Summer evenings on Vancouver Island are best spent outdoors, whether enjoying an intimate dinner around the fire or a large-scale gathering of family and friends. From cocktails and pool games to outdoor spaces and waterfront views, here is some inspo to help make your next summer BBQ an affair to remember.
Chef It Up By The Pool – Have pool, will entertain. You really can’t go wrong with a poolside BBQ, steps from the kitchen for absolute convenience. Guests can play a round of Spike Ball, the increasingly popular game that can be played on the beach, in the grass and yes, in the pool. While the friendly competition heats up, man the grill, or skip the smoke, smell and apron to chef up your BBQ fare indoors. The open-concept kitchen at 1535 Despard Avenue in Victoria opens directly to the pool, perfect for entertaining. The party can extend into the evening, with a heated spa ideal for cooler summer evenings and even a fully functional movie theatre among the award-winning Rockland’s home many private amenities.
Dinner Is Served On The Dock – Is there a better place to dine than on your own private dock? At 2051 Millicent Avenue off West Shawnigan Lake Road, the dock extends over the lake, ideal for dining under the stars, surrounded by towering evergreens. The “cabin life” is in full effect at this waterfront residence, where guests can dine on the dock, then enjoy a boozy dessert by the fire pit, such as these Peach Prosecco Popsicles, featuring Prosecco, ripe peaches and sugar or simple syrup, a frozen, summertime version of the classic Bellini.
Oceanside Grilling At Its Finest – An oceanfront terrace is the ultimate BBQ venue, much like the one off this remarkable Nanaimo home on the edge of the Salish Sea. 4850 Shorecliff Point, one of seven residences within the gated Shorecliff Point enclave, features a stunning oceanside BBQ terrace with views stretching across the Strait of Georgia to the mountains beyond. Primed for large-scale events, the home is also equipped with a contemporary kitchen, wet bar and beverage fridge, perfect for storing the cocktail of the evening. We’d recommend an Apple and Pear White Sangria, a sweet and refreshing cocktail that covers you from summer to fall.
Bring in The Pros – There is no shame in bringing in the BBQ professionals so you can spend more time with your guests and soaking up the summer sun. Toque Catering offers an inspiring and flavourful summer BBQ menu, from braised short rib skewers to chili and coconut lime chicken, ideal for parties of 15 or more. They can custom design menus for parties small and large, offering full-service catering on Vancouver Island, Salt Spring and mainland BC.
