Vancouver Island

There is so much to see and do on Vancouver Island, I could fill pages. Every part of the island has its own charm and so its just to hard to point out where to start. The breathtaking nature, the abundant wildlife and the many things to discover from the wild North to the almost mediterranean summers in the south of the island. You cannot see it all in one holiday, so you will have to come back to see more. The easiest way to find out what to visit and see in a specific area of Vancouver Island is visiting a tourist office and ask for the local attractions. Also there are a lot of festivals and events during the summertime. So don't forget to ask for an events calendar!

Some attractions and points of interest we like to point out are:

Telegraph Cove:
Campground and vacation resort near Port Mc Neill on North Vancouver Island - known for the Whale  and Wildlife Watching excursion starting there.

Alert Bay on Cormorant Island:
can be reached by ferry from Port McNeill. Cormorant Island is home to the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation and bears a lot of tribal history. Within the U'Mista museum and gathering house you can learn a lot about the Kwakwaka'wakw history in British Columbia and see old masks used at ancient potlatches. Near the schoolhouse–you find the worlds largest totem pole. The island also has various nature trails to discover and some of the beaches are  said to be frequented by Orca to rub on the gravel.

Discovery Pier, Campbell River:
this is where the cruise ships to Alaska enter or leave the Narrows and so it is a perfect spot to see this large ships close up from May to October. You can find the schedule when the ships pass within the local newspapers. And: the kiosk on the pier is famous for their tasty ice cream! Beware ... the ice cream scoops are enormous"!

The Campbell River:
is spawning ground for salmons and has been remodeled to their comfort. Every late summer a "swim with salmons" event is held at the Campbell River.

Comox Air Force Museum:
At the entrance of the Comox Air Base, next to the civil Comox airport (YQQ) you find a small but well stocked Air orce Museum. From historic gear to airmen clothing, a lot of interesting exponents are on display. A bit down the road to the airport you can find an outdoor display of various historic aircrafts.

Coombs:
is a small village close to Parksville on route 4A. Well known for its country market and shops a lot of locals and tourists visit the market with its "goats on the roof".  In Coombs you can also find the World Parrot Refuge - a shelter for all kind of parrots. Don't forget your earplugs when entering the part with the Amazonian parrots. Another interesting stop in Coombs is the Butterfly Gardens close to the route 4 crossing.

Errington:
also close to Parksville, is home to the "Wildlife Recovery Center" where ailing wild animals find medical help and shelter to recover. A variety of vultures, small animals and even a black bear live here until theiy are fit to be released into their natural habitat.

Cathedral Groove aka Mc Millan Park:
is located on Route 4 between Parksville and Port Alberni. Monumental and impressing Douglas Fir and Red Cedar Trees rise high up into the sky. Walking trails lead around the park and at times park rangers are present to explain about the history of the park.

Long Beach:
between Tofino and Ucluelet is surfers summer paradise. Endless beaches attract surfer from everywhere during spring, summer and fall season to enjoy the great surfing on Long Beach. But also non-surfer will enjoy walks along the beach and the impressive panoramic views out onto the Pacific.

Ucluelet:
Little Beach, the Wild Pacific Trail, the lighthouse on Coastguard Road and the idyllic  and tranquil ambience imake Ucluelet a perfect holiday location on the Pacific Rim.

Tofino:
the most famous village on the Pacific Rim. The main outdoor activities are hiking, boating, fishing and surfing. Whale watching and Wildlife Viewing tours are offered. One of the places you should visit around Tofino are the "Hot Springs". 

Chemainus:
known for its large murals recounting the village history and stories of the first settlers on Vancouver Island. For a roundwalk please follow the yellow footprints on the walkways around town. At times during the summer season inpromptu concerts of various local artists take place in the small park next to the parking lot midvillage.

Duncan:
Discovery Forest – gives you an insight on the logging and railway history on Vancouver Island. You can take a trainride around the park or walk through the forest and visit the various historic buildings. Every Saturday, a small fleemarket is held in the parking lot of the Discovery Forest.

Duncan:
a walk around town will doubtlessly show you why Duncan is called "The City of Totems". Everywhere you go within the town center you will find poles in various sizes. Small descriptions will tell you the history of each particuklar pole and the story it tells. You should also visit the Quw'utsun Cultural and Conference Center next to the River. You can take guided tours, visit the museum and try food prepared by the Cowichan People.

Cowichan Lake:
take your time for a scenic drive around Cowichan Lake. With a little luck you will also spot some wildlife along the way. During the summer season you can also take the Scenic Route to Port Renfrew from the south side of the lake. Be aware that the round trip Cowichan Lake - Port Renfrew - Sooke - Duncan will take about 4-5 hours!

Goldstream Park:
is located on the south end of the Malahat Drive, Goldstream Park is a favorite Recreation and BBQ area for locals. Take a walk on the nature trail and enjoy the rainforest.

View Points along the Malahat Drive.
there are 2 View Points along the Malahat Drive offering breathtaking views over the south tip of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Please note that you can access these view points only when driving northwarts from Victoria to Duncan. Left turns and U-turns are absolutely illegal and very dangerous. So, please, when you are driving south and you like to stop at these view points drive on until you find the next posibility to turn around legally and without putting yourself and other drivers in danger!

Butchard Gardens:
is located between Victoria and Swartz Bay and you should plan a full day when visiting Butchard Gardens! The Butchard Garden area consists of various differently themed Gardens, such a a Rose Garden, a Japanese  Garden, etc ... The beautiful Butchard Gardens are world famous and will enchant you. Our tipp: during summer season, on every Saturday night fireworks are shown. So, don't forget to bring your picknick blanket. The fireworks start around 10 pm and the duration is about an hour. Before the fireworks start you can attend one of the concerts on the concert grounds starting around 7 pm.

Royal BC Museum & IMAX in Victoria:
is a Museum your kids will love. There is so much to see, experience and try out! History to discover and relive. Changing expositions and sometimes even a storyteller. This museum is a Must See! It also hosts the Victoria IMAX theater , so if you got some time left, enjoy one of the 3D movies shown there.

Inner Harbour, Victoria:
the beautiful town center of British Columbia's Capitol town Victoria invites you to take a walk along Inner Harbour. See the ferries to the USA arrive and depart, watch the float planes  land, buy a souvenir at one of the stands along the quay or just sit on one of the terraces of the various cafés and restaurants and enjoy the summer sunshine. Historical buildings like the Parliament of BC and also the Empress Hotel are worth visiting. If you don't want to walk, you can take a guided tour on a bus or enjoy an individual tour around town in a horse carriage.

Chinatown, Victoria:
is one of the oldest China Towns in North America. Its smaller than Vancouver's China Town but very nice and worth visiting.