5 Things to Do in Vancouver Island Vancouver Island is often considered one of the most liveable cities in the world. It has also been considered one of North America’s most cosmopolitan cities thanks to thousands of people from across the globe who call this city home. It is not as cold as Ontario, nor as chaotic as Seattle. There are only mountains, wide streets, and clear blue skies. If you’re on the fence about visiting Vancouver, we list 5 reasons why this place must be included in your itinerary: Vancouverites are passionate about clean eating: No other city has adopted the farm to table eating culture as enthusiastically as Vancouver. Seafood, for example, is almost always sourced 10 miles from the city’s centre and wines from the Okanagan Valley. It is one of the few places in the country that focuses on food sustainability. Thanks to its cosmopolitan population, visitors can sample food from different cultures. In fact, you can sample a different cuisine every night and never get bored or broke! Camping on Vancouver Island is fun: During the summer months, you can hike one of the many trails along the Grouse Mountain or go camping on Vancouver Islands thanks to the many camping grounds like the Campbell Lake Recreation Site, Cape Scott, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, etc. Some campgrounds allow prior reservations, some are first come first serve. Make sure you check before going camping on Vancouver Island. A visit to Chinatown is a must: Chinatown in Vancouver Island is one of the second largest in North America and one of the very few places outside China to experience authentic Chinese culture. From dried lizards served on a stick and roasted ducks to dim sum, visitors can sample some amazing foods everyday. You can also visit a Chinese herbalist or take part in the many parades during the Chinese New Year. Wildlife watching: The best thing about Vancouver Island is the unspoiled nature. If you happen to visit during spring, don’t forget to watch some of the 20,000 grey whales that migrate from Mexico to the Bering Sea. It is the best place to watch some unique sea creatures, including orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, sea lions, otters, harbour porpoises, and seals. It is also home to some rare wildlife species including grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves, elk, etc.
Vancouver Island has a unique ecosystem: Unlike other parts of Canada, Vancouver Island has a temperate rainforest atmosphere. Some of the trees here are more than eight hundred years old and have survived massive forest fires. In fact, Stanley Park was named the number one park in the world by Trip Advisor in 2014. Resource Box: The Author loves camping in Vancouver Island and writes regularly to guide visitors looking to explore the area.