Fall Weekend Getaway: Mañana Resort and Marina in Ladysmith, B.C.

Having only moved to Vancouver from Scotland a year ago, I am still getting accustomed to the rainy, grey months that are a British Columbia fall. It turns out you can move across the world and find more rain.

But the Mañana Resort and Marina, an inn and restaurant perched above a private marina overlooking Ladysmith Harbour, might just be the silver lining in the grey clouds of fall. (Fall weather is a lot more enjoyable when you’re having a glass of wine by the fireplace of a cosy coastal inn.)

Getting to Mañana Resort

It’s relatively easy to access: after a quick B.C. ferry ride to Nanaimo then a short drive to Ladysmith, you’ll be ready to drop your bags off and start exploring the resort. If the weather’s warm: take a kayak or paddleboard trip on the harbour and be tailed by nosy seals. If it’s too cold to paddle, don’t worry about missing out on the sea life: during the chillier months, pods of orcas have been seen splashing around in the harbour right on your doorstep.

And once you’re back on land, it’s time to warm up. Grab a board game and your least-competitive friends to play a totally “friendly” game of Scrabble.

1948 Bistro: Waterfront Dining in Ladysmith

After you’ve worked up an appetite fighting over whether slang words count (bro is officially a word now, thank you online Scrabble dictionary), head to the resort’s restaurant, 1948 Bistro, named in homage to the year the property was originally founded. On rainy nights, stay warm by the fireplace but if the weather is drier, sit out on the deck under a heater to take in the panoramic views of Ladysmith harbour.

Chef Sven serves up a menu inspired by the water just steps away, featuring a dozen local oysters and a classic surf n’ turf. Though the wine list is extensive, it’s hard to go wrong with a glass of B.C.’s Mission Hill Chardonnay, particularly when it’s paired with the bruschetta – four slices of toasted sourdough with diced tomatoes, balsamic glaze and a generous serving of grated parmesan. If you prefer a beer, go local with a Red Arrow, brewed just down the road in Duncan. And if you still have room: the raspberry cheesecake will have you planning your next weekend visit before you’ve even left.

Where to Stay at Mañana Resort

Your post-dinner sleep can be in one of the resort’s six rooms, or if you’re hoping to get up close and personal with the water, forgo the rooms entirely and stay overnight on your boat, with mooring available on the Marina. Sea-legged guests have access to a covered BBQ area, showers and a laundromat.

Morning Activities and Local Coffee

Your alarm clock the next morning will be the seals fishing for breakfast. Brew a coffee in a mug made by local potterer JoVic and either sip it on your balcony overlooking the water or take it down to the marina coffee bar, made from local maple and fir trees and crafted by local artisan Yonder Wood. If you’re after some morning zen, attend a yoga session held on the grass by the marina.

Exploring Downtown Ladysmith

Before heading home, I suggest taking a stroll around the town of Ladysmith and exploring the local artisans and restaurants. Head to Old Town Bakery for a cinnamon roll, followed by a peruse through the Antique Mall. For lunch, enjoy a proper British meal at the Fox and Hound or if you want something a little fancier, try out the Mahle House.

As the weather cools, there is no better time to try a local staycation for your next weekend getaway.