While planning a trip to British Columbia, Canada, many visitors neglect to include a Vancouver Island itinerary in their travels. Yes, it’s out of the way (you’ll need to access Vancouver Island by ferry or float plane from Vancouver, BC , Seattle, or the San Juan Islands), but visitors who make the trek are rewarded with what’s possibly the most beautiful “detour” in the Northern Hemisphere. This 12,000 square mile island is visually stunning and teaming with wildlife (and very few of the pesky human variety). Below, 20 reasons to see Vancouver Island, BC, in pictures.
1. Wide, wind-swept west coast beaches such as Chesterman Beach, Tofino, BC
2. More sea stars that you can count in one day in Tofino, BC
3. Kayak expeditions with Majestic Ocean Kayaking in Ucluelet, BC
4. Rain forest hiking on Meares Island, Tofino
5. Scenic BC Ferries ferry crossings like this one at Brentwood Bay, BC
6. Sunsets on MacKenzie Beach, Tofino
7. Seal and sea lion viewing with on a Tofino island sanctuary
8. The Straight of Georgia at evening high tide near Parksville, BC
9. Surfer-watching on Wickaninnish Beach, Tofino
10. Tide pooling in Tofino
11. Whale watching with Remote Passages in Tofino
12. Puffins floating on the sea near Tofino
13. Evening camp fires on MacKenzie Beach
14. Afternoon strolls through Butchart Gardens near Victoria, BC
15. Beach combing at Pacific Rim National Park, BC
16. MacKenzie Beach paddle boarding
17. Peaceful ferry crossings with WA State ferries
18. Float plane viewing in Nanaimo, BC
19. Island eating at Big Daddy’s Fish Fry in Tofino, BC
20. Swimming in the warm Straight of Georgia at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Parksville, BC
Have you been to Vancouver Island, BC? What was your favorite sight to see? What were your best Vancouver Island photos?
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Vancouver is such a beautiful place. It has something for everyone, and is full of adventure: http://www.travelandescape.ca/2012/07/aim-for-adventure-in-british-columbia/
Venturi-Schulze vineyard at Cobble Hill is my favorite spot, followed by Cowichen Bay (venturischulze.com)
Vancouver Island is also accessible by recreational boat – power or sail. Visit one of the marinas who participate in Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC program.
Pretty little town of Chemainus with its murals and waterwheel,
and Victoria harbour , well worth a visit.