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Activities in
Vancouver Island / Victoria
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Places to stay in
Vancouver Island / Victoria
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Vancouver Island / Victoria is known for
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Activities Pass/Road book
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Floatplane Sightseeing Tour
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Sightseeing/City Tour (Biking)
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Sightseeing/City Tour (Coach)
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Whale Watching Cruise (Boat)
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Whale Watching Cruise (Zodiac)
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Wildlife Adventure Cruise
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The Vancouver Island region is a large, sparsely populated area, encompassing Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, as well as a portion of the mainland. Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards ranked Vancouver Island second in the "Top Islands of North America" category.
It has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems: Rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. In fact, the region is one of the world's premier locations for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing. Much of the island is protected parkland. It contains many pockets of old-growth fir and cedar forests, as well as rare, naturally occurring groves of Garry oak. Vancouver Island is bisected, north to south, by the Beaufort Mountain Range, which is home to one of Canada's biggest all-natural ski bases. The Vancouver Island region is best experienced out of doors. So much of it is protected, unspoiled wilderness that any visit here would be incomplete without an excursion to at least one park or nature reserve. Wildlife flourishes in abundance, making birding, whale watching and salmon fishing extremely popular pursuits for visitors and locals alike. At 32,000 sq km/12,355 sq mi Vancouver Island is the largest North American island in the Pacific Ocean, and is one of 6,000 islands in British Columbia. It is 450km/280mi in length and 100km/62mi in width at its widest point, with a coastline length of 3,400km/2,138mi. A mountainous spine that runs its whole length breaks up into long mountain fjords along its west coast. The highest point on the island is the 2,200m/7,218ft summit of Mt. Golden Hinde in Strathcona Provincial Park. Total population of the the Vancouver Island Region is 726,367 (700,593 for Vancouver Island, 18,926 for the Southern Gulf Islands, and 6,848 for the Northern Gulf Islands). Surrounded by sparkling ocean, Vancouver Island has an extensive network of rivers, lakes and streams. It is also home to Della Falls, one of Canada's highest waterfalls. It is separated from the BC mainland by the Strait of Georgia to the east and, to the south and southeast, from Washington State by the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The island contains many pockets of old-growth forests of Douglas-fir and western redcedar, as well as rare, naturally occurring groves of Garry oak. The west coast of Vancouver Island is largely unpopulated. The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria boasts many historic buildings and some of the most fascinating museums in Western Canada. The city benefits from one of Canada's mildest climates, which allows its residents to pursue outdoor pleasures all year round. Victoria also enjoys some of the country's most exhilarating scenery: there's an ocean or mountain vista around every corner, while the city's flower gardens are famous the world over. Whether your taste runs to golfing, hiking, biking and fishing or you're more the shopping, dining and theatre type, there are no ends of delights for you and your family in Victoria. An urban oasis surrounded by ocean waters and mountainous wilderness, the city offers the best of both worlds: fabulous shops, restaurants, museums and city parks complementing world-class golf courses, ski hills, hiking trails and fishing expeditions. What's so amazing about having such a variety of settings in such close proximity is that you can have a number of wildly different experiences in a single day: golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon, or visit Victoria Bug Zoo and walk through Butchart Gardens followed by an evening at the symphony. Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Campbell River is beautifully set between Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and the Discovery Islands to the east. Known for the past century as the salmon capital of the World, Campbell River is the perfect destination for a holiday filled with outdoor activities.
Sports fishing is king in Campbell River. Dubbed the "Salmon Capital of the World," this civic gateway to northern Vancouver Island has for nearly a century enjoyed a sterling reputation among anglers from all corners of the globe. They continue to trek here in pursuit of peace, serenity, breathtaking scenery, and the promise of reeling in all five species of Pacific salmon.
The lion's share of visitors arrive in the warm, relatively dry spring, summer and fall. These are peak seasons for wildlife viewing and flightseeing thanks to a half-dozen tour operators who depart the waterfront daily. Their destination: the prime Orca whale and (in the fall) grizzly bear habitats found in the Johnston Strait and among the jigsaw-puzzle collection of Discovery Islands east and north of Campbell River.
Many other visitors get their thrills inland on hiking, biking, climbing, canoeing, and whitewater rafting excursions. Strathcona Provincial Park (Vancouver Island's largest green space), Mount Washington's dynamic ski slopes, the Sayward Provincial Forest's lake district and the scalloped shorelines of Oyster River and Miracle Beach are all within an hour's drive at most.
Big-league salmon runs have drawn average fishing folk, international travelers, and Hollywood celebrities to Campbell River since the town was founded in the early 20th century. Painter's Lodge north of town remains a favorite bolthole for the rod-and-reel set. Charter guides by the dozen are available for deep-sea excursions. And when the salmon aren't biting, Steelhead and Cutthroat trout draw anglers to the region's wilderness lakes.
Fishing is deeply woven into the town's character. Noted author and conservationist Roderick Haig Brown lived on the banks of the Campbell River and wrote of his experiences. And the legendary Tyee Club preserves the fairplay rules of old-school angling as would-be members try (and in most cases fail) to net a big one offshore from the club's headquarters. Novelty treat: Sign up for a "swim with the salmon" excursion with one of several local tour companies.
