Go Magazine 2024

EXPLOREYOURLOCAL CANADIANTIRESTORE

EVERYTHINGYOUNEEDUNDERONEROOF…

•Bicycles&Accessories

•Boating&WaterSports

•Camping,Hunting& FishingGear

•GPS

•GolfingEquipment&Supplies

VICTORIA855LangfordParkway

VICTORIA1519AdmiralsRd

VICTORIA1610HillsideAve

VICTORIA801RoyalOakDr

NORTHSAANICH 10300McDonald Park Rd

DUNCAN2929GreenRd

NANAIMO4585UplandsRd

PARKSVILLE822IslandHwy

COURTENAY2801CliffeAve

CAMPBELLRIVER1444IslandHwy

PORTALBERNI3550JohnstonRd

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.

VICTORIA TO: SOOKE 1 hr

SIDNEY 35

VICTORIA TO:

SOOKE 1 hr

VICTORIA TO: SOOKE 1 hr

Vancouver Island Driving Times

SIDNEY 35 min

SIDNEY 35 min

DUNCAN 45 min

DUNCAN 45 min

Vancouver Island Driving Times

Vancouver Island Driving Times

NANAIMO 1 hr 30 min

NANAIMO 1 hr 30 min

PARKSVILLE 2 hr

PARKSVILLE 2 hr

PORT ALBERNI 2 hr 30 min

PORT ALBERNI 2 hr 30 min

COURTENAY 3 hr

COURTENAY 3 hr

CAMPBELL RIVER 3 hr 30 min

CAMPBELL RIVER 3 hr 30 min

TOFINO 5 hr

TOFINO 5 hr

PORT HARDY 6 hr 30 min

PORT HARDY 6 hr 30 min

Oceanside route is Hwy

Oceanside route is Hwy between Parksville and Campbell River

MOUNT WASHINGTON is Vancouver Island’s most popular family ski resort with yearround activities.

Distance Chart in kilometres

1km = 0.6 miles approx.

North Island route is Hwy between Campbell River and Port Hardy 19 19A

CLAYOQUOT SOUND: With beautiful deep ords, countless islands and one of the last surviving areas of temperate rainforest, this is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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 shops, lessons and rentals are available. Jordan River near Sooke is another hot spot.

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.

PACIFIC MARINE SPIRIT LOOP: This coastto-coast circle journey, starting and ending in Victoria, covers 289 kilometres (179 miles) and o ers 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 o er 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 are ahoybc. com and discovervancouverisland.com

FISHING: Enjoy some of the finest fishing in the world on Island rivers and lakes 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 o ers an adventure for every visitor. env.gov.bc.ca

MOUNTAIN BIKING: The Island o ers 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

Hop aboard, enjoy the views

Sail or fly to start your Vancouver Island adventure

SAILING

Sail 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 and 117 km (73 miles) north of Seattle.

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 Victoria. Enjoy the spectacular views of ocean and islands; you might even see some orcas, whales and dolphins en route.

B.C. Ferries provides vehicle and passenger service between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. It also provides year-round connections between various Island communities and the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, Haida Gwaii and mainland northern B.C. For schedules and how to make reservations, see bcferries.com

FLYING HERE

By air to Victoria International Airport, it’s a 30-minute hop from Vancouver and just under an hour from Seattle.

Fly into international and regional airports at Victoria, Nanaimo and Comox by commercial airliners either direct from the Prairie provinces or on a connecting flight from Vancouver or Seattle. Or you can make the trip in memorable style aboard a Harbour Air float plane or a Helijet helicopter soaring across the Salish Sea and Puget Sound.

SWARTZ BAY, Sidney/Victoria

For ferry service from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, Vancouver Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island Swartz Bay to Southern Gulf Islands - Mayne, Galiano, Pender and Saturna Islands

DEPARTURE BAY, Nanaimo

For ferry service from: Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver

DUKE POINT, Nanaimo

For ferry service from: Duke Point to Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver; Campbell River - Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove) Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay) - Crofton Comox - Powell River (Little River-Westview)

WASHINGTON STATE

Water aerodromes with float-plane scheduled service are located in Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, Campbell River, Port Alberni and Tofino. Harbour Air and other charter air companies fly into several locations around the Island.

Vancouver Island’s 3,340 km (2,137 miles) of coastline and nearly 10,000 lakes make it possible for a float plane to land in a number of remote locations, providing unique experiences at any number of destinations.

Ferry connections from Washington State include Black Ball Ferry Line’s MV Coho,

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WEATHER ALERTS

Welcome to the West Coast. We often see all types of weather in a day. Weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Prepare for any weather event by packing layers, always carrying a jacket, and keeping an eye on the forecast before you head out. weather.gc.ca/

PREVENT AND REPORT WILDFIRES

The province is experiencing hot and dry conditions which can change rapidly, with the potential for emergency alerts and evacuations in the region. For the latest wildfire information visit the B.C. Wildfire Service for an interactive map. Check Drive

connecting Victoria’s Inner Harbour with Port Angeles, and the passenger-only Victoria Clipper which runs to Seattle and back. Washington State Ferries o ers car ferry service between Sidney and Anacortes in the summer and fall.

PORT OF NANAIMO

For fast and convenient foot-passenger ferry travel between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, Hullo ferries make the crossing in 70 minutes. Four departures daily from both Nanaimo Port Authority and Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre.

BRING YOUR OWN BOAT

Sail a private vessel to the Island and visit many of the communities connected to the 3,340 kilometres of coastline. Moor at a secure port and enjoy a harbourside community or at a private cove to enjoy a secluded beach.

BC for information on road closures, and Emergency Info BC for alerts. During your travels, make sure you follow the necessary protocols to prevent and report wildfires by calling 1-800-663-5555 or dialing *5555 on a cellphone. wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map

ROAD CONDITIONS

Weather events and natural disasters can cause unexpected changes to plans. Always check DriveBC before you hit the road, and know your route ahead of time. Pack extra water, snacks and an emergency or first aid kit. drivebc.ca

— Vancovuer Island Tourism

DAILY FLIGHTS FROM CANADIAN AND U.S. AIRPORTS:

Victoria (YYJ)

Nanaimo (YCD)

Comox (YQQ)

SCHEDULED AND CHARTERED CONNECTIONS PROVIDE QUICK ACCESS TO MANY ISLAND COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING:

Duncan (DUQ)

Qualicum Beach (XQU)

Tofino/Long Beach (YAZ)

Port Alberni ((YPD)

Campbell River (YBL)

Alert Bay (YAL)

Port Hardy (YZT)

A MINDFUL TRAVEL GUIDE

With vibrant rainforests, mountain ranges and coastlines, Vancouver Island’s natural riches and resources have been attracting visitors from the time the Europeans first arrived to trade with Indigenous peoples. A more modern cultural environment has brought a new wave of explorers in search of locally-sourced cuisine, rich First Nations culture and intriguing artwork.

Yes, Vancouver Island has become a destination more than ever, and the ways in which we explore it demand a more vigorous approach to keeping the Island’s resources sustainable, for both the people who visit, and the people who call it home.

We must become mindful travellers.

THE 7 ‘LEAVE NO TRACE’ PRINCIPLES

As with all human endeavours, the golden rule (“Be cool to others as you’d have them be cool to you”) sits at the centre of the Leave No Trace guiding principles. When in doubt, imagine how your actions impact both the work done before you arrived and the people who will come after you. We are all in this together.

1. BE PREPARED

■ Be aware of local regulations and any cultural sensitivities

■ Be respectful of First Nations and their traditional territories

■ Be ready for severe weather or emergencies

■ Schedule during quiet times (shoulder seasons or o season)

■ Go in small (4-6) groups. It’s fun and it’s easier

■ Minimize waste: repackage food, leave the garbage at home

2. LEAVE IT AS YOU FOUND IT

■ Look but don’t touch: cultural, historic structures and artifacts

■ Leave rocks, plants and natural objects alone

■ Don’t build anything: yes, that includes rock cairns

3. STAY ON THE TRAIL

■ Keep erosion at a minimum. Stay on established trails. Sleep at established campsites

■ Sensitive riparian areas include any land that borders fresh water. Don’t upset riparian areas

■ Find good campsites. Don’t make them

■ Use harder surfaces absent of vegetation to set up camp

4. BE COOL TO OTHERS

■ Be courteous. Yield to other users while on the trail

■ Step to the downhill side of the trail when letting others pass

■ Camp away from trails and other visitors

■ Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises

■ Don’t play music loudly

5. KEEP WILDLIFE WILD

■ Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach

■ Never feed animals. Just don’t. Not even the squirrels.

■ Store food rations and trash securely

■ Control pets at all times, or leave them at home

6. DON’T BE A DIRTBAG

■ This one is simple: Pack it in, pack it out.

■ Once more, for impact: Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.

■ Bury solid human waste (AKA “poop”) in holes 15 to 20 centimeters deep at least 70 meters from water, campsites, or trails

■ Wash dishes or your body 70 meters away from any body of water

■ Use biodegradable soap. Scatter dishwater only after you have strained food solids out of it

7. KEEP CAMPFIRES RESPONSIBLE (WHEN FIRES ARE ALLOWED)

■ Use a lightweight stove for cooking

■ Use candle or gas lanterns for light

■ Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings

■ Keep it small. Only use sticks and deadfall that can be picked up and broken by hand

■ Burn all wood and coals to ash, and then scatter the cooled-down ashes

Our stories your experience

Rhythms of nature: Indigenous tourism the heartbeat of Vancouver Island

COME AND HEAR OUR STORIES.

You are invited to hear them first hand as a witness to Indigenous realities and perspectives in present-day British Columbia. There are more than 160 Indigenous-owned hotels and campsites, museums and cultural centres, wineries, golf courses, guided wildlife tours and unique experiences in B.C. — all with stories to share.

We all have stories to tell – stories that we share to explain who we are, what is important to us, where we came from and where we are going. Indigenous stories belong to Indigenous Peoples. It is more important than ever for us to tell our own stories about ourselves, to breathe life into our connections to our ancestors, lands, ways of life and to share this breath with others.

Our relationship with the land and our unique world views are embedded in our languages and the stories we tell. Our stories reflect our values –like caring for the land and each other – and all of the reward and responsibility included.

We are increasingly seeing travellers carry these

values as they look to visit, experience and learn from other cultures.

Conscientiousous travel in Indigenous British Columbia is more than a spectator sport. It is an exchange with the potential to positively a ect ourselves, each other, our relationships, our Indigenous communities and the lands we live on. Together, we can build something new through our stories and your experiences.

EVERY STORY NEEDS A GOOD LISTENER, A WITNESS.

For too long, stories about Indigenous Peoples were told by others, and our own stories were hidden from the public and from each other. Sharing our stories strengthens our connections to our families, cultures, and lands and spreads our love for them.

As a witness, our stories become a part of your experience – an experience for you to remember and share in the stories you tell others about what you have seen and what matters to you.

As hearts and ears open to the expression of our

e First Nations of Vancouver Island

AHOUSAHT

Location: West coast of Vancouver

Island on Flores Island in Clayoquot

Sound

SC’IANEW (BEECHER BAY ) FIRST NATION

Location: East Sooke

WEI WAI KUM NATION (CAMP -

BELL RIVER INDIAN BAND)

Location: Campbell River

WE WAI KAI NATION (CAPE MUDGE BAND)

Location: Quadra Island

STZ’UMINUS FIRST NATION (CHEMAINUS)

Location: 30 km south of Nanaimo

COWICHAN TRIBES

Location: Adjacent to Duncan, 50 km northwest of Victoria

DA’NAXDA’XW/AWAETLALA FIRST NATION

Island and the Knight Inlet area

DITIDAHT FIRST NATION

Location: North end of Vancouver

Location: Cowichan Lake, through Nitinat Lake, to the west coast of Vancouver Island

EHATTESAHT FIRST NATION

Location: West coast of Vancouver Island, 70 km west of Gold River

If you are exploring, it is tradition to honour and respect your hosts on their traditional territories

ESQUIMALT FIRST NATION

Location: West of Victoria in View Royal

GWA’SALA-‘NAKWAXDA’XW NATIONS

Location: Adjacent to Port Hardy on the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island

HALALT FIRST NATION

Location: Near Crofton, 55 km northwest of Victoria

Indigenous stories, we create an opportunity to sit in this circle together.

We can build a place beyond storytelling, a home for real conversation. This new place is one where Indigenous People are respected as experts in their own knowledge, history and culture.

It is a place where we can meet heart-to-heart and hear each other’s stories, learn more about our similarities and explore our di erences in a way that leaves us both with the richness of coming together and seeing each other through stories.

Indigenous Tourism BC honours Indigenous hosts and the humour, beauty and wisdom they share as storytellers. We also celebrate you, the traveller, for seeking knowledge about Indigenous Peoples from Indigenous Peoples, listening to our stories with open hearts and minds, and planting new seeds around the world as you go forward and share your experience as a witness.

You are invited.

Let’s make new stories together.

— Indigenous Tourism BC

LAKE COWICHAN FIRST NATION (TS’UUBAA-ASATX )

Location: North shore of Cowichan Lake, 80 km northwest of Victoria

LYACKSON FIRST NATION

Location: Valdes Island, o the east Coast of Vancouver Island

MALAHAT NATION

Location: Western shore of Saanich Inlet, south of Mill Bay

KA:’YU:’K’T’H’/CHE:K:TLES7ET’H’ FIRST NATIONS (KYUQUOT )

Location: Kyuquot Sound

KWAKWAKA’WAKW TRIBAL REGION

NUU-CHAH-NULTH TRIBAL REGION

COAST SALISH TRIBAL REGION

MAP: VANCOUVER ISLAND ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

MAMALILIKULLA FIRST NATION

Location: Compton Island near Port Hardy

MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT

FIRST NATION

Location: Mouth of Nootka Sound near Gold River

‘NAMGIS FIRST NATION

Location: Centred around Alert Bay, east of Pt. McNeill on Cormorant Island

SNAW-NAW-AS (NANOOSE)

FIRST NATION

Location: 10 km north of Nanaimo

NANWAKOLAS COUNCIL

Location: Vancouver Island and adjacent South Central Coast

NUCHATLAHT FIRST

NATION

Location: At the head of Espinosa

Inlet 70 km west of Gold River

NUU-CHAH-NULTH TRIBAL

COUNCIL

Location: West Coast of Van Island

PACHEEDAHT FIRST NATION

Location: 80 km northwest of Victoria, near Port Renfrew

PAUQUACHIN

FIRST NATION

Location: Near Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula north of Victoria

PENELAKUT TRIBE

Location Kuper Island, near Ladysmith o the east coast of Vancouver Island

QUALICUM FIRST NATION

Location: Near Qualicum Beach

QUATSINO FIRST NATION

Location: North end of Vancouver Island and the Knight Inlet area.

SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION

Location: Nanaimo River watershed on the the east coast of Vancouver Island and including Gabriola Island and other adjacent islands

DOWNLOAD THE APP AND BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

INDIGENOUS B.C. TRIP PLANNER

SONGHEES NATION

Location: Esquimalt Harbour west of Victoria in View Royal

T’SOU-KE NATION

Location: Near Sooke, 30 km southwest of Victoria

STZ’UMINUS FIRST NATION (CHEMAINUS)

Location: 30 km south of Nanaimo

TLA-O-QUI-AHT FIRST NATIONS

Location: West coast of central Vancouver Island between Pacific Rim National Park and Tofino and on Meares Island

TLATLASIKWALA FIRST NATION

Location: North end of Vancouver Island and the Knight Inlet area

TLOWITSIS NATION

Location: Northeast Vancouver Island and nearby portions of the mainland

TOQUAHT NATION

Location: Toquaht Bay on the north side of Barkley Sound

TSARTLIP FIRST NATION

Location: Brentwood Bay, Saanich Peninsula

TSAWOUT FIRST NATION

Location: Saanich Peninsula near Victoria

TSESHAHT FIRST NATION

Location: On the Somass River, 5 km northwest of Port Alberni

TSEYCUM FIRST NATION

Location: Saanich Peninsula near Victoria

UCHUCKLESAHT TRIBE

Location: On Uchucklesaht Inlet and Henderson Lake

YUUŁUʔIŁʔATḤ FIRST NATION (UCLUELET )

Location: E ngham Inlet and Nahmint River valley

The Indigenous B.C. app is a must-have tool for finding ongoing cultural learning and Indigenous-owned travel experiences in British Columbia.

Learn how to give thanks and say hello from language speakers all around Indigenous territories in B.C.

Read about everything from powwow to reconciliation with blogs from Indigenous authors. Search current Indigenous events open to the public, from hip hop concerts to salmon ceremonies.

Use the app to search for experiences, resorts and accommodations and businesses. Save your favourites to create your own custom itinerary, then use the interactive map to find must-see attractions and experiences close to your current location or vacation destination.

The intuitive, engaging design of the Indigenous BC app makes it easy to start learning or trip planning. Find key information about attractions, places to stay, and special o ers. Discover unique places to stay and things to do in British Columbia before you arrive or once you’re here. Listen to music or follow a bannock recipe. Our paths intersect online and our journey together in Indigenous BC begins.

Indigenous Peoples pass their knowledge on through oral traditions, including story and song. Their timeless and unbroken relationship with the land we call British Columbia is embedded in language.

The app connects users to a growing library of songs, legends, language lessons, and stories that showcase diverse and unique Indigenous cultures across BC.

Download from the App Store or Google Play and let Indigenous knowledge be your guide.

Wild, charming and unforgettable

It has long been called one of the world’s greatest islands, described as equal parts wild and charming

Discover an ocean and land of extremes ranging from mild to wild, cultured to life-a rmingly raw. Backpack in majestic wilderness parks.

