Hi all,
I'm looking to decompress from all of the US election madness by heading up to Vancouver Island in January - probably the second half of the month - and staying at a nice place with a great view of the water. I'd be driving from Seattle and most likely take the ferry from Tsawwassen (unless they lock us out). wI was initially thinking of watching the big waves in Tofino, but then saw in this forum that it's not the most exciting place and very cold. And it looks like there's a mountain pass to cross.

Does anyone have suggestions on the east or south sides of the island? I've stayed around the harbour in Victoria before and am looking for somewhere more remote. The only place I'm considering around Victoria is the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. I've found some hotels in Parksville that seem like good choices, and recs would be appreciated. Is there anywhere else worth considering that's not too far from the ferry terminals in Swartz Bay and Nanaimo?

Thanks,
Jeff