Category: Vancouver Island

Tofino is the end of the Trans-Canada Highway. You just can’t go further west without getting wet! According to Environment Canada the average ‘high’ temperature for the area in July is 18.5 ºC (65.3 F). The average rainfall for the month is 76.8 mm (3 in.). Bring a fleece and an umbrella! The town of Ucluelet (U-kloo-Let) takes its name from a First Nations’ phrase meaning “the people with a good landing place for canoes.”

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To reach Thetis Island, which is one of the least developed of the

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A petroglyph is an engraving or carving in stone found on coastal rock faces. Some carvings in British Columbia date back 3000 years. There is an Elasmosaur in Courtenay. This creature is a fossilized Cretaceous era marine reptile that was found along the Puntledge River.

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Qualicum Beach has many activities for both tourists and locals. These are just a few samples. Bard to Broadway The 2009 season will be B2B’s 10th year. Enjoy theatre under the big tent all summer. The company presents 4 plays continously all summer long. This is the 7th year of operation and the plays have been playing to sell out crowds since its inception. The Old School House Gallery and Art Centre The Old School House is a hot bed of the best of Vancouver Island art. In addtion to ever changing shows of the work of BC artists, there […]

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Port Hardy is at the end of Highway 19 and is 502 km (312 mi.) from Victoria. Not a day trip, but well worth the effort. Most Northwest First Nations celebrate special events by hosting a potlatch ceremony. European missionaries misunderstood it and so the potlatch was banned from 1884 to 1951. You can learn more at Alert Bay‘s U’Mista Cultural Centre.

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Traveller Facts – Oceanside Nanaimo has a population of over 70,000 and in the 1990s upgraded its downtown and harbour to reflect its focus on tourism. In 1999, Qualicum Beach boasted the most seniors of any community in BC, but don’t let that fool you; the town centre is unique and vibrant. Nanoose Bay is a beautiful quiet spot with retirement facilities, golfing, Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges and the Nanoose First Nation Reserve. Worth the detour from the main road.

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On the far side of Vancouver Island, looking out onto the Pacific lays Tofino – a true nature lover’s paradise. You can find activities for all ages on in the coastal community ranging from surfing lessons, to whale watching and kayaking to natural hot springs. In my experience, the most striking thing about Tofino was the unrelenting intimacy with the ocean, not matter how good of a swimmer you are. On both my trips to Tofino, I stayed right on the beach and spent most of my time in the ocean being tossed around in the waves. Chesterman Beach and […]

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Tofino is a small village located on the north end of Esowista Peninsula in spectacular Clayoquot (Tla-o-qui-aht by Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations) Sound on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The area can be reached by car via Highway 4, otherwise known as the Pacific Rim Highway. The journey is scenic and takes you through some wonderful scenery, make sure you have gas in the tank and are aware that you will be out of cell phone range for a good part of your trip out to the west coast. One other important tip, if the sign says SLOW DOWN, do […]

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In downtown Victoria many of the streets are predictably named after prominent historic figures – Douglas, Yates, Begbie, Blanshard – or obvious landmarks: Government St., Fort St. But every city also has at least a few curious street names and Greater Victoria is no different. If there is a “Cedar Hill Road”, where is “Cedar Hill”? Why would anyone name a short cul-de-sac “Long Gun Place”? What other city in the world has a “Foul Bay Road”? Cedar Hill is easily identified. It is located at the north end of Cedar Hill Road overlooking Cordova Bay with a commanding view, […]

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Oceanside is a group of fascinating and colourful communities with many of Vancouver Island‘s best beaches. This eastern region of Vancouver Island welcomes visitors from around the world who want to escape the crowds and sample the true spirit of Vancouver Island. The communities that make up this beautiful destination include Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose Bay, French Creek, Arrowsmith/Coombs and the Lighthouse Country (Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay and Bowser). The Parksville and Qualicum Beach region are best known for attractions such as: The warmest ocean swimming beaches north of California including Parksville, Qualicum, and Rathtrevor beaches The towering old growth […]

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