There are also boutique shops, art galleries, several superb museums and an acclaimed Sunday farmers' market in a downtown core that invites park-and-walk exploration. Watch the cruise ships float past neighboring Quadra Island. Dine on fish-and-chips in marinas packed with luxury pleasure boats. Cast a line off Canada's first public saltwater fishing pier. And inhale the intoxicating fresh air blowing in off the Discovery Passage.
Two bands affiliated with the Kwakwaka'waka First Nation of northern Vancouver Island – the Wei Wai Kum (in Campbell River itself) and the Wei Wai Kai (Quadra Island) – are an integral part of the region's culture and history.
The aboriginal and post-European contact histories of the region are recounted with inventive flair at the Campbell River Museum. Logging, mining, and the commercial fishery have all been major activities over the last century in a town that has developed an ecotourist industry to capitalize on its natural gifts.
The largest logging sports festival in Canada is held in tandem with the "summer salmon sizzler" cook-out annually in early August at Nunns Creek Park downtown. Words on the Water: The Campbell River Writer's Festival annually draws major literary names for readings and special events in the spring. Six months later, the Haig Brown Festival presents readings, fly fishing demonstrations, and more at the late author's riverside property. Canada Day (July 1) festivities in town are highlighted by Transformations on the Shoreline, a wood carving competition that turns chunks of wood into works of art.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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The town of Comox (population 12,200) sits on the east coast of south-central Vancouver Island. It revels in a seaside location, a mountainous horizon and the rich farmlands of the nearby Comox Valley. Its varied landscape woos the visitor with beaches & swimming, fishing, ocean kayaking, hiking, biking, diving, golf, a walking tour and driving tour. Yet for all the activity, it gives the impression of a laidback town in a pastoral setting.
Nearby Strathcona Provincial Park has a monopoly on superlatives: It’s the oldest and largest provincial park on Vancouver Island. Its flat-topped Comox Glacier ranks as largest glacier on Vancouver Island. And Della Falls, eight times higher than Niagara, is both the highest falls in Canada and one of the 10 highest in the world.
Pick up a copy of the Town of Comox Heritage Walk brochure from the Comox Valley Visitor Centre and get acquainted with the quiet, friendly rhythm of Comox on this 8-stop walk. Check out the boutiques and spas. Take a gander at the old Lorne Hotel. Built in 1878, it’s the oldest licensed hotel in BC. Stroll Fisherman’s Wharf, or visit the Heritage Hanger at the Comox Air Force Museum to see a genuine WWII Y2K Spitfire aircraft under restoration. Wind up at Goose Spit Goose Regional Park for sunset and maybe a midnight walk under the full moon.
Take a drive and learn what the K’omox First Nations, who flourished here for as much as 9,000 years, meant when they named the area "Land of Plenty". European settlers discovered plenty when they arrived in 1862 to find an excellent natural harbour, abundant fish, extraordinarily fertile land and fresh water. Today the Valley and its 500 farms embrace orchards, nurseries, dairy farms, berry farms and incomparable produce.
Purity of produce prompts haute expectations. A growing number of restaurants showcase local bounty in worldly ways. They anoint superb ingredients with the accents of the global village kitchen. From sumptuous breakfasts to black truffle pizza, Comox can surprise and delight.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Located in the heart of some of the most beautiful farming landscape on Vancouver Island, Courtenay is the urban centre of the Comox Valley. The town’s many art galleries, theatres, art studios, unique boutiques, and gardens also make Courtenay the cultural hub of the Valley.
Located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island, the city of Courtenay (population 21,940) is the urban, business and cultural hub of the Comox Valley. It's the only city in the valley, but its low-rise buildings, flower-filled streets and genuine friendliness make it feel more like a village. If Courtenay has ambitions, they don't include big city stress. In fact, any stress that comes this way can be worked off in a battalion of activities including golf, hiking, mountain biking, walking tours, fossil-hunting and exploring spectacular gardens.
Courtenay bustles with shops, restaurants, galleries and entertainments. Mapped-out, self-guided urban walking tours lead visitors through the city's history and architecture. The abundance of the Comox Valley has much do to with shaping Courtenay: Eat at Locals, a local restaurant specializing in local produce and happiness. Spend a morning at the Saturday Farmers' Market. Drive out to the award-winning Beaufort Winery for a tasting.
If Courtenay's heart is rustic sophistication, its muscle is unspoiled wilderness. The city serves as jumping off point for Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest and largest provincial park on Vancouver Island. Strathcona boasts twin fascinations: The flat-topped Comox Glacier is the largest glacier on the island. Della Falls, eight times higher than Niagara, ranks as the highest falls in Canada and one of the 10 highest in the world.
The First Nations K'omox people have been here for thousands of years. European settlers arrived to embrace the valley's climate and agricultural potential in the 1860s. Blacksmith shops, stables, grocery stores, and restaurants followed. In 1914 the E&N railway arrived in town, linking the community with Nanaimo, Victoria and the rest of the world. Courtenay hasn't looked back.
