Exploring Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Qualicum Beach captured our attention when wePark. Lighthouse Park is another attraction where, on a
were there. Strolling along the seaside promenade weslightly foggy day, you may hear the lighthouse
had views of Lasqueti and Texada Islands and thewarning boaters to be aware of the rocky and
snowcapped peaks of mountains on the mainland intreacherous shoreline. The rugged shoreline, as seen
the distance. Qualicum has a strong belief in heritagefrom the walking trails, is typical of much of B.C.'s
preservation and their antique shops, galleries and thecoastline. During winter storms the breakers can be as
museum are definitely worth a stop.high as 20 feet. Ucluelet is popular for whale watching
Campbell River, another seaside town, is known asexpeditions and each spring celebrates the migration
Canada's Salmon Fishing Capital. On a visit to theof 20,000 gray whales.
Marina, this came as no surprise; from the pier weLong Beach has a quite different shoreline with miles
saw masses of masts. Campbell River is alsoof sweeping white sand. When we were there, the
acknowledged as one of the top five scuba divingsurf was high and surfers were enjoying the
destinations in the world because of its exceptionalexcitement of catching a wave. There are many
under-water visibility, diversity of sea life and wreckwarnings to surfers and others to never turn your
sites.back on the ocean and to be especially careful around
"As Wild as You Like!" is a Campbell River slogan.water's edge.
Between skiing Mount Washington and diving the StraitWe also stopped at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park
of Georgia, this appears to be an apt slogan. Therelocated at Cameron Lake. The park is a preserved
are trails meandering through lush forests that aresection of lush old-growth forest; many trees are 800
worth exploring where the sounds of wildlife are aor more years old. Walking among these giants, we
song in your ear. From the beach, we watched cruisemarveled at the beauty, endurance, resiliency and
ships, freighters, barges, sailboats, yachts and the ferrypower of nature.
to Quadra Island travel through Discovery Passage.Victoria, B.C.'s capital, known as the City of Gardens, is
There is a Maritime Museum with a collection of morea perfect place to visit any time of the year. Butchard
than 500 artifacts, some dating back 2,000 years.Gardens is a particularly beautiful place to tour as are
There is also the John Hart Dam operating at upperthe Parliament Buildings.
Campbell Lake that is worth visiting.We took time to explore the Inner Harbour, Old Town,
Traveling the road to Gold River is also well worth theChinatown, James Bay, Fisherman's Wharf and
effort. It is considered 'The Cave Capital of Canada'.Beacon Hill Park, all within Victoria's downtown core.
Upana Caves are particularly accessible and safe forThis can be done either on foot, by double-decker bus,
novices who enjoy the sport of spelunking. There arehorse-drawn carriage or boat tours. Victoria is home to
also many more miles of caves to be found in theseveral exceptional museums and heritage buildings.
area for both the novice and the moreOther attractions include the Undersea Gardens, the
adventuresome.Wax Museum, the Butterfly Garden, Craigdarroch
The West Coast Trail follows the contours of theCastle, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, Canada's
rugged west coast of Vancouver Island and is one offirst west coast lighthouse.
Ucluelet's main attractions. Rainforests meet pristineThere are many other great places to visit on
beaches and there is a panoramic view of BarkleyVancouver Island but a real exploration of this
Sound and the Broken Islands of Pacific Rim Nationalinteresting island could take a very long time.