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South
Island (Victoria & Region)
The perfect combination of elegant sophistication and rural charm,
the South Island region is home to Victoria,
British Columbia’s capital city, was ranked second place
in a readers’ poll by Travel and Leisure Magazine of the
Top Cities in North America. South Island’s smaller centers
include Sidney, a little resort town known for beautiful marinas
and ocean views, and Sooke, a bustling community with a strong
spirit and great fishing. The West Coast Road (Hwy 14) leads
the way to the rugged splendour of West Coast beaches such as
French Beach, China Beach, and Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew,
as well as the hiking challenges of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
Attractions & Activities:
West
Coast-Pacific Rim (Tofino & Long Beach)
The Pacific Rim region of Vancouver Island is renowned for pristine
beaches, whale watching, wilderness camping and hiking, incredible
fishing, and awesome winter storms. From the crashing waves and
surf-swept shores of Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park
Reserve to the dense, old-growth forests of Clayoquot Sound,
this amazing region astounds and delights hundreds of thousands
of visitors each year.
Long Beach is located between the villages of Tofino and Ucluelet,
the Long Beach unit is the most accessible and most developed
component of the Pacific Rim National Park and is open year-round.
Named for its 12-mile stretch of surf-swept sand, Long Beach
offers outstanding beach hiking and much more.
Port Alberni, the region’s lively commercial center, is
a saltwater fishing mecca and the ideal starting point for an
adventure. The charming villages of Bamfield, Ucluelet, and Tofino
are renowned for fishing, wildlife viewing, outdoor activities,
fine resorts and inns, and art galleries. Take a side trip to
Maquinna Provincial Park, accessible only by boat or floatplane.
From here, a pleasant half-hour stroll through lush, dense old-growth
rain forest leads to Hot Springs Cove - here you will find a
series of enticing natural rock pools, perfect for a rejuvenating
soak!
Attractions & Activities:
Kayaking - Ucluelet & the
Broken Islands,
Storm Watching
North
Island
A year-round outdoor adventure paradise, the rugged North Island
region of Vancouver Island offers a wealth of recreation opportunities
and is famous worldwide for great fishing in spectacular settings.
North Island’s small, cozy communities are known for warm
hospitality and friendliness. Alert Bay, on Cormorant Island,
and Sointula, on Malcolm Island, are just offshore from Port
McNeill and have great fishing and fascinating histories. Port
Hardy, the largest North Island center, is the starting point
for and exciting choice of adventures. Teeming with wildlife,
the North Island provides rewarding opportunities for nature
enthusiasts and photographers.
North
Central
The North Central region is a large area that includes portions
of both the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island. The Comox
Valley, made up of Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and Denman and
Hornby Islands, offers a unique blend of alpine-to-ocean experiences,
from the high-alpine recreation areas of Mt. Washington and Forbidden
Plateau to the many sandy beaches, visitors will find endless
recreation opportunities. Campbell River is a wealth of outdoor
adventures from golf to world-renowned scuba diving, fishing
to scenic flight-seeing. The Nootka Sound area includes Gold
River and Tahsis where fishing, caving, diving, and boating are
popular activities.
Attractions & Activities:
North Central Vancouver Island
Comox Valley
Central Island
Vancouver Island’s Central region is a perfect place for
family fun. Sandy beaches, warm ocean temperatures, tranquil
lakes, fabulous fresh and salt water fishing, and exceptional
golf courses make this region a wonderful year-round holiday
destination. Nanaimo, the Island’s second largest city,
is a fun-filled, energetic center with a lovely harbour and glorious
parks. North of Nanaimo, the Oceanside region stretches from
the waterfront resort community of Nanoose Bay, to the beautiful
coastlines and views of Lighthouse Country. The Parksville and
Qualicum Beach area is a paradise of golf courses and endless
stretches of gorgeous beach, perfect for swimming and beachcombing.
Attractions & Activities:
Central Island - Nanaimo Region
South
Central
Rolling green landscapes of hills and valleys, forests and farmland,
sparkling lakes and crystal-clear rivers characterize this lush
region that extends from the Malahat section of Highway 1 in
the south to Ladysmith in the north. Picturesque villages like
Cowichan Bay welcome visitors with their captivating history
and warm hospitality. Duncan offers a wealth of Native culture,
while Chemainus is an outdoor art gallery of world-famous murals.
The friendly communities of Ladysmith and Crofton offer fun and
relaxation, and the Cowichan Lake District is the gateway to
the Carmanah Valley and some of the most spectacular back country
hiking and camping on Vancouver Island.
Attractions & Activities:
South Island - Cowichan Valley
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British Columbia