Marvel at orcas, black bears and the sheer abundance of furred, feathered and finned wildlife.

Gaze at distant snowcapped mountains while splashing barefoot along softly curving beaches.

Relax, restore and recharge yourself in the region’s cosmopolitan centres, small towns and snug harbours.

That’s Vancouver Island.

This land is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish peoples — and be grateful to the First people of Canada, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST ISLANDS

Vancouver Island has long been heralded as one of the world’s best island vacation destinations, known for its diversity of wilderness and wildlife as well as urban charms.

The wild side of Vancouver Island is in the deep old-growth rain forests, mountain trails and the awe-inspiring power of the Pacific Ocean. An abundance of wildlife is found in the forests, in the skies, in inland waterways and o shore. 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 rain forests. 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 awardwinning 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.

There’s simply so much to see and do.

BY THE NUMBERS

■ The Island is 460 kilometres long and 100 kilometres wide with about 32,000 square kilometres of area, and about 3,400 kilometres of coastline, making it a boater’s, beachcomber’s and diver’s dream.

■ The Vancouver Island mountain range runs the length of the entire Island with the highest point being the summit of the Golden Hinde at 2,195 metres. The mountains make for some great hiking, where you can trek to Della Falls in Strathcona Park, the highest waterfall in North America at 440 metres, or 1,443 feet.

■ And get ready to see some ancient trees. 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.

■ There is 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.

■ And cheers! From the South Island, through the Cowichan Valley and to Comox Valley, there are dozens of licensed wineries, craft brewers and cider makers.

■ More than 7,000 known species inhabit the coastal waters of Vancouver Island. This includes more than 200 species of migratory

Vancouver Island is the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish First Nations

birds and 33 species of land mammals. In the ocean, orcas — also known as killer whales — humpback, grey and minke whales and whitesided dolphins are common sights from shore and out on wildlife tours.

■ Vancouver Island has 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.

For trip planning, mindful travel tips and ocean-friendly practices, kindly browse vancouverisland.travel

Beautiful Victoria

The

enduring appeal of modern city with a rich past

Greater Victoria is on the ancestral and traditional lands of the Lekwungen speaking families of Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) People

Chemainus

THE SOUTHERN SO T RN GU GULF IS S LF I LANDS S

Ganges

DUNCAN

Shawnigan Lake

Jordan River Sooke

VICTORIA AND THE SOUTH ISLAND

UMill Bay

Langford

Colwood

VICTORIA

npack, take a deep breath and let the sightseeing begin.

The main entry point for Vancouver Island, Victoria has it all — a growing metropolitan centre with a long history and a bright future.

The people-pleasing mix here includes walking tours, shopping, art galleries, horsedrawn carriage rides and a fantastic range of dining options.

The focal point downtown is the Inner Harbour, lined with historic stone buildings (including the storied Empress Hotel and B.C. legislature, which at night lights up like a palace with over 3,000 lights) and buzzing with float planes, sail boats, passenger ferries and whalewatching vessels.

First Nations have a long and storied presence here. Victoria is the home of the Lekwungen 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).

Local First Nations are creating new visitor experiences and telling their stories. As you travel through the city, you will find seven carvings — signs of the Lekwungen — that mark places of cultural significance.

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, double-decker 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 lasting monarchs.

And 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 — including home port for Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet.

With a perfect growing climate — warm summers and mild winters, Victoria is also known internationally as the City of Gardens.

Victoria has been bestowed with international accolades from travel and lifestyle publications over the decades — including the Most Romantic City in Canada, one of the Friendliest Cities in the World, one of the World’s Best Places to Visit and Live and Canada’s Best City to Live in for Women.

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, named North America’s best Irish pub, or the Bard & Banker, once home and workplace to one of Canada’s most beloved poets, Robert Service. Murchie’s has been serving co ee and tea here for 135 years.

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.

Greater Victoria is one of the most bikefriendly cities in Canada, with hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths, bike lanes and routes in the city, including the incomparable Galloping Goose Regional and Lochside trails.

The Jordie Lunn Bike Park in Langford is a one-of-a-kind recreational cycling space that caters to cyclists of all ages and abilities. It combines elements of dirt jumping, a pump track, skills area, and cyclocross/mountain bike trails in one seamless experience. The park serves as a year-round public cycling space for recreation and high performance training.

FLOAT HOMES AT FISHERMAN'S WHARF IN VICTORIA'S HARBOUR

Go on, explore the capital city

■ The waters o Victoria in the Salish Sea are teeming with humpback whales and orcas. Record numbers of the majestic creatures have been reported in the past year and whale watchers with sustainable practices are guaranteeing sightings.

■ Victoria has more restaurants per capita than any other place in the country and rivals the foodie scene in San Francisco.

■ 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 Hotel.

■ More than one million visitors a year stroll through the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site in Canada.

■ 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 all of Canada here, Fan Tan Alley, where former opium and gambling dens are now small boutiques and shops.

■ There are more than a dozen golf courses in Victoria. Winters are mild, so you can play year round.

■ 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, pedestrian-only site of the original Fort Victoria, is home to shops, restaurants and a busy artisan market and talented buskers.

■ 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 natural 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 while Great Blue Herons nest there. The children’s petting farm is a favourite with families with its lively goats, donkeys, piglets and more.

■ Vancouver Island has over 2,800 farms, with nearly 1,000 in the Greater Victoria Region and 700 in the Cowichan Valley.

Explore SaltSpringIsland withBCTransit

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■ 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, and is often the site of movie productions. 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 historic First Nations sites. Today the grounds are home to Royal Roads University and are a hot-spot for movie productions.

■ The Breakwater District at 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 star fish, 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 right on the dock or enjoy an ice cream from Victoria’s only floating ice cream store as you take in the colourful collection of house boats. The pier is a stop for Victoria Harbour Ferry. You can hop on to take a unique tour of the harbour.

The Royal British Columbia Museum is ready to take you on a journey through time.

From prehistoric to neolithic to modern, prepare to be delighted as the museum introduces new exhibits this year.

In addition to the immersive Natural History Gallery, First Peoples Gallery, refreshed Old Town and ever-changing temporary displays, there really is something for everyone.

From coastal forests to the depths of the north Pacific, learn more about the land and landscape of British Columbia and how it has evolved over time. Journey to the ice age and spot a woolly mammoth, dive under the ocean and check out some of the amazing creatures living in our waters and see how climate change is impacting the world we live in.

province’s highest peaks, densest forests and most remote river basins in this in-house designed travelling exhibition. Through research done by the Royal B.C. Museum’s paleontology team, we’re learning just how many ancient creatures once called these lands home.

Venture further into the museum’s newest blockbuster exhibit, Stonehendge. Scholars and visitors to Stonehenge on English’s Salisbury Plain have long been puzzled by the prehistoric monument.

But after years of excavation and ground-breaking advances in science and archaeology, scientists are closer than ever to understanding Stonehenge.

The exhibition features more than 400 ancient artifacts and uses cutting-edge scientific research to answer questions about the mysterious World Heritage Site.

picks, cremated human remains, pottery from Neolithic long barrows and gold and bronze burial objects from the Amesbury Archer and Bush Barrow Man.

Meanwhile, Canadian Modern explores some of the country’s best-known designs in electronics, ceramics, fashion and furniture, featuring more than 100 objects.

From Clairtone’s Project G stereo and the first Blackberry to John Fluevog’s footwear — think the shoes designed for COVID fighting provincial health o cer Dr. Bonnie Henry — the exhibition showcases examples of culturally significant, limited-edition and mass-produced objects designed and crafted in Canada, and the stories behind them.

Inspired by everything from pop culture and the Swinging Sixties to Canada’s natural landscape and the Space Race, Canadian innovation was embraced by global markets, putting the country’s designs on the world stage.

Then, visitors are invited to dig into prehistoric British Columbia and learn more about “Buster,” the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River. Get up close and personal with Buster and the other dinosaurs that once roamed the

Visitors will leave the exhibition with new insights into what Stonehenge meant to the people who built it and what it means to the world today.

Original objects from the site include stone tools, antler

Designers including Alfred Sung, Michael Massie, Hugh Spencer, Jeremy Laing, Je Goodman, Karin Jones, Michael Fortune and Daphne Odjig are represented. Interviews, advertising and digital media in the exhibition provide greater context.

DR, BONNIE HENRY SHOE, DESIGNED BY JOHN FLUEVOG. PAUL EEKHOFF, ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

MINI DRESS, CIRCA 1967. PAUL EEKHOFF, ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

With a former quarry as a canvas, Jennie Butchart envisioned transforming this space into a beautiful garden haven, overflowing with lush greens and colourful blooms.

The result of her vision is The Gardens, which are still family run to this day.

The Butchart Gardens has been welcoming visitors for more than a century, and millions worldwide have been taken by the blooms of colour from 900 varieties of bedding plants as they walk the tranquil pathways.

The 130-acre estate located in Brentwood Bay, between Victoria and Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula, o ers 55 acres of cultivated display gardens featuring the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Mediterranean Garden.

Recognized as one of the Top 10 Gardens of the World and attracting more than a million global visitors annually, Butchart Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004, in honour of its 100th birthday.

The Butchart Gardens are open year-round with each season o ering a unique experience.

Spring bursts forth with its show of unparalleled beauty showcasing hundreds of thousands of bulbs in bloom, accompanied by a host of flowering trees and shrubs.

Discover your inner child and hop aboard the Children’s Pavilion and Menagerie Carousel.

Summer is breathtaking, with floral splendor greeting you at every turn.

The Rose Garden features 250 varieties of roses, providing an abundance of beauty and fragrance, while in the Sunken Garden hundreds of colorful annuals take centre stage.

Night Illuminations enhance a summer evening visit with thousands of lights of varying intensity and colour, giving a soft magical glow to the shrubs, trees and flower beds as dusk falls.

Autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Garden. As warm days transition to crisp nights, the maple trees transform into a canopy of vibrant red, russet and gold.

Christmas is a magical time of year. Bundle up and experience the Twelve Days of Christmas light displays as you stroll through the Gardens. Traditional carollers and festive brass fill the air with the sounds of the season.

Traditional afternoon tea is the perfect experience any time of year. Served daily in the former residence of the Butchart family, the Dining Room Restaurant o ers an elegant ambiance.

Two totem poles were carved in classic Coast Salish style by master carvers Charles Elliott of the Tsartlip Nation and Doug La Fortune of Tsawout Band, and dedicated to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the gardens and in recognition of the rich cultural heritage provided by Indigenous People.

Complete your visit with a stop in the Seed & Gift Store, featuring hand-packaged seeds to one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans.

Avisit to Craigdarroch Castle is a definitively Victorian experience. The Castle is a shining example of a “bonanza castle” — massive houses built for entrepreneurs who became wealthy during the industrial age. In this case, the industrialist was Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal.

This legendary Victorian mansion, built

Craigdarroch Castle

Explore a legendary landmark glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Following the death of Joan Dunsmuir, the Castle took over a variety of other roles before becoming a museum in the 1970s.

between 1887 and 1890 on a hill overlooking the city of Victoria, announced to the world that Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. He died in 1889, before he could take residence in the castle, leaving his entire estate to his wife, Joan, who lived in the Castle until her death in 1908.

The immense fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained

Craigdarroch Military Hospital opened in September 1919, and sustained that role until 1921. It was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales. The next role for the Castle, from 1921 to 1946, was as Victoria College (the predecessor to the University of Victoria). The return of veterans from the Second World War saw the castle run out of room for the college, forcing it to relocate. Shortly after, the castle become o ce for the local school board.

During the 1970s, the Victoria Conservatory of Music made its home at the castle, until they also ran out of space. The Craigdarroch Castle Historical Society then took over the property and began work to restore it to the time of the Dunsmuirs.

A trip to the castle enables visitors to discover the history at the time of the Dunsmuir Family and through its other uses up to the present day.

Adjacent to the castle, the visitor centre combines a beautifully renovated 1913 home with new construction containing an accessible ticketing area at ground level, gift shop and a museum quality climate-controlled basement room to store artifacts and engage in other preservation work.

Land of the Lekwungen

This is the land of the Lekwungen People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.

As you travel through the city, you will find seven carvings that mark places of cultural significance.

To seek out these markers is to learn about the land, its original culture, and the spirit of its people.

The Lekwungen People have hunted and gathered here for thousands of years. This area, with its temperate climate, natural harbours and rich resources, was a trading centre for a diversity of First Peoples.

The seven numbered areas are special places of importance to the Lekwungen people, and as you visit these sites, you will find each one marked with a carving created by Songhees artist Butch Dick. The carvings are of enlarged spindle whorls, small discs used traditionally for spinning wool. These spindle whorls are enlargements of a traditional tool.

To follow the markers and visit these traditional places is to learn about the land, its original culture and the spirit of its people.

1. SONGHEES POINT | P’ÁLӘC’ӘS PAH-lu-tsuss means cradle-board Traditionally, once infants had learned to walk, their cradles were placed at this sacred headland because of the spiritual power of the water here. This place is also known as Songhees Point.

2. THE SITE OF THE SOUTH WEST BASTION OF THE HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY FORT

An imposing wooden fort, called Fort Camosun (and later known as Fort Victoria), was built here by the Lekwungen men and women in exchange for trade goods. A large forested area was destroyed to raise the fort.

3. OUTSIDE CITY HALL | SKWC’ӘNJÍŁC skwu-tsu-KNEE-lth-ch, literally “bitter cherry tree” Here, willowlined berry-rich creeks and meadows meandered down to the ocean, and paths made by bark harvesters bordered the waterways. Bark from the bitter cherry was used to make a variety of household objects.

Nestledinahistorically,romanticand picturesquebuilding,you’llfindthe award-winningFiresideGrill. Farm-to-tablediningisoffered indoorsinamagnificentdiningroom, completewiththreefireplaces.Ifyou choosetodinealfresco,youhavea choiceoftwocoveredpatios surroundedbylush,colourfulgardens.

4. LOWER CAUSEWAY | XWSЗ ☐YQ’ӘM (INTERPRETIVE PANEL LOCATION)

whu-SEI-kum, “place of mud”, marked wide tidal mudflats and some of the best clam beds on the coast. These flats were buried when the area was filled in to construct the Empress Hotel.

5. BESIDE THE “LOOKOUT” ON BEACON HILL | MÍQӘN

The hill is called MEE-qan which means “warmed by the sun.” This seaward slope was a popular place for rest and play – a game similar to field hockey, called Coqwialls, was played here. At the bottom of the hill was a small, palisaded village that was occupied intermittently until 300 years ago.

6. ROYAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUM | Q’EMÁSӘNJ CORNER OF GOVERNMENT AND BELLEVILLE STREETS

The objects, carvings and art of the Lekwungen people are unique and on display inside.

7. LAUREL POINT

The carving here marks a 19th century First Nations burial ground. Small burial shelters with di erent carved mortuary figures, including human figures, were placed in front of the graves and stood here until the 1850s.

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DiscoverEsquimalt’sHidden Treasures

Esquimalt—spendanafternoonorthewholeday;thereislotsto discoverinourseasidecommunity.

Takea breakfromdowntown and crossthebridge toEsquimalt. Takethe scenic routebycyclingor walking theE&N trail; or travelthe short distancebytransit orcar. For a photoworthyexperience, hopon aharbour ferryto arriveatEsquimalt’s charming WestbayMarine Village.From there, grab aco ee andcarry on exploring.

Esquimalt loves local,and the community boastsseveralunique restaurantswith cuisines fromaround the world.There are also localbrewerieswhere youcan stayfor apint orsimplyfillyourgrowler to taketo yournext adventure,conveniently located justo theE&N trail.Enjoythe festiveatmosphereofthe award-winning EsquimaltFarmers Marketwhileyou shop for food, soaps,co ee,wines and otherlocallymadegoods.

Onhot days, bring the kidsto our popular wateradventure park.If indoor swimming is more your speed, come tothe

Esquimalt RecreationCentre andenjoy the region’swarmestpooland lazyriver.

Esquimalt’s parks are gorgeous anytime of year—visitthe Japanesegardenand new pavilion atGorge Parkfor stunning water views and colourfuldisplays; wander thetallDouglasfirs of SaxePoint while keepingan eyeoutforbarredowls orenjoythe views from Highrock Park.

Esquimaltisknownforhostingamazing communityevents andactivities all through theyear.Here areafew ideas,but checkour websitefor the latest details.

•BuccaneerDays(May).

EsquimaltBuccaneerDays.ca

•MemorialParkMusicfest (June-August).TownshipArts.org

•CheckoutEsquimaltRibfest (September).EsquimaltRibfest.com

•VisitCFBEsquimaltNavaland MilitaryMuseum.

Navalandmilitarymuseum.org

•Takeoneourself-guidedwalking tours.Esquimalt.ca/explore

•LearnmoreaboutFirstNations culturewithExploreSonghees. exploresonghees.com

Esquimalt’sname is derived from a local FirstNationsexpression “Es-whoy-malth,” whichmeanstheplaceof gradually shoaling water.The township iswithin the Traditional Territoriesofthe Esquimalt and Songhees FirstNations.

MoreatEsquimalt.ca/explore.

