Don't Miss The Boat
Take a cruise through Nootka Sound, from Gold River to Tahsis,
on Uchuck III, a small passenger-only ferry that's a converted
minesweeper. You'll stop at Yuquot (Friendly Cove), where Captain
Cook first met the Mowachaht people. There are site tours as
well as great kayaking in the Sound.
On The Trail
If you want a taste of a Pacific trek, but you don't have time
(or endurance) for the West Coast Trail, try the Juan de Fuca
Marine Trail. It's 47 kilometres (29 miles) long from China Beach
to Botanical Beach, with forest and beach trails and lots of
wildlife and sealife viewing to be had. Multiple access points
off Highway 14, west of Victoria, make it ideal for short day
hikes.
Coal Miner's Daughter Tour
For those who've seen Victoria's Craigdarroch Castle where coal
barron Robert Dunsmuir lived, come see where the coal miners
worked. In Cumberland, the heart of Vancouver Island's east coast
coal field, you'll find heritage buildings and the remains of
what was once one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
Ready To Get Down?
Go underground and explore the Horne Lake Caves near Qualicum
Bay, Upana Caves near Gold River or Little Huson Cave Regional
Park near Zeballos.
How To Get To Paradise
Paradise Meadows, that is. These beautiful alpine meadows with
boardwalk trails are part of Strathcona Provincial Park and are
easily accessible from Mt. Washington Alpine Resort. To get a
spectacular view of Golden Hinde, the Island's highest mountain,
and the Strait of Georgia, just take a summer chairlift to the
top of Mt. Washington.
Wineries On An Island?
You bet! Vancouver Island has 11 wineries and the only B.C. cidery.
Saturna Island also has a winery as well. Tours and tastings
are available, some by appointment. With the wineries, farmers'
markets, and fabulous seafood restaurants, the islands are a
gourmet's paradise.
Back to Vancouver Island vacations |
British Columbia