2021
Re VANCOUVER ISLAND & THE GULF ISLANDS
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE
WHERE TO PLAY / WHAT TO SEE / WHERE TO STAY / WHAT TO EAT TIMESCOLONIST.COM
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EXPLORE YOUR LOCAL CANADIAN TIRE STORE
EVERYTHING YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF… • Bicycles & Accessories • Boating & Water Sports VICTORIA 855 Langford Parkway VICTORIA 1519 Admirals Rd VICTORIA 1610 Hillside Ave VICTORIA 801 Royal Oak Dr
• Camping, Hunting & Fishing Gear DUNCAN 2929 Green Rd NANAIMO 4585 Uplands Rd PARKSVILLE 822 Island Hwy COURTENAY 2801 Cliffe Ave
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• GPS • Golfing Equipment & Supplies CAMPBELL RIVER 1444 Island Hwy PORT ALBERNI 3550 Johnston Rd NORTH SAANICH 10300 McDonald Park Rd
FIRST NATIONS CULTURE: U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay houses the history of the potlatch and cultural artifacts of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, who have fought for decades for a return of their treasures from museums around the world.
CAPE SCOTT: From 1897 to 1907, the first white settlement attempt was made here by Danes, hoping to establish an ethnic community around Fisherman Bay. Today, little remains of the Danish settlement except the names — Nels Bight, Hansen Lagoon, Frederiksen Point — and a few fragile buildings and other man-made relics.
Vancouver Vancouver Island Island Driving Driving Times Times
VICTORIA VICTORIA TO: TO: SOOKE SOOKE SIDNEY SIDNEY DUNCAN DUNCAN NANAIMO NANAIMO PARKSVILLE PARKSVILLE PORT PORT ALBERNI ALBERNI COURTENAY COURTENAY CAMPBELL CAMPBELL RIVER RIVER TOFINO TOFINO PORT PORT HARDY HARDY
VICTORIA TO: SOOKE 1 hr SIDNEY 35 min DUNCAN 45 min NANAIMO 1 hr 30 min PARKSVILLE 2 hr PORT ALBERNI 2 hr 30 min COURTENAY 3 hr CAMPBELL RIVER 3 hr 30 min TOFINO 5 hr PORT HARDY 6 hr 30 min
Vancouver Island Driving Times 11 hr hr
35 35 min min 45 45 min min 11 hr hr 30 30 min min 22 hr hr 22 hr hr 30 30 min min 33 hr hr 33 hr hr 30 30 min min 55 hr hr 66 hr hr 30 30 min min
MOUNT WASHINGTON is Vancouver Island’s most popular family ski resort with yearround activities.
Oceanside route is Hwy between Parksville and Campbell River 19A North Island route is Hwy between Campbell River and Port Hardy
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Oceanside Oceansideroute routeisisHwy Hwybetween between Parksville Parksvilleand andCampbell CampbellRiver River 19A 19A
Distance Chart in kilometres North NorthIsland Islandroute routeisisHwy Hwybetween between 1km = 0.6 miles approx. Campbell CampbellRiver Riverand andPort PortHardy Hardy
19 19
BAMFIELD 246 CAMPBELL RIVER 217 191 CHEMAINUS
CLAYOQUOT SOUND: With beautiful deep fjords, countless islands and one of the last surviving areas of temperate rainforest, this is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
201 45 146 COURTENAY/COMOX 230 204 13
159 DUNCAN
281 136 294 GOLD RIVER 528 282 472 326 485 220 HOLBERG 337 91
336 310 113 265 106 400 591 JORDAN RIVER 202 176 17 131 28 266 457 134 LADYSMITH
SURFING: Long Beach provides the best surfing in all of Canada. Tofino is the epicentre, with 35 kilometres of beaches and a coast for year-round surfing. Surf shop, lessons and rentals. Jordan River near Sooke is another hot spot.
252 226 43 182 30 317 508 136 51 LAKE COWICHAN 179 153 37 108 51 243 435 157 23 73 NANAIMO 145 117 76 73 87 208 399 192 58 109 36 PARKSVILLE 95 151 122 106 135 242 433 241 107 157 84 50 PORT ALBERNI 495 248 439 293 452 187 97 558 424 475 402 366 400 PORT ALICE 484 238 428 282 441 176 50 547 413 464 391 355 389 53 PORT HARDY 445 198 389 243 402 137 88 508 374 425 352 316 350 54 44 PORT MCNEILL 375 349 152 304 145 440 630 36 173 175 196 232 280 597 586 574 PORT RENFREW
WEST COAST TRAIL: The 75-kilometre West Coast Trail is one of Canada’s most famous hiking trails. Known for fabulous coastal scenery and treacherous conditions, it follows the route of the telegraph lines laid in 1890 between the lighthouses.
140 107 84 62 97 197 388 203 69 120 47 11 45 355 344 305 242 QUALICUM BEACH 310 284 96 239 80 375 566 88 108 110 131 167 215 533 522 483 127 178 SIDNEY 305 279 88 234 75 370 561 31
103 105 126 162 210 527 517 478 70 172 57 SOOKE
403 157 347 202 360 66 286 466 332 383 309 274 308 253 242 203 506 263 441 436 TAHSIS 217 273 241 228 256 363 554 362 228 279 206 171 122 521 510 471 401 166 337 331 429 TOFINO 191 248 218 203 231 338 529 337 203 253 180 146 96 496 485 446 376 141 311 306 404 42 UCLUELET 290 264 70 219 60 355 546 68 88 90 111 147 195 512 502 463 107 158 26 37 421 316 291 VICTORIA 442 196 387 241 400 135 170 506 372 422 349 313 347 136 126 87 545 303 480 475 201 469 444 460 ZEBALLOS
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PACIFIC MARINE CIRCLE ROUTE: This coastto-coast circle journey, starting and ending in Victoria, covers 289 kilometres (179 miles) and offers panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca, Haro and Georgia straits as well as the Saanich Peninsula. See ancient trees, beautiful rivers and lakes and the quaint villages of Jordan River, Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan.
VANCOUVER ISLAND & THE GULF ISLANDS
CAMPING: Vancouver Island has thousands of camp sites in private parks as well as provincial and national sites. Take your pick from beautiful forested and waterfront sites. discovercamping.ca or pc.gc.ca/ en/voyage-travel/reserve to make reservations DIVING: Vancouver Island is one of the best cold-water diving destinations on earth and rated second only to the Red Sea for diversity of marine life and water clarity. There are hundreds of recognized dive sites around the Island and dozens of artificial reefs from sunken ships. artificialreefsocietybc.ca HIKING: Vancouver Island is a dream destination for hikers. Thousands of kilometres of remote and urban trails offer outstanding scenery, chances to view myriad wildlife and a solitude rarely found anywhere on earth.
MARINAS: British Columbia has more than 200 marinas along its coast, and about 160 welcome visiting boaters. Excellent websites to visit for contact information is ahoybc.com and discovervancouverisland.com FISHING: Enjoy some of the finest fishing in the world on Island rivers and lakes and up and down the coast. Try for steelhead, trout, halibut, cod and salmon. Separate licences for saltwater and freshwater fishing are required. Information: pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca and env.gov.bc.ca PROVINCIAL PARKS: With a rich combination of First Nations cultural heritage, natural geological splendour and recreation opportunities as diverse and remarkable as the landscape, B.C. Parks offers an adventure for every visitor. env.gov.bc.ca MOUNTAIN BIKING: The Island offers extensive networks of biking trails, with a diverse variety of mountain to coastal riding that ranges from steep and technical to smooth and easy. Victoria, Sooke, Duncan, Nanaimo, Cumberland, Campbell River and Hornby Island are just a few of the hotspots. mountainbikingbc.ca THE ALE TRAIL: More than 30 craft breweries dot the Island, from Victoria and Sooke to Tofino and Campbell River as well as the Gulf Islands. Victoria is called the “cradle” of the craft-beer revolution and is home to Spinnakers, Canada’s original brewpub which opened in 1984. bcaletrail.ca
Inside
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Getting Here
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First Nations Tourism
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Vancouver Island
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South Island
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Shop Like The Locals
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Cowichan Valley
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Island Ale Trail
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Central Island
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Pacific Rim
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North Central Island
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North Island
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ON THE COVER: The Malahat Skywalk is Vancouver Island’s newest attraction and provides breath-taking views of ocean, forests and coastlines. PHOTO: Malahat Skywalk/ Hamish Hamilton
VANCOUVER ISLAND & THE GULF ISLANDS
DAVE OBEE, Editor & Publisher 250.380.5201 dobee@timescolonist.com DARRON KLOSTER, Editor 250.380.5235 dkloster@timescolonist.com
CATHEDRAL GROVE: In MacMillan Provincial Park, a stand of towering Douglas firs includes several trees between 600 and 800 years old.
PETER BAILLIE, Advertising Director 250.380.5329 pbaillie@timescolonist.com STEPHANIE CONRAD, Advertising Sales 250-812-6046 sconrad@timescolonist.com PAUL WIEBE, Advertising Sales 250-514-0437 pwiebe@timescolonist.com BRIAN PERT, Graphic Designer bpert@timescolonist.com GORDON FALLER, Graphic Designer gfaller@timescolonist.com TROY NIXDORF, Graphic Designer tnixdorf@timescolonist.com Discover is on the Web at timescolonist.com – follow the links. Discover Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, published by the Times Colonist, is also distributed in the Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal and in Metro Vancouver and Greater Seattle.
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GETTING HERE
Come on over
By air and water, getting to Vancouver Island is part of the adventure
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ail with your vehicle, as a passenger aboard a tour bus or as a foot traveller via full-service ferry systems operating from the B.C. mainland and Washington State. Victoria is 107 kilometres (76 miles) southwest of Vancouver. The trip by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, takes about two hours each way from terminals on the Lower Mainland to Nanaimo and Greater VIctoria. By air, the trip is a 35 minute flight. Fly into international and regional airports at Victoria, Nanaimo and Comox by commercial airliners directly or on a connecting flight through Vancouver or Seattle. Or make the trip in memorable style aboard a Harbour Air floatplane or a Helijet helicopter soaring across the Salish Sea and Puget Sound.
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Water aerodromes with float-plane scheduled service are located in Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, Campbell River, Port Alberni and Tofino. Harbour Air flies into several locations around the Island. You can board at Harbour Air’s spectacular terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour and get just about anywhere aboard the company’s fleet of Twin Otter aircraft. B.C. Ferries provides vehicle and passenger ferry service between the mainland and Vancouver Island. They also provide year-round connections between various Island communities and the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, Haida Gwaii and mainland northern B.C. For comprehensive schedules and how to make reservations, see bcferries.com
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HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES
GETTING HERE
MAJOR ROUTES SWARTZ BAY, North Saanich / Victoria To and from Tsawwassen DEPARTURE BAY, Nanaimo To and from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. DUKE POINT, Nanaimo To and from Tsawwassen. PORT HARDY To and from Prince Rupert.
STAY SAFE, FOLLOW PROVINCIAL GUIDELINES For British Columbia’s response to COVID-19 and updated rules and restrictions regarding travel, please visit gov.bc.ca
MINOR ROUTES B.C. Ferries also operates sailings between: ■ Swartz Bay and Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island ■ Swartz Bay and the southern Gulf Islands – Mayne, Galiano, Pender, and Saturna ■ Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay ■ Crofton and Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring Island ■ Chemainus and Thetis/Penelakut Islands ■ Nanaimo and Gabriola Island ■ Buckley Bay and Denman/Hornby Islands ■ Comox and Powell River ■ Campbell River and Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island; ■ Quadra Island and Cortes Island; Port McNeill and Alert Bay and Sointula
DAILY FLIGHTS FROM CANADIAN AND U.S. AIRPORTS TO: Victoria (YYJ) Nanaimo (YCD) Comox (YQQ) SCHEDULED AND CHARTERED CONNECTIONS PROVIDE QUICK ACCESS TO MANY ISLAND COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING:
WASHINGTON STATE
Black Ball Ferry Line’s MV Coho connects Victoria’s Inner Harbour with Port Angeles. The passenger-only Victoria Clipper runs between Victoria and Seattle. Washington State Ferries offers a car ferry service between Sidney and Anacortes.
Duncan (DUQ) Qualicum Beach (XQU) Tofino/Long Beach (YAZ) Port Alberni (YPB) Campbell River (YBL) Alert Bay (YAL) Port Hardy (YZT)
PRIVATE VESSELS
Visit many of the communities along the 3,340 kilometres of coastline. Moor at a secure sport and enjoy a harbourside community, or at a private cove to enjoy a secluded beach.
Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Aerial view of homes, marina and ferry terminal in the city surrounded by Canadian Mountain Landscape during summer day.
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IF YOU GO
COVID 19: Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents are being allowed into Canada as of Aug. 9, joined by the rest of the world on Sept. 7. The 14-day quarantine requirement will be waived beginning the second week of August for eligible travellers who are currently residing in the United States and have received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada. Children under 12 who are accompanied by fully vaccinated and eligible family members will also be exempt from quarantine, provided they wear a mask in public places and avoid indoor group settings.
All travellers will still be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result and proof of vaccination prior to arrival by way of the ArriveCAN smartphone app or web portal, but post-travel test results will no longer be necessary. Canada Border Services Agency officials will also be subjecting random travellers to a mandatory molecular test upon arrival.
TRAVEL SAVVY
PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Visitors from countries outside of Canada must have a valid passports and, in some cases visas. For the most up to date information, see U.S. Customs and the Canada Border Service Agency websites. CUSTOMS: People entering Canada must complete a Canada Customs declaration form. You may bring into Canada 40 ounces of liquor, 45 ounces of wine and 288 ounces of beer. You may also bring in up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and seven ounces of tobacco. Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise: Victoria downtown branch: 400-1321 Blanshard St. Victoria International Airport: 201-1321 Electra Blvd. Sidney; Canada Customs airport office 250-363-6644. For more info, visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca CURRENCY: British Columbia uses Canadian currency. Most businesses offer exchange rates for U.S. dollars and there are currency exchange businesses and banks who offer rates on several currencies. TAXES: A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% and a provincial sales tax of 7% apply to most products and services in the province. There are also additional taxes on short-term accommodation that is applied to the prices of hotels and lodging B.C. LIQUOR REGULATIONS: The legal age to buy and consume liquor in British Columbia is 19. Two pieces of identification are usually required. B.C. CANNABIS REGULATIONS: Recreational cannabis use became legal in Canada on Oct. 17, 2018. You must be 19 years or older to buy, use, possess, or grow non-medical cannabis in B.C. Non-medical cannabis is sold exclusively at government-run stores, licensed private retailers and the B.C. government’s online store. It is illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s national borders, whether you are entering or leaving Canada.
HELIJET
B.C. FERRIES
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FIRST NATIONS TOURISM
Rhythms of nature Indigenous tourism, the heartbeat of Vancouver Island
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here are three main First Nations groups on Vancouver Island — the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish — and all base their ways of life on the rhythms of nature and the measured bounties of land and sea. Within the groups are various First Nations with unique cultures, governments and businesses, many of which cater to tourism in their traditional territories. They share their deep, respectful relationship with the bountiful ocean and temperate rainforests. There are hotels, whale and wildlife watching tours, cultural exhibits, totems and carving displays. Enjoy salmon cooked on an open cedar fire or dine in one of the many First Nations restaurants. Set out by boat to meet resident grizzly bears, see whales and experience the fastest navigable tidal rapids on earth. Raise your eyes to big houses and lift your spirit to the tallest of totem poles. Indigenous culture, sacred regalia and modern art are shared here.