Followus:@esquimaltBCand facebook.com/TownshipofEsquimalt

The Tiny Town Tour

Take the Circle Route, by bike or car

10HOTDAYS&NIGHTSOFTHECOOLESTMUSICINTOWN

JUNE21-30|2024

CELEBRATING CELEBRATING YEARS YYEARS YEARS EARS

STARTING POINT:

Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Sidney

The towns: Sooke, Shirley, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Mill Bay, Malahat

Ending Point: Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Sidney

One of the most spectacular things about a visit to Vancouver Island is the diversity of tiny towns that are waiting to be discovered by the most curious travelers. In this itinerary, you arrive at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Sidney, and travel the Southern route to discover some truly unique spots that are seldom seen on Vancouver Island. Tiny towns are especially special to visit because you get to experience the Island like a local. On this route, we travel down the coastline eventually cutting inland to some quaint outposts that aren’t to be missed.

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August23-25,2024

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FAIRY LAKE BONSAI TREE, PORT RENFREW

SWARTZ BAY FERRY TERMINAL TO SOOKE

Travel Time by Car: 65 minutes

Travel Time by Bike: 3.5 hours

A seaside town with hidden charm, Sooke is a town full of artisans, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and outdoor adventure. Travelers arriving from Victoria by bike will love the Galloping Goose Regional Trail network, connecting downtown Victoria to Sooke Potholes.

Eat: Enjoy a pourover co ee at Ka ewagen, a 1969 Volkswagen Bus serving some of the most delicious co ee in town. Foodies will love organic restaurant Wild Mountain, serving locally-inspired dishes made with coastal ingredients.

Shop: Stop by the picturesque Marshall-Inman Gallery, which features artwork made on-site in their wood and ceramic workshops. The gallery is located near Otter Point on a llama farm, a very Vancouver Island experience.

Stay: Sooke Harbor Resort & Marina features boutique-style townhome condos perfect for families of all sizes. Another option is the waterfront cottages at Salty Towers, featuring private cabins overlooking Sooke Harbour and the Olympic Mountain range.

Explore: East Sooke Regional Park is full of epic hiking trails of all levels, making it a great spot for an outdoor adventure. Sooke Potholes Provincial Park is another popular destination along the Sooke River, featuring several river trails meandering through the forest.

SOOKE TO SHIRLEY

Travel Time by Bike: 1 hour

Travel Time by Car: 15 minutes

A small hamlet just outside Sooke, Shirley is a tiny town that packs a punch. A gateway to the scenic beaches of West Coast Road, it’s a stop worth having.

Eat: Shirley Delicious is perhaps what Shirley is best known for, a cafe in a cute A-frame that’s a photo-ready moment paired with good eats. Stoked Wood Fired Pizza features handcrafted wood fired pizzas alongside a market of local goods.

Stay: French Beach Provincial Park o ers camping spots, hiking trails, and more right on the ocean. Alternatively, find one of the many B&Bs in the area including Foggy Mountain B&B, where you’ll also get a chance to see Foggy Mountain Forge, Marty Gilbertson’s blacksmith’s shop and gallery.

Explore: Sheringham Point Lighthouse is located just down the road from Shirley Delicious, a picture perfect lighthouse that’s a beacon on this coastline. If you opted not to camp at French Beach, try a hike in to see the stunning beach for yourself.

SHIRLEY TO PORT RENFREW

Travel Time by Car: 1 hour

Travel Time by Bike: 4 hours

Port Renfrew, or “Renny” as it’s a ectionately called by locals, is located on the inlet of Port

San Juan about as far west coast as you can go. As the “Tall Tree Capital of Canada,” the wild will call to you on any visit to this impressive wilderness destination.

Eat:

The Renfrew Pub is a go-to for locals and visitors alike, boasting a large menu and a great place to rest and take in the waterfront views. Pie-ro pizza features wood fired pizzas, a fantastic takeaway option if you’re looking for something on the go.

Wild Renfrew is the go-to place for the weary traveler in need of rest and relaxation in a wilderness setting. One of our favorite new additions to Wild Renfrew’s o erings is their luxury tents, which include a private sauna and outdoor shower not to be missed.

Explore: Lovers of Port Alberni’s Cathedral Grove will be awe-stricken by Avatar Grove, a cluster of old growth forest located in Gordon River Valley just outside Port Renfrew. Botanical Beach is another must-see as it’s one of richest intertidal zones on the West Coast, perfect for tide pool exploration.

PORT RENFREW TO LAKE COWICHAN

Travel Time by Car: 1 hour

Travel Time by Bike: 4 hours

Taking the back road to Lake Cowichan through towering trees and quiet highways, Lake Cowichan is a mountainous area just outside of Duncan that’s rich in wildlife and adventure filled with warm lakes, sandy beaches, and a cute town to boot.

Eat: The Farm Table Inn is an adorable restaurant and B&B that’s nestled in nature, serving local, organic, and house-made food. Deep Fried Ice Cream is a must-stop for you guessed it- deep fried ice cream. A shop with that perfect small-town feel, their menu also includes delicious eats including poutine and fish & chips.

Stay: Cowichan River Lodge is an idyllic fishing and retreat lodge that is a marvelous place to take in the outdoors from the comfort of a rustic-feeling, yet luxurious lodge in the wild. Gordon Bay Provincial Park is one of our favorite spots to pitch a tent in the region.

Explore: Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve is a stunning walk that’s perfect for all levels, featuring old growth canopies and mosscovered trees. Skutz Falls is a wonderful set of trails that boasts views of river rapids, and is a perfect perch to watch spawning salmon running down the man-made fish ladder.

LAKE COWICHAN TO MALAHAT

Travel Time by Car: 50 minutes

Travel Time by Bike: 4 hours

‘The Malahat’ is the term commonly applied to the Malahat Drive, a 25-km portion of the Trans Canada Highway 1, just outside the community of Mill Bay. Named after the Malahat First Nation,

this area of Vancouver Island boasts rugged and heavy forests with steep and towering cli s that provide it with one of the best roadside views on Vancouver Island.

Eat: Bru-Gros Co ee in Mill Bay is a perfect stop en route to the Malahat, don’t forget to grab a donut with your co ee. Alpina Restaurant by Villa Eyrie has one of the most remarkable views of the Malahat, and a stunning menu of localinspired food in a luxury setting.

Stay: European-inspired Villa Eyrie is one of the Island’s most stunning hotels, set upon a cli overlooking the Malahat and surrounding islands. Cedar Springs Ranch is a camping spot paired with wood bunkhouses that is a great choice when you want to stay close to nature.

Explore: Goldstream Provincial Park is located right o the highway featuring trails alongside the river through deep forests and marshland. The Malahat Skywalk is the area’s newest destination activity, featuring a spiral wooden ramp leading up to a 32-meter viewing deck with a panoramic view of the surrounding inlets and mountain ranges.

MALAHAT TO SWARTZ BAY FERRY TERMINAL

Travel Time by Car: 1 hour

Travel Time by Bike: 4 hours

— 4VI/Vancouver Island Tourism

SHERINGHAM LIGHTHOUSE, SHIRLEY, VANCOUVER ISLAND

BOTANICAL BEACH, PORT RENFREW

SUNRISE AT MIRACLE BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK

A runner’s paradise host a world-class marathon

Come spend Canadian Thanksgiving weekend with us in the most beautiful city in North America.

We promise, we’re not biased!

With distances for the whole family, the Royal Victoria Marathon is the perfect event to make memories that will last a lifetime.

On Saturday, Oct. 12, we are excited to be hosting our 5K route and Thrifty Food’s 1K Kids Run at one of Victoria’s nicest beaches in Oak Bay. Then on Sunday, Oct. 13 we will welcome 9,000-plus runners for our signature marathon, half marathon and 8K race.

Our routes will take you through Victoria’s historic downtown core, famous Beacon Hill Park and out on to the seaside route. You will start and finish in Victoria’s top tourist attraction: the Inner Harbour, flanked by the Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel.

Ranked as one of the top courses by Running World, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss! Visit us at www.runvictoriamarathon.com for more information.

Findyourselfatthebaseofawaterfallinthemorning,andthepeakofamountainin theafternoon.Baskintheserenityofaquietlake,breatheinthecalmoftheforest, orfeelyourheartbeatraceasyouexploreexhilaratingtrails.

WHATWILLYOUEXPERIENCEFIRST? LangfordisKnocking

South Island TREASURES

Plenty to see and do in Greater Victoria

THE BREAKWATER

Built more than a century ago, the Ogden Point Breakwater o ers the perfect spot for an oceanfront stroll to the mouth of Victoria’s harbour. Watch for seals and whales and you may see a fisherman pull in a salmon. At 762-metres, the breakwater is home to Na’Tsa’Maht — The Unity Wall mural that depicts the art of local First Nations.

ALL ABOARD THE PICKLE BOATS

Take a tour of the harbour and nearby Gorge Waterway for a di erent look at the city aboard Victoria Harbour Ferry’s famous pickle boats and taxis. The expert captains and tour guides will give you an entertaining history of the working harbour and the city.

THE DINO LAB

Pre-book a tour online at www.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. Book a private tour of the facility to view some of the dinosaurs and witness the restoration process. 43 and 45 Erie Street.

VICTORIA HARBOUR FERRIES

THE BUG ZOO

Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. A visit to this must-see miniature zoo o ers 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.

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. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has more than 20,000 works of art, the largest public collection in B.C., and is a vibrant and active part of Victoria’s artist community. 1040 Moss Street.

A NAVY TOWN

Equimalt is home to Canada’s Pacific naval fleet of frigates and support ships and major dockyard operations that support a thriving shipbuilding industry, including one of the biggest drydock facilities on the west coast of North America. Thousands of naval personnel and civilian employees work here. With newly expanded and enhanced exhibits, the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum charts the rich maritime history of the naval base at Esquimalt, while the heritage of the military on southern Vancouver Island is featured in the west coast defences exhibit. There is something for everyone at Building 20, Naden at CFB Esquimalt.

B.C. AVIATION MUSEUM

Trip Advisor gives 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, artifacts, models, photographs, art work and air-crash relics with entertaining tour guides or self guided visits.

BUTTERFLY GARDENS

Here’s a vibrant jungle experience with surprises at every turn. At Victoria Butterfly Gardens, you will encounter thousands of tropical butterflies, poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. You’ll also get to experience our Insectarium, featuring impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world. It’s on the way to Butchart Gardens at 1461 Benvenuto Ave.

HORNED BEETLE

BUTTERFLY GARDENS VICTORIA BUG ZOO

ACTOR YAOZO ICHIKAWA AS SASAKI

Welcome to the warm land

Slow down, savour life in the Cowichan Valley

Cowichan has Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climactic zone, home to the warmest year-round temperatures in the country. Not only do these conditions make Cowichan a great year-round place for a visit, but also provides ideal growing conditions for producing amazing artisnal food and drink from burgeoning farms, wineries and cideries.

Food and drink are just the beginning. From outdoor festivals and wildlife experiences to iconic trails and marine adventures, Cowichan features a long list of things to do every month of the year.

The name Cowichan is derived from the local First Nation, the Quw’utsun people. It comes from the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” meaning “to warm one’s back in the sun,” which is also why Cowichan is often referred to as The Warmland.

Cowichan Tribes, the largest single First Nations Band in British Columbia, has active knitters, carvers, jewelers, painters and weavers who sell their arts and crafts in the region.

For thousands of years, the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaaasatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples have walked gently on the unceded territories where we now visit.

In addition to seasonal temperatures, what makes Cowichan unique is the relaxed, unhurried pace and quiet, natural spots to enjoy it.

Cowichan consists of several charming communities that are rooted in history, agriculture, and adventure.

A mild climate and fertile land are just two of the factors that make Cowichan renowned among foodies as Canada’s

The Cowichan Valley district is in the traditional, unceded territories of the Cowichan Tribes, Penelakut Tribe, and

THE COWICHAN BAY ESTUARY VIEWED FROM THE TOP OF MOUNT TZOUHALEM

Provence. Add in generations of farmers, talented chefs and passionate artisans, and you will find dozens of locally produced dishes, wine, cheese, cider, spirits and beers.

A place as eclectic and beautiful as Cowichan

can’t help but attract an equally diverse group of artisans. Outside of the culinary world, the region is home also to many highly talented painters, potters, sculptors, weavers, glass blowers, knitters and carvers, whose works can be found in galleries throughout the Cowichan region.

There isn’t one single icon that represents Cowichan better than the Cowichan sweater. Woolly, thick and woven to feature Coast Salish

motifs, these sweaters and hats are as famous as they are warm. If outdoor adventures pique your interest, Cowichan provides an abundance of opportunities to see all the natural beauty of the region. There are four mountains for hiking and mountain biking: Mount Tzouhalem, Mount Prevost, Maple Mountain, and Cobble Hill Mountain. Mount Tzouhalem is a favourite among local and international mountain bikers of all levels and abilities, while Mount Prevost

is a renowned training ground for some of the sport’s best athletes.

For more casual experiences, the 20-kilometre Cowichan River Footpath winds

the Ditidaht, Pacheedaht, Halalt, Stz’uminus, Ts’uubaa-asatx , Lyackson, Malahat, Pauquachin, Hupačasath, K’ómoks, and Snuneymuxw First Nations.

west from Duncan to Skutz Falls, and The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail) is a hotspot for photographers thanks to the impressive 144-foot Kinsol Trestle.

The summer months are a great time to get out on the water. There are sea kayaking operators who o er rentals and guided experiences to help you see the most incredible features of Cowichan’s diverse coastline.

Embark on a whale watching adventure with a resident natural interpreter to learn more about sea life, sea birds and whales. You can also stay inland and visit The Raptors to get up-close with birds of prey like bald eagles, owls and falcons.

VISIT TURKEY VULTURES AND ALL SORTS OF OTHER RAPTORS AT THE RAPTORS CENTRE NEAR DUNCAN

DUNCAN IS ALSO KNOW AS THE CITY OF TOTEMS

Welcome to the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, a 100-acre living museum and forested park, filled with history and walking trails.

From our Ranger Station exhibit to our historic 1930s logging camp buildings, step back in time and see how logging families lived years ago.

There’s a schoolhouse and the cookhouse and so much more. You are sure to find something engaging to experience.

Enter and wander through our Main Hall. Take a moment to learn about the practices of today and future logging in British Columbia with our interactive exhibit, Forests Forever. It’s an education into the future of forestry that everyone will love, and you may be surprised by how many products in your home include forested products.

As you make your way outdoors with an informative site map, you begin a self-guided tour. Just how big is 100 acres?

Walk through the many trails and learn about all the trees along the way that are indigenous to this province. Hop aboard the train that will take to you on a day of adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Besides o ering a fascinating look at the history of the forest industry in the province, the Discovery Centre is well known for its many special events, including antique truck and tractor shows, a Halloween train through the

park and the popular Christmas Express.

Visitors always enjoy the train as it circles the park through forested land and out onto a trestle over Somenos Lake. The little ones love riding it over and over because in the summer there are unlimited rides.

Passengers can detrain at Alderlea and North Cowichan Stations to view heritage buildings, historic equipment, miniature displays of early logging techniques, photo exhibits and much more.

With over 50 years operating the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, there is always something happening or being restored. This year we are happy to announce that a several year restoration has completed on the #1 HILLCREST LUMBER SHAY steam locomotive. Visitors this summer will have to opportunity to board one of our cars and have this historic locomotive carry them through the park.

The B.C. Forest Discovery Centre is a wheelchair friendly facility with washroom facilities and an electric lift mounted on the side of a rail cart providing ease of train access for all visitors.

To also include your fur family, the centre welcomes well-behaved dogs and owners. Please review our pet policy on our website to confirm event access and restrictions.

After a full day of activities and exploration, you will have worked up a logger-sized appetite.

Our concession welcomes you with items and beverages to help calm the bear growling sounds your stomach is making.

After an active day of boarding the train, it’s time to make your way back to the main building where you can find local gift items and B.C. Forest Discovery Centre souvenirs to commemorate your day. If you have any questions about the gift items, our friendly sta are knowledgeable and always willing to help. They even have a special treat for your pet.

So come hop aboard for fun, education and adventure with a day at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre.

To learn more about the centre, visit bcforestdiscoverycentre.com

WoodenB oat and Ma rit im eMu se um B oatFes tival -July13&14th-

•Interactivedisplays•Haul-outWays•Seas id ePat io •Childre n’ sBoatbuildingBooth•Courses

•LendingFleet•MeetingRoomRental•Moorage Open7daysaweekMaytoSeptember.

Small Town Charmers

CHEMAINUS

Welcome to the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. Vividly colourful murals fill every available wall in town while documenting local history in fascinating detail. The murals spurred this seaside mill town’s renaissance two decades ago and its main streets are today lined with dozens of one-of-a-kind shops selling antiques, art, candy, giftware and locally made clothing. Visitors on Wednesdays in the summer can also shop at the open-air market in Waterwheel Park. Nearby is the Chemainus Theatre and its year-round schedule of firstrate musicals and plays. A short walk downhill towards the ocean leads to the charming shops and eateries of the Old Town neighbourhood as well as the seaside pleasures of Kin Beach Park. Annual bluegrass and jazz festivals along with summer’s Music in the Park series keep toes tapping.

COWICHAN BAY

This charming seaside village is home to boating enthusiasts, artisans and an eclectic community of locals, some living in floating residences. “The Bay,” as it’s known locally, also boasts a variety of marinas and an oceanfront hotel. The relaxed vibe and waterfront charm of main street is magnified by a selection of favourite foodie haunts, including a cheese shop, ice cream parlour, organic bakery and fish-and-chips restaurant. Walk the pier and visit the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre. Serve aces on one of the oldest active lawn tennis courts in the world. Go whale-watching, view the paintings of internationally known artists, and take the kids to the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre to enjoy the fun at the marine touch tables. Finish your visit o with a trip to the Rock Cod Cafe, featured on the Food Network’s TV series, You Gotta Eat Here.