From field and farm to restaurant and table, Courtenay loves food. The city takes pride in an oversized pool of culinary talent. It boasts a surprisingly large contingent of international restaurants, including Greek, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Japanese and Thai, not to mention the bold new wave of homegrown BC cuisine.
Every July, Courtenay plays host to the Vancouver Island Music Fest. It's the biggest festival on Vancouver Island and one of the biggest in BC, assembling some of the finest talents from Canada and the US. Some 1100 volunteers contribute to the impact of 200 musical performers on 6 stages, instructional workshops, art exhibitions, an interactive kidzzone and international eats.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Duncan is the unofficial capital of the Cowichan Valley, a fertile crescent of rich farmland, lush vineyards, heritage river systems, and scenic backroads in the southeastern corner of Vancouver Island. Dubbed the "City of Totems," Duncan has more than 80 First Nations carvings located throughout town, and is also home to the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre. This Aboriginal cultural centre on the banks of the Cowichan River honours the ancient roots of the Coast Salish in the valley, which takes its name from a Salish word meaning "the warm lands." Duncan is also known for great shopping and dining, the Saturday Farmer's Market, BC Forestry Discovery Centre, and its historic old-town quarter.
Duncan was once a pitstop on the Trans-Canada Highway for fast food and gas. Now the area is rapidly evolving into a slow-food mecca known for its organic crops, specialty food producers, and field-to-table philosophy (aka the 100 Mile Diet).
Bring more than one canvas shopping bag when touring the region's farmgates, artisan bakeries, cheese shops, organic meat suppliers, and fruit stands. Dine in relaxed comfort at bistros and fine restaurants in the region. Renowned west coast epicureans Mara Jernigan and cookbook author/mushroom hunter Bill Jones run local cooking schools.
Many rural acreages have been transformed into vineyards to take advantage of the Cowichan's terroir (soil) and sunny skies. Since the 1980s, close to a dozen wineries have opened in the area, and some are now producing award-winning vintages (pinot noir and pinot gris in particular). Take a self-guided tour of tasting rooms or join a group outing and leave the driving to knowledgeable experts.
More than 100 independent boutiques, galleries, fashion outlets, book stores, restaurants, a lively brewpub, and a handful of funky coffeeshops have reinvigorated downtown Duncan. Visit the Cowichan Valley Museum in the 1912 railway station. Tour the totem poles. And catch a show at the Duncan Garage Showroom, a delightfully intimate acoustic music venue. Just north of town is the BC Forestry Discovery Centre with its steam train ride and lumber-camp setting.
The Cowichan as a whole stretches from the towns of Mill Bay and Cobble Hill in the south (a half-hour northeast of Victoria over the Malahat mountain range) to Ladysmith (20 minutes south of Nanaimo). Maps, accommodation information, and more are available at the Duncan-Cowichan Visitor Centre (381 Trans0Canada Highway near the downtown Trunk Road stop light).
In Duncan's immediate vicinity are the lovely, foodcentric hamlet of Cowichan Bay and the sheltered pleasure cruising harbours of Maple Bay and Genoa Bay. Inland to the west are two lakeside towns – Cowichan and Shawnigan – that are linked by a hiking and cycling route that follows the famous Galloping Goose train line over a series of remarkable wooden trestle bridges.
Pastoral backroads invite leisurely exploration. On the town's eastern side is Cowichan Bay, home to fine B&Bs, tempting artisan food outlets, and the Cowichan Maritime Centre's historic wooden boats. Maple Bay and Genoa Bay are a pair of impossibly scenic waterfront villages on the ocean side of Mount Tzouhalem – a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, and rambles through a rare Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve.
West of Duncan along the Cowichan Valley Highway (#18) is the recreational (swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, cycling) Cowichan River corridor. Drivers can continue on the fully paved, big tree Pacific Marine Circle Route to the west coast, or circumnavigate the forestry roads around Cowichan Lake while making stops at Mesachie Lake, Honeymoon Bay, Youbou, and the town of Lake Cowichan.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second largest city and is known as the Harbour City for its picturesque harbour. Nanaimo is easy to get to, and its central location makes it an excellent base for tours of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Nanaimo is officially known as Harbour City for good reason. Stretched like a long, lean finger along the east coast of south-central Vancouver Island, British Columbia's sixth-largest city gets its identity, history and a wealth of recreation from a lovely, island-sheltered harbour right in the heart of town. Hiking, boating, kayaking, biking and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling are everyday activities at the bustling waterfront, as seaplanes take flight from sparkling blue waters.
Today Nanaimo (population 78,992) is a fast-growing urban centre that is no longer merely the premier gateway to Vancouver Island. A boldly revitalized downtown core, delightful harbourfront walkway, sparkling new museum, affordable art galleries, and a wealth of cool shopping and dining alternatives are good reasons to park the car, find accommodations and stay awhile.
Getting here is an (ocean) breeze via B.C. Ferries routes into the Departure Bay and Duke Point ferry terminals. The flight to Nanaimo's inner harbour from Vancouver, Seattle and Victoria, meanwhile, requires less time than it takes to watch a sitcom.