Old-growth rainforests and destination luxury on the lifesustaining waters of the Pacific Ocean and the lands of the Kwakwa̱ ka̱ ʼwakw people await on the North Island. Camp beachside or recline in ocean-front luxury with Huu-ay-aht hosts on the west coast. Explore windswept Ucluelet or sightsee through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to Tofino and Long Beach’s legendary surfing and whale watching. The Nuu-chahnulth people share the sandy white beaches and deep waters of the 100plus pristine islands off of the west coast of Vancouver Island. On southern Vancouver Island, share the beauty of the ocean, camas meadows and forests with the Lekwungen and WSANEC peoples and several Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nations, who operate a variety of tourism businesses.
EVERYTHING INDIGENOUS at your fingertips
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The Indigenous BC Trip Planner App is a must-have tool for planning an unforgettable trip. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases and hear traditional songs, stories and legends. Use the Indigenous BC Trip Planner App to search for experiences, accommodations and businesses. Save your favourites to create your own custom itinerary, then use the interactive map to find attractions and experiences close to you once you’ve arrived. View the most up-to-date business reopening information, including hours of operation. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have passed on their stories, songs, languages, and histories through oral traditions. The app connects users to a growing library of songs, legends, and languages showcasing diverse and unique Indigenous cultures across B.C. Download the app for free at the Apple Store or Google Play
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DOWNLOAD THE INDIGENOUS B.C TRIP PLANNER APP Planning a visit to British Columbia and Vancouver Island?
The First Nations of Vancouver Island
FIRST NATIONS TOURISM
If you are exploring, it is tradition to honour and respect your hosts on their traditional territories. AHOUSAHT Location: West coast of Vancouver Island on Flores Island in Clayoquot Sound Population: 2,158
HUL’QUMI’NUM TREATY GROUP Location: Near Duncan, Chemainus and Ladysmith, 60 km northwest of Victoria Population: approx. 5,000
‘NAMGIS FIRST NATION Location: Centred around Alert Bay, east of Pt. McNeill on Cormorant Island Population: 1,922
SC’IANEW (BEEC ER BAY) FIRST NATION Location: East Sooke Population: 260
HUPACASATH FIRST NATION Location: Port Alberni, 150 km northwest of Victoria Population: 344
SNAW-NAW-AS (NANOOSE) FIRST NATION Location: 10 km north of Nanaimo Population: 260
WEI WAI KUM NATION (CAMPBELL RIVER INDIAN BAND) Location: Campbell River Population: 846
HUU-AY-AHT FIRST NATIONS Location: Barkley Sound near Bamfield Population: 731
NANWAKOLAS COUNCIL Location: Vancouver Island and adjacent South Central Coast Population: 2,722
WE WAI KAI NATION (CAPE MUDGE BAND) Location: Quadra Island Population: 1,159
KA:’YU:’K’T’H’/CHE:K:TLES-7ET’H’ FIRST NATIONS (KYUQUOT) Location: Kyuquot Sound Population: 579
NUCHATLAHT FIRST NATION Location: At the head of Espinosa Inlet 70 km west of Gold River Population: 163
STZ’UMINUS FIRST NATION (CHEMAINUS) Location: 30 km south of Nanaimo Population: 1,378
KLAHOOSE FIRST NATION Location: East shore of Cortes Island Population: 419
NUU-CHAH-NULTH TRIBAL COUNCIL Location: West Coast of Vancouver Island Population: 4,606
COWICHAN TRIBES Location: Adjacent to Duncan, 50 km northwest of Victoria Population: 5,185 DA’NAXDA’XW/AWAETLALA FIRST NATION Location: North end of Vancouver Island and the Knight Inlet area Population: 228 DITIDAHT FIRST NATION Location: Cowichan Lake, through Nitinat Lake, to the west coast of Vancouver Island Population: 772 EHATTESAHT FIRST NATION Location: West coast of Vancouver Island, 70 km west of Gold River Population: 496 ESQUIMALT FIRST NATION Location: West of Victoria in View Royal Population: 324 GWA’SALA-‘NAKWAX-DA’XW NATIONS Location: Adjacent to Port Hardy on the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island Population: 1,054 HALALT FIRST NATION Location: Near Crofton, 55 km northwest of Victoria Population: 217
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HESQUIAHT FIRST NATION Location: Hotsprings Cove, 35 km northwest of Tofino Population: 734 HOMALCO FIRST NATION Location: Calm Channel, 35 km northeast of Campbell River Population: 475
K’ÓMOKS FIRST NATION (COMOX INDIAN BAND) Location: Comox Valley, 200 km north of Victoria Population: 344 KWAKIUTL INDIAN BAND Location: Near Port Hardy Population: 846 KWIAKAH FIRST NATION Location: 40 km north of Campbell River on the South Coast Population: 22 KWIKWASUT’-INUXW HAXWA’MIS FIRST NATION Location: Gilford Island, 40 km east of Port Hardy Population: 312 KA:’YU:’K’T’H’/CHE:K:TLES-7ET’H’ FIRST NATIONS (KYUQUOT) Location: Kyuquot Sound Population: 579 LAKE COWICHAN FIRST NATION (TS’UUBAA-ASATX) Location: North shore of Cowichan Lake, 80 km northwest of Victoria Population: 25 LYACKSON FIRST NATION Location: Valdes Island, off the east Coast of Vancouver Island Population: 221 MALAHAT NATION Location: Western shore of Saanich Inlet, south of Mill Bay Population: 334 MAMALILIKULLA FIRST NATION Location: Compton Island near Port Hardy, Population: 441 MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT FIRST NATION Location: Mouth of Nootka Sound near Gold River Population: 611
PACHEEDAHT FIRST NATION Location: 80 km northwest of Victoria, near Port Renfrew Population: 290 PAUQUACHIN FIRST NATION Location: Near Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula north of Victoria Population: 403 PENELAKUT TRIBE Location Kuper Island, near Ladysmith off the east coast of Vancouver Island Population: 1,011 QUALICUM FIRST NATION Location: Near Qualicum Beach Population: 128 QUATSINO FIRST NATION Location: North end of Vancouver Island and the Knight Inlet area. Population: 559 SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION Location: Nanaimo River watershed on the the east coast of Vancouver Island and including Gabriola Island and other adjacent islands Population: 1,819
TLA-O-QUI-AHT FIRST NATIONS Location: West coast of central Vancouver Island between Pacific Rim National Park and Tofino and on Meares Island Population: 1,146 TLATLASIKWALA FIRST NATION Location: North end of Vancouver Island and the Knight Inlet area Population: 66 TLOWITSIS NATION Location: Northeast Vancouver Island and nearby portions of the mainland Population: 440 TOQUAHT NATION Location: Toquaht Bay on the north side of Barkley Sound Population: 156 TSARTLIP FIRST NATION Location: Brentwood Bay, Saanich Peninsula Population: 1,009 TSAWOUT FIRST NATION Location: Saanich Peninsula near Victoria Population: 873 TSESHAHT FIRST NATION Location: On the Somass River, 5 km northwest of Port Alberni Population: 1,186 TSEYCUM FIRST NATION Location: Saanich Peninsula near Victoria, Population: 193 UCHUCKLESAHT TRIBE Location: On Uchucklesaht Inlet and Henderson Lake Population: 228 UCLUELET FIRST NATION Location: Effingham Inlet and Nahmint River valley Population: 678 Source: Province of B.C.
SONGHEES NATION Location: Esquimalt Harbour west of Victoria in View Royal Population: 571 T’SOU-KE NATION Location: Near Sooke, 30 km southwest of Victoria Population: 267 STZ’UMINUS FIRST NATION (CHEMAINUS) Location: 30 km south of Nanaimo Population: 1,378 DISCOVER 2021
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VANCOUVER ISLAND
Wild and charming T
he wild side is in the deep old-growth rainforests, mountain trails and the aweinspiring power of the Pacific Ocean. An abundance of wildlife is found in the forests, in the skies, in inland waterways and offshore. Challenge yourself with outdoor experiences such as hiking, fishing, climbing, diving, surfing, kayaking or mountain biking. Enjoy the charming side with barefoot walks along soft sandy beaches or a hike through misty
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rainforests. Indulge in modern creature comforts and a bit of personal pampering. Book a stay in resort lodgings or a warm and welcoming bed and breakfast. Eat in unpretentious, quietly world-class restaurants or try out a hip new restaurant making its début. Tour award-winning wineries, cideries and meaderies, or visit one of the Island’s unique distilleries. Plan for some satisfying retail therapy excursions and experience a world of gracious hospitality.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
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Cumberland China Bowls
Vancouver Island will surprise and delight you ■ 460 kilometres long and 100 kilometres wide, Vancouver Island is almost the size of Holland and is the 11th largest island in Canada with about 32,000 square kilometres of area. ■ Vancouver Island has about 3,400 kilometres of coastline, making it a boater, beachcomber and diver’s dream. ■ The Vancouver Island mountain range runs the length of the entire Island. It has an area of 45,373 square kilometres, with the highest point the summit of the Golden Hinde at 2,195 metres. The mountains make for some great hiking. ■ Della Falls in Strathcona Park (North Central Island) is the highest waterfall in North America at 440 metres, or 1,443 feet. ■ Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park is home to some of the world’s largest spruce trees, reaching heights in excess of 95 metres or 310 feet. ■ Some of the world’s tallest trees are found just a short drive from Victoria in the Port Renfrew Area. Take the Circle Route drive from Victoria through Sooke and Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan. It’s sure to please.
River on Sutton Pass, Vancouver Island
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■ Hornby Island and Nootka Sound are two of the very few places in the world where divers can encounter the six gilled shark, a primitive cousin of modern day sharks with six gills instead of five and only one dorsal fin near its tail. ■ Strong support for all things local: Vancouver Island has more than 2,800 farms, with nearly 1,000 in the Greater Victoria region, all producing fresh produce and other foods through the year. ■ Bottoms up: From the South Island, through the Cowichan Valley and to Comox Valley, there are 37 licensed wineries.
■ The Vancouver Island marmot is unique to its namesake and is distinct from other marmot types. They are considered an endangered species, and large conservation programs are working to re-establish their population. ■ More than 7,000 known species inhabit the coastal waters of Vancouver Island. This includes more than 200 species of migratory birds and 33 species of land mammals. ■ Vancouver Island’s rainfall, vegetation, soil cover and topography have resulted in thousands of well-developed caves, including some of Canada’s deepest and longest cave systems. It has the largest concentration of karst caves in North America with more than 10,000 caves making up nearly four per cent of the Island’s terrain. Explore the caves of Horne Lake, north of Nanaimo, with an experienced guide and discover underground waterfalls, crystal formations and ancient fossils. Or take a tour in the north to explore the series of caves between Port Alice and Port McNeil, including the Devil’s Bath, Canada’s only cenote, or natural sink hole. ■ National Geographic recognizes Vancouver Island as one of the best cold-water diving destinations on earth and the renowned Jacques Cousteau Society rates the area second only to the Red Sea for diversity of marine life and water clarity. So suit up, buckle up those tanks and enjoy the diversity under the depths. A few of the gem locations include Race Rocks, Nanoose Bay, Sidney area and Dodd Narrows. Look for several sunken wrecks to explore. ■ Dive to see strawberry anemones, soft corals, sea lions, octopuses, wolf eels, king crab, starfish, swimming scallops, rock fish, boot sponges and much more.
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SOUTH ISLAND
Capital welcome
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SOUTH ISLAND
THE GULFF ISLANDS ISL LAND
LADYSMITH Chemainus LAKE COWICHAN
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HA
Ganges
DUNCAN Shawnigan Lake
Mill Bay
Port Renfrew
Swartz Bay SIDNEY 17
Langford
Jordan River Sooke
VICTORIA AND THE SOUTH ISLAND
Colwood
VICTORIA
Metchosin
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Juan de Fuca Strait
T
he main point of entry for Vancouver Island, Victoria is a modern and growing metropolitan area with a rich history and a bright future. First Nations have a long and storied presence here. Victoria is the home of the Lekwundgen People, also known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nation. The Capital Region encompasses the traditional territories of Coast Salish First Nations bands (Esquimalt, Songhees, Pauguachin, Tseycum, Tsawout, Tsartlip, Scia’new, T’souke and Malahat), and one Nuu-chach-Nulth First Nations band (Pacheedaht). Walk along Government Street to Bastion Square and you will find bricks embedded in the pavement tracing the outline of the original Fort Victoria, a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post. Picturesque heritage buildings, horse-drawn carriages, doubledecker sight-seeing bus tours, two castles and the quintessential treat — tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel overlooking the Inner Harbour — are all reminiscent of a British heritage. The city is named for Queen Victoria, one of Britain’s most enduring monarchs.
MANY MORE REASONS TO VISIT: ■ Victoria has been named both the Most Romantic City in Canada (for a decade running), one of the top 15 Friendliest Cities in the World, one of the World’s Best Places to Visit and Canada’s Best City to Live in for Women. ■ Downtown is home to one of the province’s biggest technology clusters with hundreds of small companies and thousands of employees contributing millions to the local economy. ■ Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths, bike lanes and routes in the city, including the incomparable Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
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Signs of growth are everywhere with new, modern buildings piercing the skylines. The region is home to two universities and a college, the provincial capital and a strong federal and provincial workforce. With a perfect growing climate — warm summers and mild winters, Victoria is also known internationally as the City of Gardens.
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■ One million visitors a year see the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada. ■ The Royal British Columbia Museum, founded in 1886, is one of the foremost cultural institutions in the world. ■ Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. You will find the narrowest commercial street in Canada here, Fan Tan Alley, where former opium and gambling dens are now small boutiques and shops.
■ Victoria has more restaurants per capita than any other place in the country and rivals the foodie scene in San Francisco. ■ The city is home to one of the largest collections of heritage buildings — both commercial and residential — in Canada. Stroll the downtown and see buildings from the late 1800s carefully restored. Buy a book at Munro’s and marvel at the architecture and have a pint of local brew at the Irish Times Pub. Murchie’s has been serving coffee and tea here for more than 125 years. ADOBE STOCK
■ Stroll through the grandeur of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the landmark on Victoria’s Harbour, and have high tea there. Half a million cups are served annually at the Empress.
■ There are 18 golf courses in the Victoria area. Winters are mild, so you can play year round. ■ Victoria gets 2,183 hours of sunshine per year and eight months — sometimes more — that are frost free. ■ 1,500 lamp posts across the city hold hanging flower baskets every summer. ■ Mile 0 of the Trans Canada Highway is next to Beacon Hill Park, at Douglas Street and Dallas Road. Look for a statue of national hero and cancer fighter Terry Fox. ■ Bastion Square, the historic, pedestrianonly site of the original Fort Victoria, is home to shops, restaurants, and a busy artisan market and talented buskers.
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you... I could walk through my garden forever.” - Alfred Tennyson
Now located at 950 Fort St, Victoria, BC INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING JEWELLERY DESIGNERS • SINCE 1972 • 250-383-3414 • www.idar.com 14
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Jewellery Designs © 1972-2021 IDAR
The Summer Series
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IN
VICTORIA | BC | CANADA...
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EXPERIENCE 10 hot days and nights of the coolest music in town AT...