DUNCAN

Detour o the Trans Canada Highway and explore the City of Totems. The streets of Duncan’s revitalized, architecturally striking downtown are lined with shops, galleries, bookstores, restaurants, cafes and a popular brewpub and wine bar. Verse yourself in local history at the downtown museum next to the train station before taking a free, self-guided or group tour of 38 First Nations’ totems (including one of the world’s widest) that line downtown streets. Along the way sample Duncan’s water (voted best in Canada in a national competition) from a remarkable water fountain known locally as “Quench”.

Downtown shopping options include tots, fashion, books, Cowichan sweaters, and First Nations’ art. Catch live music at such festivals as Duncan Daze and the Duncan Summer Festival. And don’t miss the Duncan Farmers’ Market, a year-round Saturday tradition in City Square that features live entertainment and more than 120 vendors selling local produce, crafts, baked goods, fashion, jewellery and more.

Further down the road, birds of prey perform incredible aerial feats under the guidance of skilled handlers at Pacific Northwest Raptors. Country music fans flock to SunFest at Laketown Ranch, the largest country music festival west of the Prairies.

LADYSMITH

Step back in time and explore the charming town of Ladysmith! With panoramic views across an oyster bay to the southern Gulf Islands, Ladysmith’s heritage main street is lined with Edwardian-era architecture, unique shops and a tempting array of restaurants. Transfer Beach Park is the town’s waterfront gem with a kid-friendly green space and water-spray park along with kayak rentals, a community art gallery and a dockside maritime museum. Harbour tours provide a unique way to see the town from a di erent angle and learn the history of the area.

The Town of Lake Cowichan is home to the 34-kilometre long body of freshwater called Cowichan Lake. Central to the region, it has a considerable history and is a paradise by itself, with numerous swimming areas, boat launches, trails, parks, and other points of interest. Those in search of freshwater adventures will adore Lake Cowichan and its namesake lake and river, which are known playgrounds for swimming, river tubing and fishing.

Located 10 minutes east of Duncan, Maple Bay is a spectacular spot for beachcombing, swimming, sailing, fishing, rowing and scuba diving in some of the warmest ocean waters on Vancouver Island. If you just want to enjoy the views, you can unwind at two fantastic pubs with delicious food and friendly people. Go hike some of the trails on Maple Mountain for stunning views.

LAKE COWICHAN

MAPLE BAY

Wewelcomeyouto warmyourheart inCowichan

Justa45minutedrivefromBC’scapital,you’llbewarmlywelcomedwithadifferentpace oflife.It’sslowandeasyyetexciting.FeelthewarmthofCowichanintheoceanbreeze alongthecoast.Touchthecoolandrefreshingwaters-thesaltyseas,flowingriversand ripplinglakes.Smellthetreesandvegetationwithinthemistyrainforests,bustlingwithlife. Therichnessofourregionwelcomesyouthrougheveryseason.

TheCowichanregionsitsontheuncededterritoriesoftheQuw’utsun,Malahat,Ts’uubaaasatx,Halalt,Penelakut,Stz’uminus,Lyackson,Pauquachin,DitidahtandPacheedaht Peoples.OurnamestemsfromQuw’utsunwhichisrootedintheHul’q’umi’num wordshquw’utsunmeaning“towarmone’sbackinthesun”.Hereyou’llfindseveral communitiesfullofauthenticandcreativepeople.You’lllookaroundtoseenatureunspoilt,farms-thriving,andtowns-quirky.

Welovetowelcomenewpeopletoourregion,sharestories,andbeyourguides.Whether youwantaslowSundaycyclealongtheKinsolTrestle,oranexcitingmountainbikeride throughoutthetreestogetyourbloodpumping.Ormaybeyou’rethesocialbutterfly type,lookingtomeetthefriendlycharactersofCowichan.Ourdiverseregionisfullof grassrootsbusinessesandfarms-oftenwithdedicatedfamiliesbehindthem.Their storiesaretoldthroughastorefront,amarketbooth,astudiotour,orafarm-to-table, heartymealwithanaromaticglassofwine.

AfterexperiencingCowichan,you’llwanttoknowourhistory,theroots.Hereinthe Cowichanregion,thereisourhumanhistory,encompassingFirstNationstoEuropean settlement,andthenthereisthenaturalhistoryofourregion.Travelthroughtimetolearn ourhistorythroughvividstorytellingandourarrayofmuseums.

Howeveryoudecidetoexperienceourregion,you’llfindthesunhasseepedinto people’sverybeings;wewelcomeyoutowarmyourheartinCowichan.

Planyourtripat

LET THE BC ALE TRAIL

BE YOUR GUIDE

Joe Wiebe

Vancouver Island’s natural beauty and range of urban, rural and wilderness activities make it an amazing destination. Add more than 50 craft breweries to that mix and visitors might never want to leave.

Vancouver Island and the idyllic Gulf Islands are collectively a beer lover’s paradise. This region boasts an amazing bounty of locally focused craft breweries, many of which also have excellent kitchens to help satiate your hunger after a busy day doing what you love, whether it’s hiking, biking, golfing, surfing, sightseeing or shopping.

The BC Ale Trail has three ale trails on Vancouver Island showcasing extraordinary craft beer communities and the super, natural landscapes that surround them. Each ale trail suggests self-guided itineraries that include

FERN + CEDAR BREWING

BAYVIEW BREWING

SPINNAKERS BREWPUB

local attractions, restaurants, activities, and, of course, breweries. You can plan a multi-day excursion to visit an assortment of breweries or pick one region and visit all the local breweries over the course of a few days.

Visiting breweries is an excellent way to explore the Island and the Gulf Islands. Road trippers and RVers will enjoy driving through rainforests, vineyards and farms, mountain passes and coastlines. In some areas, it is easy to cycle between breweries. And in the urban centres, local breweries are within easy walking distance of each other and many local attractions.

There are also tour operators like the Salt Spring Hop On Hop O shuttle or The Pedaler in Victoria that o ers brewery tours by bicycle. Check with local tourism centres about other tours o ered in each region.

GREATER VICTORIA

BC’s craft beer revolution was kicked o when Spinnakers Brewpub opened in 1984 on Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Spinnakers has a beautiful restaurant with a pub space upstairs and several di erent outdoor patio options. You can even stay in one of their guesthouses. This brewpub is truly a destination for craft beer lovers, even more so this year since it is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Today, Greater Victoria is home to 18 breweries — and that culture is celebrated annually at events like Victoria Beer Week (in March) and the Great Canadian Beer Festival (Sept. 6-7). Look for Hoyne Brewing’s Dark Matter on tap in pubs — it is a classic beer that won Best in Show at the 2023 BC Beer Awards.

Several breweries and brewpubs are situated in and around the very walkable downtown core of the city with a few a little bit farther out. Highlights include Whistle Buoy Brewing, a welcoming spot on the lower level of historic Market Square, as well as Vancouver Island Brewing, which is a couple of blocks north on Government Street and is also celebrating 40 years in business this year.

A short side trip will take you to Sooke, which is home to three breweries, each with their own unique vibe. Bad Dog Brewing is a fun spot nestled in the forest on a quiet road. It o ers a range of delicious beers along with food from its own Hot Diggity Dog food trailer, including gourmet hot dogs (of course), burgers, wraps and smoked meat sandwiches.

Avid cyclists will be thrilled to learn about the extensive local network of converted rail trails. The Galloping Goose Trail runs all the way out to Sooke from downtown Victoria, and the Lochside Trail extends the line north up the Saanich Peninsula all the way to Swartz Bay, the ferry terminal that connects to the Mainland.

The Saanich Peninsula features several interesting breweries, including the sciencethemed Category 12 Brewing in Saanichton, about halfway up the peninsula, as well as two of the region’s newest, Beacon Brewing and Small Gods Brewing, which are located on the same

block in beautiful, seaside Sidney.

Enjoy a “cruise” (via BC Ferries) to the Southern Gulf Islands, a picturesque archipelago that is home to two breweries, Mayne Island Brewing and Salt Spring Island Brewing. The Salt Spring Hop On Hop O Tour stops at the brewery as well as cideries and other local attractions like the famous Salt Spring Island Cheese farm, where you can enjoy delicious gelato made from goat milk.

CENTRAL ISLAND: COWICHAN AND NANAIMO

Duncan has three breweries to visit, including the Craig Street Brewpub, which is a great option for lunch or dinner.

The charming town of Ladysmith has always been an attractive place to visit thanks to its heritage main street (named the best street in Canada for 2017 by the Canadian Institute of Planners) and famously delicious cinnamon buns (baked daily at the Old Town Bakery on that very street). It also has an excellent small brewery, Bayview Brewing, which has become just as famous for its food as it is for its delicious beer.

Nanaimo is a mid-Island hub that also connects to the Mainland at two di erent ferry terminals. The small city has four breweries to check out, including the Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant, a great option for enjoying a pint

along with a delicious pub-style meal.

North of Nanaimo, you can check out Rusted Rake Brewing, which is located on a farm where they grow the barley used in the beer, along with many of the ingredients used in the kitchen of their excellent restaurant.

COAST TO COAST: PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH TO TOFINO

The beachside communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach boast some of the Island’s best beaches, as well as some great breweries. Both Fern + Cedar Brewing and Mount Arrowsmith Brewing have big tasting rooms and kitchens, while Qualicum’s tiny LoveShack Libations is a unique spot definitely worth a visit.

A side trip out to the wild 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 beers.

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 or the patio with views of Ucluelet Harbour. And no visit to the west coast of the Island would be complete without a stop at Tofino Brewing.

The Comox Valley is home to several breweries, including Ace Brewing and Gladstone Brewing in Courtenay, Land & Sea Brewing and RAD Brewing in Comox, and Cumberland Brewing in the town of the same name.

A side trip to Hornby Island takes two ferries, one to Denman Island and then a second to Hornby, but your reward will be a chance to visit one of BC’s newest and smallest breweries: Hornby Island Brewing.

Beach Fire Brewing in Campbell River has an excellent restaurant featuring delicious pizza and other food. Vancouver Island’s northernmost brewery in Port McNeill is Devil’s Bath Brewing, which is named after a local geographical feature, the Devil’s Bath cenote. Although there aren’t any breweries farther north, intrepid travellers can continue to Holberg and the Scarlet Ibis Pub. Longwood Brewery makes some unique house beers for

them and you can even spend the night if you can snag one of their micro huts.

Wherever you travel on Vancouver Island, let the BC Ale Trail be your guide. Visit our website itineraries 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.

GREATER VICTORIA:

Category 12 Brewing

Driftwood Brewery

Four Mile Brewpub

Herald Street

Brew Works

Howl Brewing

Hoyne Brewing

Île Sauvage Brewing

Lighthouse Brewing

Mile Zero Brewing

Millstream Beverage Co.

Moon Under Water

Brewery, Pub & Distillery

Phillips Brewing & Malting

Spinnakers Brewpub

Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel

Swift Brewing

Vancouver Island Brewing

Twa Dogs Brewery

Whistle Buoy Brewing

SIDNEY: Beacon Brewing

Small Gods Brewing

SOOKE & BEYOND:

Bad Dog Brewing

Sooke Brewing

Sooke Oceanside Brewery

SOUTHERN

GULF ISLANDS:

Mayne Island Brewing

Salt Spring Island Brewing

COMOX VALLEY & NORTH

TOFINO BREWING

COWICHAN:

Bayview Brewing

Craig Street Brewpub

Red Arrow Brewing

Small Block Brewing

NANAIMO:

Longwood Brewery

Longwood Brewpub

White Sails Brewing

Wolf Brewing

MID-ISLAND:

Alberni Brewing

Dog Mountain Brewing

Fern + Cedar Brewing

LoveShack Libations

Mt. Arrowsmith Brewing

Rusted Rake Brewing

Tofino Brewing

Twin City Brewing

Ucluelet Brewing

COMOX VALLEY:

Ace Brewing

Cumberland Brewing

Gladstone Brewing

Hornby Island Brewing

Land & Sea Brewing

RAD Brewing

CAMPBELL RIVER & NORTH: Beach Fire Brewing

Devil’s Bath Brewing

COMING SOON:

Jordan River Brewing

Checkerhead Brewing

Rising from the cool, clear water of the North Pacific, between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, you will find a handful of serene, verdant, rolling crowns locals call the Southern Gulf Islands. Here, in a cool Mediterranean micro climate, the days are warmed by good neighbours and West Coast sunshine, hearts are filled with inspiration and nights are sung to sleep by the orcas that call the channels home.

The Islands are flowing with creative artists and organic farmers.

Food and artisan markets are abundant here as part of the Southern Gulf Island’s diverse economy.

Ocean and farm-fresh foods are presented by chefs and food producers who prepare local ingredients with a unique Gulf Islands flair. Find a place to call your own while you’re here. The locals will infuse each minute of your visit with wonder and hospitality. Because islanders live among such abundance, they have a lot to share, including unique shops and boutiques, and spas and healing centres.

Beautifully appointed B&Bs abound in forest, farm or ocean settings, and there are lake-front

cabins and cottages for families and groups. Enjoy some of the finest resorts, hotels and spas and, of course, there is camping in private areas and provincial and regional parks.

Each of the five Southern Gulf Islands has its own character — laid back, rustic, up tempo, bustling. Like the sea, some of us ebb, some of us flow, but all the islands seem to move at the perfect pace.

There is year-round daily service from B.C. Ferries on reaching the Southern Gulf Islands. Be sure to plan ahead by checking out access options at bcferries.com . Island connections can be tricky and, during busy times, guest services and operators may advise you to book your ferry crossing before you book your stay.

The Gulf Island Water Taxi is available through the summer providing charters and transportation for events such as wine tours, bike tours and market tours. During the summer months, the taxi o ers regular island-hopping routes as a way to promote connections between the Southern Gulf Islands. See www/gulfislandswatertaxi.com for schedules.

The Southern Gulf Islands are within traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including WSANEC First Nations and the Hul’quimi’num Treaty Group

SATURNA ISLAND

with food, art ISLAND SALTSPRING

With its varied landscapes, innovative food scene and abundance of local art and wares, it’s easy to lose yourself in the creativity and adventure of Salt Spring Island.

Find solace in casual strolls on the beach and broad views of the Salish Sea, or nurture inspiration amid the world-class artistry. When you’re done, feed your body and soul with its agricultural bounty and creative provisions. Then rest in the deep silence of a remote escape.

Salt Spring Island has always been a place of refuge, restoration, adventure and creativity. And it is widely known for its beautiful scenery, organic agriculture, large artisan community and for an emphasis on health and wellness and environmental sustainability.

develop their inner creative persona.

Salt Spring’s rural landscape is home to more than 200 working farms. Local produce, meat, seafood, wine and beer can be found in many food establishments featuring farmto-table delights. Teeming

Salt Spring is a year-round destination for visitors looking to disconnect, find their inspiration or spark for life and

With a calm temperate climate and an abundance of provincial and regional parks and conservancy lands, you can find solace or adventure in every season.

Hike along the oceanside, through lush rain forests or arbutus groves, up mountains for views over neighbouring islands, through farmland and along forested trails.

Get out on the ocean with a local fishing charter, kayak adventure or whale watching and nature excursion.

Hop on a stand-up paddle board or take a dip in one of Salt Spring’s seven fresh water lakes, or grab your golf clubs for a round of the island’s nine-hole course.

WMix of charming, modern, pastoral

GALIANO PENDER

Oasis in the Salish Sea

elcome to this beautiful, comfortable oasis in the Salish Sea, just a short ferry ride or float plane jaunt from Vancouver and Victoria. Hike, whale watch, fish and golf, then fill up your suitcase with art treasures from local shops. When it’s time to dine and raise a glass to a fine day, you’ll be treated to an array of foodie options. Rest and sleep like a baby. Do it again tomorrow. Explore ancient forests, rocky heights, sandstone and pebble beaches on Galiano. From boating to hiking, kayaking to mopeds, festivals to whale watching, art shows to golf and fishing to fiestas, Galiano o ers a wide range of experiences. There is a variety of accommodations, talented artisans, wellness and spa facilities and award-winning restaurants — plus plenty of fresh produce from the island’s organic farms.

Reset your inner clock to island time when you explore the two islands of Pender. Find a mix of charming and modern among the forests, picturesque coves and beaches, farmlands, rolling hills, lakes and small mountains. Cycle, fish, hike, boat, sail, scuba dive, golf or just relax into a romantic getaway at the resorts, cafes, bistros, bakery, pub, studios and the shops of the Driftwood Centre. Pender Island has the most public beach access points of any of the Gulf Islands, so it’s easy to fish, launch a kayak or just soak up the sunshine. Visit the island’s winery and cidery tasting rooms, book a round at the Pender Island Golf and Country Club, hike to the peak at Mount Norman and visit the local museum to find out about the history of rumrunning from the nearby U.S. San Juan Islands.

Planyourvisittodayandimmerseyourselfin themagicoftheSouthernGulfIslandsatSage HaywardVineyards.Makeareservationonline andembarkonamemorablejourneyoftaste andtranquility.

sagehaywardvineyards.com

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250-791-0380

Watch the eagles soar above, the orcas swim past and the sun sink into the sea. Cycle across the island and sleep under the stars. Kayak under the ancient cli s with the creatures of the Salish Sea. Hike along the highest point in the Southern Gulf Islands and see the world from a perspective you’ve never seen before. For a moment, be part of this cozy island family.