Longer-term visitors use Nanaimo's central location as a base of operations for exploring Vancouver Island. British Columbia's capital Victoria, Mount Washington's superb skiing (in the Courtney/Comox area) and the wild Pacific Ocean beaches of Tofino and Ucluelet can all be reached within two-and-a-half hours' drive at most.
The historic downtown is now divided into three, neatly designated zones: The Old City Quarter with its restaurants and heritage buildings; the Arts District, a city-centre focal point for artist galleries and performance spaces; and a sweeping harbourfront walkway dotted with public plazas, shops, dining spots, parkland and a swimming lagoon.
The downtown waterfront promenade is also the site of passenger-ferry departure points for two nearby island gems: Protection Island (home of Canada's only floating pub) and the historic, picnic-perfect Newcastle Island. Gabriola Island, an idyllic artist's colony and getaway spot, is also in regional waters and is serviced from downtown by a car ferry.
North Nanaimo is perhaps best known for the shopping malls strung along the Island Highway (#19A) – notably the Woodgrove Shopping Centre, the largest such megamall on Vancouver Island. What many visitors miss is the northside's lovely waterfront parkland accessible from Hammond Bay Road. Neck Point, Piper's Lagoon and Sealand parks in particular are excellent hiking, picnicking and walk-in diving spots. First-rate pubs, fine B&Bs and neighborhood bakeries (selling their own versions of the world-renowned, ultra-sweet Nanaimo Bar) can also be found off the four-lane throughway.
An easy drive west of Nanaimo takes outdoor enthusiasts to the edge of Vancouver Island's wild places. Westwood Lake is a favorite swimming spot staffed in the summer by lifeguards; the adjoining parkland features loop trails for walking and mountain biking as well as the trailhead that leads up challenging Mount Benson, Nanaimo's highest neighboring peak at 1023m/3356ft. Long distance treks are easy on the paved, tree-lined Parkway Trail, which runs for 22km/14mi alongside the Nanaimo Parkway (Highway 19).
Heading south towards Victoria on the Trans Canada Highway (#1) for ten minutes takes one past the Nanaimo River Estuary, the Duke Point ferry terminal and onwards to the rural farms, orchards and community of Cedar. Farmers work the soil while raising vegetables, cranberries, apples, blueberries and more. One of British Columbia's favorite neighborhood pubs, the Crow and Gate, is here along with a busy Sunday farmer's market and a slew of accommodation options ranging from B&Bs to oceanfront resorts. Also in the area: the renowned WildPlay Elements Park, an activity zone where one can bungee jump and clamber around a tree-top obstacle course.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is located on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Stand in an ancient rainforest, gazing in awe as giant trees rise through mist and cloud to the sky. Kayak among clusters of alluring islands, where inner waters abound with marine life, and rocky shores are lined with twisted cedars, secret caves, and startling blowholes. Relax on soft-sand beaches and watch for whales, or in winter watch the storms that furiously pummel the coast.
Port Alberni and the pastoral Alberni Valley serve as the gateway to BC’s west coast.
Tofino sits on a narrow peninsula bordered by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west, north, and east.
Ucluelet is one of only a few population centres on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Its name means "safe landing place" in the language of the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have lived here for at least 4,300 years.
The Pacific Rim feature dramatic old-growth forest and sprawling beaches, ideal for various outdoor recreational activities and wilderness and wildlife viewing. Learn about the area’s natural and cultural heritage at Pacific Rim’s interpretive centre, or head to Clayoquot Sound to explore one of the largest areas of ancient temperate rainforest left in the world.
There are many walking paths and hiking routes within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve including the 75km/47mi West Coast Trail. Walk along or lounge on the area’s expansive beaches, renowned for their soft sand and amazing scenery. Popular beaches include Long, Chesterman, and MacKenzie.
Pacific Rim Kayaking
Boasting deep inlets, multiple islands and a surfeit of protected nooks and crannies, the area’s waterways were seemingly carved for kayakers Clayoquot Sound features beaches, headlands, old-growth rainforest, protected inner waterways, kilometres of rocky coastline, and a cornucopia of marine wildlife. The Broken Group Islands is one of the world's premier sea kayaking destinations. Discover more than 100 secluded islands and their sheltered waterways.
Pacific Rim Whale Watching and Storm Watching
View nature at its most amazing and powerful. Approximately, 22,000 grey whales pass through the Pacific Rim en route to their Arctic feeding grounds in March and April, and from May to October many whales, such as humpbacks and orcas, call these waters home. Watch from land or take a guided tour on the water. Beginning in late fall and continuing through winter the coastal area becomes a coveted storm-watching destination as epic squalls beat down. Watch these storms from the comfort of luxurious lodges perched on beach cliffs.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Parksville marks the beginning of beach country, and features outstanding waterfront. When the tide is low, hundreds of metres of sand beckon to castle builders and beachcombers. As the tide comes in, the water is warmed by the hot sand and is perfect for swimming.
Parksville is a definitive British Columbia summer town, just a half-hour drive north of Nanaimo's ferry terminals. The beaches here on the south-central coast of eastern Vancouver Island are the stuff of a California dream vacation. However there is a difference: Parksville's postcard crescents of golden, hard-packed sand are smoother, broader and caressed by gentle Pacific rollers, not pounding surf.