■ The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a 15-minute stroll from downtown and known for its touring exhibits and a permanent collection of 18,000 objects d’art from Asia, Europe and North America. It has the most comprehensive collection of Asian art in Canada. ■ Carr House, Emily Carr’s birthplace in historic James Bay, is just up the road from the provincial legislature and Inner Harbour. Here you can see where one of Canada’s greatest painters spent most of her life. ■ Beacon Hill Park is a jewel in Victoria’s crown. The 200-acre park has meticulously manicured gardens, as well as Garry Oak meadows and grasslands, lakes, bridges, fountains and an impressive variety of exotic and native trees. Goodacre and Fountain Lakes are home to a variety of waterfowl, and wild peacocks roam the park. The children’s petting farm is a favourite with families for its lively goats, donkeys, piglets and more. ■ St. Ann’s Academy, the city’s first Catholic school, features lovely walkways and gardens, not far from Beacon Hill Park. ■ Craigdarroch Castle was built for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, B.C.’s first millionaire. This 39-room Victorian-era mansion has been meticulously restored and is open for tours. The 87 steps up the main staircase leads to one of the best views of Greater Victoria. ■ Robert Dunsmuir’s son, James Dunsmuir, commissioned the build of Hatley Castle, another spectacular example of architecture. Hatley Park is home to 15 km of walking and hiking trails through old forests, a protected bird sanctuary and a historic First Nations site. Today the grounds are home to Royal Roads University and are a hot-spot for movie productions with films such as Deadpool, X-Men and Disney’s The Descendants being filmed there. ■ Ogden Point is a world-class cruise ship port where thousands of passengers stop over en route to Alaska. Walk the long breakwater in any weather for an exhilarating experience. And watch for seals and octopus. ■ Fisherman’s Wharf in James Bay, steps from the Inner Harbour, is a great place to buy fresh seafood. Lunch on delicious fish’n’chips on the dock or enjoy an ice cream from Victoria’s floating ice cream store as you take in the colourful collection of house boats. Curious harbour seals keep watch. The pier is a stop for Victoria Harbour Ferry. You can hop on to take a unique tour of the harbour.
The 39th edition of the TD Victoria International JazzFest will feature the jazz, blues, world music, and beyond of over 300 musicians from around the world in over 80 performances at various venues throughout downtown Victoria Complete festival lineup and schedule available early April, 2022 Festival Info: 1-250-388-4423 | JAZZVICTORIA.CA Follow @VicJazzSociety on Produced by:
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High tea
■ The Fairmont Empress Hotel has served afternoon tea to royalty, celebrities and dignitaries. Tea at the Empress is among the world’s unique tea experiences. To complement the house-made signature Empress scones, pastries, clotted creams and strawberry preserves with fresh lavender from the rooftop herb garden, are 21 of the finest loose leafs teas available. Featuring the original blend of Empress Tea and the exceptionally rare Tong Mu Phoenix Lapsang Souchong blend, the tea list is ethically sourced and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership. Tea at the Empress is an absolute must-do event in Victoria. ■ Silk Road is Canada’s most beautiful tea store. Since 1992, Silk Road has been creating the world’s finest and freshest organic teas and skin and body products. Silk Road is in Victoria’s historic Chinatown, and the company’s award-winning teas are made with fresh, organic botanicals. Exceptional freshness, combined with organic growing practices, results in higher antioxidant levels and superior flavour in your tea cup. No artificial flavours, colours or hidden sweeteners — just pure, healthy deliciousness in every sip.
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Victoria’s grand tradition
■ The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden offers four-star guest service and exceptional food in a beautiful setting, giving guests a memory to cherish. Seasonal menus showcase regional or Abkhazi Garden-grown produce, complementing the garden’s appearance when it is in bloom. Serving Silk Road loose leaf teas. 1964 Fairfield Road. ■ Butchart Gardens High Tea: Step into the Dining Room restaurant located in the former residence of the Butcharts and enjoy the English tradition of afternoon tea, during the warmer weather, or High Tea with its hot delicacies during the cooler months. They also have a vegetarian, a gluten-free, child’s version and a version for Mother’s Day. Admission to the Gardens is required.
■ Pendray Tea House: The Pendray offers a choice of delicious teas with an array of different flavours. From the ever popular Traditional Afternoon Tea to our newest Vegan Tea, all are offered with TWG Teas. Enjoy the historic mansion on Victoria’s Inner Harbour. ■ The White Heather Tea Room is known for its artistically arranged tea plates on an intimate white-linen setting. On offer are a wonderful selection of teas, from traditional favourites to special blends, herbal teas, green teas and more. If coffee is “your cup of tea,” don’t despair as we also offer freshly brewed coffee. 1885 Oak Bay Avenue
Proudly owned and operated by the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. Visit www.victoriarv.com or call us at 250-590-5995 for more information.
Salish Seaside RV Haven is Western Canada’s premier and award-winning motorhome park, located on a private peninsula right in the heart of Victoria’s waterfront harbour. Come explore our new boutique featuring a selection of unique locally made gifts and high quality outerwear. 16
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The thrill of motorsport
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oined as “the most beautiful circuit’ by Autoweek, Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit offers an unforgettable experience for motorsport enthusiasts and adventure seekers. As Canada’s only year-round motorsport facility, visitors can chose from an array of circuit programs and driving tours, available for all skill levels, on an incredible track with 19 corners. Visitors can also enjoy luxurious amenities as the circuit boasts a contemporary 15,000-square
foot clubhouse, a presentation centre featuring unique vehicles, a stunning 800-square-foot wraparound observation deck and delicious culinary cuisine at the Paddock Lounge. See islandmotorsportcircuit.com Surrounded by British Columbia’s beautiful natural scenery, this is a must see for all who appreciate beauty, performance and adventure.
BRUCE STOTESBURY
A Natural Way to Spend Your Summer
Island View Beach Regional Park
Jordan River Regional Park
Sooke Potholes Regional Park
Panoramic Seascape Views
Idyllic West Coast Beauty
Spring Salmon Place [KWL-UCHUN]
crd.bc.ca/islandviewbeach
crd.bc.ca/jordanriver
• Local favourite for swimming, cycling & fishing • Adjacent to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail • Trails along the Sooke River & through the forest • First come, first served T’
• Cobble beach with views of the Olympic Peninsula • Hemlock & cedar forest trails • Local favourite for camping & surfing • Open year-round • First come, first served
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• Long sandy beach & seascape views • Excellent bird watching area • Close to ferry, airport, downtown Victoria, Lochside Regional Trail • Reservable • Book online at:
crd.bc.ca/sookepotholes
Capital Regional District | Regional Parks crd_bc #crdparks
Capital Regional District
CRDVictoria
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Victoria’s hidden treasures THE BUG ZOO Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. A visit to this must-see miniature zoo offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Get up close and personal with live giant walking sticks, alien-eyed praying mantids, stunning tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few. 631 Courtney St.
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL The towering Gothic cathedral at 930 Burdett Avenue on the fringe of downtown is one of Canada’s largest churches. Self-guided tour lets you explore the grandeur and history of this architectural gem. FORT RODD HILL/FISGARD LIGHTHOUSE A favourite day trip for families and historic adventurers, Fort Rodd Hill is home to the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s West Coast, a historic coastal artillery fort and century-old gun batteries. The commanding sea views are spectacular and self-guided historic tours over several acres make it a perfect place to picnic and spend the day.
BUTTERFLY WORLD A vibrant jungle experience with surprises at every turn. At Victoria Butterfly Gardens, encounter thousands of tropical butterflies, poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Experience the Insectarium, featuring impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world. It’s on the way to Butchart Gardens at 1461 Benvenuto Ave.
DRAGON ALLEY Chinatown’s other mysterious passageway connects Fisgard and Herald Streets and is home to an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, studios and residential units. Look for the red “Dragon Alley” sign on the north side of Fisgard Street. ADOBE STOCK
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ROSS BAY CEMETERY Ross Bay Cemetery at 1516 Fairfield Road is one of the most historic places in Victoria, and the final resting place of Emily Carr, Sir James Douglas (B.C.’s first governor), Billy Barker (discoverer of gold at Barkerville) and Robert Dunsmuir (Craigdarroch Castle).
GHOST TOURS Ghostly Walks was developed by John Adams, one of Victoria’s foremost historians and storytellers. The tours are conducted by John and his expert guides, and will take you to downtown Victoria’s most haunted spots. The city has some amazing stories of murder, love and hangings. Book a tour at discoverthepast.com
SEPT 20-25 GALLAGHER’S CANYON KELOWNA, BC
NICK TAYLOR SEPT 27-OCT 3
Graduate, 2013
UPLANDS GOLF CLUB VICTORIA, BC
For more information visit: bcgolfswing.com
TO THE PGA TOUR PATH T STARTS STAR ST ART TS HERE PGATOUR.COM/MackenzieTour 18
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AERIAL ADVENTURES WildPlay Element Parks nature-based aerial adventures in Victoria and Nanaimo offer a unique way for adults, teens, and kids to have fun together. Both Parks feature tree-top obstacles and zip lines, where dozens of suspended games weave two to 18 metres (6 to 60 feet) through the island’s beautiful forests. Conquer the wobbly bridges, hanging nets, Tarzan swings, and more surprises. For added adventures, visit the Island’s only Bungy Jump, Primal Swing, and Zipline Tour in Nanaimo. Pre-booked and walk-in spots available March through October. Visit WildPlay.com for current hours, and park amenities
GALLERIES GALORE Victoria’s rich and fascinating history is rooted in Indigenous culture stretching back thousands of years, and British and Asian traditions since the mid 1800s. These influences echo proudly through Victoria’s amazing architecture, heritage sites, museums, gardens and a multitude of galleries throughout the south Island. Mark Loria Gallery is a Canadian contemporary art gallery specializing in Indigenous Northwest Coast fine art from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and other parts of Canada. The gallery’s goal is to positively and respectfully promote and support indigenous artists and their culture and practices.
THE DINO LAB Pre-book a tour online at dinolabinc.ca This unique, local business has the pleasure of working with fossils that are millions of years old. It restores, displays and sells dinosaurs. The specimens have found homes all over the world. Some can be viewed at the Royal Tyrell Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Berlin Natural History Museum, as well as many privately-owned facilities. Book a private tour of the facility to view some of the dinosaurs in the prehistoric gallery, witness the restoration process, and even work on a fossil yourself, using our pneumatic tools. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on your way out. 491 Dupplin Rd. ADOBE STOCK
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B.C. AVIATION MUSEUM Trip Advisor give the B.C. Aviation Museum at the Victoria International Airport, near Sidney, a top rating. Get close and personal with more than 30 aircraft in two large hangars, including a Second World War Lancaster bomber. There’s an interactive kid’s zone, models, photographs, art work and air-crash relics with entertaining tour guides or self guided visits. See a virtual tour at.bcam.net my.matterport.com/ show/?m=B1KwJckNAHZ
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The natural high
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Stroll into the sky at Malahat SkyWalk
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ancouver Island’s newest attraction takes you high above the Malahat Mountain range and right into the sky for what is simply a jaw-dropping, soul-pleasing panoramic vista of coastlines, ocean waterways and forests. The stunning structure of wood and metal sprouts out of the rock on the edge of a cliff and rises 10 storeys — about 32 metres or 105 feet — straight into the sky. The gently rising spiral walkway winds upward gradually through tall stands of Douglas fir and colourful arbutus trees, allowing you to pause at various moments of your 600-metre journey to admire the unfolding views. For those familiar with viewpoints along the Malahat, the SkyWalk’s vantage point brings a greater perspective to the Saanich Inlet and Finlayson Arm.
DARREN STONE
1040 Moss St | aggv.ca
Salt Spring Island is there to the north, along with other Gulf Islands, and Mount Baker across the water in Washington state seems to be within touching distance on clear days. There is a prime view of the Mill Bay ferry, Sidney and the entire Saanich Peninsula down to Victoria. On the top of the platform, an 84-square-metre “adventure net” allows for a full view down to the base for those brave enough to bounce out and see. And the biggest surprise is having the chance to take a 20-metre slide from just below the top level to the starting point. The average time per slide is about 13 seconds, so it’s fast and fun. The walkway is about 2.4 metres wide and has a five per cent grade, making it accessible to wheelchairs.
BRING YOUR FRIENDS. From the AGGV Collection: Unknown Artist, Untitled, woodcut, 15.5 x 11.2 cm, Gift of Roy Cole, 1992.051.126.
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“You’re effectively talking about a sidewalk through the forest,” says general manager Ken Bailey. Going back and forth on the walkway and climbing the tower in between is a combined distance of about 2.1 kilometres. The SkyWalk officially opened on July 15. The $17-million attraction is on the traditional territory of the Malahat First Nation, and owned and operated by the Malahat SkyWalk Corp in partnership with the Malahat Nation. The site was once a gathering place for First Nations moving north and south. Themed events for Christmas and Halloween could be coming to SkyWalk later this year.
STARTING SEPTEMBER 1st Visit our next exhibit
Connected Heritage
by Articulation Textile Group
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Raptor Centre
Your journey begins now! Let us be your guide.
Stand Up Paddle adventures on the Saanich Peninsula & beyond
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RAPTORS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
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estled in the beautiful heart of the Cowichan Valley lies a hidden gem that has been captivating visitors for more than a decade. The Raptors is a wildlife sanctuary and education centre for birds of prey and wildlife. Comprised of passionate biologists and falconers, the organization’s dedication to promoting education and conservation brings people closer to birds of prey to create meaningful connections with nature. At The Raptors, visitors have a variety of opportunities to learn more about birds of prey. Throughout the day, demonstrations highlight the birds’ unique flying skills, like an eagle soaring overhead or fishing from a pond, a falcon hunting a lure right in front of the audience, or an owl gliding mere inches over seated guests. Visitors can also get closer to the raptors by participating in hands-on learning encounters. A ‘hawk-walk’ experience engages visitors by encouraging a hawk to fly directly onto their outstretched arm. A ‘closest encounter’ introduces visitors to several different raptor species on their gloved hand. Kids’ camps and other experiences bring people from all walks of life a close encounter with hawks, falcons, eagles, owls, and vultures. Rarely do people have the opportunity to connect with nature and birds of prey in such an intimate way.
RAPTORS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
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Connecting birds of prey with humans
RAPTORS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
• Lessons and courses • Secret Paddles • Social paddles • Multi-day trips • Day tours • Girls On Boards
RAPTORS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
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The Raptors’ goal is to bring their amazing birds closer to people with the intent of inspiring visitors to want to make changes that will help protect the planet. The best way to understand nature and the importance of raptors is to see and engage with it up close. The connection and experience of working with such incredible birds was so powerful and profound it inspired mother-daughter duo, Gill and Robyn Radcliffe, to create and build The Raptors. In addition to the education centre, The Raptors hosts a wildlife management program.