Visit Sage Hayward Vineyards, a family owned estate nestled on a south-facing sea bench between sheer cli s and ocean currents stretching down toward historic Saturna Beach. Enjoy a stunning landscape, soaring raptors and grazing goats and sheep as you relax on the terrace, sipping Sage Hayward’s wines between breaths of the sea air.

Don’t miss East Point and the 1888-built lighthouse, a featured attraction of the 2.5-hectare park. East Point is a part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, one of Canada’s newest national parks, where you can explore the unusual sandstone shoreline and tidal pools and one of the best places in the Gulf Islands to watch for whales during summer.

An energetic and artistic community that strongly supports the buy local movement, Mayne Island is a mix of both the modern and the craft. Lose yourself amid the tremendous diversity of its coastal environment with many opportunities for both peaceful and active pursuits. Enjoy boating, hiking, biking, nature touring, shopping, dining, beach combing, and just chilling at one of many local venues or vistas in this diverse coastal island environment.

NANAIMO

PAIR URBAN ENERGY WITH NATURE'S WONDERS

Nanaimo is on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Island Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking families of the Snuneymuxw people.

STORIES BY JAMIE MOORE

Check out the On is Spot app with walking tours narrated by local Indigenous knowledge keepers.

Download the Explore app on Google

Play for more things to see and do.

Hornby I. Denman I.

PORT ALBERNI Bowser

QUALICUM BEACH

PARKSVILLE

STAND IN THE MIST OF WATERFALLS

Gabriola I.

Nanaimo is central Vancouver Island’s hub for outdoor adventure. Here, the city’s quirky and walkable downtown is just minutes away from all kinds of magical experiences – whale watching, island hopping in the harbour, Indigenous sites and tours, canyon bungee jumping, kayaking excursions, singletrack mountain biking trails, and more.

The 360-degree views are magnificent, from the city centre on the harbourfront to the forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown. As you explore and poke around corners you WIll also find unique boutiques, upscale restaurants and fun surprises along the Nanaimo Bar Trail.

Don’t miss these top things to do:

TAKE A WHALE WATCHING TOUR

Hop on an open-air Zodiac inflatable or covered boat charter to see humpbacks and orcas o shore from Nanaimo. Seals, sea lions and eagles are a bonus. Whale sighting rates are over 90% in this area.

TASTE THE NANAIMO BAR TRAIL

On this self-guided trail with 40+ 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.

GO ISLAND HOPPING

In summer, catch a harbour ferry to visit Protection Island’s floating pub or the Indigenous territory of Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) where you will find Indigenous tours, coastal hiking trails, an old sandstone quarry and beaches. Nearby Gabriola Island is a yearround must-see for artist studios and beaches.

The cascading Ammonite Falls is your stunning reward at the end of a remote 4.5-km forested trail. Three city parks also feature gorgeous waterfalls right near the parking lot. Other local trails take you to a mountain summit, earthquake fissure and suspension bridge.

SAMPLE LOCAL CRAFT BEER

Sip locally made microbrews on sunny patios that feature gorgeous views and West Coast fare. Nanaimo’s craft breweries each o er a di erent tasting flight experience. The city is also home to a craft distillery and an estate winery, both with tasting rooms.

STROLL THE SEAWALL PATH

Along the 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 Ma eo Sutton Park playground for all ages and abilities includes a custom-designed canoe carved by a local Indigenous artist.

FIND INDIGENOUS-DESIGNED JEWELLERY, CLOTHING

Check out the downtown shops in the Arts District for 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. You will also find clothing inspired by traditional Coast Salish art at the Ay Lelum House of Design’s new retail location on the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

PADDLE IN THE HARBOUR

Take a guided kayak tour and paddle from downtown around Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) as seaplanes take o 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.

VISIT THE 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. Download the free On This Spot app for historic walking tours (including the nearby Nanaimo Bastion and stories from a local Indigenous knowledge keeper) with 400 historic photos.

TYLER CAVE TYLER CAVE DUNCAN

SAYSUTSHUN (NEWCASTLE ISLAND) MARINE PROVINCIAL PARK

ENJOY UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCES DOWNTOWN

LADYSMITH

One of the biggest reasons to love Nanaimo is that no matter where you are in the city you’re always close to water. Access to the ocean, river and several lakes is quick and easy. Here are some ways water lovers can enjoy their happy place during a visit to Nanaimo.

WHALE WATCHING

Take a three- to five-hour tour on an open Zodiac or semi-covered boat for a chance at that magical moment when you see an orca, humpback or gray whale in the wild. The success rate for finding whales in this area is higher than 90 percent. An onboard marine naturalist gives you the rundown on the behaviours you will observe of these and other marine mammals you might encounter: harbour seals, sea lions and more.

SHIPWRECK SCUBA DIVING

Three sunken Navy vessels – a tugboat, destroyer and a WWII maintenance vessel – are now beautiful artificial reefs covered in marine life just o of Nanaimo’s shores. There’s a lot to see among them: fore and aft guns on the decks, a crow’s nest, and several species of marine life including octopus, ling cod, wolf eels, swimming scallops, feather stars and plumose anemones. Local dive shop charters will take you there or to dive sites you can access from shore.

Water world

Ocean, lakes and rivers abound in Nanaimo

KAYAKING & SUP

Launch your SUP or take a guided kayak tour around the islands in Departure Bay and the Nanaimo Harbour. You will learn about the Indigenous and coal mining history as you pass by significant locations. You will also glide through cavelike areas and below otherworldly rock formations as you watch for harbour seals, purple sea stars, and anemones. If you have your own gear, launch at Departure Bay Beach or the boat ramp and paddle to a waterfront restaurant or pub.

FISHING & SAILING

Fishing charters run year-round and the peak months for salmon are May through September. Winter salmon fishing is often paired with prawn fishing and crabbing. Bonus: It’s not uncommon to see black bears or whales on fishing and sailing charters. Catamaran sailing tours can be customized for what you’d like to see. Tossing in a crab trap along the way is also a possibility. Chances are good that you will see bald eagles soaring overhead or perched in treetops.

ISLAND HOPPING

Passenger-only ferries shuttle you to the two large islands in Nanaimo’s harbour: Protection Island and Saysutshun (Newcastle Island). Go for dinner on Protection Island’s floating Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant then walk to the black

sand beach at Gallows Point. On Saysutshun you can explore historic sites with an Indigenous knowledge keeper or go beachcombing on the beautiful beaches. From downtown Nanaimo, you can also catch a 25-minute car ferry to Gabriola Island, a Gulf Island known for its many artist studios and natural wonders.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

■ SUP, fishing and swimming at Westwood Lake

■ Exploring Shack Island at Pipers Lagoon Park at low tide

■ Fish ‘n chips on the dock at Fisherman’s Wharf downtown

■ Watching salmon spawn in the Millstream River at Bowen Park

■ Snorkelling and seeing crayfish in the Nanaimo River

■ Seeing the surging Dodds Narrows on the Cable Bay Trail

■ Indigenous welcome poles and portal at Departure Bay Beach

■ Wildplay’s bungee jump and zipline over the Nanaimo River

Spend some time at Nanaimo’s top festivals & events

FEBRUARY

MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL

This annual one-of-a-kind bilingual family event is inspired by the eastern Canadian sugar shack tradition. Three days of activities include performances by dancers, musicians and entertainers. Don’t miss the maple to ee on snow and other French Canadian food at this festive event.

Where: Beban Park Social Centre msfnanaimo.org

JUNE-AUGUST

COMMERCIAL STREET NIGHT MARKET

On Thursday nights the Commercial Street Night Market brings the sounds

and aromas of summer to downtown Nanaimo with some 200 artisan vendor booths and more than a dozen food trucks. You will also enjoy live music and a kids’ zone creating a festive family vibe with a climbing wall, face painting or magicians.

Where: Commercial Street at Bastion Street nanaimochamber.bc.ca/nanaimo-nightmarket/

Every June this colourful, vibrant

parade celebrating Nanaimo’s 2SLGBTQI+ community makes its way along downtown’s Commercial Street and Front Street then ends up in Ma eo Sutton Park at the Pride Festival. The park is filled with food trucks, local Rainbow-registered businesses and organizations, and performances on the outdoor stage.

WHERE: Ma eo Sutton Park nanaimopride.ca/

JULY

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

JULY-AUGUST

CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES

This series showcases local musicians against the backdrop of the city’s beautiful park spaces. You can expect a variety of music genres in several di erent outdoor settings throughout the summer. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket. It’s great for the whole family.

Where: Various locations nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/ parks-events/concertsinthepark

JULY

NANAIMO MARINE FESTIVAL & GREAT INTERNATIONAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BATHTUB RACE

This proud local tradition since 1967 sees serious competitors in modified bathtub boats racing for the coveted title. The 58 km race starts and ends at Ma eo Sutton Park downtown, and the festival activities span the weekend with a parade, outdoor concerts, and food and artisan vendors.

AUGUST

NANAIMO BLUES

FESTIVAL

Where: Ma eo Sutton Park bathtubbing.com

JULY

SILLY BOAT REGATTA

At this crazy event more than 40 teams spend the morning building the silliest of ships at Ma eo Sutton Park then climb in and set sail in the Nanaimo Harbour lagoon in the early afternoon. The regatta is entertaining to watch and usually raises more than $100,000 for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

Where: Ma eo Sutton Park’s Swy-A-Lana Lagoon sillyboat.com

Witness the unique event of dragon boat racing and cheer on teams as they race in several di erent heats. The weekend’s events also include a market, food trucks, multicultural performances, and kids’ activities in the park. On Saturday the breast cancer survivor teams are honoured in a special carnation ceremony and in ceremonial races.

This highly anticipated annual festival includes four days and nights of family friendly outdoor concerts and events celebrating the best in blues music. The lineup includes recent JUNO Award winners and local talent.

Where: Ma eo Sutton Park nanaimoblues.ca

AUGUST

NANAIMO FRINGE FESTIVAL

Where: Ma eo Sutton Park fgpaddle.com/races/nanaimodragon-boat-festival/

This 10-day festival of music, drama and comedy performances entertains audiences at theatres and outdoor venues across the city. Performers are emerging theatre artists from Central Vancouver Island and farther afield.

Where: Various locations nanaimofringe.com

SEPTEMBER

VANCOUVER ISLAND EXHIBITION (VIEX)

Nanaimo’s Beban Park fills with crowds for this popular fair. The three-day event celebrates the best in agriculture, local food and live entertainment from across Canada. Enjoy cotton candy, carnival rides, barns filled with 4-H animals, bands on outdoor concert stages, and more.

Where: Beban Park viex.ca

SEPTEMBER

NANAIMO INTERNATIONAL

JAZZ FESTIVAL

More than 100 local and international jazz artists perform at multiple venues in downtown Nanaimo (including free street concerts) during this three-day festival that draws 2,500 music lovers.

Where: Various locations nanaimojazzfest.ca

Nanaimo's farm and artisan experience

Summer is the best time to savour Island living and spend a day in the country. Along the winding roads of Nanaimo’s Cedar and Yellow Point area you will meet cute animals, taste locally grown flavours and pick up unique handmade gifts.

YELLOW POINT FARMS

Pop into this farm’s petting area spring through fall for an interactive encounter with adorable baby dwarf goats, babydoll sheep, Kune Kune pigs, mini horses and chickens. The farm store sells farm-raised products and gifts including blueberries, garlic, goat milk soap and wool socks.

CEDAR FARMERS’ 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. Looking for farmfresh produce year-round? Island Roots Farmers’ Market runs Wednesdays 3-6pm throughout the year at Beban Park.

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

At this farm in south Nanaimo, you can feed the alpacas over the fence, hear interesting facts about them, and take home a pair of warm, woolly socks. Be sure to book an appointment.

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 summer, book a tour of the beautiful cranberry fields.

MCNAB’S PRODUCE FARM & CORN MAZE

Stop by the roadside farm stand for fresh veggies on this property that has been farmed by the same family for more than 50 years.

SUPERIOR FARMS

At the northern edge of Nanaimo, Superior Farms in Lantzville grows seasonal flowers, veggies and plants. Kids love interacting with the farm’s bunnies and mini animal breeds: cows, horses, pigs and goats.

COMMERCIAL STREET NIGHT MARKET

Hoping to find more artisans outside the Cedar and Yellowpoint area? You can head to Nanaimo’s downtown Commercial Street on Thursday evenings from mid-June through August for dinner or snacks at several food trucks and shop nearly 200 artisan booths. Live music and entertainment make this experience fun for the whole family.

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Originallytheeconomiccentreofthecity,thearea isacharmingmixofrevitalizedheritagebuildings andthoughtfulnewdevelopment.Thecharm andcharacterofheritagearchitecture,walkable streetsandunexpectedartfulnessprovidesthe perfectbackdropforauniqueshoppinganddining experience.

LearnmoreabouttheOldCityQuarter, wherevibrancyandculturethriveat www.oldcityquarter.com

Indigenous experiences in Snuneymuxw’

Travellers who want to immerse themselves in Indigenous culture — and not just read about it — will find several captivating opportunities in ‘Snuneymuxw’ / Nanaimo. There are carved petroglyphs, welcome poles, portals, and a canoe to touch and see. You can walk through the forest with an Indigenous cultural tour guide and learn about the medicinal qualities of plants. Or visit Indigenous-run shops, meet the artists, and take home earrings, scarves and books they created.

Beaches and trails on ‘Saysutshun’ / Newcastle Island*

Start at the welcome pole, carved by a local Snuneymuxw artist, and explore this traditional Indigenous territory with a cultural tour guide who tells stories and points out historic and culturally significant sites, plants and animals.

Carved welcome pole & canoe at Ma eo Su on Park

See how many animals you can identify on the colourful welcome pole in downtown’s waterfront Ma eo Sutton Park, where other Nations visiting by canoe would’ve been welcomed. The park’s playground is home to a wooden canoe carved by the same local Indigenous artist.

Portals at ‘Stiilnup’ / Departure Bay Beach*

The massive wooden structure near the beach marks the site of the burial ground and winter village where thousands of Snuneymuxw people lived until the mid-1800s. Interpretive signage along the beach walkway includes stories of the Indigenous people.

Immersive exhibit at Nanaimo Museum

Check out the textiles, basketry and tools once used by the early Snuneymuxw First Nation and learn about what daily life was like in a traditional longhouse. You can also see replicas of ancient local petroglyphs and make a rubbing to take home.

Ancient carvings at ‘ ax’an’ / Petroglyph 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 believed to be more than 1,000 years old. Interpretive panels explain the carvings, the locations for which were typically places of power or mystery.

Forage walks at Beban Park & Colliery Dam*

Where to shop

STRONG NATIONS STORE

For now this local Indigenous-owned and operated publishing house and bookstore is online only but with plans to reopen the retail location soon. Indigenous-made gift items including Inuit dolls, Metis blankets, jewellery, art cards, games and more come from artists across Canada. strongnations.com

Did you know that long before BandAids the local Indigenous people used the pitch or resin from Douglas fir trees to help close up wounds? Walk with an Indigenous cultural tour guide to hear stories about local plants, ways of using them, and traditional harvesting methods. More

to explore on Gabriola Island*

Guided Indigenous cultural tours also visit several places on Gabriola Island: The Petroglyphs, The Brickyard, El Verano Drive, Elder Cedar (S’ul-hween X’pey) Nature Reserve, and Gabriola Sands Provincial Park’s Twin Beaches.

SNAW-NAW-AS MARKET AT SHELL GAS STATION

Located on the neighbouring Snawnaw-as First Nation, this market is the biggest surprise you’ll find in any Vancouver Island gas station convenience store. It’s a hidden gem tucked inside the Shell gas station along Highway 19 at Nanoose Bay is packed with Indigenous puzzles, books and toys.

NANAIMO MUSEUM GIFT SHOP

After exploring the Indigenous exhibits in downtown’s Nanaimo Museum, pop into the gift shop to peruse the beautiful Coastal Indigenous-designed jewellery, carvings and other items.

AY LELUM – THE GOOD HOUSE OF DESIGN

This store located on the Snuneymuxw First Nation is the retail shop of the Good family’s Ay Lelum House of Design, whose bold-print dresses, tunics, earrings, and other pieces have been featured on runways during New York Fashion Week. Ask about the Indigenous stories depicted in each print design. This is the same design house whose artwork will soon appear on utility manhole covers throughout city streets locally. aylelum.com

LEARN MORE

Go to cedarboxexperience.com to learn more about the native plants, animals, ecosystems, seasonal teachings, and culture of the region’s Coast Salish People.

culturedcoast.com

250-933-3388

Indigenous-led cultural tours

Dave Bodaly, a revered storyteller and knowledge keeper of the Snuneymuxw Nation, leads local Indigenous cultural tours yearround. For more info visit: https://about. me/superdave6693. He also narrates the stories by video in the free self-guided walking tour app: On This Spot. Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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ROYAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUM

Explore First Nations history on Saysutshun

Catch the harbour ferry from downtown’s Ma eo Sutton Park to Saysutshun Marine Provincial Park (Newcastle Island), the traditional Indigenous territory of the Snuneymuxw Peoples. There are no roads or cars on this island in the Nanaimo Harbour, but you can easily explore the nature, history and Coast Salish culture by foot or bike in a day or half day. A passenger ferry runs from late spring to early fall.

Hike or bike the forested Coastal Trail (8 km) around the perimeter, stopping for scenic lookouts with views of the Salish Sea and Coastal mountains, sandy beaches, and interpretive signs.

See historic sites from several eras. There are Snuneymuxw welcome poles and former village sites, sandstone quarries, a herring saltery and coal mine sites. See and learn more on a 1.5-hour walking tour with a Snuneymuxw knowledge keeper and cultural tour guide.

