A Quick Day Trip To Westham Island

In August (I know it’s taken me this long!) we packed up Piper in the car and hit the road to Westham Island. It’s a farming island with a world-class bird sanctuary, farm stands (fresh eggs anyone?), acres of pumpkin patches and waterfront bike trails you’ll likely have all to yourself. A short 30 minute drive from Vancouver. Full of peaceful, beautiful farm landscapes you feel you are further away than you really are from the city.

To get to Westham Island, you enter on a one-way wooden plank bridge (built in 1909!) taking you into a quiet community. Acres of flat farmland stretching away on either side of a country road. All kinds of berries, leafy greens and potatoes are grown in the rich soil here. And the big draw besides berries is pumpkin season!

Stop first at Emma Lea Farms and pick your own berries or whatever produce is seasonal. Pumpkins are coming up soon! During the summer, you can grab soft serve with fresh berries as your topping. Simple and delicious.

This farm has been in the family since 1885, starting with Joseph and Emma Tamboline. They have had their U-Pick farm for over 30 years and enjoy producing the best tasting, healthiest fruit for your family in a sustainable manner. Check them out!

It’s a duck’s life

Flowers for sale at Emma Lea Farm

Someone else’s berries, cuz I was too lazy that day

We usually visit the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and hang out with the ducks. No dogs are allowed, so this time we just did a drive by. But sometimes the little river and property is just covered with birds. My favourite are the ducks, but look for swans, geese and others. Love the little quack sounds they make.

Piper’s new best friend

I love stopping at Westham Island Herb Farm on our way out and stroll around the property. It’s so kitschy, with little pygmy goats and other farm friends. Pick up local honey, herbs, produce, florals and more! The sunflowers on the side of the property were huge! I had to get out and walk along them, so pretty.

Curtis was in his element, coming from a small town in Saskatchewan. His grandparents live on a farm there, with livestock and vegetable gardens. His grandma even churns her own butter!

He definitely got his fix that day till his next visit back to Biggar. Yes that is the name of his home town, Biggar, motto is New York is big, but we are Biggar, or something like that. Haha.

On a nice weekend day, with nothing else on your schedule, consider taking a quick drive out to Westham Island. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a breather from your hectic life on this little farm island.

If you are into cycling, this is an ideal spot with minimal traffic. The island also has waterfront bike trails you’ll likely have all to yourself. Not that I’d go cycling there, but an option for you guys.

Another great day trip from Vancouver is Bowen Island! See my travel post here on this island located 30 minutes from Vancouver by ferry.

Where do you go for a quick day getaway? Any other spots I check out near Vancouver?