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The Island’s gem
Butchart Gardens a feast for the senses
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he Butchart Gardens has been enthralling visitors for more than a century with its stunning 55 acres of floral displays. It is still privately owned and operated, now by the great granddaughter of Jennie and Robert Pim Butchart, who began the Gardens in the early 1900’s. Today, it is recognized as one of the Top 10 Gardens of the World and attracts more than a million global visitors annually. With several major gardens — including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, the Concert Lawn and the Ross Fountain — there is something to enjoy in every season. In 2004, Butchart Gardens celebrated its 100th anniversary and was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. Spectacular spring bursts forth in a show of unparalleled beauty. Named as the Tulip Garden of the World in 2017, the spring season showcases hundreds of thousands of bulbs in bloom, joined by a host of flowering trees
and shrubs. A stroll through the fragrant gardens followed by afternoon tea in the Dining Room Restaurant, the former residence of the Butchart family, is the perfect experience at this time of year. Complete the visit with a stop in The Gallery. This unique shop features works by local artisans from the Island and B.C. Summer at the Gardens is breathtaking with floral splendor greeting you at every turn. Throughout the beds in the Sunken Garden, annuals take centre stage while the Rose Garden features 250 varieties, providing an abundance of colour and fragrance. As dusk falls, thousands of lights of varying intensity and colour, give a magical glow to the shrubs, trees and flower beds. As warm days transition to crisp nights, a parade of red, russet and golden maples emerge at the Gardens. It’s the perfect time of year to visit the Japanese Garden before winter begins.
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Dive into Orcas
Royal British Columbia Museum highlights iconic mammals of our Pacific
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hen it comes to memorable Vancouver Island moments, nothing beats the thrill of seeing a pod of orcas at play in the open ocean. It’s an exhilarating experience — a welcome tonic for COVID-weary spirits and a profound reminder that we are all a part of nature, not apart from it. And that’s precisely the theme explored in the Royal B.C. Museum’s newest feature exhibition, Orcas: Our Shared Future, which premiered in April and runs through to early 2022. This family-friendly exhibition offers a deep dive into the stories and science that surround the magnificent orca, the spirit of British Columbia’s wild coast and apex predator of all oceans. Carefully designed and strictly monitored to protect visitor health and safety, the muchanticipated exhibition follows the currents of ecological activism, popular culture and Indigenous beliefs to ignite a new appreciation of these sophisticated animals, long feared in Western cultures as “killer whales.” Visitors will discover the complex social structure of orca society, reflect on the
surprising consequences of captivity, and learn which orca populations are thriving and which are at risk. Aided by life-size replicas, unique interactive displays and games, and short films and videos, visitors of all ages will emerge with a new understanding of how orcas and humans are inextricably connected. The exhibition features more than 100 original artifacts and specimens, including a complete 3D skeleton of an adult female orca suspended in the
air so visitors can appreciate the size and scale of these remarkable mammals. Indigenous cultural belongings stewarded by the Royal B.C. Museum will also be displayed, including a dramatically large Kwakwaka’wakw feast dish by Mungo Martin and Henry Hunt, and a tiny gold box with killer whale lid by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid. The exhibition is presented in partnership with MuseumsPartner, who worked on the popular
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Tues.-Sat. 10-5pm Tues.-Sat. 10-5pm
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Egypt and Maya feature exhibitions in 2018 and 2019. It has been designed to travel to other museums during the UNESCO Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (20212030), which is intended to support global efforts to reverse the decline in ocean health. To learn more and purchase timed tickets, visit rbcm.ca/orcas. IF YOU GO: Orcas: Our Shared Future, open April 16, 2021, to early 2022 Safety is our priority. COVID-19 health and safety protocols include: timed tickets; physical distancing; enhanced cleaning; and special hours for vulnerable guests. See full details at: rbcm.ca/covidsafety. Capacity is strictly limited. Purchase timed tickets in advance at rbcm.ca/orcas or in person from the Box Office. See opening hours at rbcm.ca/hours Admission: $26.95 adults; $18.95 seniors/ students; $16.95 youth; included with membership. On social: #RBCMOrcas Exhibition publication companion: Spirits of the Coast: Orcas in Science, Art and History, by Dr. Martha Black, Dr. Lorne Hammond and Dr. Gavin Hanke with Nikki Sanchez, $29.95, available in the Royal Museum Shop and online.
Mel Lingerie a boutique shop offering high end lingerie and sleepwear. We are excited to present the following brands: Simone Perele Commando | Cosabella Mey | Hanky Panky
778-406-0055 640 Fort Street, Victoria mellingerie.ca
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Visit Red Barn Esquimalt for
Victoria’s Famous Sandwiches & Wraps!
Build your Sandwiches as “Tall as the Barn” or create custom Wraps & Salads! Find a great selection of Meat, Deli, Grocery and Meat Produce items. Visit us at 1310 Esquimalt Rd. redbarnmarket.ca
Esquimalt—spend an afternoon or the whole day; there is lots to discover in our seaside community.
plants, you’ll see salal, snowberry and other native species that help maintain our important biodiversity.
Getting here from downtown Victoria is its own adventure. A short drive or bus ride is always an option but why not take a more scenic route by cycling or walking the E&N trail? For a photo-worthy experience, hop on a harbour ferry to arrive at Esquimalt’s charming Westbay Marine Village. From there, grab a coffee and carry on exploring, or stick around and book a marine tour to view stunning sea life.
Esquimalt is known for hosting amazing community events and activities. Here are a few ideas, but know that there is always something new to explore!
Esquimalt loves local, and the community boasts several unique restaurants with cuisines from around the world. There are also local breweries where you can stay for a pint or simply fill your growler to take to your next adventure, conveniently located just off the E&N trail. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the award-winning Esquimalt Farmers Market while you shop for food, soaps, coffee, wines and other locally-made goods. Learn more about past and present First Nations culture through Explore Songhees. The company delivers Indigenous cultural and hospitality experiences for residents and visitors on Lekwungen Territory. This includes a series of tours, cultural learning opportunities and culinary offerings.
• Check out Esquimalt Ribfest (September 10-12). EsquimaltRibfest.com • Visit CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. Navalandmilitarymuseum.org • Wander Esquimalt’s murals. ecah.ca/mural-festival • Peruse the Esquimalt Community Arts Hub. ecah.ca • Take one our self-guided walking tours. Esquimalt.ca/explore Esquimalt’s name is derived from a local First Nations expression “Es-whoy-malth,” which means the place of gradually shoaling water. The township is within the Traditional Territories of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. More at Esquimalt.ca/explore Follow us:
On hot days, bring the kids to our popular water adventure park. If indoor swimming is more your speed, come to the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and enjoy the region’s warmest pool and lazy river. Esquimalt’s parks are gorgeous any time of year, but they truly shine as the seasons change. Visit the Japanese garden at Gorge Park for stunning colourful displays. If you’re wandering the tall Douglas firs of Saxe Point, keep an eye out for barred owls and other wildlife. All our parks are enhanced with restoration work, so alongside lovely ornamental
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All Day Breakfast & Lunch, Eat In or Take-out Open 8am-3pm 1234 Esquimalt Road 250-590-2412 • www.sunnysidecafe.ca
SHOP LIKE THE LOCALS
Discover Unique Businesses Shop like a local and build a thriving economy.
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hether you are a visitor or resident, there is one thing we can agree upon — we all love to enjoy the side of Vancouver Island that people around the world are talking about. There are many things that make our region a bucket-list destination, including the unique experiences and shops and services that Greater Victoria offers from Sooke to Sidney and from the Westshore to Oak Bay. We all want to discover the local gems, eat where the locals eat and create great memories. Greater Victoria would not be the diverse and remarkable community it is without the local, independent businesses that provide everything from groceries, stationery, clothes and shoes to accounting services and auto repair. These business owners take the time to understand their customers’ needs because they live here, too. Their products and services are geared for life in Greater Victoria, and they deliver them in a way that works for the people in their community. There can be a real sense of connection when you buy from a local business. In fact, you might see the owners of Buddies Toys at a weekend soccer game with their kids, or the CEO of Monk Continued on page 28
Tuesday to Saturday 3pm to Late (Happy Hour 3 to 5 pm)
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SHOP LIKE THE LOCALS Continued from page 27
victoria s
uintessential Qlocal Where locals bring friends, family and visiting guests to enjoy great food and drinks, overlooking the harbour. Relentlessly local since 1984. Victoria’s Best Pub, Yam Magazine, 2019. .com
308 CATHERINE ST | 250.386.2739
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in continuing to make Victoria a preferred destination for world travellers.” This free Think Local First app rewards people for visiting more than 300 locally owned businesses as well as points of interest that make Greater Victoria one of BC’s most popular destinations. The app is both a wayfinding tool and a gamified way to reward people for shopping locally. The app’s Explore button takes you to the map of Greater Victoria, which has pins indicating the location of local businesses and the area’s unique points of interest, from heritage sites to places for outdoor recreation. When you click on each pin on the map you get more information about that place. Locations are assigned a point value. Tap the “Collect Points” button while physically visiting a location and the app will add the location’s points to your point total. Your accumulated points can be redeemed for discounts on goods or services at any of the Rewards locations listed in the app. When you use the Think Local First app, not only are you discovering local gems, you are directly helping to strengthen and enhance the local economy. You are also contributing to making Greater Victoria a place where new and diverse local businesses can thrive. This adds to the unique character of our region, so it continues to draw the attention of people around Vancouver Island, Canada and the world.
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Office eating lunch at a local café, or one of the fourth-generation owners of Robinson’s Outdoor Store at a charity event. Their passion for their business directly translates into passion for their community’s growth and prosperity. At Think Local First, the goal is to support these local, independent businesses and help everyone understand the huge impact that spending our money with local businesses has on the prosperity of our region. We aim to raise the awareness of local businesses because they each contribute to the success and sustainability of our economy. We are working with other likeminded organizations to build neighbourhoods that flourish for those who live in them and those who visit. Getting the message out about the benefits of shopping locally is a full-time passion. “Victoria’s strength and vibrancy comes from the incredible neighbourhoods that have unique experiences and passionate community-minded locally-owned businesses who are the pillars of the community providing expert service to locals and visitors.” says Steve Pearce, president of Think Local First. The Think Local First app is a successful tool to help people navigate our great communities and receive rewards for doing so. “By connecting visitors and locals to the experience, diversity and expertise that our local businesses offer, we are creating a sustainable future for the economy and culture of Victoria. We are also participating
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Don’t miss Deuce Days In 2022
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orthwest Deuce Days, a three-day gathering of hot rods that celebrates the 1932 Ford — commonly called a Deuce, is returning to the streets of Victoria in 2022. The wheels are rolling once again for one of the region’s star tourist attractions. About 1,400 colourfully modified vehicles from across North America show up for the street party around the Empress and the Inner Harbour. The event typically draws crowds of 100,000 spectators and is an economic engine for the region, with an estimated $2-million annual impact. Northwest Deuce Days typically takes place in the third week of July.
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The Circle Route
Hiking the world famous West Coast Trail. ADOBE STOCK
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ake a drive on the Pacific Marine Circle Route, and trace the coastline from Victoria through Sooke and Port Renfrew, turning east past Avatar Grove and along the road out to Lake Cowichan and onward to the Cowichan Valley. From there the highway leads back to Victoria. The 255-kilometre trip takes you through lush rain forests, rocky cliffs, hiking trails and some of the most scenic beaches on Vancouver Island. It can be enjoyed in a long day, or better still, on a multi-night excursions. Be sure to stop at East Sooke Regional Park, where hiking trails range from casual walks to fullday missions. Birdwatchers will enjoy Whiffin Spit, a natural breakwater between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Sooke Harbour. Visit the Sooke Region Museum and be sure to experience the natural swimming holes at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park or explore the beaches and pathways in East Sooke Regional Park. West of Sooke, the highway leads to some of the Island’s most beautiful scenery along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail at French Beach, China Beach, Mystic Beach, Sombrio Beach, Botanical Beach (famous for its tide pools) and the southern terminal of the West Coast Trail. This area contains numerous special natural features, including waterfalls, grottos, old growth forests, estuaries, tide pools and shale and quartz rock formations.
WALK AMONG THE GIANTS A little fishing village and logging hamlet, Port Renfrew is surrounded by ancient rain forest. The wilderness brings visitors from around the world to look with awe at Canada’s tallest and largest Douglas fir, cedar and spruce trees. The area offers unlimited hiking and recreational activities for all ages. Port Renfrew is the southern entrance to the Pacific Rim National Park and the world renowned “shipwreck life saving trail” now called the West Coast Trail, and the beginning of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. This is the home of the Pacheedaht First Nation. The name translates to ‘Children of the Sea Foam.’ The Avatar Grove and Canada’s Gnarliest Tree are in a magnificent forest, within the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation. The forest contains a stunning and impressive grove of monumental old-growth trees. The Red Creek Fir is the world’s largest Douglas fir tree at 74 metres high, or 243 feet, and there are others, called the Three Sisters, nearly as high, as well as Big Lonely Doug. The San Juan Spruce in the region is the largest Sitka spruce tree in the world.
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OCEAN JEWELS Botanical Beach and Botany Bay feature many geological marvels, such as its ridges of shale and quartz that marble through the black basalt, producing some of the most picturesque terrain. Low tide offers the best viewing opportunities of the many organisms that inhabit the shoreline and tide pools — sea urchins, starfish, chitons and anemones, as well as mussels, barnacles, and snails. It is considered one of the richest tidal zones on he entire west coast.
IT’S WILD HERE The open waters of the Pacific Ocean are abundant with orcas as well as gray and humpback whales. Around Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan, bears, cougars and Roosevelt elk live in the shelter of the massive fir, cedar and hemlock trees which tower hundreds of feet above the moss covered forest floor; their limbs reaching out to the eagles and osprey flying overhead. JUAN DE FUCA MARINE TRAIL Juan de Fuca Provincial Park on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island offers scenic beauty, spectacular hiking, marine and wildlife viewing and roaring surf along its 47km course along the Pacific coastline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are four main areas to the park: China Beach Campground, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, the China Beach day-use area and Botanical Beach. There are four trailheads to the Juan de Fuca Trail at Juan de Fuca East (China Beach), Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek and Botanical Beach. Although most of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is designed for strenuous day or multi-day hiking/camping in this rugged and isolated area, some easy to moderate day hiking opportunities to the beach or along the trail are available starting from the trailheads.
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Hungry?
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COWICHAN VALLEY
Cowichan The Warm Land is calling
Kinsol Trestle
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owichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun,” and is why our valley is, and always has been known as The Warm Land. Cowichan is located in Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climatic zone and is home to the warmest year–round temperatures in the country. For decades now, Cowichan has been producing amazing artisanal food and drink from the region’s burgeoning farms, wineries, cideries and distilleries. Yet, the food and drink are just the tip of the iceberg! From concerts and festivals to outdoor fun, like biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking and more, Cowichan features a long list of things to do all year round. But what really makes this warm land live up to its name is the chill, unhurried pace and the many quiet, unspoiled spots to enjoy it in. Visit the charming communities of Duncan — the City of Totems, Chemainus — world famous for its many murals, the laid-back seaside village of Cowichan Bay or have a dip in beautiful Shawnigan Lake. Maple Bay and Genoa Bay are unforgettable serene getaways and Lake Cowichan, with its large warm lake and namesake river, are playgrounds for swimming, river tubing and fishing. A mild, Mediterranean-like climate and an abundance of fertile land are just two of the factors that have helped Cowichan become what renowned foodie James Barber referred to as “Canada’s Provence.” Other factors include many gifted farmers and culinary artisans, some of whom have chosen to move here just for the opportunity to be in a world class milieu. Certainly, if you choose to visit here, you will have the chance to eat and drink extremely well! Wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries dot the landscape, all of which supply the growing number of fine restaurants, bistros and bakeries. A place as eclectic and beautiful as Cowichan can’t help but attract an equally diverse group
of artisans. The region is home to many highly talented painters, potters, sculptors, weavers, jewellers, glass blowers, knitters and carvers whose works can be seen in home studios and galleries all along the Cowichan corridor. There isn’t one single icon that represents Cowichan better than the “Cowichan sweater.” Woolly, thick and typically featuring classic Coast Salish motifs, these sweaters are as
world famous as they are effective in keeping you warm and dry. Designs on the sweaters vary greatly, but often depict the same kind of animals seen on totem poles: bears, ravens, thunderbirds and whales. The sweaters are still made here in Cowichan by a group of dedicated knitters.