Step into replica dinosaur footprints. You can place your feet into a replica display near the low-tide mark where actual dinosaur footprints were recently studied by paleontologists from the Royal B.C. Museum.

Go for ice cream. Kids love the snack bar at the island’s restored 1930s dance pavilion.

Spend the day on the sandy beach. Swim in protected, shallow waters or explore tide pools, overturning rocks to see flowery anemones and

scurrying crabs.

Kayak around the island. Take a guided kayak tour to see the unique sandstone formations along the shoreline at eye-level and look for purple sea stars in the shallows.

Pitch a tent. Book one of the 18 forested campsites just a five-minute walk from the docks and you can wake up to the sunrise over the ocean, flush toilets and hot showers included.

Watch for rare raccoons. Saysutshun is home to rare champagne-coloured raccoons whose light hue is due to a recessive gene or a transformation by Indigenous spirit-being, depending on your cultural perspective.

Kayakers and hikers occasionally spot them in the mornings foraging for clams on beaches.

TAThe story of the champagne raccoon

s the Snuneymuxw story goes, on Saysutshun’s Bates Beach thousands of years ago a raccoon hiding in the tall grass snuck over and grabbed an eagle by the legs. When the Transformer spirit-being saw this and asked why, the raccoon responded: If I hold on long enough I’ll learn to fly. The Transformer then put an end to the raccoon’s ability to sneak up on eagles, saying: one in every 10 of your babies will be white.

The feud between eagles and raccoons continues today, and the champagne-hued raccoon can be seen and scooped up much more easily by an eagle. Latest counts of the champagne raccoon remain at about 10 percent of the total raccoon population on the island, about seven of 70 at last count.

Thousands of years ago

Hear this and other stories told by an Indigenous cultural tour guide. Dave Bodaly leads in-person tours on Saysutshun in summer and he’s the narrator of these same stories by video in the app: On This Spot. Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

he Nanaimo area is the traditional territory of the Coast Salish Peoples called the Snuneymuxw First Nation. They established villages on the island of Saysutshun and along Departure Bay, the Nanaimo River, and False Narrows (near Gabriola Island). Snuneymuxw people lived on Saysutshun in late winter and early spring to take advantage of the annual herring run. The island is also a source of traditional natural medicines and has long been associated with physical and spiritual healing. The name Saysutshun means ‘a place of healing and renewal for our spirit.’

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DAVE BODALY LEADS IN-PERSON TOURS ON SAYSUTSHUN

You don’t need to be a serious hiker to love Nanaimo’s trails. You will find more secret spots and surprising beauty than you imagined. These top hiking trails, all within about a 15-minute drive of downtown, reward hikers with gorgeous waterfalls, lush forests and perfect places to catch the island’s sunrises and sunsets.

Nanaimo’s Top Hiking Trails

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 o -leash: Westwood Lake Park, and Colliery Dam Park.

PRETTIEST WATERFALL - AMMONITE FALLS TRAIL

A new staircase helps you ease down the slope to the cascading waterfall at the end of this remote forested trail (4.5 km). Other waterfalls: Beach Estates Park, Bowen Park and Colliery Dam Park.

MOST HISTORIC HIKE - SAYSUTSHUN

COASTAL TRAIL

BEST FOR SUNRISES & SUNSETSNECK POINT & PIPERS LAGOON

Easy coastal loop trails at Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon o er vast views of the ocean and mountains. Bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip. Other sunrise/sunset views: Mt. Benson, Sugarloaf Mountain.

Take a quick ferry from Ma eo-Sutton Park to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Provincial Park, an island and traditional Snuneymuxw First Nation territory. Hike the forested Coastal Trail (8 km), stopping at lookouts, beaches, and interpretive signs.

HIGHEST PEAK - MOUNT BENSON LOOP

Trek the strenuous 8-km loop that ascends to the 1,000-meter mountain summit for views over the city, backcountry, ocean and Coast Mountains. Other ridge views: The Abyss Trail at Extension Ridge, Radar Ridge Trail at Linley Valley, and Lantzville Lookout Loop.

BEST FOR BIRDWATCHINGBUTTERTUBS MARSH TRAIL

At dawn and dusk especially in summer, this flat gravel trail (2 km) encircling a marsh can sound like an aviary. Get a closer look with spotting scopes on observation decks. Other birdwatching: Morrell Nature Sanctuary, Bowen Park.

BIGGEST URBAN WILDERNESSLINLEY VALLEY TRAILS

This 800-acre green space tucked between neighbourhoods in the middle of the city has a trail network with 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.

3 3 Great Days in Nanaimo

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Want to make the most of a quick getaway to Nanaimo? Here’s a three-day itinerary packed with places locals like to go.

These three jam-packed days include quirky cafes, hidden waterfalls, beaches with incredible sunsets, and pubs with character … favourite places where locals take their friends and family when they come to visit.

1 DAY

Start your day downtown a bit o the beaten path. The eclectic Vault Cafe is a non-touristy spot that fills with the buzz of locals meeting up for breakfast. After a lox bagel or breakfast wrap, head to the waterfront walkway and watch float planes and boats in the harbour. Circle back to Commercial Street and browse shops for clothing, jewellery, art and home decor before lunch at Gabriel’s Cafe, known for its fresh, farm-to-table goodness. Then hit the Doumont Road mountain biking trails with technical and beginner singletrack that cuts through beautiful, lush forests. If you’d rather opt for arts and culture, stay downtown and explore the Nanaimo Museum, immersing yourself in the interesting Indigenous and coal mining displays. Pieces at the nearby Nanaimo Art Gallery capture the city’s individuality, attitude and heart. Next, walk a few blocks up the hill to the Old City Quarter to browse boutiques and visit Kitties & Cream cat lounge before enjoying the wood-fired pizza or pasta for dinner at La Stella Trattoria. Finish the day with live music and dancing at The Queen’s downtown.

ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS FROM THE DINGHY DOCK PUB & RESTAURANT

EGGS BENNY AT GABRIEL’S CAFE

Early risers, head to Departure Bay Beach for the sunrise with a warm drink in hand from Drip Co ee across the street. You might also see morning swimmers, float planes and the Vancouver ferry in this busy bay. Don’t miss the Indigenous welcome poles, portals, and historic interpretive panels along the waterfront. Next, hike the moderate Ammonite Falls Trail to the cascading waterfall and feel the mist on your face. On sunny summer days, locals like to eat fish tacos and soak in the tropical vibes at Penny’s Palapa on the wharf docks. From here you’re just steps away from the departure point for a Vancouver Island Whale Watch tour, where humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life frequent local waters. For dinner, pick up pulled pork sandwiches or ribs at Smokin’ George’s and picnic while you watch the sunset at Pipers Lagoon Park. Finally, raise a glass to a great day and sip local craft beer by the fireplace at the White Sails Brewing taproom.

B

egin your day at Bee’s Knees Cafe with a decadent cinnamon bun topped with blueberry cream cheese made in-house. Spend the morning at WildPlay, where you can zipline over the Nanaimo River Canyon or harness up for the treetop adventure course’s tightropes, cargo nets and rope swings. Enjoy lunch at a British-style Crow and Gate Pub set in a Tudorstyle home among English gardens. Cruise the country roads to the nearby Yellow Point Farms for a visit with goats, sheep, mini donkeys, mini horses, and kune kune pigs. Dinner is a mini getaway that begins with a short ferry ride from the downtown harbour to Protection Island’s Dinghy Dock Pub, a fun restaurant (with a family section) right on the dock. After dinner, catch a stunning sunset over the ocean at Neck Point Park. Before turning in for the evening, soak your tired muscles in the hot tub or wave pool at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

Nanaimo: Fresh air adventure destination

ISLAND HOPPING

DowntownNanaimoishome to three ferr y services, e achtaking you to their respective islands,which canbeexploredinaslittleas afew hour s or savoured over afew days.

tourismnanaimo.com/what-to-do/island-hopping/

You’ve come to the right place for adventure. Nanaimo’s outdoor playground is unparalleled (and surprisingly close to downtown). There are adventures here that you will tell stories about for years to come. Choose from fun activities in a variety of stunning local settings – on the ocean, a mountain, river canyon, lake or in the mist of a waterfall.

TAKE A WHALE WATCHING TOUR

Ever wondered what it’s like to see whales blowing and skimming across the ocean waters? Head out on a tour with Vancouver Island Whale Watch. The waters surrounding Nanaimo are home to dozens of pods of Transient orca, humpback whales, sea lions, harbour seals, and porpoises.

PADDLE IN PROTECTED WATERS

Take a multi-day excursion or circle Saysutshun/Newcastle Island in a kayak or canoe. Glide alongside fascinating rock formations and see seals, sea stars, crabs and anemones in the clear water. The Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island is a great paddle-up pit stop.

CLIMB A MOUNTAIN

Stand tall after climbing 1,000 meters to the peak of Mount Benson, and feel the immensity of the full-circle view. Want a quicker fix? Take the five-minute hike up Sugarloaf Mountain in Departure Bay for vast views over the harbour and city.

ZIP-LINE OVER THE CANYON

Thrill-seeking travelers can take on heartpounding challenges with adventure courses, bungee jumping and zip-lining through the treetops in the beautiful Nanaimo River canyon at WildPlay. Kids as young as five years old can try the adventure courses.

FEEL THE MIST OF WATERFALLS

It’s a gorgeous hike to the cascading Ammonite Falls on a lush forest trail (4.5 km), where the spray thunders in spring and fall. Closer to downtown, check out the waterfalls at Beach Estates Park, Bowen Park and Colliery Dam.

SEE THE SEALS & SHIPWRECKS

Did you know Nanaimo is home to sunken Navy vessels? With one in Departure Bay and two just outside the bay, these artificial reefs now covered in marine life are a big draw for scuba divers. Seals also haul out on nearby islands.

EXPLORE INDIGENOUS HISTORY

Hop the foot ferry from Ma eo-Sutton Park to Saysutshun Island/Newcastle Marine Park, a traditional First Nation territory, to see village sites, sandstone quarries, totems, scenic lookouts and sandy beaches. Camping is a fun option here.

SHRED SOME SINGLETRACK

Bring your own bike and gear or stop by a local outfitter and get yourself trail-ready. With three major trail networks all at various

levels, Nanaimo delivers big-air jumps, drops, adrenaline-spiked singletrack, and plenty of casual XC trails for cruising.

GO CRABBING & FISHING

Put down a crab trap at Ma eo Sutton Park’s fishing pier for Dungeness crab or head out on a salmon fishing charter. Freshwater anglers can explore Nanaimo’s many lakes (several of which are stocked regularly with trout) and the Nanaimo River.

HIT THE BEACH

Nanaimo’s long oceanfront makes it an ideal place for swimming, windsurfing, and snorkelling. Head to ocean parks such as Pipers Lagoon, Departure Bay, Neck Point, and Swy-A-Lana Lagoon. For freshwater swimming, Westwood Lake and Long Lake are local favourites.

GO CAMPING OR RVING

Break out your paddleboard or kayak or rent one from the urban campgrounds at Brannen Lake, Westwood Lake, or at Living Forest on the Nanaimo estuary. At Mountainaire you can hike to a beloved swimming hole at the Nanaimo River. Rondalyn has an outdoor pool, and Jinglepot RV Park & Campground is known for its beautifully manicured gardens.

Gabriola

Island’s 28 th Annual

October12-14

10am-5pm

JAMES COLE FISHING

DUNGENESS CRABS ARE DELICIOUS AND PLENTIFUL IN BC WATERS

artist:TyrrellC.Clarke

FGood vibes:

or those attracted to less mainstream destinations, you can hop a 25-minute car ferry from downtown Nanaimo to one of the Gulf Islands: Gabriola Island. Uncover the unexpected – winding roads, artist's hangouts and studios, natural wonders, and the island’s come-as-you-are-independent spirit. Here’s an itinerary to help you hit some of the highlights in one day.

Your first stop is Malaspina Galleries. This dramatic sandstone rock formation at the ocean’s edge looks like a frozen wave. Walk inside the ‘wave’ or snorkel below.

Next, get a sense of Gabriola’s friendly, self-expressive vibe at the Saturday Farmer’s Market outdoors at Agi Hall where you can pick up locally grown produce and island-made products. On Sundays head to the Silva Bay

Market. Both run from late May through early October.

For lunch, pop in at Mad Rona’s Co ee Bar for a sandwich or wrap made in-house. This buzzy community hub has an urban West Coast vibe with high ceilings, natural wood finishes, bar seating, couches and tables.

In the afternoon, either hit the beautiful sandy “Twin Beaches” at Gabriola Sands Provincial Park or drive to the island’s south end to take in the ocean views at Drumbeg Provincial Park where, on a clear day, you can see Washington’s Mt. Baker. Watch for harbour seals and bald eagles on a short forest walk along the seashore. Gabriola is home to miles of other spectacular hiking and biking trails, fishing charters and kayaking adventures.

Get to know a few of the locals when you

take a tour with hard cider tastings at Ravenskill Orchards, try a horse medicine therapy session at Soul Farm, or learn to Make Cheese

With Paula.

No visit to the island is complete, though, without also visiting the island’s many artist's studios and meeting the artists who call Gabriola home. At some point you will also likely cross paths with the other locals – wild turkeys and deer in the road or alpacas at a roadside farm.

Before catching the ferry back to Nanaimo, go for dinner at Woodfire Restaurant and try the gourmet wood-fired pizza.

Feel like fish and chips or curry instead? Head to the Surf Lodge & Pub, where you can raise a pint and catch an unforgettable ocean sunset at the end of your day.

9GREAT PLACES for unique food and drinks

Sip and savour your way around Nanaimo, and you might be surprised by a city of this size. You will find quirky delights and sophisticated indulgences. These nine unique experiences are a fun place to start.

SEAFOOD AT THE VIEW OCEANSIDE GRILL

At this restaurant in downtown’s Best Western Dorchester Hotel, every seafood dish is artfully plated and infused with interesting flavour combinations. Try the sesame-crusted tuna seared medium-rare and glazed with a soy maple chili reduction. It’s served with a sriracha slaw on Moroccan quinoa.

PERSIAN LUNCH AT BEES KNEES CAFE

Run by a Persian family, this little co ee shop is a hidden gem. Most people pop in for a co ee or cinnamon bun, but the lunch is where the family recipes really shine. The made-fromscratch Persian lentil soup and Buddha bowl salad are miles away from ordinary. For a special treat, try the rose water chai tea.

100% VEGETARIAN MENU AT EVE OLIVE

Tucked among a charming collection of shops and restaurants on the Rutherford Road hill in north Nanaimo, Eve Olive restaurant uses 100% plant-based ingredients. The creative and diverse menu is a vegetarian’s dream with multiple renditions of non-meat burgers, pizzas, pastas, curries and salads.

WHISKEY TASTING AT GRAND CRU

On the shores of Long Lake, The Grand

Hotel restaurant’s whiskey lounge is an elegant escape. The display alone is stunning: more than 150 di erent varieties in gorgeous bottles from around the world. Try a tasting flight and let an expert guide you from the sensory experience into the science of critique.

GLUTEN-FREE BAKING

AT WHITE RABBIT COFFEE CO.

There’s a hipster vibe at this modern minimalist co ee shop downtown. Set in Nanaimo’s historic train station, White Rabbit is a favourite among celiacs. All of the baked items – donuts, mu ns and cookies – are gluten free, organic and made in house from scratch. The entire menu is also vegan.

ON-THE-DOCK DINING AT PENNY’S PALAPA

Don’t miss a stop at this seasonal floating Mexican restaurant. Famous for freshly squeezed lime margaritas, fish tacos and ceviche, a meal at Penny’s Palapa will transport you to the sunny climes of Mexico. It can also be enjoyed on cooler days thanks to patio heaters and brightly coloured blankets.

INTERNATIONAL CHEESES

AT MCLEAN’S SPECIALTY FOODS

Drop in at this old-style deli for a fun

international browse. McLean’s is a downtown landmark packed with specialty food items from the UK, Europe and South Africa, but the cheese is the real treasure — more than 150 varieties with flavours as fantastic as their names.

NANAIMO BAR DESSERTS ON THE NANAIMO BAR TRAIL

There are 40+ stops on the Nanaimo Bar Trail with everything from the famous Canadian layered dessert to clever renditions that are deep fried, ice cream, cheesecake, a spring roll, wa e, cocktail and more. Pick up a trail brochure with a map at the Visitor Centre or check tourismnanaimo.com for info on experiencing this treat in its namesake city.

CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCES AT BREWERIES AND TAPROOMS

British Columbia is known for its craft breweries and the gorgeous landscapes that surround them. Nanaimo is no exception. Here you’ll find breweries and taprooms with mountain views, behind-the-scenes tours, European-inspired beers, live music, cozy fireplaces, incredible food and more. Nanaimo is also home to a craft distillery and winery.

BAKED LOBSTER TAILS FROM OCEANSIDE GRILL. THE DELICIOUS THAI COCONUT CURRY FROM EVE OLIVE. NANAIMO BAY MARGARITA FROM PENNY’S PALAPA.

FIND NANAIMO BARS

GALORE ALONG THE TRAIL

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 some of North America’s top-rated spas, hotels and restaurants.

Parksville’s Community Park really is a gathering place for all who live and visit. 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.

If you’re looking for things to do in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas, this picturesque region boasts a variety of attractions that cater to every interest and age group.

HORNE LAKE CAVES & OUTDOOR CENTRE:

Considered one of the premier cave systems in Canada, visitors can satisfy their curiosity in this underground playground. With options from mild to wild, a guided tour of the caves provides adventure seekers a fascinating glimpse of the ancient and mysterious realm where you can view fossils and crystal formations.