While summer by the sea is a major lure here, Parksville and area is a four-season outdoor destination. Golf, hiking, and mountain biking enthusiasts are well served in a rare, splendidly protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This area is notable for its pristine watersheds, deep lakes, extensive parkland, forested tracts (notably the old-growth treasure at Cathedral Grove), and challenging trails leading to Mount Arrowsmith's see-forever viewpoints.
Sharing the parking lot with the Visitor Centre is the Craig Heritage Park, Museum & Archives. Parksville's back history is colorfully displayed in a museum (open from mid-May to late September). The surrounding grounds are dotted with heritage buildings (including an early pioneer's log home relocated here from nearby Errington). The site is run by the District 69 Historical Society. BC history buffs will want a copy of the anecdotal Parksville and Then Some, written by the society's former president Marjorie Leffler.
Parksville is home to 11,000 relaxed, friendly, lifestyle-oriented residents who enjoy all the amenities of town life – a diverse selection of good dining spots, a year-round calendar of a remarkable 140 festivals and events, a lively arts scene, and everyday quality time at Parksville Community Park (with its sports fields, skatepark, beach boardwalk and a fantastic Lions' Club kids playground). Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and the Englishman River Estuary are natural sanctuaries minutes from the main drag (aka Highway 19A or the Island Highway/Oceanside Route).
Parksville occupies half of a larger but still relatively compact area officially known as Oceanside (which includes the town's near-neighbor Qualicum Beach). In the Parksville side of the region are several largely rural communities with their own quirks, character, and charm.
Coombs and Errington are due west of Parksville off Highway 4A (aka the Old Alberni Highway, which links up with Highway 4 enroute to Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino). Coombs is a town famous for its eclectic shopping, rodeo events, and a series of family-friendly activity zones (Butterfly World, the World Parrot Refuge). Errington is a back-to-the-land refuge for farmers, B&B operators and urban exiles. Its attractions include the petting zoo and trail rides at Tiger Lily Farm, as well as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre's menagerie of the furred and feathered.
Nanoose Bay is perhaps best known these days as home base for musicians Diana Krall and Elvis Costello. They shop at the local grocery store like everyone else in this tight-knit community due south of Parksville on a rocky peninsula of mostly undeveloped land that sits prettily between Nanoose Harbour and the Strait of Georgia. Boating, hiking trails around a mini "lakes district," and kayaking trips from scenic Schooner Cove are key to the Nanoose experience.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Port Alberni and the pastoral Alberni Valley serve as the gateway to BC’s west coast. Majestically located on a deepwater ocean inlet in the south-central heart of Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is a friendly and affordable lumber and fishing town with a bright future as an incredible outdoor adventure location. Hiking, recreational fishing, mountain biking, and various water activities are all found here.
In a matter of minutes, visitors can travel from city shopping plazas into the thick of the Alberni Valley wilderness. The region stretches from the peak of Mount Arrowsmith to the river systems, lakes, forested expanses, farmlands and ocean fjords that roll west to the open Pacific.
Port Alberni's future has arrived for all-season adventurers keen on salmon fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and numerous water activities (swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking and canoeing). Natural gems in the region include Cathedral Grove's old-growth hemlocks, the mighty Della Falls (the tallest waterfall in North America), Stamp River Falls Provincial Park, the historic Log Train Trail hiking/biking route, and the watersports hubs of Sproat and Great Central lakes.
Take a walking tour downtown or explore the Alberni Valley on driving/hiking tours. The city and region as a whole offer the following highlights – many of which can be enjoyed in a single day or over a leisurely long weekend:
Step back in time on a vintage passenger train that chugs through the valley to Canada's only working steam sawmill, the 1920-era McLean Mill National Historic Site. Expect sell-outs on special trips designed for fans of Harry Potter and Christmas lights.
Head out to sea with fishing guides on route to famously scenic Barkley Sound and the town of Bamfield's wilderness lodges.
Snap pictures of black bears foraging for berries and salmon on the west bank of the Somass River – safely visible by onlookers from Victoria Quay, a favorite downtown gathering place.
Check out the Labour Day Port Alberni Salmon Festival, the Thunder in the Valley drag racing competition, top-rate junior hockey tournaments, various art galleries and home studios, and a half-dozen other special events held annually.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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At the northern end of Hwy 19, the active community of Port Hardy offers a wealth of opportunity to outdoor enthusiasts at any time of the year, a major BC Ferries terminal, and the gateway to Northern Vancouver Island recreation.
Port Hardy (population: 4,000) is the last bastion of civilization in the remote and wild north end of Vancouver Island. The town has a fascinating blue-collar history and a bright green ecotourist future as it evolves into one of North America's best as-yet undiscovered outdoor adventure destinations. The natural ingredients are all here: fishing, hiking, world-class scuba diving, and serious quantities of wildlife in coastal waters, wilderness parks and the area's nicely mature second-growth woodland habitat make for great viewing.