MEET A RAPTOR
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Gladstone Brewing in Courtenay; Land & Sea Brewing and New Tradition Brewing in Comox; and Cumberland Brewing in the town of the same name. A side trip out to the west coast of the Island on Highway 4 will definitely reward beer lovers. The mid-Island city of Port Alberni is home to three excellent breweries — Alberni Brewing, Dog Mountain Brewing and Twin City Brewing, each of which serves great food along with their brews. Continuing west will lead you to Ucluelet Brewing, which is based in a beautifully renovated church. You’ll have to decide for yourself which is better: the gorgeous tap room that shows off the “bones” of the building or the patio with its views of Ucluelet Harbour. While
you’re debating this, you can sample the beers and enjoy some snacks. And no visit to the west coast of the Island would be complete without a stop at Tofino Brewing. Back on the Island Highway, Qualicum Beach’s Love Shack Libations is a one-man operation with limited hours so definitely check ahead before visiting. Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville has a big tasting room and an excellent kitchen. (Another brewery called Fern + Cedar Brewing is in the works in Qualicum Beach so check and see if it is open at the time of your visit.) Nanaimo has several breweries to check out, including the Longwood Brewpub and the separate Longwood Brewery, Wolf Brewing, and two downtown breweries that are right beside each other: Cliffside Brewing and White Sails Brewing. BC ALE TRAIL
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hether you already love beer or if you are hoping to learn more about it, visiting a craft brewery and sampling a few different styles of beer is the perfect add-on activity following an outdoor activity like surfing, kayaking, hiking, or biking. Most breweries have tasting rooms where you can try a flight of three or four different beers served in small glasses or full pints of your favourites. Many fill growlers or offer off-sales of their beers packaged in cans or bottles to take away with you. You can also look for local beers at Cascadia Liquor Stores, which has locations in several communities up and down the Island. With more than 40 breweries to choose from on Vancouver Island, you can plan a multi-day excursion to visit an assortment of breweries while you explore, or you can just pick one area and visit all the local breweries over the course of a few days. Many of the Island’s breweries have their own kitchens serving top-notch food so you can turn your visit into a meal stop as well. Vancouver Island’s newest brewery is also its northernmost: Devil’s Bath Brewing, located in Port McNeill. The brewery’s name is an homage to a local geographical feature, the Devil’s Bath cenote, which you can also visit on a trip to the area. The brewery features a diverse line-up of beer along with delicious pizza and other food. Moving south down the Island, the next brewery to check out is Beach Fire Brewing in Campbell River, which also has an excellent restaurant. Nearby, the Comox Valley is home to several breweries, including Ace Brewing and
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There are so many wonderful places and experiences to enjoy on a visit to Vancouver Island — and top of the list is tasting beer at some of the Island’s many craft breweries – Joe Wiebe
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Heading south from Nanaimo you will drive through Ladysmith, where Bayview Brewing hopes to open soon — it might even be open by the time you read this. Not much farther south, take a side trip to Chemainus, a popular tourist destination because of its murals, theatre and picturesque streets, as well as its own resident brewery, Riot Brewing. From there you can explore the rural agricultural splendour of the Cowichan Valley, which boasts a maritime Mediterranean climate that achieves the warmest year-round temperature anywhere in Canada. Farm markets, wineries and cideries abound — and so do breweries. Duncan has three breweries to visit, including the Craig Street Brewpub, which is a great option for lunch or dinner, along with Red Arrow Brewing and Small Block Brewing.
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Driving over the Malahat Summit will deliver you to the provincial capital city of Victoria, which is known as the “cradle of the craft beer revolution” because it is home to some of Canada’s earliest craft breweries, including Spinnakers, which opened in 1984 as Canada’s first brewpub. Spinnakers’ beautiful waterfront setting houses an excellent restaurant with a menu featuring local ingredients and a top-notch beer list that includes some classic recipes as well as fresh and trendy styles. You can even stay at one of Spinnakers’ own guest houses next door — it’s the perfect base for exploring all that Victoria has to offer. Another local favourite is Driftwood Brewery, which relocated to a bigger building earlier this year. It is adding a tasting room and patio (due to open around the time this is published) where you can sample the wide range of excellent beers in its lineup, including Fat Tug
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IPA, arguably B.C.’s definitive West Coast IPA. Driftwood is also adding a distillery at its new location. Another great destination in Victoria is Twa Dogs Brewery at Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery, which embraces its Scottish background wholeheartedly. Indeed, the name, Twa Dogs, is a reference to 18th century Scottish poet Robbie Burns. Within its spacious facility is a beautiful tasting room where you can enjoy the full range of beers or a taster’s flight of whiskies, which are also available for sale in bottles. (I recommend pairing the Rye Stout with a dram of Irish-style Oaken Poitín.) Take an entertaining tour to learn more about the brewing and distilling process. There is also an outdoor patio beside the tasting room. There are more than a dozen other breweries to visit in Greater Victoria. Check out the Victoria Ale Trail online or through the BC Ale Trail app for more information about all of them. An excellent day trip or overnight excursion of its own is to head west to the small town of Sooke, which is home to three breweries of its own, each with its own unique vibe. Sooke Oceanside Brewery is opening a new location with a full tasting room and kitchen, along with a patio boasting views of Sooke Harbour. It’s a great spot to meet locals and taste delicious beers with names inspired by local maritime history and the forestry industry. You can also visit Sooke Brewing in “downtown” Sooke. Another must-visit in Sooke is Bad Dog Brewing, a charming brewery located in a rural
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New Experiences Are Brewing Nearby
setting with a small tasting room and a picnic area outside. Sooke is a great destination for adventurous cyclists thanks to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail that runs all the way from Victoria (approx. 45 km one way), mostly on hard-packed gravel trails running through forests. Wherever you travel on the Vancouver Island Ale Trail, consult the BC Ale Trail website for more information. Download the app to plan your visit — collect points and redeem them for rewards at participating breweries. All the breweries are listed along with numerous outdoor activities, recommended sites to visit, and liquor stores, restaurants and tap houses.
VICTORIA: • Canoe Brewpub • Category 12 Brewing • Driftwood Brewery • Four Mile Brewpub • Herald Street Brew Works • Howl Brewing • Hoyne Brewing • Ile Sauvage Brewing • Lighthouse Brewing • Moon Under Water Brewery, Pub & Distillery • Phillips Brewing & Malting • Spinnakers Brewpub • Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel • Twa Dogs Brewing • V2V Black Hops Brewing • Vancouver Island Brewing • Whistle Buoy Brewing SOOKE: • Bad Dog Brewing • Sooke Brewing • Sooke Oceanside Brewery
GULF ISLANDS: • Mayne Island Brewing • Salt Spring Island Brewing COWICHAN VALLEY: • Craig Street Brewpub • Red Arrow Brewing • Riot Brewing • Small Block Brewing NANAIMO: • Cliffside Brewing • Longwood Brewery • Longwood Brewpub • White Sails Brewing • Wolf Brewing MID-ISLAND: • Alberni Brewing • Dog Mountain Brewing • LoveShack Libations • Mount Arrowsmith Brewing • Tofino Brewing • Twin City Brewing • Ucluelet Brewing
COMOX VALLEY: • Ace Brewing • Cumberland Brewing • Gladstone Brewing • Land & Sea Brewing • New Tradition Brewing CAMPBELL RIVER & NORTH: • Beach Fire Brewing • Devil’s Bath Brewing FORTHCOMING: • Bayview Brewing (Ladysmith) • Beacon Brewing (Sidney) • Checkerhead Brewing (Shirley) • Fern + Cedar Brewing (Qualicum Beach) • Hornby Island Brewing • Hudson Brewhouse & Distillery (Victoria) • Jordan River Brewing • Rusted Rake Brewing (Nanoose Bay)
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anada s Coldest
brewpub From the beginnings of the renaissance of North American craft brewing, Spinnakers is a must experience for all craft aficionados. .com
308 CATHERINE ST | 250.386.2739
Open Daily 11:00 am - 7:00 pm 7861 Tugwell Road Sooke 250.642.3621 www.baddogbrewing.ca Facebook @ sookebaddogbrewing Instagram baddogbrewingco DISCOVER 2021
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Nanaimo
The Island's Playground Exploring like a local
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anaimo is the best place on the Island to experience life like a local. Here, you’ll settle into the unhurried “Island time” pace before setting off to experience Islanders’ favourite things — natural wonders that stop you in your tracks, pods of orcas, the original Nanaimo Bar in its namesake town, a craft beer trail, island hopping and much more.
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There’s plenty to do and see here in this central island city, home to one of Canada’s longest shorelines, and on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The 360-degree views are magnificent, from the city centre on the harbourfront to the forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown. Maybe the best part is that you get to explore it all as if you were a local, without a traffic jam or tourist trap in sight.
NANAIMO / CENTRAL ISLAND
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TOURISM VANCOUVER ISLAND/JORDAN DYCK
Named by the first Indigenous people (Snuneymuxw First Nation), Nanaimo means “gathering place” or “meeting place.” Its stunning natural wonders and central Vancouver Island location still make it a hub and must-see destination.
it of Geo rgia
QUALICUM BEACH
PORT ALBERNI
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PA PACIFIC RIM
Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Centre
NANAIMO Gabriola I. Valdes I.
There’s plenty to do and see here in this central island city
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CO COWICHAN
Download the Explore Nanaimo app on Google Play for more things to see and do.
TASTE THE NANAIMO BAR TRAIL On this self-guided trail with 39 stops, you can indulge in this legendary Canadian treat in its namesake city. Try an ice cream or latte rendition. There is even a Nanaimo Bar pedicure and other inventive non-edible versions.
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TAKE A WHALE WATCHING TOUR From April through October, you can hop on an open-air Zodiac inflatable or covered boat charter to see humpbacks and orcas offshore from Nanaimo. Seals, sea lions and eagles are a bonus. Whale sighting rates are 90% in this area.
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STAND IN THE MIST OF WATERFALLS Knotted ropes help you navigate the steep slope to the cascading Ammonite Falls at the end of a remote 4.5-km forested trail. Three city parks also feature gorgeous falls right near the parking lot. Other local trails take you to a mountain summit, earthquake fissure and suspension bridge. Enjoy the 975 hectares of parkland and 170 kilometers of picturesque trails.
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GO ISLAND HOPPING In summer, hop a harbour ferry to visit the Indigenous territory of Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) or Protection Island’s floating pub. Nearby Gabriola Island is a year-round mustsee for artist studios and beaches.
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SIP ALONG THE CRAFT BEER TRAIL Nanaimo’s four craft breweries each offer a different tasting flight experience. Sample locally inspired microbrews in inviting tap rooms that feature gorgeous views and West Coast fare. Don’t miss the craft distillery and two wineries.
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STROLL THE SEAWALL PATH Along the (stroller and wheelchair friendly) downtown seawall path you can stop for tidepool exploring, crabbing on the pier, an ice cream cone or a meal as you watch seaplanes and boats come and go. The new accessible Maffeo-Sutton Park playground is a favourite for all ages and abilities.
TOURISM VANCOUVER ISLAND/JORDAN @GLAMOURASPIRIT
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FIND INDIGENOUS-DESIGNED JEWELLERY Downtown shops in the Arts District feature the unmistakable designs of local and regional Indigenous artists. The gift shop at the Nanaimo Museum has a great selection of Indigenous art, jewellery, scarves, and other merchandise.
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EXPLORE THE FARM & ARTISAN TRAIL Head just outside city limits and cruise the country roads on this self-guided tour. The Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail takes you to artist studios with pottery, woodworking and glass blowing. At farm stops you’ll see honey bees, cranberry bogs, mini animal breeds and more.
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PADDLE IN THE HARBOUR Launch your kayak or rent one and paddle from downtown around Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) as seaplanes take off overhead and you look back to see downtown framed by a Mount Benson backdrop. Watch for purple sea stars, seals, and unique sandstone rock formations.
10 HIT THE WAVE POOL AND WATERSLIDES No matter what the weather is doing, the indoor Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is a sure bet for families. It has one of the largest wave pools in western Canada, and the side-by-side waterslides are fun for racing. DISCOVER 2021
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A storied past Six great spots to touch history & culture
If these city walls and streets could talk, they would tell of the Indigenous villages 3,000 years ago, busy shipyards and a herring saltery. They would recall the discovery of coal and how it forever changed the city, bringing migrant workers from afar.
Herring
Petroglyph Provincial Park
Totem on Saysutshun, a short ferry ride from Nanaimo
1 SAYSUTSHUN/NEWCASTLE ISLAND From the harbour, kayak or ferry to this island and traditional Indigenous territory to see Snuneymuxw First Nation village sites, sandstone quarries, herring salteries and coal mine sites. A passenger ferry runs from late spring to early fall. 2 DEPARTURE BAY INDIGENOUS TOTEM PORTAL Carved from a 40-foot section of a western red cedar tree from Vancouver Island, this striking portal near the beach marks the site of the winter village and burial ground where the Snuneymuxw First Nation lived until the mid 1800s.
5 THE BASTION Commissioned by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1853 as a defensive structure, The Bastion on the downtown waterfront has also served as a temporary jail and now a museum. Download the free On This Spot app for historic walking tours (including this landmark) with 400 historic photos. 6 PETROGLYPH PROVINCIAL PARK A short walk through the forest leads to a high concentration of Indigenous rock carvings of wolf-like creatures, fish and human figures that are more than 1,000 years old. Interpretive panels explain the carvings, the locations for which were typically places of power or mystery.
@GLAMOURASPIRIT
3 RESTORED MORDEN COAL MINE TIPPLE See the most complete above-ground remains of a historic coal mine on Vancouver Island. Restored this spring, Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park’s 22.5-metre (74-foot) headframe and tipple once loaded coal into railroad cars. 4 NANAIMO MUSEUM Walk through a replica coal mine, learn about the local forestry industry, and see what daily life was like in a traditional Indigenous longhouse. The gift shop sells Indigenousdesigned jewellery and art. For clothing made by local Indigenous artists, head to Island-ish or a BC Ferries gift shop.
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Unforgettable adventures await Prepare for an adrenaline rush
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anaimo’s stunning coastline, river canyon and forested mountain set the scene for epic adventures that you’ll tell stories about for years to come. Get ready for more jaw-dropping, heart-pulsing moments than you ever imagined. HIT THE BIKING TRAILS For big-air jumps and drops, ride the Doumont downhill and crosscountry trails. The Westwood Lake Trails are a bit more tame with a 5.5-km loop around the lake that connects with the challenging Mt. Benson foothills network. Easy cruising: the 20-km paved Parkway Trail.
DIVE THE SHIPWRECKS Charter companies take divers just outside the harbour to the site of two sunken retired Navy vessels, artificial reefs now covered in colourful marine life. Seals haul out on nearby islands. At other local dive sites you’ll see wolf eels, octopus and more. EXPLORE TINY ISLANDS BY KAYAK Paddle the shoreline of several small islands in the Nanaimo harbour. Don’t miss Saysutshun’s (Newcastle Island) totems, unique sandstone formations and blonde raccoons. Other islands offer sea caves and places where seals and sealions haul out.
