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Island |
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North (click
for more information)
Native
Culture
Exciting
Fishing
Excellent
Whale watching
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Central (click
for more information)
Great
Diving
Kayaking
Hiking
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West
Coast (click for more information)
Long
Beach
20,000
migrating gray whales
Wilderness
Adventures
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Gulf
Islands (click for more information)
Wonderful
craft and organic markets
Naturalists
and bird watching
Create
your own private paradise
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South (click
for more information)
Totem
poles and Native Culture
Salmon
fishing
Peaceful
retreat and plenty of freshwater activities
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Victoria (click
for more information)
Provincial
capital
Beautiful
flower gardens, tearooms and excellent shopping
Visit
castles, museums, and art galleries or take a horse
drawn carriage ride
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North
The north of the Island offers many opportunities to experience
communities rich in aboriginal culture. There are many good destinations
for fishing here as well. Visit some of our wilderness areas
and see some of the devastating effects that clear-cut logging
has had on our province. The departure point for the Inside Passage
is just outside Port Hardy. The best place to view orcas is in
the Telegraph Cove/Alert Bay area. Late summer and he fall is
the best time to see them as they are chasing the salmon that
are returning to the rivers to spawn. |
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Central
Welcome to the “Hub” of the Island! As well as
having a large and thriving community of artists, the central
region has excellent beaches, and some of the best diving that
BC has to offer. Port Alberni is the point of departure for the
M.V. Lady Rose to head for the seclusion of Bamfield. The quaint
city of Nanaimo, is the perfect home base for any trip, with
its beautiful walkway along the inner harbour, beautiful hiking
trails, and tranquil islands for kayaking or diving. What’s
more, in Nanaimo, you can snorkel with the seals! From here you
can take a day trip almost anywhere on the Island.! |
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West
Coast
A visit to the 'wild side' of the island is a must for any
adventurer! Check out Long Beach, ten kilometres (six miles)
of natural, unspoiled beach, which is perfect for beachcombing
or just watching the surfers. Tofino offers many 5 star accommodations
and restaurants to experience, as well as some incredible spas.
There are many interesting islands to visit, with some huge trees
and nearby you’ll find Hot Springs Cove. Watch as over
20 000 migrating grey whales pass close to shore in the spring
and again in the fall, on their way to and from Mexico for the
winter months. Take in the tiny town of Bamfield, in all its
tranquillity and natural charm. |
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Gulf
Islands
Six major islands make up this region: Gabriola, Salt Spring,
Galiano, Pender, Mayne and Saturna. Each has its own unique charm
and character and because the climate is mild, the islands are
great places to visit at any time of the year. Salt Spring Island
is famous for its wonderful market for crafts and organic foods.
Galiano Island is a haven for naturalists and birdwatchers, with
more than 130 species of birds, and many rare and protected plants.
Mayne Island is a small, quiet island with a colourful past.
Gabriola Island is known as ‘The Isle of the Arts. Known
as the ‘Friendly Islands,’ Pender is actually two
Islands joined together by a bridge. They have many hidden coves
and beaches. The most southerly of the Gulf Islands, and fairly
large in area, Saturna Island is a rural hideaway with abundant
wildlife, quiet roadways and a sparse population. There are no
camping facilities on the Island, but there are resort cabins
and several B&Bs.
These islands are quiet places that can take you to your own
private paradise. With lush green forests, miles of beaches full
of marine life, excellent kayaking, rolling meadows and rocky
shorelines, and views beyond most people's wildest dreams, it’s
easy to see why even the locals consider the Gulf Islands paradise! |
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South
Picturesque villages such as Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill,
Mill Bay, and Cowichan Bay welcome visitors with warm hospitality.
Duncan, the City of Totems, has totem poles lining the streets,
and is a wealth of aboriginal history and culture. Chemainus
features a huge outdoor art gallery of world-famous murals, and
the friendly community of Ladysmith is a place for fun and relaxation
by the ocean. The Lake Cowichan area is a paradise for vacationers
looking for a peaceful retreat and plenty of freshwater activities.
Sooke is known as one of the best locations on the island for
year-round salmon fishing. From the West Coast Road, you can
reach the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, as well as several other
stunning beaches, including French Beach, China Beach and Botanical
Beach. |
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Victoria
Victoria is the provincial capital and is best known for
its beautiful flower gardens, tea-rooms, and excellent shopping.
The inner harbour is one of the most romantic scenes in Victoria.
It is alive with marine traffic during the day, at night the
lights of the Parliament Buildings are reflected in the calm
water. Here, you can visit whimsical castles, stately houses,
museums, and art galleries, or you can ride around the city centre
in a horse-drawn carriage. |
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