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Vancouver Island and The Gulf Islands
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Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands on the
Pacific Ocean are wonderful 
Travel to Vancouver Island is most frequently by Ferries or
personal pleasure boat, although flights can be taken into
several land and sea airports. Taking the BC Ferry ride from
Tswaassen, on the British Columbia Mainland, to Swartz Bay
(Sidney) on Vancouver Island showcases the Gulf Islands and
creates the feeling of a mini cruise. The trip takes about
90 minutes and you will want to stand out on the deck as the
ferry tackles the narrows of active pass.
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, anchors
South Vancouver Island. Named in honour of Queen Victoria,
the city
still pays tribute with its vibrant English theme. Outside
the Provincial Legislative buildings stands a statue commemorating
Queen Victoria’s reign and several Victorian themed
teahouses are found around the city. Flowers bloom year-round
in Victoria,
which makes exploring the outdoors here enjoyable in any
season. The communities of Sooke and Port Renfrew, west of
Victoria,
display the natural splendour of the rugged West Coast Island
wilderness. Port Renfrew is famous as the trailhead for the
West Coast Trail 
Cowichan is located north of Victoria, over the Malahat
via Highway 1 (the Island Highway). Here the terrain
opens up to
rolling hills scattered with wineries and dairy farms. Along
the coast are secluded coves and marinas where you can charter
a boat, or enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a friendly marine
pub. There are many scenic communities to visit including
Duncan, the “City of Totems”, Chemainus, where
more than 30 painted murals decorate the walls around the
town, and the
heritage buildings lining the downtown of Ladysmith. 
Central Vancouver Island features the harbour city of
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island’s second-largest city.
This is a sea-oriented community on the east coast. Incorporated
in 1874, this third-oldest
city in British Columbia has many well-preserved historic
buildings and sites. Year-round harbour cruises will
take you to see
the area’s incredible sea life. Northwest of Nanaimo,
Parksville marks the beginning of the Oceanside Tourism route.
At low tide, the water recedes hundreds of metres, leaving
the sand exposed for beachcombing. Nearby Qualicum Beach
is a marvellous place for sun tanning, swimming and exploring. 
North Central Vancouver Island stretches from Nootka Island
on the west coast to the Comox Valley in the east. Traveling
from
coast
to coast the scenery changes from lofty mountains covered
in dense forests to the coastal plain seascape. Courtenay
is a
busy city that supports a large farming community as well
as logging and fishing industries. Enjoy the many delightful
boutiques
in town and visit the Courtenay Museum in the world’s
largest vertical log cabin. Comox, just east of Courtenay,
is another thriving community. Visit the dazzling air show
held biannually at the Canadian Air Force base, then travel
on through lush farmlands to Campbell River – a fishing
enthusiast’s dream. The central part of the North Central
Island is heavily treed, mountainous and dotted with large
lakes. People enjoy hiking, canoeing, swimming and fishing
in Strathcona Provincial Park. Travel west to the village
of Gold River, the spelunking capital of Canada. 
North Island showcases how most of Vancouver
Island once looked. Much of the remaining wilderness,
such as Brooks
Peninsula,
a stubby 14-km long projection on the northwest coast of
the island, has now been preserved. Unusual land formations
dot
the region and Little Huson Cave Regional Park is the location
of a number of these including sink holes, canyons, and a
swift flowing river that disappears into rock. Take a trip
on the
M.V. Uchuck III, a converted mine sweeper that sails regularly
through the scenic waterways of Kyuquot and Nootka Sound.
In the summer months visit Friendly Cove, the site of an
ancient
Indian Village where Captain Cook first made contact with
the West Coast Indians in 1778. Further up the coast are
Sayward,
Port McNeill and Port Hardy, where fishing is a favourite
sport. Northeast is Cape Scott Provincial Park, located
on the island’s
northernmost tip. Telegraph Cove is the place to watch whales
and kayak along the coastline. 
Pacific Rim on the west coast, includes Ucluelet and Tofino
and is assessable via Highway 4 through Port Alberni. Pacific
Rim National Park, perched on the western edge of the continent,
has become a place to watch for both whales and the approach
of Pacific storms. There are many walks and hikes through
the park, the most popular being the West Coast Trail.
This six
to eight day hike is one of Canada’s toughest hiking
routes and climbs through rough terrain, rock face ladders
and at one point uses a hand-powered cable car to cross a
steep ravine. There are several shorter hikes through the
park and
coastal communities for more moderate and less adventurous
hikers. Bamfield is a small community located in the heart
of the Pacific Rim National Park 85 kms from the City of
Port Alberni.
This quaint little community offers many outdoor activities
and a variety of accommodations for travellers. The famous "Boardwalk" extends
along the West side of the harbour. Fishing, hiking, kayaking,
boat tours and beaches are among the choices of things
to do. Travel to Bamfield via road, water or air to visit
the "best
kept secret" on the West Coast. On the way to the
Pacific Rim stop in Port Alberni, then rise early, and
sail on the M.V. Lady Rose down the fjord-like
Alberni Inlet. Watch eagles soar and
marvel at the scenery. If hiking is your pastime, you
will enjoy the
many mountain trails around. Just before Port Alberni,
heading West to the coast, visitors stop to take the path
through the old growth forest at Cathedral Grove
in MacMillan
Park. People marvel at the size and majesty of
800-year-old
Douglas firs. 