GO WHALE WATCHING Nanaimo is the best place on the island to witness transient orcas on the hunt. Head out in an open-air Zodiac inflatable or a covered boat April through October to see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters and more. TRY CANYON ZIPLINES, SWINGS & JUMPS Fly over the gorgeous Nanaimo River canyon on a zipline at WildPlay Element Park. Here you can also test your nerve with a 150-foot bungee jump from the bridge above the river, try the 140 km/hr canyon swing, or brave the treetops adventure course.
CATCH A SALMON OR DUNGENESS CRAB Sink a crab trap at Maffeo Sutton Park’s fishing pier and catch Dungeness crab for dinner. On salmon fishing charters hear the zing! of your line and reel in a 30 pounder. Prefer freshwater fishing? Head to the Nanaimo River and trout-stocked lakes. For more ideas visit TourismNanaimo.com
The Perfect Place to Connect, Explore & Unwind
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Take a hike!
You will love these scenic trails Prettiest Waterfall: Ammonite Falls Trail Knotted ropes help you ease down the slope to the cascading waterfall at the end of this remote forested trail (4.5 km). Don’t let a rainy day stop you. That’s when the water thunders and you can feel the mist on your face. Other waterfalls: Beach Estates Park, Bowen Park, Colliery Dam Park.
Most Unusual Natural Wonder: The Abyss Trail This 9-km trail includes one of the city’s most photographed natural wonders: a huge, seemingly bottomless fissure in the earth wide enough to fall into. The trail leads to a fairy circle and ocean and mountain views. Other wonders: Cable Bay’s narrows, Gabriola’s Malaspina Galleries.
Best for Birdwatching: Buttertubs Marsh Trail At dawn and dusk, this flat gravel trail (2 km) encircling a marsh can sound like an aviary. Get a closer look with birdwatching spotting scopes on observation decks. Other birdwatching: Morrell Nature Sanctuary, Bowen Park. Biggest Urban Wilderness: Linley Valley Trails This 800-acre green space tucked between neighbourhoods in the middle of the city has a network of trails accessing a lake, beaver ponds, creeks and ridges to climb for great views. Other urban wilderness: Beach Estates Park, Neck Point Park.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Plan your route on apps like Trailforks and AllTrails. Wear sensible shoes, dress in layers, and pack essentials like food, water, and sunscreen. ADOBE STOCK
It’s amazing how you can be so close to the city yet feel so far away. These hiking trails, all within about a 15-minute drive of downtown, take you through lush forests to incredible views that will leave you breathless.
EDGAR BULLON
Highest Peak: Mount Benson Loop Trek the strenuous 8-km loop that ascends to the 1,000-meter mountain summit for panoramic views over the city, backcountry, ocean and Coast Mountains. Other ridge views: The Abyss Trail at Extension Ridge, Radar Ridge Trail at Linley Valley, Lantzville Lookout Loop.
Best Dog Off-Leash: Cable Bay Trail Follow this 6.6-km trail through towering forests to a surging narrow ocean pass and spots where sea lions haul out on the rocky shoreline or bark from logging booms. Other off-leash: Westwood Lake Park, Colliery Dam Park.
Make a Discovery! All safety protocols including mandatory Masks and Social Distancing Downtown Nanaimo (next to the Port Theatre) Mon-Fri 10am-3pm • 11am-3pm
100 Cameron Rd | 250-753-3814 | www.vimilitarymuseum.ca 44
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LOCAL HISTORY TOURS & PROGRAMS GIFT-SHOP nanaimomuseum.ca
NANAIMO / CENTRAL ISLAND
Island Hopping
Hop a 20-minute ferry from downtown Nanaimo to one of B.C.’s Gulf Islands, where more than 200 artists and artisans live and work. Visit their studios and explore the hangouts and natural wonders that inspire them. Malaspina Galleries
HERE ARE EIGHT FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES ON GABRIOLA ISLAND: ADOBE STOCK
HIKE THE DRUMBEG PROVINCIAL PARK TRAILS Watch for harbour seals, bald eagles, tidepools and Mount Baker on this short forest walk along the seashore. Longer hikes locals love: 707 Park and Elder Cedar Reserve.
Surf Lodge & Pub
Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar
WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE SURF LODGE & PUB Sunsets over the ocean are epic to watch from “The Surf.” Raise a pint with an order of fish and chips or beef dip to close out your Gabriola day like a local.
Woodfire Restaurant
START WITH CAFFEINE AT MAD RONA’S COFFEE BAR This buzzy community hub has an urban West Coast vibe with high ceilings, natural wood finishes, bar seating, couches and tables. The tasty sandwiches and desserts are made in-house. SWIM OR SNORKEL AT MALASPINA GALLERIES Gabriola’s most popular natural wonder, these dramatic coastline ‘galleries’ are wave-sculpted sandstone formations that look like a frozen wave. Walk inside them or snorkel below them.
ADOBE STOCK
BUY JEWELLERY AT THE FARMER’S MARKETS May through October, check out the outdoor market at Agi Hall for locally grown produce and handmade treasures. On Sundays, head to the Silva Bay Market.
ADOBE STOCK
ADOBE STOCK
Destination Gabriola Island
EAT PIZZA AT WOODFIRE RESTAURANT The classically French trained chef takes wood-fired pizza, burgers and grilled dishes up a notch. In summer, try the restaurant’s food truck at Silva Bay.
VISIT ARTISTS IN THEIR STUDIOS Meet Gabriola’s many artists on a selfguided studio tour (by appointment). You’ll find whimsical West Coast-inspired pieces, glass blowing, pottery and more. Check artsgabriola. ca for info. HIT THE BEACH AT GABRIOLA SANDS PROVINCIAL PARK This sandy “Twin beaches” park is great for picnics and shallow swimming with kids. If it’s windy at one beach, walk across the road to the other for shelter. DISCOVER 2021
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Bask in the country life Hit the backroads for farm and artisan tours
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o truly slow down and savor island living, spend a day or two in the country and meet the farmers and artisans who do it best. Along the winding roads of Nanaimo’s Cedar and Yellow Point area you’ll meet cute animals, taste locally grown flavours, and pick up some great handmade souvenirs. Call ahead to book an appointment. YELLOW POINT FARMS Peek over the fence at the adorable baby dwarf goats, babydoll sheep, donkeys, mini ponies and chickens. In summer, you can book a farm tour or visit the roadside farm stand. FREDRICH’S HONEY Hear the hum of the bees and see their ‘condo’ hive towers at this farm where the family beekeeping history spans generations and continents. The shop sells honey, salves, lip balms, soaps and beeswax candles. YELLOW POINT ALPACAS If you’ve never owned a pair of alpaca socks, here’s your chance. At this farm, you can feed the alpacas over the fence, hear interesting facts about them and take home warm, wooly socks.
Serving small plates of food with intense flavour profiles influenced from various cultures from all over the world highlighting the amazing ingredients that Vancouver Island has to offer. We offer over 40 different wines by the glass! 101-223 Commercial St. Nanaimo 250.740.0163 46
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YELLOW POINT CRANBERRIES One of the suppliers for Ocean Spray cranberry juice, this family farm has a great store where you can pick up jams, dips and treats. In fall, watch the harvest in the massive flooded fields. MCNAB’S CORN MAZE & PRODUCE FARM It’s a favourite fall tradition to visit McNab’s in October and hop on the hayride to the pumpkin patch or try the 7-acre (3-hectare) corn maze. Save time to visit the farm animals and produce stand. CEDAR FARMER’S MARKET For live music and all things homemade, locally grown, ethically raised, and sustainably harvested, this outdoor market has people lining up down the street on Sundays mid-May through the end of October. CEDAR YELLOW POINT ARTISAN TOUR Each year one weekend at the end of November this artisan tour kicks off the holiday shopping season. Artisans open their decorated studios, workshops and farm shops for the self-guided tour. Open by appointment in December.
Discover for yourself all that we have to offer
transformative Since 1983,1,000s of people have found deep healing, personal growth and transformation at the Haven.
haven.ca
NANAIMO / CENTRAL ISLAND
Raise a glass and say cheers! Savouring Nanaimo’s brews, wines and spirits
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ere, beneath the protection of Mt. Benson, locally grown grapes, hops and botanicals thrive. Sip and savour the flavours at a craft brewery, winery or distillery. Each stop on this craft beverage trail offers a unique experience you don’t want to miss. ARBUTUS DISTILLERY In this craft distillery’s intimate cocktail lounge, sample the single malt whisky or the small-batch gin, absinthe, vodka, and liqueur infused with local botanicals like lavender and lemon verbena. WHITE SAILS BREWING A great spot to relax after a seawall stroll, this West Coast-style taproom and brewery has a laid-back vibe with live music, board games, a full coffee bar and locally sourced food. CHATEAU WOLFF ESTATE WINERY Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this wellestablished vineyard spreads across a sunny slope with stunning mountain views. The 2016 Rouge, similar to a port, pairs perfectly with dark chocolate. LONGWOOD BREWPUB A Nanaimo legend, this brewpub is a local go-to for craft beer, pub fare and entrees. Get cozy by the stone fireplace and order a pint of the Berried Alive raspberry ale or the rich, dark Dunkelweizen.
LONGWOOD BREWERY For a Longwood craft beer tasting room experience, head to the Longwood brewery where the magic happens: a blend of hops, barley and other ingredients grown almost exclusively on the island. CLIFFSIDE BREWING COMPANY The downtown tasting room of this family-owned microbrewery has a minimalist, industrial feel. Try craft beers ranging from tangerine and mango hazy IPAs to dark, robust porters. WOLF BREWING COMPANY Take a beer-cation and sample the diverse lineup of European-inspired beers in this brewery’s casual taproom: British black and tan, German sour or an ale brewed with local raw honey. MILLSTONE ESTATE WINERY Set in the forest along the Millstone River, this six-acre vineyard and winery produces Ortega, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir. Enjoy a glass around the patio firepit or a tasting in the wine shop.
WELCOME TO THE WATERFRONT SUITES & MARINA! NANAIMO’S PREMIERE MARINA
Afternoon tea • Patios and garden • Whiskey bar • Sunday brunch • Meeting and banquet facilities •
4898 Rutherford Road, Nanaimo P: 250-758-3000 | Toll Free: 1-877-41-GRAND www.TheGrandHotelNanaimo.ca
Waterfront Club Concierge Service Includes: • Guest rooms with private balconies and gorgeous views of the marina • 30 and 50 Amp Metered Power and Water service • Washroom and Shower Facilities • Laundry Facilities
ANNUAL & TRANSIENT MOORAGE AVAILABLE! 1000 Stewart Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4C9 | 250-753-7111 www.waterfrontnanaimo.com | marina@waterfrontnanaimo.com
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Nine amazing animal encounters
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here’s nothing like seeing your first whale or bald eagle in the wild. You pause in reverence, maybe even gasp, and you’re wildly curious. Here are some of Nanaimo’s favourite species and where you’ll have the best chance of spotting them in their natural habitat.
1 ORCAS & HUMPBACK WHALES Take a whale watching tour departing from the harbour to see these majestic creatures April through October. An on-board naturalist or biologist explains their activity. 2 BALD EAGLES Look for bald eagles perched in trees along the coastline nearly year-round. They’re frequently seen at Neck Point Park. In late fall, salmon spawning draws them to the rivers.
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3 HARBOUR SEALS These playful pups of the sea regularly pop up their rounded heads in the downtown harbour. Spot them from the seawall path or while kayaking around Departure Bay’s little islands. 4 SEA LIONS Larger and with a pointier snout than harbour seals, sea lions are best seen in spring feeding on the herring run. They swim offshore at Neck Point and rest or “raft” in Departure Bay.
Gabriola Island is just 22 minutes by ferry from Nanaimo
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6 SALMON In the fall, head to Nanaimo River or Bowen Park’s Millstone River fish ladder to watch the spawn. At the Nanaimo River Hatchery, kids can see and learn about salmon life cycle stages. ADOBE STOCK
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5 OTTERS It’s not uncommon to see otters scampering up from the harbour channel to steal the salmon and cod scraps left behind at the Brechin Boat Ramp fish cleaning station.
7 BLONDE RACCOONS Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) is home to rare blonde raccoons whose light colouring is due to a recessive gene. Kayakers occasionally catch them digging for clams on beaches.
8 BLACKTAIL DEER Smaller than whitetail deer, this species is commonly found lounging or munching on golf courses or on private gardens in the Hammond Bay and Departure Bay areas. 9 BLACK BEAR Residents see the occasional black bear in remote, forested areas off of Jingle Pot Road and near Lantzville. Hibernation happens from November to May.
EXPLORE GABRIOLA ISLAND
A COTTAGE STAYCATION
WWW.PAGESRESORTGROUP.COM
250.247.8931 DISCOVER 2021
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Parksville Area
Seaside therapy, small-town charm Parksville’s refreshing scenery and calm beaches have made it a timeless favourite for relaxation seekers and young families. Few beaches outside Mexico and the Caribbean compare with the kilometres of serene sandy beaches at Parksville Bay and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Practice some green therapy strolling Rathtrevor’s quiet seaside trails and get pampered at B.C.’s No. 1-rated spa, the Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort. Parksville’s Community Park really is a gathering place for all who live and visit. The park is home to the Parksville Beach Festival that features the world-famous Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, outdoor concerts, art and kids events every summer. Just up from the beach is Parksville’s downtown. Ask a local to point you toward one of the many restaurants and modern boutiques. Browse shops selling soaps, sustainable local products and rustic beach decor. And spend Tuesday evenings from mid-June to late August at the Summer by the Sea Street Market. Parksville’s growing food-and-drink scene includes favourites like Realm Food Co. and World Beer Award-winning Mount Arrowsmith Brewing, plus new distilleries Bespoke Spirits House and Misguided Spirits.
Ranked #1 By TripAdvisor
Welcome to
Breathtaking OPEN YEAR ROUND
EXLCUSIVE Private Tours Available
hornelake.com 250.248.7829 50
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NANAIMO / CENTRAL ISLAND Strait of Georgia. Visit the Qualicum Beach Museum, featuring an extensive and renowned paleontology exhibit as well as expanding First Nations and social history exhibits. Oral history videos let visitors discover what Qualicum Beach was like when it was a retreat for the rich and famous, such as Bob Hope and the King of Siam. Indulge in the thriving food scene at favourites like award winning French Press Coffee Roasters and top rated Bistro 694. Fern + Cedar Brewing is slated to open in fall 2021 joining the quirky and B.C. Beer Award winning LoveShack Libations nano-brewery.
French Creek
Parksville Sand Sculpture Competition is a world class event that attracts master sculptors from around the world to create large masterpieces out of sand and water. The event includes live entertainment and other activities throughout the month-long summer exhibition.
DARRON STONE
Marine central
Situated halfway between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island’s Oceanside Route Highway 19A, French Creek is a bustling marine community. French Creek is a popular marina for its central location. There is a federal dock with facilities for visiting boaters, moorage, fresh seafood sales and charter companies. You will also find the Marine Pub here, as well as home base for the walk-on ferry over to Lasqueti Island. French Creek’s Columbia Beach is a popular windsurfing and kiteboarding destination. Morningstar Golf Club and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks are just minutes up the road from the harbour.