Other northern Vancouver Island centres have similar super natural assets, but Port Hardy's ace in the hole is Cape Scott Provincial Park. Sitting windswept and ruggedly unspoiled at the island's northern tip, the park is a Disneyland for wilderness hikers and camping enthusiasts. Port Hardy's fine array of shops, restaurants, art galleries, accommodations, and aboriginal cultural attractions are less than an hour away via an upgraded logging road.
Port Hardy is the arrival/departure point for BC Ferries service to Prince Rupert and the ferry/highway system leading north to Alaska. It's also Mile Zero for the ribbon of tarmac that finally opened up the north island to auto traffic in the late 1970s. Unfolding through gorgeous mountain scenery like a dream car commercial, Highway 19 leads to Nanaimo, another major ferry terminus five-hours to the south. From there, the Trans Canada Highway points to its own Mile Zero in Victoria, BC's capital, two hours farther.
The Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations have tapped the rich resources of sea, river, and forest here since at least 6,000 BCE. The Kwakiutl peoples continue to do so from the Fort Rupert band lands east of town. Highlight: The Copper Maker Gallery, home base for famed carver Calvin Hunt.
Just past the Fort Rupert turnoff is Storey Beach, a community hotspot ideal for swimming, ocean kayaking, and family picnics. Hikers of all ages also enjoy gentle walks along the riverside Quatse Trail Loop (which bypasses a state-of-the-art salmon hatchery and hooks up with a harbourfront boardwalk leading to Fisherman's Wharf). Charter fishing boats set sail from the marina in Hardy Bay in pursuit of prize catches and wildlife sightings. Dive operators also depart from here enroute to such famed scuba-diving spots as Browning Pass and Hunt Rock, off-shore destinations served by wilderness island resorts.
Port Hardy's major hotels and businesses line the ocean along Hardy Bay Road and Market Street. The latter is the main street home of the town's museum and archives along with a string of independent entrepreneurs – coffeeshops, restaurants, gift shops, galleries and a local chocolatier included. Plentiful totem poles, murals, and chainsaw-carved signs can be found throughout town.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Canada stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up north through the Arctic. Given the vast area this country occupies and its unique mosaic of cultures and people, it undoubtedly represents a world of extraordinary experiences. Discover a land where Mother Nature holds absolute sway over immense tracts of untouched landscapes. In addition to the impressive diversity of natural beauties it features from coast to coast, Canada’s sophisticated cities and capitals have also a lot to offer to the urban experience enthusiasts. Very few areas in the world can indeed surpass Canada’s wide array of tourist opportunities. Whether you are of the active or of the contemplative type, our Nordic territories have certainly something to suit you right! Canada's regions run the gamut of experiences; each possessing its own unique character, defining geography and cultural touch points. The choice is yours. From the Pacific Rim flavours and natural splendour of the Mountains / West, to the cosmopolitan vitality of Central Canada, to the centuries old stew of traditions on Canada's East Coast. All you need is the right compass. Source: Canadian Tourism Commission
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For many envious people, the dream west coast lifestyle is led by residents of postcard-perfect Salt Spring Island. The best-known of British Columbia's Gulf Islands is inhabited by easygoing, green-oriented freespirits and everyday folk of all ages who share one thing in common: they've opted out of the fast lane for life in a largely unspoilt paradise rich in community spirit and brimming with forested trails, lovely beaches and see-forever vistas.
Salt Spring's natural beauty and mild climate encourages outdoor pursuits like hiking, kayaking, golf, cycling, swimming, birding and beachcombing. A high per-capita assortment of dining options, specialty food producers, bakeries, coffeeshops and farmers selling fresh-picked organic produce reflect the island's passion for creature comforts. Factor in plentiful accommodations, spas, world-class arts, and a lively music and performing arts scene, and it's no wonder the island is a mecca for visitors.
Artists and young neo-hippies, retired millionaires and restaurateurs, trades people and boot-clad farmers, writers and musicians all happily co-exist on what the Washington Post once called "the coolest island in Canada."
It remains that way thanks in part to the vigilance of the Islands Trust, a land-use authority that has kept residential growth in check. The island's population of 10,000 is just five times the headcount at the turn of the 20th century. Many people here are dedicated to smart, sustainable and slow growth. The Salt Spring Island Conservancy and the Institute for Sustainability Education & Action are both at the forefront of local environmental efforts.
Notable residents include artist Robert Bateman, rock legend Randy Bachman, broadcaster Arthur Black, authors Nick Bantock and Pearl Luke, and poets Brian Brett and Phyllis Webb.
Salt Spring swells each summer with weekenders, boaters and seasonal residents. The central harbour town of Ganges is home to most of the island's funky, independent retailers, its restaurants and two grocery stores. On high-season Saturdays, the island's legendary open-air market commandeers the town centre with its unique selection of crafts, artwork and produce.
Those seeking peace can find ample measures of it elsewhere on the island – behind the "granola curtain" in the southend, on one the island's half-dozen mountainsides or while walking, cycling and beachcombing around Salt Spring's quiet northern extremes.
