a lot in for the space it takes. I would highly recommend a visit.

Parking is free for up to three hours and thirty minutes. Washrooms are available in a brick and mortar building and are automatically flushing. They are gendered however.

We stopped by this little, local shop for our last meal before returning home. The street it sits on has easily available parking for up to 2.5 hours for free. There are murals on the sides of nearby buildings and it has a very cozy, neighborhood feel.

There is fascinating artwork on the wall, which can keep you engaged for longer than the wait for the food, which was very little.

We each ordered a burrito bowl due to allergies. The bowl was massive. You could easily feed three people with the amount of food in there. It was filled with rice, cilantro, Pico, fresh made beans, pork and more. Fresh, simple food equals good flavor and a full tummy. It was also steaming hot, which was nice on a cold, drizzly day.

We drank water...which was good and clean tasting (no metal or salt aftertaste as a few places have had).
We ate fairly quickly as we arrived the last hour before they close and didn't want to keep them. If I had the opportunity to take home the leftovers, I would gladly have done so. As is, we were staying at a nearby Air B&B, so I didn't have the opportunity. We briefly spoke with who I believe is the owner and he was friendly, genuine and caring. We discussed the center art piece. He says it's from an artist in the US, depicting the steel mill employee in Detroit. That was interesting to learn.

There is limited seating inside, but the care with which the food is made and the friendly company will bring me back again. I wish them well.

I stopped by after my first ever trip to Canada and hearing how it was a must stop.

I don't carry purses. I don't wear perfume. I can't speak to the price comparison. The clothing is very limited, tourist targeted and I saw better prices on the ferry from Victoria back to the mainland.

There is a ton of candy. The store has a lot of empty space and clearly shaped to funnel people one direction rather than allowing freely browsing.

The alcohol was a tad cheaper than I'm used to. That said I usually purchase my liquor at Trader Joes and Costco in Washington and I can say if not for the exchange rate value difference, it wasn't worth a stop. I needed some Irish Cream anywho...so why not. I did purchase a small batch bourbon I can't find locally and is rated one of the top 25 best across the board.

There is coffee and tea as well as baked goods avail...basically a duty free Starbucks. They did great on my London fog...better than average. Chai was average.

There is a decorative fountain as you exit. There is a washroom for customers.

There are some novelty sized liqour bottles which made me laugh.

You can park and walk to the edge of the park on the south side of the store. If you walk to the edge, there is a gap between trees where you can see the peace arch and get a distance selfie. You can't get close until you are through the boarder. Then there is an exit for it immediately.

All around, worth a one-time stop.