Arrowsmith Coombs Country
Rural paradise, and goats on the roof South and west of Parksville is Arrowsmith Coombs Country, named after towering Mount Arrowsmith. The mountain is partially responsible for the enviable micro-climate surrounding Parksville Qualicum Beach. Walk or ride between Coombs and Parksville on the Rail Trail! Arrowsmith Coombs Country is a collection of rural communities including Coombs, Errington, Hilliers, Meadowood and Whiskey Creek. Peruse local produce and crafts at the Errington Farmer’s Market at the Community Park, next to the War Memorial Hall on Errington Road. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a highlight for many visitors to this part of the region where they find easy wilderness hiking and spectacular waterfalls. Surely visitors to the area have heard of the goats on the roof. Coombs Old Country Market is where you will find them. The shops in this area can best be described as eclectic. Walk the trails and witness the power of nature at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and take a dip in nearby Cameron Lake. Look up in awe at MacMillan Provincial Park’s 800-yearold trees towering 80-meters high and you will understand where the park got its familiar name, Cathedral Grove.
Qualicum Beach The Island’s prettiest town
What a quaint town! It’s a phrase residents hear a lot. And it’s true. Explore downtown Qualicum Beach and find unique, independent boutiques, shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants with no big-box stores in sight. The streets are lined by traditional architecture and there is always a colourful array of flowers, trees, planters and gardens found on every corner. Experience the magic of Milner Gardens and Woodland — 28 hectares of unspoiled natural beauty steeped in royal history perched on the edge of an oceanfront bluff overlooking the
Beautiful Family Resort One, Two & Three Bedroom Condos In-Suite Washer/Dryers; Fireplace; WI-FI; Fully Equipped Kitchens; Towels & Linens
Seaside Nature Park in Qualicum Beach on a windy winter day.
PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH/JORDAN DYCK`
included; Complimentary Fitness Centre use;
Book Direct with us
Year Round Hot Tub & Seasonal Pool
www.ocean-trails.com
Walkway to Rathtrevor Beach
info@ocean-trails.com
Exceptional Daily & Long - Stay Rates 1 - 888 - 248 - 6212
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Lighthouse Country
Take some time off the beaten path North of Qualicum Beach you will discover the charming and rustic Lighthouse Country. Named for the lighthouses on Sisters Island and Chrome Island, the region includes the communities of Dashwood, Qualicum Bay, Dunsmuir, Bowser and Deep Bay. Lighthouse Country’s unpretentious small inns, bed & breakfasts and campgrounds cater to visitors looking for a quiet retreat that’s off the beaten path. You can find stunning wood carvings peppered throughout the area, a few cozy restaurants, and a quaint village centre in Bowser, called Magnolia Court. Stop there for a coffee, shop for gifts and feed your artistic spirit at the Salish Sea Market, which is stocked with incredible local creations like paintings, home decor items, jewelry and soaps. Winding through the area is Nile Creek, which has a small hatchery where volunteers have helped restore pink salmon to record numbers. Today Nile Creek is known as a world-class fly fishing destination. Further north, the colourful and calm Deep Bay Marina is a pleasant stop. Enjoy some fish and chips while you watch the activity at the dock, or continue on down a road of crushed seashells to the state-of-the-art Deep Bay Marine Field Station. This unique green facility and science centre offers guided and selfguided tours, interactive displays, aquariums and touch tanks, walking trails and more. 52
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Rescued animals have a home at renowned recovery centre
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et up close and personal to raptors, bears, and turtles as you take a walk on the wild side at the world-class North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Leave your cares behind and unwind as you walk through beautifully manicured grounds in a world of nature, discovery and tranquility. Our map brochure will guide you on an educational stroll through the wheelchair accessible Discovery Campus with its amazing wildlife and habitat displays, peaceful gardens and, best of all, introduce you to the centre’s amazing resident, nonreleasable animals. The museum, interactive kiosks, Learning and Eco Centres will engage the whole family with plenty of learning and fun. Along the way, you will meet our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. Meet Knut, a mature black bear who was born in captivity and rejected by his mother. He would not have survived in the wild and has lived here his whole life, teaching us about the needs and habits of black bears and allowing us to successfully release rehabilitated black bear cubs to the wild.
YOU WILL MEET OTHER NON-RELEASABLE RESIDENT ANIMALS: ■ Sandor the Bald Eagle ■ Elsa the Snowy Owl ■ Dougal the blind raven ■ Rae the three-year-old black bear ■ Vladimir and Igor the Turkey Vultures ■ And many more amazing animals with fascinating life stories. Peek into our eagle flight enclosure (the largest in Canada) and watch recovering eagles regain condition and build muscles before being released into the wild. Meet one of our glove trained raptor ambassadors as their handlers take them on a stroll through the facility. July and August are always hopping with special presentations all around the centre. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours or bring a picnic basket and enjoy a whole day. Top off your adventure with a visit to the Bear Den Gift Shop. You’ll find unique clothing, lots of books about wildlife and nature and of course, plenty of souvenirs to remember your visit!
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PACIFIC RIM
The exhilarating experience Where every day is a beach day
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n the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, sits the village of Tofino, Canada’s Surf Town. Nestled in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is a prime destination for year-round surfing, beach time, exquisite restaurants and exploring the outdoors for anyone seeking inspiration from the wild. You will find cozy cabins, bed and breakfasts, vacation homes, hostels, campgrounds and renowned resorts. Nearby, in Ucluelet, small-town charm meets the unbridled power of nature. Ucluelet (pronounced you-clue-let) is a First Nations word for safe harbour and visitors flock here for its breath-taking scenery and world-class resorts and dining. Enjoy the Wild Pacific Trail, a family-friendly pathway that runs along the rocky and rugged Pacific Coast and provides incredible views of the Broken Group Islands, Barkley Sound and Amphitrite Point. The trail has two main sections. The 2.6-kilometre Lighthouse Loop, combined with the adjoining Terrace Beach Interpretive Trail, takes an easy grade along the coast and inland hills and includes the site of an ancient First Nations canoe beach. The Big Beach to Rocky Bluffs route (five kilometres one way) is a moderate hike with small hills and stairs. The final loop offers cliffside views of rocky headlands, and a smaller loop meanders through ancient cedars and sitka spruce.
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The pounding rhythm of ocean waves, beautiful stretches of sand beaches, ancient trees and abundant wildlife will leave lasting memories.
PACIFIC PERFECTION ■ Stroll the perfect beaches and explore dense coastal rainforest on winding boardwalk trails at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Marvel at the riot of life in intertidal zones and paddle out to one of the world’s best kayaking and wilderness camping spots in the Broken Group Islands. The national park spans three distinct sections along 130 kilometres of pristine West Coast Terrain. ■ Long Beach is world famous for its vast, sandy beaches within Wickaninnish and Florencia Bays. It features boardwalks twisting through lush forests, waves for the beginning or avid surfer and dazzling sunsets. ■ Broken Group Islands is accessible only by boat and you can paddle through more than 100 islands in the middle of Barkley Sound, visiting forested islands and shell beaches in this stunning archipelago, which contains many sites of spiritual and cultural significance. LIVING CULTURE ■ The awe-inspiring coastal landscape of the Pacific Rim region remains integral to the livelihood and heritage of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and First Nations partners are working together to continue the age-long practice of welcoming and sharing Nuu-chah-nulth history, traditions and culture with visitors. ■ Take a self-guided interpretive walk along the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail and learn about the land and seas so essential to the Nuuchah-nulth peoples’ survival. Marvel at the unique, handcrafted totem pole depicting the land (bear with salmon), sea (orca) and sky (thunderbird) of this beautiful area. ■ The Kwisitis Visitor Centre is perched on the south end of Wickaninnish Beach. The outside deck is the perfect year-round spot to view whales, storms and surfers. Inside the centre, there are exhibits about the land, sea, sky and people. Listen to stories, see a replica of a longhouse and go on a whale hunt. Examine the tracks of bear, wolves and cougars that prowl the beaches for food. And find out how salmon nurture the rainforest. DISCOVER 2021
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The alluring Alberni Valley Mountains, lakes, rivers and a mighty inlet
THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO VISIT: ■ The highest vertical drop waterfall in Canada, Della Falls, is located at the western end of Great Central Lake near Port Alberni. ■ In 1860, the first sawmill in what became British Columbia, was constructed in Port Alberni; it began the significant forest industry economic activity in the Alberni Valley which continues to this day. ■ In 1902, the Bamfield cable station near Port Alberni was constructed as the western terminus of a worldwide undersea telegraph cable. ■ Canada’s first female prime minister, Kim Campbell, was born in Port Alberni in 1947. ■ Port Alberni has been designated as the Salmon Capital of the World and the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town. Be sure to catch the Port Alberni Salmon Derby Sept. 4, 5 and 6 this year and see some big salmon. 56
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■ In early September, you can learn why Port Alberni’s midway, agriculture shows, and logging demonstrations are simply one of the best attractions around. Explore the maze of exhibits, animal displays, and food booths at the Port Alberni Fall Fair. Be sure to take in the community-wide parade. The event runs Sept. 9 to 11. ■ What started with eight guys delivering a few toys to the Salvation Army on their bikes, just before Christmas, in 1984, now attracts upward of 1500 motorcycles to Port Alberni, on the third weekend of September each year. Cheer on the many motorcyclists as they travel in solid formation through the Alberni Valley on the Toy Run, delivering a massive haul of toys for children in the community. VICTORIA QUAY Victoria Quay is a popular waterfront park, picnic area, walkway and retail district on the Somass River at the foot of Johnston Road (Highway 4). Two towering welcome figures, carved by local Hupacasath First Nations carvers, greet you and the park is home to a weekly Sunset craft market during the summer months. The welcome centre features a First Nations whaling monument and is a perfect place to absorb some of the rich history of the First Nations peoples in this region. Victoria Quay is also the prime location to view black bears across the river in the Somass Estuary.
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prized fishing and water sports destination at the centre of Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is the perfect hub for exploring a vast swath of the Island. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is a large and diverse area of more than 6,600 square kilometers centrally located on the west side of Vancouver Island. It is bordered by the Beaufort Mountain Range to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
MARITIME DISCOVERY CENTRE Experience the rich maritime history of the Alberni Valley, Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound and Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast. Port Alberni’s Maritime Discovery Centre, constructed from an actual coastal lighthouse, is a unique maritime museum, situated on the waterfront adjacent to the city’s deep-sea harbour. With its companion Hutcheson Gallery, this museum is dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting our fascinating cultural, environmental and industrial maritime history. STAMP FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK In late summer or early fall, head to the park’s Stamp Falls. Watch as thousands of Pacific salmon circle in the pool below the falls before ascending fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Just 20 minutes from Port Alberni, this provincial park is also a great place for family day trips or summer camp-outs. Take time to hike through the lush forest and river rapids of this wonderful park.
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SPROAT LAKE AND TAYLOR ARM PROVINCIAL PARKS If you love the water, Sproat Lake is one of B.C.’s finest freshwater lakes for water sports such as water-skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and windsurfing. Two separate parks with campgrounds and large day-use areas make this lake a popular destination for campers and picnickers alike. A variety of short access trails lead visitors around the Sproat Lake Provincial Park, including a trail to the eastern end of Sproat Lake, which is home to one of the finest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs in British Columbia. Sproat Lake is located 15 minutes west of Port Alberni. ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM Explore our heritage and discover what makes Port Alberni tick. Discover collections that tell the story of community history, Nuu Chah Nulth art and culture and our industrial roots from logging to fishing and farming — and see our unique folk art. The Alberni Valley Museum presents the cultural heritage of this unique Island community through its collections of artifacts and historic photographs. It is considered one of the finest community museums in British Columbia with a unique and experimental visible storage system to make almost the entire collection available to the visitor all the time.
Vancouver Island’s BEST Poke
2201 Pacific Rim Hwy. Ucluelet
Turn Right @ The Junction www.wcsukee.com
SECRET BEACH Campground & Kayak Launch
Welcome to Secret Beach, the gateway to the world-famous Broken Group Islands. Come and experience the rugged west coast.
Secret Beach features 67 campsites with ample parking for RVs, a kayak launch, a boat launch, and marina.
Launch from Secret Beach campground and marina into beautiful Toquaht Bay and Barkley Sound. Whether you are making your way to the Broken Group Islands in Pacific Rim National Park or doing family friendly day trips in Toquaht Bay, Secret Beach is the perfect place to start. Come and enjoy our new marina and boat launch with expanded parking and new bike park. Visit our webpage to use the view the marina in real time.
Phase one of the new marina and boat launch is now complete. Boats can launch at any tide.
SECRET BEACH CAMPGROUND & KAYAK LAUNCH
Owned and operated by Toquaht Marina & Campground Toquaht Bay, Ucluelet, BC P:1.250.726.8349 E: secretbeach@toquaht.ca
NEW! online booking system at secretbeach.letscamp.ca www.secretbeachcampground.com DISCOVER 2021
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Mountain Ocean Paradise Four seasons of fantastic
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he Comox Valley is comprised of three communities, each one diverse and unique— the city of Courtenay, town of Comox, village of Cumberland and the surrounding rural farm areas. From full-on adventure to blissful relaxation, you will find four seasons of fantastic experiences and fun in the Comox Valley. Whether you carve down an alpine slope with stunning ocean views, snowshoe or cross country ski through an ancient forest, scuba dive in the crystal clear waters, paddle along kilometers of shoreline, hike or bike along a river or in pristine wilderness, or tee off at one of the many golf courses, you will find something for everyone. You will also find time and space for relaxation and pampering. Enjoy a day of arts and culture at museums, galleries, and artists’ studios, curl up on the beach with a favourite book, tour the local wineries and distilleries or sample what’s on tap at the craft breweries. Browse boutique shops, enjoy a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe and book a much deserved spa treatment. Festivals throughout the year celebrate everything from music and shellfish to fine art and aviation. With more than 400 farmers and food producers in the region, Comox Valley’s diverse selection of restaurants exemplify the farm-to-fork and tide-to-table culinary tradition, with menus featuring the freshest of seasonally local ingredients. Comox is quickly becoming one of the hottest vacation and relocation destinations on Vancouver Island, serviced by a modern airport with regular scheduled flights. It is characterized by a fresh, spirited energy, an infectious joie de vivre and a modern facelift spurred by millions of new dollars in capital investment. It is Island living at its finest: boutique shopping, quaint cafes, ocean side activities, beach fires after dark and a tantalizing array of award-winning restaurants. Visit Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park — nine acres of breathtakingly landscaped waterfront green space, gardens and heritage buildings; the site of numerous arts and culture events throughout the year. Downtown Courtenay is best known for its locally owned shops abundance of cafes and award winning restaurants, but it’s also
known for its street markets and events that bring vibrancy downtown making it one of the most vibrant and popular downtowns on Vancouver Island. Enjoy popular paddles around Comox Harbour and the scenic waters surrounding Goose Spit, home to seals, bald eagles and blue herons. Head to the historic Royston Wrecks ghost ships or experience the intertidal marine life in and around the Courtenay River. Fishing charters feature knowledgeable captains and expert guides to deliver you to prime fishing hot-spots. Charters include bait, fishing gear, fish bags, plus cleaning and filleting. For visitors who bring their own boats, head to Comox Harbour, Courtenay Airpark, Union Bay, Kitty Coleman or Saratoga Beach for launch access points to the ocean. Comox Lake in Cumberland offers excellent fresh-water boating and swimming. DESTINATION BC/REUBEN KRABBE
Midway up the east coast of Vancouver Island, this valley embraced by both the sea and mountains offers the charm of a small town with urban sophistication and taste.
