Itinerary: 2 Smith Lake Days, 2 Saratoga Beach days! A perfect Island Getaway

bookings11693
Jan 9
3 min read

A 4-Night Group Itinerary on Vancouver Island

2 Nights at Smith Lake Farm + 2 Nights at Saratoga Beach

When you’re planning a trip for 2 or a group trip — whether it’s family, friends, or a small retreat — the best experiences tend to balance connection, space, and variety. This four-night itinerary does exactly that, pairing a quiet inland lake retreat with relaxed oceanfront time on Vancouver Island’s east coast.

It’s not rushed, not overplanned — just enough structure to let the group settle in and enjoy being together.

Nights 1–2: Slow Down at Smith Lake Farm 🌲🔥

Begin your trip inland at Smith Lake Farm, about 30 minutes from the coast. The shift from highway to forest happens quickly, and by the time you arrive, things already feel quieter.

These first two nights are about grounding, reconnecting, and easing into the trip.

Day 1: Arrival & Lake Time

Arrive mid-afternoon and get settled into the glamping tents
Wander the property, swim or canoe off the dock
Casual group dinner (BBQ or shared potluck works well here)
Evening sauna session by the lake, followed by stargazing

Without cell noise or packed schedules, conversations tend to slow down naturally — the kind that don’t happen when everyone’s busy.

Day 2: Farm Experiences & Unstructured Time

This day works best without a rigid agenda:

Morning coffee by the water
Optional add-ons like yoga, beekeeping demos, or disc golf
Free time for reading, swimming, or group walks
Another shared dinner and relaxed evening around the fire

Smith Lake Farm is ideal for groups that want to be together without being “on” all the time.

Transition Day: From Lake to Sea 🌊

On the morning of Day 3, pack up and head east toward the coast. The drive itself becomes part of the experience — forest roads giving way to open sky and ocean air.

Grab lunch en route or wait until you reach the beach.

Nights 3–4: Ocean Time at Saratoga Beach 🏖️

The second half of the trip unfolds at Saratoga Beach, known for its long sandy shoreline and calm waters along the Salish Sea. It’s a noticeable contrast to the forested quiet of Smith Lake — lighter, brighter, and more expansive.

Day 3: Beach Arrival & Sunset

Check in and settle into the beachfront villas
Afternoon beach walk or paddle
Group dinner prepared in-house or enjoyed nearby
Sunset fireside time on the beach

This is where the trip often shifts into a more social, celebratory rhythm.

Day 4: Full Beach Day

Leave this day open and easy:

Morning beach walks and coffee
Kids (and adults) playing in the shallow water
Shared meals and deck time
Evening beach fires and long conversations

Having multiple units nearby allows people to gather — and retreat — as needed.

Day 4 Alt Add On: Half Day Into the Wild Boat Tour

We will travel within the Discovery Islands looking for any number of Humpback Whales, Orca Whales, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dalls Porpoise, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Marine Birds, and Bald Eagles.

Departure Day: Easy Goodbyes

On the final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, one last walk along the shoreline, and unhurried goodbyes before heading home.

Why This Itinerary Works for Groups as well as Singles

Two distinct environments: forest lake → open ocean
Built-in rhythm: quiet connection first, social energy later
Enough time in each place to truly settle in
Flexible days that work for mixed ages and interests

Final Thought

Some of the best group trips aren’t about doing more — they’re about choosing places that make it easy to be together. A few nights at the lake, followed by a few nights by the sea, creates space for both rest and celebration — and memories that linger long after the trip ends.