CHASING WATERFALLS: Admire the steep plunge of water at Little Qualicum Falls and Englishman River Falls, set amid old-growth and second-growth forests of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock and maple.

CATHEDRAL GROVE: Visit Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, and stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas fir trees, some more than 800 years old.

VISIT A MUSEUM: Wander through the artifacts at either or both the Qualicum Beach and Parksville museums. Visit Craig Heritage Park featuring several buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

EXPLORE COOMBS: Bring the family and spend the day in Coombs exploring the frontier town and shop for unique gifts in the many arts and crafts stores. The community also hosts special events such as a bluegrass festival and a rodeo. A stop at Coombs is not complete without exploring the Old Country Market and saying hello to the famous goats on the roof.

FRENCH CREEK: Visit the bustling marine community at French Creek, with a federal dock complete with facilities for visiting boaters, moorage, fresh seafood sales, fishing charter

companies, whale watching tours and a pub. It’s also the base for the walk on ferry to Lasqueti Island.

LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY: Take a drive to Lighthouse Country featuring the communities of Qualicum Bay, Bowser and Deep Bay and home to Island Scallops, the Salish Sea Market and the Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery. Lighthouse Country’s unpretentious small inns, bed & breakfasts and campgrounds cater to visitors looking for a quiet retreat that’s o the beaten path.

MILNER GARDENS: Experience the magic of Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach — 28 hectares of unspoiled natural beauty steeped in royal history perched on the edge of an oceanfront blu overlooking the Strait of Georgia.

Parksville Beachfest

The Parksville Beach Festival — a summerlong celebration of sand, art, music and food — promises fun in the sun at the Parksville Community Park located along the city’s vast stretch of ocean sand.

Starting with the world-renowned signature event, the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition, opening weekend is July 12 to 14 with the sculpture exhibition open until Aug. 18. This ever-popular event features a 30-hour competition between 29 international master sculptors. Sand artists begin by pounding sand on July 11 to create the sculpting base that is so essential to a successful sculpture.

Each soloist works with 10 yards of sand and its 15 yards for doubles. This year, rather than having a specific theme, we’re empowering our sculptors to bring their own vision to life.

Public entry to the competition begins July 12 and the judging will take place July 14. Awards and cash prizes are presented to the top three doubles and the top five soloists, in addition to peer-selected awards and people’s choice prizes.

The sculptures are available for viewing from July 15 through to Aug. 18, and admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person.

Since 1999, the Parksville Beach Festival Society has donated more than $1 million from the gate proceeds to non-profit organizations and community projects.

Start planning your visit today at parksvillebeachfest.ca

A 5-week-long family-orientated celebration of sand

OPENING WEEKEND CONCERT

FEATURING TROOPER, JULY 13

Get ready for an electrifying concert experience filled with chart-topping hits and an unforgettable journey through the career of one of Canada’s most popular bands, starting at 7 p.m. Before the Trooper takes the stage, get ready to groove with The Soul Shakers, hailed as one of the best dance bands on Vancouver Island. Tickets available for purchase starting March 1.

PARTY CITY BUSKERS, JULY 15 TO AUG. 18

Enjoy a diverse cross section of Island musicians performing daily at the Boardwalk Gazebo, adjacent to the sand sculpting exhibition between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

FREE WEEKEND EVENING CONCERTS

JULY 19, 20, 26, 27 AND AUG. 2, 3, 16, 17

Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a variety of free musical entertainment.

SandsculptingExhibition

ART IN THE PARK JULY 20 AND 21

Artisans from across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands will showcase their creative talents and products in the shaded grassy areas of Parksville Community Park.

ROCK THE PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL

AUG. 9 TO 11

A three-day ticketed music festival featuring worldclass tribute bands as well as perennial favourites.

COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT

UNION LIGHT UP AUG. 16 AND 17

This event allows you to experience the sculptures in a unique and wonderfully di erent way. The gates are open until 11 on these two evenings.

SYMPHONY BY THE SEA, AUG. 18

ArtinthePark

MidIslandCo-opRockthePark

CoastalCommunityCreditUnion

Enjoy an afternoon concert featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony. Gates open at 3 p.m., with the concert set for 4 to 6 p.m.

Rae was a young female black bear cub who came to North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRA) after being found starving and unsteady on her feet, likely due to head trauma. She will require ongoing care for the rest of her life. She is a playful bear and a delight to everyone who meets her.

Located a few minutes west of Parksville, NIWRA is a world-class centre that rescues and rehabilitates ill, injured and orphaned wildlife like Rae.

Elsa is a Snowy Owl who came to NIWRA su ering from starvation. Her condition slowly improved with our care; however, she cannot fly well enough to survive in the wild. Elsa is admired and loved by all who meet her.

Mango is a Red-tailed Hawk who su ered a serious eye infection/injury as a baby and needed his eye surgically removed. With compromised eyesight, he would be unable to survive in the wild. Mango has been glovetrained and is an animal ambassador in NIWRA’s education program.

Sandor is an adult Bald Eagle who was found as a youngster with a crushed wing, su ering from starvation and seizures. Because of his wing injury, Sandor cannot fly and will remain at the Centre for the rest of his life. He is very popular with visitors and very vocal.

Farley is a Great Gray Owl who was hit by a vehicle. The collision resulted in a badly broken wing, which had to be partially amputated. He cannot fly and lives at the Centre as a permanent resident. Farley is a beloved ambassador in our education program.

You can meet many more of our animal ambassadors on your next visit to NIWRA. Knowledgeable volunteers and sta are on-site.

Prepare to be in awe when you peek into our Eagle Flight Enclosure (the largest in Canada), and watch recovering bald eagles rebuild their muscles before being released back into the wild.

Orphaned black bear cubs that are being cared for before being released back to the wild are viewable on closed-circuit televisions to prevent human interaction.

Glove-trained raptor ambassadors and their handlers often stroll through the facility, visiting with guests. Wander the immaculately groomed and fully accessible grounds at your own pace. With eight acres to explore, you should plan to spend at least a couple of hours or bring a picnic basket and enjoy a whole day.

NIWRA is a non-profit organization, and all profits stay in the centre to support wildlife in need.

Allure of the Alberni Valley

Mountains, lakes, rivers and a mighty ocean inlet make it amazing

The Alberni Valley is on the unceded traditional territories of the Tseshaht and Hupačasath First Nations.

Port Alberni lies at the head of the rich salmon grounds of the Alberni Inlet. It’s a prized fishing and water sports destination at the centre of Vancouver Island, and the perfect hub for exploring a vast swath of the Island through to the West Coast. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is a diverse area of more than 6,600 square kilometers, bordered by the Beaufort Mountain Range to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Cultural and historical explorers are in their

element here thanks to three fine attractions: the Alberni Valley Museum, rated as one of the best regional museums in B.C.; the harbourside Maritime Discover Centre with its fascinating retelling of the town’s 1964 encounter with a tsunami; and the McLean Mill National Historic Site, a vintage lumber camp with working steampowered sawmill that can be reached by car or on a memorable half-hour steam-train ride from downtown.

Hike or mountain bike the Log Train Trail,

one of 100 routes in the valley, including a challenging trek by boat and foot to Della Falls, the highest waterfall in Canada at the western end of Great Central Lake.

Discover old growth forest and west coast beaches, waterfalls and mountain views. Outdoor enthusiasts with a taste for the extreme will find breathtaking hikes, mountain biking, zip lines and kiteboarding. If it gets your pulse racing, you can find it in the Alberni Valley.

Those seeking a more relaxing pace, might

explore walking trails under ancient canopies, watching bears from the boardwalk or spending a day fishing or paddleboarding on Sproat Lake.

The Alberni Valley is home to a rich and diverse community working together to bring you incredible flavours, great value, artistic masterpieces and comfortable and friendly accommodations. Discover some great places to eat and stay, and shop for local crafts and art, souvenirs and supplies and gear rentals for West Coast adventures.

Island. They ferment and distill the ‘Spirit of Alberni’ with locally sourced grains and fruit. By sourcing recycled bottles and by keeping their carbon footprint light, they want to lead the new wave in sustainable craft distilling.

The Alberni Valley is a must stop on the B.C. Ale Trail. Twin City Brewing is a multi-awardwinning brewery with expansion plans in 2024. Located in the heart of the Alberni Valley, Alberni Brewing Company is committed to producing and serving craft beer at its finest quality. Serving great beer and food on their giant dog-friendly rooftop patio and home of the West Coast Donair. New to town is Antidote Distilling Co., a craft distillery, that brings artisanal spirits from the heart of Vancouver

A 15-minute drive from Port Alberni, Sproat Lake earned the title as British Columbia’s Best Lake in 2023. It’s known for its warm, clear water and easy access point for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. The lake spans more than 27 kilometers and is surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks. Two separate parks with campgrounds and large day-use areas make Sproat Lake a popular destination for campers and picnickers. 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.

In late summer or early fall, head to Stamp Falls Provincial Park. Watch as thousands of Pacific salmon circle in the pools 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.

HOLE IN THE WALL FALLS

LEARN MORE AT ALBERNIVALLEY TOURISM.COM

WINDSURFI NG& KITEB OA RDING

Forthosethrillseekers,donotmissouton windsurfingorkiteboardingintheAlberniInlet. Duetotheuniqueweatherconditionswithinthe AlberniValley,especiallyinthesummertime,the windsblowinguptheinletmakesforthebest windsurfingandkiteboardingconditions.

MCLE AN MILL NATION AL HISTORICSITE

TakeastepbackintimethroughouttheMcLean MillNationalHistoricSitethatwasalogging andlumberoperationestablishedin1925.See theheritagehouses,steamequipment,andthe sawmillanytimebetweendawnandduskona self-guidedtour,orcontacttheMcLeanMillfor aguidedtour.McLeanMillNationalHistoricSite issurroundedbytrailsavailabletohike,bikeor evenviahorsebackriding.

A LBERN IVA LLEYMUSEU M

ThereisrichIndigenoushistoryoftheNuu-chahnulthPeoplesthroughouttheAlberniValley,as wellastheforestry and maritime industry. The AlberniValleyMuseumshowcasesthesewith varioustemporary exhibitseachyear.

PORTA LBERN I MA RITIMEHERI TA GECE N TRE

Strollingalongthewaterfront,you’llseeared andwhitelighthouse-yes,youcangoinside! The MaritimeDiscovery Centreisamuseum builtwithinanoldlighthouse. There arerotating exhibitssharingAlberniValley’shistory,witha permanentexhibitonthe1964tsunami.

HIK E IN TONATURE

Boastingover100hikingtrailsthatrangefrom beginnertoadvanced,therearetrailstomatch everyskilllevelandinterest.Fromchasing waterfallstoenjoyingmountainvistas,letthe trailsleadyouintooutdooradventures.

SIn your Wildest Dreams

On the wild west coast, a feast for the senses

troll the perfect beaches and explore dense coastal rain forest 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.

Long Beach is world famous for its vast, sandy beaches and boardwalks twisting through lush forests.

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.

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.

The Kwisitis Visitor Centre is perched on the south end of Wickaninnish Beach. The outside deck is the perfect yearround spot to view whales, storms and surfers. Inside the centre, there are exhibits about the land, sea, sky and people.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled in the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples, which includes 14 First Nations

The pounding rhythm of ocean waves, beautiful stretches of sandy beaches and ancient trees will leave lasting memories

TERRIFIC TOFINO

Hidden in an ancient landscape on the west coast is the village of Tofino. Soak in the breathtaking expanse of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region cherished for its biodiversity and environmental culture.

• Thousands of grey whales migrate through local waters between February and October, and small groups of them spend the full season in Clayoquot Sound. On a whale-watching tour from Tofino, you may also encounter humpback whales, orcas, rafts of sea otters, enormous Steller sea lions and a good variety of colorful seabirds, including tufted pu ns.

• Welcome to Surf City, Canada. Surf shops and schools o er gear and instruction, and there’s plenty of room on Long Beach, Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay for all comers.

• For a taste of Tofino while nestled in a lodge or campground, check out the new tasting room and grab a growler-to-go at the Tofino Brewery. Or pick up some homemade gelato, fresh charcuterie and locally roasted co ee.

• Kayaking the serene waters of Clayoquot Sound – a life-list experience for paddlers the world over – is suitable for all skill levels. Rentals, lessons, moonlight paddles and extended tours are available.

• Short water taxi and boat trips take daytrippers to o -shore neighbourhood mustvisits. Meares Island is home to a 2,000-yearold cedar tree, the oldest in the world, as well as the Lone Cone trail, a steep ascent to panoramic Clayoquot Sound viewpoints. On Flores Island, First Nations guides lead hikes through forests, along beaches and past heritage sites on the Ahousaht Wildside Heritage Trail.

ALL ABOARD FOR UCLUELET

Ucluelet (or “Ukee” as the laid-back locals a ectionately call it) is perched on the tip of a peninsula southeast of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Long known as a relaxed and rustic community, the town is evolving into a resort and adventure tourism destination in its own right.

Kayakers and boaters head for the nearby Broken Group Islands, surfers flock to the surrounding beaches and families can admire marine life at the Ucluelet Aquarium before dining on the catch of the day in local restaurants.

Don’t miss the extended and easily accessible Wild Pacific Trial, which undulates along Ucluelet’s rugged coastline for nine kilometres. This spectacular hike is rated by TripAdvisor contributors as the top activity on Vancouver Island.

• Wildlife-watching cruises depart from Ucluelet Harbour en route to Barkley Sound through the Broken Group Islands archipelago and surrounding area. Tour guides provide a running commentary about the region’s rich cultural and natural history as passengers snap images of humpback and grey whales, pods of orca, black bears, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles and coastal birds.

• Hire a guide for charter fishing trips out to the region’s best salmon, halibut and rock fish grounds.

• Surf shops o er board rentals and lessons in longboard surfing and SUP boarding. The sandy beach breaks create waves perfect for all skill levels at Wickaninnish Beach and Long Beach.

• Get cozy in one of numerous accommodation options during a winter storm-watching season marked by thundering surf, foaming white spray, extreme winds that gust up to 100 knots, and sea swells that send massive waves crashing against the shoreline.

• Relax and pamper yourself at an exclusive spa or in an ocean-view lounge. Browse art galleries, unique gift shops and learn about Ucluelet’s interesting history and the rich culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation. Dining options range from traditional dishes to fine dining.

COX BAY LOOKOUT, TOFINO,

ResidingintheYuułuʔiłʔatḥtraditionalterritoryofthe UclueletFirstNation,or“Ukee”asmanyVancouver Islandersaffectionatelycallit,Uclueletisacharmingand rusticvillagewithfriendlyandeasy-goingfolks.

LocatedalongthewestcoastofVancouverIsland,ina temperaterainforest,theclimateismildenoughtoenjoy year-round.Startoffafoggyordrizzlywestcoastmorning, grabbingawarmdrinktoenjoywhilewalkingalongthebeach andwatchingthestormsandwavescrashinguponshore.Or immerseyourselfinthewavesonasurfboardorkayak.

Asyoustrollthroughoutthefishingvillage,you’llfindmany funkyartisanshopssoyoucanbringapieceofUcluelet homewithyou.Thereisnoshortageofcuisinechoices inUcluelet-everythingfromfinedining,tocasualfareanddon’tforgetanicecreamorpastryfordessert.

NestlednextdoortothePacificRimNationalPark,Uclueletis theperfectbasecamptoexperiencetheruggednatureand flourishingcommunitiesofthewestcoast.Fromwildwinter stormstopicturesquetrailsandbeaches,naturedoesn’t holdback.Visitaplacebeyondyourwildestdreams.

Where mountains and forest meet

Four seasons of fantastic in the Comox Valley

The valley is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, traditional keepers of this Land of Plenty.

OCEANPACIFIC

Midway up the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is embraced by the sea and mountains and o ers the charm of a small town with urban sophistication and taste.

The Comox Valley is comprised of three main communities: City of Courtenay, town of Comox and the village of Cumberland.

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 clear waters, paddle along kilometers of shoreline, hike or bike along a river or in pristine wilderness, or tee o at one of the many golf courses, there’s something for every adventurer. And if you’re not really keen on the outdoors, there’s still loads of laid-back dining, spas, shopping and cultural experiences to check out, too.

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. The small-town aesthetic found in all three of these communities is something to be adored. 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 farm-to-fork and tide-to-table culinary traditions, with menus featuring the freshest of seasonally local ingredients. These communities

have everything from arguably the best ramen on the west coast to crave-worthy chicken sandwiches and inventive donuts to oh-so-creamy gelato.

Cumberland, the smaller community of the three, boasts a storied past as a mining community that’s been transformed into a hub of outdoor recreation.

Known foremost for its world-class mountain biking, the area also includes hiking, disc golf and loads of ways to explore its roots through museums and interpretive displays at Number 6 Mine Park. Hit the trails then fuel up with great food, craft beer and artisan treats without even having to move your car – it’s all that close.

Across the water, Comox is characterized by a fresh, spirited energy, an infectious and a modern facelift spurred by millions of new dollars in capital investment. It’s Island living at its best: boutique shopping, quaint cafes, oceanside activities and a tantalizing array of award-winning restaurants. Comox is also home to the region’s modern airport that welcomes daily flights from Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.

While in Comox, make a stop at Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, a spectacular property boasting nine acres of breathtakingly landscaped waterfront green space, gardens and heritage buildings; the site of numerous arts and culture events throughout the year. If gardens pique your interest, follow your visit to Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park with stops at Innisfree Botanical Gardens, Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, and Aderton Gardens as well.