BC Ferries terminals are at the mid-west, mid-east and southern points of the island. Fanciful residents have long remarked that Salt Spring is shaped like a pterosaur (the flying dinosaur last seen in Jurassic Park). The base of the creature's throat is Ganges Harbour. Seaplanes, kayaks, yachts and powerboats float off-shore from a pretty and bustling town centre that is the island's lone business and retail hub. Salt Spring's one and only stoplight has been installed here to help schoolchildren cross the busy Lower Ganges Road.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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World-famous as a top fishing destination on British Columbia's Inside Passage, Sonora offers unparalleled sport, fly and ocean salmon fishing opportunities in a gorgeous setting considered by many to be one of the world's wonders. Seasoned professional or budding amateur, you'll have the time of your life on these waters. Strike out on your own or with our in-house fly-fishing expert, always available to guide you to the best spots. Sonora also offers a range of exhilarating outdoor adventure opportunities. Join an Eco-tour on our custom boat to enjoy the breathtaking views, and maybe catch a glimpse of grizzlies and eagles in the wild or dolphins and Orca whales across the bow. Or enjoy the ultimate escape - a thrilling helicopter tour to a glistening glacier for a private picnic, or to remote inlets where there are no roads, just untouched, magnificent nature. Back at the resort you can take in a game of tennis on our court or play a round of golf at nearby Storey Creek Golf Course - three-time winner of Golf Digest's Places to Play award. And at the end of a spectacular day on the water or on the links, why not relax and rejuvenate in one of the outdoor mineral pools at the resort's elegant Island Currents Spa - over 5000 feet of luxurious serenity and unadulterated pampering just for you.
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The tiny community of Telegraph Cove began as a one-room telegraph station in 1912. Today, Telegraph Cove is a mecca for visitors coming to experience superb fishing, kayaking, diving, and wildlife watching.
Small, compact and nestled between ocean and rainforest in the northern Vancouver Island wilderness, Telegraph Cove (population around 20) seems to have jumped through time. The boardwalked resort with its preserved historic buildings recalls a rustic past in which the cove harboured a lumber mill and salmon saltery. Nature beckons travellers to a slew of outdoor activities including whale watching, bear watching, fishing, ocean kayaking, caving, diving, hiking, walking and Aboriginal cultural touring.
Climb out of bed and jump into a fishing boat, kayak, whale watching boat or bear watching craft. It really is that simple.
Most famously, Telegraph Cove is about the great Orca, Minke and Humpback whales that frolic in the Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago. Stubbs Island Whale Watching, launched in 1980, was the first whale watching outfit in BC and on Canada's west coast. It was a landmark endeavour. It's still regarded by many as the best whale watching venture in BC.
North Island has abundant and varied wildlife. Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, 1,248ha/1,084ac Marine Park was established in 1982 for the protection of orcas, also called killer whales or blackfish, 250 of which travel to the area each year. Other creatures in these waters include humpback, grey, and Minke whales, seals, sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters, and eagles.
Black bear and grizzly bear watching tours are also offered in the North Island region. These safe, guided boat tours include such highlights as bears fishing for salmon or rolling over rocks in search of crabs. Bear watching tours are available from June through October.
In the Sayward area, watch for Roosevelt elk, a species found only on Vancouver Island. Bird watchers will enjoy Winter Harbour, Telegraph Cove, Rough Bay near Sointula, the Salmon River Estuary near Sayward, Storey's Beach in Port Hardy, the Ecological Park near Alert Bay, and the Zeballos Estuary. Other land mammals include black-tailed deer, timber wolves, and cougars.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Tofino (population about 2,000), reigns as jewel of Canada's west coast. The stunning beauty and ecological diversity of Tofino's location in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the source of all activities. Imagine, all in one place, fishing, surfing, kayaking, whale-watching, bear-watching, bird-watching, camping, hiking, storm-watching and First Nations cultural touring.
For all this glamour, Tofino remains the rough-and-tumble frontier town it has always been, easygoing, outgoing, enterprising, unpretentious and resolutely friendly. Yet it also boasts swank beachfront resorts, excellent restaurants and a dynamic arts scene rooted in nature and First Nations culture. Welcome to the end of the road.
Hiking
The staggering coastal and rainforest beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve ensures Tofino's place as one of BC's most deeply rewarding hiking destinations. From the sandy arc of Chesterman Beach to the Big Trail through Meares Island rainforest, bring a pair of feet, good hiking boots, a camera and a billowing sense of wonder.
First Nations Culture
Those who dwell on this edge of the continent are intimately and irrevocably tied to the ocean. The Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation has been fishing for salmon, cod, halibut and shellfish for as long as 10,000 years. They hunted sea lions, seals and whales. Their arts, stories, songs and culture have survived and are lately undergoing a powerful resurgence.
Whale Watching
Our species comes to gawk and experience wonder. The days are gone when whales were slaughtered to the edge of extinction and turned into shoe polish, corset frames and whale steaks. Although March and April are the Grey Whale months in Tofino, whale watching is available most of the year because of lingering pods of Greys, growing numbers of Humpback whales and Resident Orca whales. Whale watching has never been more accessible. Choose between inflatable zodiacs and 19.5m/65ft cruisers.
