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is British Columbia, visitors should take a trip to
Vancouver Island to experience for themselves the
mist-filled fjords, wind and wave swept pristine
beaches, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife.
Access is an easy 30 mile ferry trip from West
Vancouver to Nanaimo, or from Tsawwassen near the
US border to Victoria or Nanaimo, from Powell River
up the Sunshine Coast north of Vancouver to Comox,
or from Port Angeles, WA to downtown Victoria and
Anacortes, WA to Sidney. BC Ferries also operates
from Prince Rupert south to Port Hardy.
Vancouver Island was recently named the #1
island in Continental US and Canada. The largest
North American island in the Pacific Ocean and one
of 6,000 islands in British Columbia, it stretches for photo by:
460 km (285 miles) off the west coast of mainland VC TRAVEL GUIDE
British Columbia. Vancouver Island encompasses one
of the world’s most diverse ecosystems: Rainforests,
marshland, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, fine marine and freshwater fishing and ecotourism and eco-tourism hub. Venture into Strathcona
rivers, and lakes create habitats for multitudes of activities such as hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and Provincial Park, where the mountains draw climbers,
wildlife species. The region is one of the world’s mountain biking lure visitors from around the world. heli-skiers, and other enthusiasts from around the
premier locations for whale watching, birding, salmon Enjoy great food and peaceful accommodations, world. Continue into remote reaches of north or west
and trout fishing. Much of the island is protected exciting art galleries, museums and live performance, Vancouver Island, or head offshore to the Discovery
parkland, containing many areas of old-growth fir a ride on a steam train, and endless outdoor pursuits. Islands region for whale watching, kayaking, and
and cedar forests. Vancouver Island is bisected by the unparalleled wilderness opportunities. Tours, day
Beaufort Mountain Range, home to one of Canada’s HWY 19 ON NORTHERN trips, workshops, cultural events, and family activities
biggest all-natural ski bases. Highway 19 traverses VANCOUVER ISLAND focus on whales, salmon, marine animals, the bears,
coast and forest between Nanaimo and Port Hardy, and bald eagles that come to feast on salmon. Local
at the northern end of the island, passing through the restaurants excel at fresh-caught fish and shellfish.
communities of Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, and Port Campbell River Visitors also enjoy a busy arts and cultural scene with
McNeill. Location: On Hwy 19, east coast of central community theatre, public art gallery, many local
Whale watchers regularly sight Orcas, humpbacks, Vancouver Island at the south end of Discovery shops featuring First Nations’ artwork, the Museum
greys and minkes. A small pod of Orcas live in the Passage. Population: 31,000. Visitor at Campbell River, and the Maritime Heritage Centre.
waters around southern Vancouver Island while Information: www.campbellrivertourism.com Other highlights include Canada’s first saltwater
the northeast coast is home to about 285 Orcas. fishing pier, award-winning seaside promenade,
Some 20,000 Pacific grey whales make their annual Long known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Quinsam salmon hatchery, and the Discovery Passage
migration along Vancouver Island’s west coast and Campbell River is also recognized as an adventure Aquarium.
there’s even a whale festival to celebrate their journey.
Check out popular Vancouver Island whale-watching
tours in Tofino, Ucluelet, Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay,
Port McNeill and Campbell River, Victoria, or the
southern Gulf Islands.
Victoria
Location: Situated at the southern tip of
Vancouver Island, Victoria is easily accessed
from mainland BC and Washington State by
ferry, cruise ship and numerous airlines. The
Visitor Information Centre is located at 812
Wharf Street; Phone: (800) 663-3883.
The Pacific Northwest’s oldest city, Victoria bursts
with Old World charm and a full palette of non-stop
entertainment, hosting a nightlife that is among the
world’s most exciting. The capital city presents year-
round outdoor adventure, from ziplining through the
temperate rainforest to moonlit kayaking. Victoria
enjoys a spectacular setting amid beautiful beaches
where the richly populated waters are home to three
pods of resident orcas, as well as gray, humpback and
minke whales.
From the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria located
in an historic mansion, to the three branches of the
Winchester Galleries specializing in original historical
Port Alberni
Location: On Hwy 4 west of Nanaimo at the
head of Alberni Inlet, a long arm of the Pacific
Ocean coming in from the west side of the island.
Population: 18,000. Visitor Information: City of
Port Alberni, Website: www.portalberni.ca.
Known as the heart of Vancouver Island, Port
Alberni has reinvented itself from an 1800s sawmill
town and administrative center, into a world-class
tourism destination. The natural beauty of the area,
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