Just a short drive west of Comox is Courtenay, a community best known for its assortment of locally owned shops and abundance of 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.

Rent a kayak or connect with a local outfitter to experience the region by water. Try 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 Shipwrecks or experience the intertidal marine life in and around the mouths of the Tsolum and Puntledge Rivers.

Fishing charters feature knowledgeable captains and expert guides to deliver you to prime fishing hotspots. 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 o ers excellent fresh-water boating and swimming.

ISLAND SAUNA IN BLACK CREEK

WORLD CLASS SCUBA DIVING

It’sjusta30-minutedrivefromCourtenaytoenjoythealpineelements atVancouverIsland’sMountWashingtonAlpineResort.Hometo over1,700acresfulloffunwinteractivitiesthatthewholefamilycan enjoy-skiing,snowboarding,snowshoeingandeventubing!Take intheincredibleviewsofthewholeComoxValleyandSalishSea.

Ifthewinterelementsaren’twhatfloatsyourboat,enjoytheheat ofthesummercoolingoffandfloatingaroundinthefreshwater ofComoxLake,orinthesaltyseasofMiracleBeachandSaratoga Beach.Forthosemilderweatherdays,workupasweatinCumberland withmountainbikersflockingfromallovertheworld.Speakingof flocking,grabsomebinocularsandhikeamongsttrees,orthecoast tospotthousandsofvarietiesofbirdsandnumerousotherwildlife.

Onceyou’veexperiencedthealpinetooceanactivitiesoftheComox Valley,checkingouttheartsandculturesceneisamust.The ComoxValleyhostsavarietyoffestivals,withtheirpremierannual 3-daymusic,artandentertainmentevent-FilbergFestival.Another ComoxValleyclassicisNauticalDaysthatincludesaparade,car show,fireworks,foodtrucksandover100vendors.Throughoutthe restoftheyearyoucanfind3marketsshowcasingartisansand farmers-ayear-roundmarketatNativeSonsHallfromOctoberto April;atComoxValleyExhibitionGroundsApriltoOctober),and2 summermarketslocatedinCumberlandanddowntownCourtenay.

Forthefoodiesandthoseneedingtosatisfyyourhungerafter abusydayoutdoors,thereareseveralrestaurantsandpubs offeringlocallygrownfoods,includingfreshseafoodlike shellfishandoystersfoundlocallyinthewatersofBaynesSound. Andtowetyourwhistle,haveapintorshareaflightatacraft brewery,ortryatastingatanorganicorsustainablewinery.

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Whether you want to explore nature, enjoy the local culture or indulge in some delicious cuisine, Vancouver Island has something for everyone.

But how do you get here?

You could take a ferry, but that means driving to the terminal, waiting in line and spending hours on the water. You could also take a seaplane, but that means dealing with the weather, the noise, and the limited luggage space.

Or you could take the smart option: Fly to the Comox Valley Airport.

The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is the quick and easy way on and o Vancouver Island. Located in the heart of the island, YQQ o ers direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto, as well as connections to other destinations across Canada and beyond. You can save time and money by flying to YQQ, and enjoy the hassle-free experience of a small, friendly airport.

When you fly to YQQ, you can start your vacation as soon as you land. Rent a car on site, take a ride share or taxi, or hop on a shuttle bus to get to your destination. It’s an easy launching point to Tofino, Parksville or Campbell River.

You can also explore the Comox Valley, a vibrant community with stunning views, charming shops and cozy cafés. You can visit nearby alpine resorts to mountain bike, hike or zipline in the fresh mountain air. You can hit the links at the many golf courses minutes away from the terminal. The valley is also home to wineries, farmers markets and breweries, and a picturesque beach, forest or mountain activity is never far away when you’re on island time.

Don’t let travel stress ruin your vacation. Choose the Comox Valley Airport for your next trip to Vancouver Island, and discover why it’s the best way to fly.

Book your flight today at www. comoxairport.com and get ready for an unforgettable Island adventure.

40 Years of Filberg Festival magic

Amid the majestic trees and lush gardens of Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox, the Filberg Festival is a unique experience that combines art, music and nature in one spectacular event. As the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary, organizers and artists invite you to join them for a weekend of creativity, culture and community spirit from Aug. 2 to 4.

This year’s festival will showcase more than 100 talented artisans and makers from across Canada, o ering a diverse range of fine art, including metalwork, pottery, wood crafts, jewelry, paintings, glass, textiles and specialty foods. Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible craftsmanship on display.

The excitement doesn’t stop there – the musical lineup promises to be as electrifying as ever, featuring both local talent and top recording artists.

Whether you are discovering new musicians or grooving to your favorite performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

And don’t forget about the refreshments. With a site-wide license, the Filberg Festival proudly serves up the best beer, wines and ciders allowing you to sip and savor while exploring the festival grounds.

“We can’t wait to welcome our community and visitors to Filberg Festival’s 40th Anniversary,” says Linda Thomas, executive director of Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association. “Get

ready for a weekend filled with amazing art and music.”

Admission to the festival supports the important work of the not-for-profit organization, dedicated to restoring and maintaining the historic Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park. Your attendance helps preserve this beloved site for generations to come.

In addition to the festival, Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park o ers year-round beauty, with landscaped grounds, rare trees, meandering paths, and a stunning arts-and-crafts-style residence built in the 1930s.

Join us for three full days of art, music and celebration at one of B.C.’s most beautiful event sites.

Moments from the heart of Campbell River, flanked by views of the Strathcona Park mountains and the Discovery Passage, Naturally Pacific Resort is Vancouver Island’s newest resort hotel, redefining adventure with genuine service and casual elegance.

A 90-minute drive north of Nanaimo, Campbell River is known as a mecca for fishing enthusiasts but it’s coming into its own for its adventure options, dining scene and now a premier full service resort.

On arrival at the Naturally Pacific Resort, the spacious lobby opens up to an elegantly designed welcome area with horseshoe banquette seating and east-facing floor-toceiling windows allowing the light to filter through the space. One hundred guest-rooms occupy five floors, each with thoughtful design touches and textures and a colour palette drawn from the natural tones of Vancouver Island’s coastline; stone and moss, velvety ocean blues and deep forest greens. Guest rooms feature Nespresso machines, bathrobes and slippers and Molton Brown amenities. Pets are welcome with dog washing stations on the third floor, and plush co-branded Yeti dog beds for furry friends.

Downstairs to dinner where Carve Kitchen & Meatery provides a modern interpretation of a classic North American steakhouse, led by executive chef Ryan Watson. Dictionary thick

cuts of marbled beef, sustainably and ethically sourced, take pride of place on the menu, alongside other thoughtfully prepared proteins and seafood as well as vegetable-forward and vegan options. Together with a team of on-site horticulturalists, the kitchen team is helping to grow a 10,000 square foot garden, located on the resort, with the goal to produce vegetables and herbs to enhance dishes, along with a small apiary, producing honey for cocktails and dressings.

Those seeking to relax and rejuvenate can visit Immersion Spa & Wellness, located o the hotel’s lobby, o ers guests the opportunity to unwind in a custom, oversized mineral pool and refresh in Italian-made water therapy showers. A range of treatments are on o er, from pampering pedicures to signature treatment rituals that blend ancient techniques and aromatic blends to restore balance to mind, body and energy systems.

Step outside and you’re immediately on the emerald fairways of Campbell River Golf Club, one of northern Vancouver Island’s oldest and most celebrated courses. After a full 18-holes, sip a tasty cocktail while trying your hand at virtual golf with innovative Toptracer range technology at Velocity Lounge.

Naturally Pacific Resort has a wealth of adventures on its doorstep from day trips to the Great Bear Rainforest or whale watching with

Discover ComoxValley

YQQ’shassle-freeandconvenient ightoptionsare yourgatewaytoexploreallthatVancouverIsland hastoo er.

Indigenous-owned Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, kayak tours on the Campbell River or bike rentals to explore nearby Quadra Island with Island Joy Rides, or explore beneath the waves with OceanFix Dive Shop. Culinary explorers won’t be disappointed by many small artisan options including Freyja: A Croissant Story for decadent treats, Beach Fire Brewing and Shelter Point Distillery.

So if you’re looking to explore somewhere new, full of adventure, delicious food and pampering wellness, add Naturally Pacific Resort to your list. You might just discover Vancouver Island’s best kept secret.

naturallypacific.ca

CAMPBELL RIVER GOLF CLUB

Small city, world-class museum

Did you know that British Columbia is home to more than 450 museums, galleries, heritage sites and Indigenous cultural centres? Many of these cultural gems are located in small towns, proving that big things can happen in small communities. One shining example is the Museum at Campbell River.

August2-4,2024

CELEBRATING40YEARS

Situated on the picturesque east coast of Vancouver Island within the unceded territories of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations, the Museum at Campbell River shares the history of the people of the entire North Vancouver Island region, extending from the Oyster River to the islands and inlets of the B.C. Mainland.

From its modest beginnings as an exhibit in a sports fishing lodge back in 1958, the museum has evolved into a stunning new 21,000-squarefoot facility opened in 1994 with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Discovery Passage. The vision of a new museum was ambitious from the start, aiming to be much more than just a static display of relics from the past. With support from the City of Campbell River and the community, this vision has been fully realized, creating a world-class cultural experience.

The museum’s interactive permanent exhibits have been designed so visitors can see, hear and touch the coastal history. Visitors are encouraged to explore the vibrant history of First Nations cultures, sit behind the wheel of an early logging truck, step aboard a float house raft and learn about early days of recreational and commercial fishing.

The museum welcomes more than 30,000 visitors annually and has received multiple provincial and national awards. It earned the Travellers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor in 2023 for consistently receiving great reviews and ranking within the top 10%.

Plan your visit to the Museum at Campbell River and discover the legacy of this remarkable institution for yourself. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily between May 18 and Sept. 30, and from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday from Oct. 1 to May 17.

VISITORS IN THE PERMANENT EXHIBITS EXPLORING COMMERCIAL FISHING PRACTICES IN NORTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND REGION.

BLUETREE PHOTOGRAPHY

WResponsible Whale Watching

hale watching is an exhilarating recreational activity that allows people to observe majestic marine mammals in their natural environment.

However, it’s essential to engage in this activity responsibly to minimize any negative impacts on these magnificent creatures and their habitats. This is where organizations like the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) play a crucial role in regenerative tourism.

Established in May 2007 by marine ecotourism company owners from the North Island region, NIMMSA is dedicated to promoting responsible whale watching practices and marine conservation. The organization represents the shared vision of over 30 member organizations, all committed to the sustainability of the local marine ecosystem and the economy.

NIMMSA member companies adhere to a strict code of conduct designed to ensure the well-being of marine wildlife and the safety of passengers. Vessel operators and naturalists undergo professional training to become proficient in identifying marine species, understanding their behaviors and recognizing movement patterns. These operators follow both national guidelines and regionally specific viewing conduct guidelines to protect the health of marine wildlife.

Moreover, NIMMSA prioritizes environmental sustainability and community engagement. Members contribute to a conservation fund that supports North Island conservation initiatives such as beach clean-ups, research and educational outreach programs to raise awareness about marine conservation among residents and visitors. By actively engaging with the local community and supporting conservation e orts, NIMMSA members demonstrate their dedication to preserving the marine environment for future generations.

When it comes to marketing and social media, NIMMSA members are expected to set realistic marine mammal viewing expectations and educate the public on best practices. They only use images or videos in their promotional materials and social media posts that reflect

responsible marine mammal viewing practices in line with the organization’s code of conduct. Additionally, they encourage clients to do the same.

long-term protection of marine mammals and their habitats.

So, next time you plan a whale watching excursion in Campbell River and the North Island, remember to choose a NIMMSA member operator and join the e orts to safeguard our marine treasures for generations to come.

Choosing an eco-tour operator that is part of NIMMSA ensures that you will have a memorable and educational whale watching experience while contributing to marine conservation e orts. By supporting NIMMSA member companies, you’re not only enjoying a thrilling adventure, but also playing a part in the

NIMMSA.org

campbellriverwhalewatching.com discoverymarinesafaris.ca

For the Wild at heart

Explore rich cultures and untamed landscapes

The

North Island comprises the traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations

Best Beach in British Columbia

BGreat 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.

Experience Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations traditions, art and living culture.

FASCINATING CULTURE

Vancouver Island North boasts a rich and colourful culture and history. Its various museums and cultural and interpretive centres chronicle a saga of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Alert Bay’s incomparable U’mista Cultural Centre is internationally renowned for its collection of potlatch artifacts.

TThe community museums in Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Sointula, Quatsino and Alert Bay all do their vital part in keeping the history and traditions of the region alive with displays, rotating exhibits and extensive archives.

rendan Sainsbury of Lonely

Planet calls San Josef Bay the best wilderness beach in the province, but it takes an e ort to get there and enjoy. The 1.6-mile (2.5-km) trail to San Josef Bay starts at the end of a 43-mile (70-km) unpaved logging road from Port Hardy. When the forest finally parts, you will be delivered onto a windswept expanse of crashing surf and forested sea stacks where bushes and trees have been contorted by fierce Pacific storms. Sainsbury suggests bringing a tent and binoculars, camp right on the smooth sandy beach and spy on the resident wildlife, including eagles and ospreys.

he upper third of North America’s largest island is unspoiled and largely undiscovered yet just a day’s travel from Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. It o ers a breathtaking palette of parks, forests, lakes, saltwater inlets and jigsaw-puzzle coastline. Black bears forage for berries, grizzlies swim from the Mainland, whales splash at sea and eagles glide overhead. The region also stretches past the shores of Vancouver Island to include magnificent Knight Inlet and a swath of the

Vancouver Island North exerts a magnetic pull on easygoing 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 air.

FOR THE WILD AT HEART

Vancouver Island North is a landscape that has remained virtually untouched for centuries. A land made for adventurers, explorers and for the truly wild at heart, the North Island represents an opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature again. For those who visit this rugged landscape, it’s about a journey of discovery to find adventure, tranquility or to submerse yourself in the ancient cultures and traditions that have existed here for thousands of years. Trails here penetrate deep into the landscape, o ering access to remote forests, streams, beaches and lakes. Stop along the pristine shorelines and inhale the freshest ocean air.

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). 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.

Warm Welcomes

U’MISTA CULTURAL CENTRE

The centre is one of the longest-operating and most successful First Nations cultural facilities in British Columbia, founded in 1980 as a ground-breaking project to house potlatch artifacts which had been seized by government during an earlier period of cultural repression. The return of the potlatch artifacts not only provided U’mista’s name (‘the return of

something important’), and sparked a general trend toward repatriation of First Nations and cultural artifacts, it caused the creation of a physical facility and human resources infrastructure which have been successfully operated for decades.

U’mista now operates a modern museum and cultural education facility in Alert Bay. Their operations include the museum, an extensive art gallery and gift shop, group tours, and presentations by dance troupes. — TripAdvisor

KWA’LILAS

The Kwa’lilas Hotel is located in the traditional territories of the Kwakiutl people. This premier First Nations four-star destination hotel, o ers high-end amenities and services. Located in downtown Port Hardy, Kwa’lilas is a traditional word meaning ‘a place to sleep.’ After a day of exploring, refresh with their West Coast, Aboriginal inspired menu in their restaurant and pub.

TOURISM VANCOUVER ISLAND/JORDAN DYCK/U'MISTA CULTURAL CENTRE

THE KWA’LILAS HOTEL GIFT SHOP

SEA WOLF ADVENTURES

Sea Wolf Adventures connects travellers to destinations in the Great Bear Rain Forest and Broughton Archipelago areas for grizzly bear viewing, whale watching and local First Nations cultural tours. Travel with Sea Wolf to experience the stories behind the scenery, support local Indigenous communities, and experience a sustainable approach to wildlife viewing that preserves the precious territory for generations to come.

FORT RUPERT

The southern edge of Port Hardy is home to the Kwakiutl First Nation. It is known for its public galleries where internationally renowned carvers create magnificent art from cedar. You can buy authentic art pieces, gifts and prints here.

K’AWAT’SI TOURS

Experience the wild beauty of British Columbia’s coastal rain forests through the eyes of your First Nations guide as they share their culture, history and traditions. Get out on the water to view wildlife, roam remote beaches, or listen to stories and learn how to weave cedar or make drums. K’awat’si Tours is your connection to Indigenous culture in Port Hardy. kawatsitours.ca

GOLDEN GATE

Dubbed the Golden Gate to the West Coast, Zeballos is nestled among towering forestcloaked mountains at the head of Zeballos

Inlet, gateway to Nootka Sound, world famous for salmon fishing, kayaking, caving and scuba diving. Gold was discovered here in 1931, but all the glitter is now found in its rustic natural beauty.

FRIENDLY FOLKS, OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Located just outside beautiful Strathcona Park, between the Gold and Heber rivers and a few kilometres from the Muchalat Inlet, Gold River is an outdoor paradise. Take in many of the eco-friendly activities for fishing, camping, hiking and kayaking.

CLUXEWE RESORT

Welcome to Cluxewe, a natural wonder, in the land of the Kwakiutl People, who own and manage the resort, which includes cottages, and RV and tenting sites. Cluxewe has two di erent, but related, meanings: ‘Place of the changing river mouth’ and ‘place of refuge.’ Change and refuge — you can find both in this spectacular and peaceful setting, where the Cluxewe River meets the sea at Broughton Strait, along British Columbia’s famous Inside Passage.

ZEBALLOS IS THE GATEWAY TO NOOTKA SOUND

VICTORIA/SOUTH ISLAND

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