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PARADISE IN POWDER AT MOUNT WASHINGTON Mount Washington is home to one of the deepest snowpacks in North America, with a yearly average of more than 11 metres. Mount Washington Alpine Resort sports an ocean view like no other and is serviced by five lifts, five Magic Carpets, 81 marked trails, 22 kilometres of pristine snowshoe trails and 55 kilometres of Nordic trails that have attracted Olympic-level athletes to 1,700 acres of terrain. Skiers and boarders can choose between deep powder on black diamond terrain or groomed runs fit for all ability levels. ONE OF B.C.’S BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATIONS The Comox Valley’s extensive mountain-bike trails draw riders from all over the world. The trail network is surrounded by massive forests and offers masterfully-crafted trails for all abilities. Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s bike park opens in July and riders can choose from a range of epic expert runs to easy beginner trails. From multi-day Sip & Savour Tours to threehour Wine & Chocolate rides, the region’s meandering, rider friendly country roads are dotted with a multitude of farms and wineries and offer the perfect pairing for road riders of all ages and fitness levels. DISCOVER 2021
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Campbell River
Adventure awaits in the Land of Salmon
ADAM NAGY
looking for inspiration, a budding marine biologist, a lover of forests and trees, a curious and respectful explorer of heritage and culture, or someone who simply wants to visit one of the most beautiful, uncrowded places on Vancouver Island, Campbell River is the destination of choice. Locally owned operators care about their products, experiences and this place, offering world-class tourism experiences, delivered in an authentically Campbell River way.
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ampbell River or Wiwe’kam is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island within the ancestral territory of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations, in the Northern Salish Sea. Sitting on the 50th parallel, it’s a city nestled in nature with five provincial parks (including B.C.’s first, Strathcona) surrounding the region, with front-row access to the Discovery Passage. This region is full of diverse outdoor activities for all interests and abilities. If you’re an artist
SALMON Salmon are an integral part of the community; one needs only to spend a day in the Campbell River region to find this remarkably resilient fish everywhere from Indigenous art to swimming in the city’s namesake river, raised in hatcheries, sought out as the top prize in the Tyee Club, and featured on menus in local restaurants. With experienced fishing guides catering to all levels of keen anglers, and some of the most diverse, calm and protected waterways accessible right from the docks, a fishing charter here offers an unrivaled sport fishing experience.
COMOX VALLEY VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
KINGFISHERSPA.COM
1-800-663-7929 60
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WELCOME TO
THE VALLEY OF FLAVOURS The little valley with big culinary talent.
The Comox Valley is filled to the brim with a diverse selection of food, craft beer, and local estate wines. The towns of Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland come together in a valley full of farms, breweries, restaurants and culinary attractions, and there’s no shortage of places to flex your palate. Let our communities show off their good taste and sample your way through the valley of flavours. Fly-Drive-Sail to Flavour Valley: Comox Valley is located centrally on Vancouver Island, 60 minutes north of Nanaimo and accessible by air through Comox Valley Airport: daily flights arriving from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. COURTENAY In the middle of the Comox Valley along the river, Courtenay’s restaurants showcase a wide range of flavour, from fresh sushi to elevated burgers to artisan pizza. There’s great craft beer and easy getting around. You can even stay downtown and walk to many of the best spots. • Gladstone Brewing Co. • Cornerstone Cafe & Taphouse • Atlas Cafe • Bigfoot Donuts • Blue Spruce Ice Cream • Cakebread Artisan Bakery • High Tide Public House • Pizzeria Guerilla • Nikkei Raman-Ya
CUMBERLAND The little town with huge flavour. It’s a legendary coal mining town turned mountain bike destination, but the food and beer that rose up with the riding trails are just as spectacular. • Biblio Taco • Riders Pizza • Cumberland Brewing Co • Cooks Restaurant • Dark Side Chocolate • Love’s Ice Cream • The Waverley Hotel • White Capps Cappuccino • Whole Glow Cafe
COMOX Once-quiet Comox has grown into a lively destination of its own, and the quality coffee, craft beer, artisan desserts and ocean-air restaurants add flavour to an already charming culinary destination on the bay. • Komox Grind Espresso & Smoothie Bar • Tidal Café • The Mill Coffee • Benino Gelato • OMG Macaroons • New Tradition Brewing Company • Toscanos Trattoria • Blackfin Pub • Church St Taphouse • Martine’s Bistro • Comox Soup Shack • Church St. Bakery • Boonie’s Pizza
NORTH CENTRAL ISLAND
HIKING There are no shortage of hiking trails. Don’t miss Elk Falls Provincial Park, a 10-minute drive from downtown Campbell River. Get epic views of the waterfall from the 64-metre high suspension bridge. In the fall, walk along the Canyon View Trail to witness fly-fishers casting their lines. For those wanting to reconnect with nature, Strathcona Provincial Park has terrain options for all skill levels and view-seekers. MARINE ADVENTURE TOURS The waters surrounding Campbell River are home to a variety of marine life — orcas, humpback whales, bears, dolphins and much more. All of this is backdropped by the towering coastal mountains and scenic Discovery Islands. While there is much to see above sea level, exploring the waters below is also worth it. Campbell River waters are home to some of the best cold-water diving spots in the world.
TYLER CAVE
UNWIND The shores and beaches along the east coast of the Island offer locals and visitors a place to watch the sunset over the Coastal mountains of mainland B.C., so building beach fires and roasting s’mores are a part of most locals’ skill set, and visitors are encouraged to take part in this tradition (always check fire regulations and restrictions). And if you’re into patio cocktails, cozy dining rooms, ice cream and more adventures, you can find the brewery, acclaimed golf courses, a catch-and-release aquarium, incredible trail networks and more hidden gems scattered in and around the city and surrounding islands and communities. Download the Campbell River Collection App to earn points, then cash in on exclusive rewards while exploring the region your way - with a personal guide in your pocket! campbellriver.travel #discovercampbellriver
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NOOTKA MARINE ADVENTURE
NORTH CENTRAL ISLAND
Paradise found in Nootka Sound
M
outcha Bay Resort is a local’s favourite within easy reach of Campbell River on a scenic westbound road trip. The resort is known for its unique yurt accommodations, which are available both in luxury and mini versions. Other stayover options include the resort’s full-service RV campground (with fantastic kid’s playground), two-story waterfront chalets, and a variety of spacious lodge suites. The Conuma Grill has recently updated its menu with elevated, sustainably sourced food offerings curated by renowned B.C. chef William Lew.
A wilderness experience for everyone Spectacular Nootka Sound offers a range of accommodation & activity options for the outdoors lover. NootkaMarineAdventures.com
1-877-337-5464
For visitors looking for a more exclusive experience, Nootka Sound Resort offers a first-class, all-access resort nestled in the calm waters of Galiano Bay in Nootka Sound. This resort features luxurious suites with king beds or two twins, perfect for couples or groups of friends. Every stay includes a sumptuous dining experience courtesy of the resort’s in-house chef. Four-course dinners are served with wine every night, with a perfectly executed menu. Nootka Marine Adventures’ third floating resort, Newton Cove Resort, is a luxurious
retreat, moored off of Esperanza Inlet north of Nootka Island. Only 15 minutes to offshore fishing grounds, this prime location is within easy reach of outstanding salmon, halibut, and albacore tuna fishing grounds. A guided fishing experience is a good way for novice anglers to learn the basics, but experienced anglers can also benefit from learning some of the more subtle techniques of fishing Nootka Sound. While many visitors bring their own boats and launch in Gold River or Moutcha Bay Resort, you don’t need a boat to have an amazing experience. A fleet of 18-foot aluminum rental boats are available for rent at great prices, and they come fully equipped for a day of fishing, so you don’t need to worry about packing up your gear. Nootka Marine Adventures also offers other outdoor adventure options, including Wildlife & Heritage boat tours, guided sea kayaking tours, as well as nearby hiking, ATVing, and caving to explore. A hidden gem in the wilderness, Nootka Marine Adventures’ three luxurious resorts are within easy reach on Vancouver Island for anglers, kayakers, hikers, or any lover of the great outdoors. Book your adventure today by visiting www.NootkaMarineAdventures.com. info@nootkamarineadventures.com NootkaMarineAdventure
Bayview HOTEL FREE BUFFET BREAKFAST • 24HR FITNESS CENTRE • 24HR BUSINESS CENTRE • CRAVE TV & HBO • HOT TUB • POOL • WATERSLIDE 778.225.0010 2200 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay B.C. WWW.BAYVIEWVI.COM Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under licence by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Bayview Hotel Group Ltd
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NORTH ISLAND ISLAND
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Get lost… Find adventure, rich culture on the North Island
V
ancouver Island North is the first word and last stop in Western Canada for relaxed and spontaneous eco-adventure. It’s where you can witness whales, eagles and bears while discovering magical shorelines and inland wilderness areas. It’s where you can experience Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations traditions, art and living culture. Nature and First Nations culture abound in the wild, undiscovered reaches here. It is unspoiled and largely undiscovered, yet only a day’s travel from Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. It offers a breathtaking palette of parks, forests, lakes, saltwater inlets and jigsaw-puzzle coastline. The region also stretches past the shores of Vancouver Island to include magnificent Knight Inlet and a swath of the Great Bear Rainforest on the mainland of British Columbia. Go fishing, kayaking, diving and surfing. On the land, try mountain biking, hiking, caving, skiing and hike pristine forests and beaches.
Alert Bay on Cormorant Island is internationally renowned for its storytelling, dance performances and the potlatch treasures housed inside the must-see U’mista Cultural Centre, considered one of Canada’s finest First Nations museums. The world’s tallest totem pole stands vigil outside the ‘Namgis Big House. Take a canoe trip or enjoy a salmon barbeque with First Nations guides. And visit an oceanfront graveyard filled with colorful memorial poles. Enjoy the colourful displays of traditional and contemporary artwork in many locations throughout the village – keep your eye out for a favourite piece to add to your personal collection. Fort Rupert on the southern outskirts of Port Hardy is home to the Kwakiutl First Nation. This friendly enclave by the sea is known for its public galleries where internationally renowned carvers create magnificent art from chunks of timber. Authentic art pieces, gifts and prints can be purchased here.
FASCINATING CULTURE Eight thousand years ago – a millennia after the last ice age and long before the first Egyptian pyramids were erected – Canada’s First Nations shared this wild coastal region with creatures on land and in the sea. After a long period of cultural repression, timeless ancient traditions are again thriving as the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation preserves and celebrates their culture through art, dance, music, language and a sustainable day-to-day relationship with the natural world.
ARTISTS EVERYWHRE Creating arts and crafts in all imaginable disciplines is one productive way that North Islanders make use of their long winter nights. As a result, there is a remarkable range of work on display in galleries and home studios throughout the region. Masks, totems, rattles and exquisite carvings of animals and spirit creatures is a centuries-old tradition for the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, whose leading artisans are valued highly by collectors world wide.
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Visit with some of these remarkable artists in Fort Rupert and see their work in galleries and museums in Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Sointula and Alert Bay. Community galleries, meanwhile, showcase the best of the rest of the North Island’s artistic population – painters, potters, sculptors, glassmakers and more. MADE FOR ADVENTURERS Vancouver Island North exerts a magnetic pull on adventurers seeking authentic tours and experiences in a spectacularly panoramic natural setting. The variety of things to do here is remarkably diverse, especially when exploring the outdoors by land, sea and, when floatplanes and flight-seeing trips are factored in, air as well. Vancouver Island North is a landscape that has remained virtually untouched for centuries. It represents an opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature again. For those that visit this rugged landscape, it’s about a journey of discovery, a journey to find adventure, tranquility or to submerse yourself in the ancient cultures. TERRIFIC TREKS Trails penetrate deep into the landscape, offering easy access to remote forests, beaches, streams and lakes. Walk among giants on pathways made spongy from decades of coniferous needles falling. Inhale the freshest ocean air, rich with sea-spray, along pristine shoreline.
NORTH ISLAND
A totem pole at U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay
TOURISM VANCOUVER ISLAND/JORDAN DYCK
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The west coast has spectacular options for all levels of hiking ability. Follow forested trails to the open Pacific Ocean where your footprints could quite likely be the only ones in the sand. Two of these west coast day-hiking highlights are Raft Cove and San Josef Bay. Many seaside communities are lined with wheelchair-accessible seawalls, boardwalks and pathways, perfect for family outings and sunset strolls. Excursion options abound close to towns and further afield. These hikes can vary from an hour or two up to a full day. Multi-day epic adventures like the Cape Scott Trail and the North Coast Trail are on the list for trekkers looking to get remote and experience the ruggedly beautiful outer reaches. KAYAKER’S DREAM Sign up for a kayaking tour and explore coastal nooks and crannies, offshore islands, and pristine saltwater inlets that cut deep into the landscape. Vancouver Island North scenery is even more magnificent when viewed from the water, and the marine wildlife will be happy to welcome you to their playground. Guides and fellow kayakers become fast friends on day trips or longer excursions that might include sleepovers in rustic campgrounds, comfortable base camps or luxurious resorts hidden away on remote islands. Strap your own transportation to a roof rack, rent from a local outfitter or sign up for a guided tour in this world-class paddling destination.
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JODY SCRIVER
NORTH ISLAND
Vancouver Island’s Best Kept Secret Located 12 mi. (19.3 km) north of Campbell River
• Oceanfront Rental Cabins & Glamping Tents Fishing • Full Service Marina • Oceanfront RV Park • Hot Tub • Restaurant • Boat Launch • Fuel/Tackle
• Oceanfront Rental Cabins & Glamping Tents • Full Service Marina • Fishing • Wildlife Viewing • Boat Launch • Oceanfront RV Park• Hot Tub • Restaurant 1-800-620-6739 www.brownsbayresort.com
l l e b p m a C River
View intertidal life in the clear, cold waters. Seals, sea lions, orcas and maybe even humpback whales are happy to welcome respectful, lowimpact visitors to their aquatic playground. The Lonely Planet travel guide ranked killer whale watching from a kayak in Johnstone Strait #2 in their Top 10 list of Canadian Adventures. Experienced, long-distance kayakers tackle the West Coast Vancouver Island North Marine Trail, newly designated thought the B.C. Marine Trails Network, that traces the coastline from Port Hardy past Cape Scott Provincial Park and all the way to Tofino. Weather and sea conditions can change quickly, so be prepared and travel in a group. WILD AND FREE Wild things roam here. Expect your first sightings to be majestic bald eagles riding the updrafts overhead or perhaps a black bear munching on sweet grass at the edge of Highway 19 (locally known as Bear Alley). You might even spot a grizzly bear. They swim over by Island hopping from the Mainland. The Roosevelt elk and Vancouver Island marmot are unique to the region. Great blue herons fish at the edge of estuaries that echo with the sweet call of songbirds.
Oceanfront Family Resort
NEW DELUXE COTTAGES Each With a Private Hot Tub
So much to see … whales, bald eagles and cruise ships passing by.
• Full Service RV Sites • Spotless Washrooms • WiFi • Fishing Charters/Eco Tours • Licensed Restaurant www.thunderbirdrvpark.com Campbell River 250-286-3344
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