Kayaking
Kayakers are roaming the seas from the Galapagos Islands to Norwegian Fiords, from Mexico's Sea of Cortes to Vietnam's Halong Bay, but there's no beating the kayaking experience of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound. Part of its wonder is that it ties in to other wilderness experiences such as visits to Hot Springs Cove, whale watching, camping, fishing, beachcombing, bird-watching and photography. Kayaking brings undulating coastlines rife with discovery, misted bays, secret coves, whales, wildlife and First Nations cultural touring.
Fishing
From May through Oct, the waters off Tofino represent some of the finest saltwater fishing grounds in the world. Welcome to the realm of Chinook, coho, sockeye and pink salmons, Pacific halibut, ling cod, snapper, Dungeness crab and other fish congregating in the feeding grounds of Clayoquot Sound. Freshwater anglers have pristine Clayoquot rivers and streams all to themselves.
Surfing
Welcome to the surfing capital of Canada and to 35km/21.74mi of magnificently surfable beaches. Around Tofino, waves build up steam without interruption, from Japan. Brave a cool, constant water temperature of 10°C/50°F. Or a winter that boasts some of the most dynamic surfing ever seen, with boarders performing like stars of Cirque du Soleil.
Boarders from total novices to veteran waveriders find their nirvana in Tofino. Surfing is a culture hereabouts. The incomparable setting of ocean roaring in towards the mountains suggests the epic. Tofino life is laid-back, unmindful of tomorrow, reverent in its elopement with nature. People who arrive in Tofino for other reasons often wind up on a surf board.
Wetsuits, booties, gloves and a hood are essential gear. Tofino's many surf shops rent equipment, advice on weather conditions and different beaches. Where is that epic wave, the one that lives in the soul for a lifetime? Tofino has at least five surf schools that address surfers of all ages and levels of expertise.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Ucluelet is one of only a few population centres on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Its name means "safe landing place" in the language of the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have lived here for at least 4,300 years.
Pronounce it "Yew-Kloo-Let." In the language of the Aboriginal Nuu-chah-nulth, it means "safe harbour." The unpretentious, outgoing people who live here call it "Ukee" and visitors are invited to do the same. That's the sort of easygoing place Ukee is. Ukee folk like to chat to strangers, walk them to their destinations, show them where to eat and introduce local legends like Oyster Jim, prime mover in creating the Wild Pacific Trail.
They're also happy to help visitors choose their passions from Ukee's incredible selection of things to do. Hard to believe a small village can offer so many big experiences. Will that be whale-watching, bear-watching, bird-watching, fishing, surfing, hiking, biking, ocean kayaking, zip lining or delicious Ukee dining and a sunset cruise?
Ucluelet (population 1487) shares the scenic Ucluth Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island with the internationally renowned resort of Tofino. For years, "Ukee" endured the reputation of Tofino's little sister. Not any more: its abundance of natural grandeur, outdoor adventure and refreshing affordability means that it's unique wilderness haven in its own right.
Immediately south of Ucluelet is Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands, a hundred small islands offering the wild coastal experience in relatively calm, sheltered waters. The comprehensive tour is Archipelago Cruises' full-day sail encompassing scenic cruising and wildlife watching for whales, bears, sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters and bald eagles in the ultra-comfortable, 23-passenger Rainforest Maiden.
Ucluelet provides a perfect base for exploring the west coast of the West Coast. Pacific Rim National Park is one of the most stunning national parks in Canada, an otherworldly realm of misty rainforests, ancient cedars and 20km/12.4mi of postcard beaches. Immediately accessible in Ukee is the Wild Pacific Trail, a gentle walk that delivers 8.5km/5.3mi of eye-popping coastal panoramas to hikers. The West Coast Trail is strictly for the rugged wilderness trekkers - 75km/46.5mi of challenge that can take up to eight days to complete.
Be sure to drop in on Ukee's Mini Aquarium for a big experience in a small space. Surprise is the order of the day as outsiders go eye-to-eye and finger-to-finger with local marine life.
Ucluelet's wilderness experience comes balanced with a surprising variety of foodie treats from crackling-good fish-and-chips from the Jigger's van - to marvellous salmon pie at Ukee Dogs. Well-heeled gourmands may gravitate towards Norwood's or the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort's Fetch restaurant for local seafood with international accents.
Ucluelet shopping is surprising sophisticated for a village. Shop for unique amber jewellery and Murano glass at the shockingly affordable Rubio at the Whisky Dock Landing complex. Also at the Landing, don't miss authentic First Nations jewellery and carvings at the Cedar House Gallery.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria boasts many historic buildings and some of the most fascinating museums in Western Canada. The city benefits from one of Canada's mildest climates, which allows its residents to pursue outdoor pleasures all year round.
Victoria enjoys some of the country's most exhilarating scenery: there's an ocean or mountain vista around every corner, while the city's flower gardens are famous the world over. Whether your taste runs to golfing, hiking, biking and fishing or you're more the shopping, dining and theatre type, there are no end of delights for you and your family in Victoria.
Established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson's Bay Company, Victoria's British ancestry is apparent in the double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, formal gardens, and tearooms. The city is now a cosmopolitan centre with a lively entertainment scene and a wonderful array of attractions.
Victoria also has another reason to be proud: it was ranked at number 16 of 100 Top World Destinations in the 2008 TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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