BAMFIELD: This
out-of-the-way salmon fishing centre is on the southeast side of Barclay Sound. During the
summer, sports fishermen use it as a base to fish Barclay Sound and Alberni Inlet. Many
others come to hike, scuba dive and canoe
CHEMAINUS: Located on Stuart
Channel, just east of Hwy. 1, 78km (46.5mi) north of Victoria is Chemainus. Local artists
have make it "Canada's largest outdoor art gallery". The 32 large murals,
painted on downtown walls, depicting the history of the area, are more than just a local
attraction. It's said that over 250,000 people from far and wide come to see these murals.
DUNCAN: The "City of
Totems" is a major business centre for the farming and forestry industries of the
Cowichan Valley. Duncan is 60 km (37 mi.) north of Victoria on Highway 1. The lakes and
rivers surrounding Duncan offer good freshwater fishing, canoeing and boating, while the
surrounding countryside is a haven for hikers, bikers, photographers and sightseers.
GULF ISLANDS: Idyllic in
landscape, rustic in character, the Gulf Islands bask in a mild climate and pastoral
tranquility. Almost 200 islands of all shapes and sizes lie tucked against the
southeastern shore of Vancouver Island with only the invisible international boundary
dividing them from the San Juan Islands in US waters. The charming island communities
offering a variety of services and accommodations. A must see for every BC visitor.
LADYSMITH; Ladysmith is 85km
(53mi) north of Victoria on Hwy 1. The downtown features restored heritage buildings, art
galleries, gift and antique shops. Take a walk along the natural deep harbour where you
can enjoy fishing, swimming or just relaxing.
LAKE COWICHAN: North of Duncan,
take Hwy 18 to Lake Cowichan. Around Lake Cowichan's shore is a network of nature walks.
The Cowichan Valley Demonstration Forest , located along the lake, on Hwy 18, provides an
outdoor classroom of forest management. Take your camera and prepare for some picture
postcard scenery.
NANAIMO: Nanaimo, known as the
Harbour City, is Vancouver Island's second largest city. For the outdoor enthusiast, the
area in and around Nanaimo offers hiking trails, a nature centre, bird sanctuary and
picnic and swimming sites plus great fishing opportunities. Nanaimo is 26 km (16 mi.)
north of Ladysmith or 110 km (68 mi.) north of Victoria on Highway 1. It is served by BC
Ferries from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver); a crossing time of 1 hour and 35 minutes and from
Tsawwassen it takes two hours.
PARKSVILLE: Parksville is
located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 37 km (23 mi.) north of Nanaimo, on Highway
19 or 144 km (89 mi.) north of Victoria. Whether it is for camping, hiking, fishing,
playing on the beach or exploring the natural wonders of the area, Parksville has
something to offer everyone
PORT ALBERNI: Port Alberni is 50
km (31 mi.) west of Parksville or 121 km (121 mi.) northwest of Victoria on Highway 4.
With the increased popularity of Pacific Rim National Park, Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds,
and the incredible sports fishing available, more and more visitors are using their
vacations in Port Alberni take day trips to a variety of West Coast locations.
PORT RENFREW: To get to the west
side of Vancouver Island, from Victoria, take Hwy 14 to Sooke and then northwest to the
end of the road, which is at Port Renfrew. This small quaint settlement is located at the
mouth of the San Juan River and Port San Juan. Port Renfrew is the southeast end of the
Pacific Rim National Park's West Coast Trail.
QUALICUM BEACH: Facing the
Strait of Georgia, its on Hwy 19 (the Island Highway) and is only 10km (6mi) north of
Parksville. This pleasant village is close to the beach, and along the way there are
quaint shops, galleries and restaurants. Fishing and golfing are popular activities in the
area.
SIDNEY: Sidney is located 25 km
(16 mi.) north of Victoria, on Highway 17. It is the terminus of the Washington State
Anacortes and San Juan Islands Ferry. Sidney offers the charm and character of a seaside
town complete with a wonderful variety of shops, museums and interesting outdoor
activities.
SOOKE: Located 34 km (21 mi.)
west of Victoria, on Highway 14, Sooke is a pleasant village on the southwest corner of
Vancouver Island, where visitors can explore its history, fish, and enjoy the outdoors. In
Sooke you can camp by the sea in one of the private or provincial campsites, stay in a
hotel/motel or enjoy a leisurely bed and breakfast.
TOFINO: Tofino, on the northern
boundary of Pacific Rim National Park is a relaxed, casual place; a place to get back to
nature. You can walk for hours along the beach and explore pathways that lead through the
rainforest to secret coves and beach caves. Tofino is 42 km (26 mi.) north of Ucluelet on
Highway 4, 130 km (81 mi.) west of Port Alberni and 337 km (209 mi.) northwest of
Victoria.
UCLUELET: Leaving Port Alberni,
Highway 4 travels west to climb around Sproat Lake through the stunning mountain scenery
of the Mackenzie Range and along Kennedy Lake to reach the west coast of Vancouver Island
and the communities of Ucluelet and Tofino.
