Vancouver Island Vacation Recommendations

[Delphinus]

Well..... I would say yes. But it's an example you can see throughout the province. The western edges of the mountain ranges, being the windward side, is where all the rains fall as the humid air is pushed east. So the eastern leeward edges are drier. The resulting difference in flora (and perhaps fauna) are to me quite fascinating.

The west coast of the Island is wet, wet, wet. It is 12 degrees and raining any day of the year out there. The east coast of the island can get wet too, but you're more likely to enjoy sunny and warm (basically subtropical) on the east coast.

Has anyone mentioned Goats on the Roof yet??? The Coombs market, aka Goats on the Roof, is absolute must-see. One of the best farmers markets I've ever been to. The place has been around forever and is a total landmark of the area. It too is near the Parksville/Qualicum area. If you go to Englishman River Falls provincial park or to Port Alberni, you can't help but drive past there.

I'm headed out to the Island in August myself for just over a week. I'm hoping to make a few forays into Strathcona Park this time. I've never checked it out so I'm looking forward to that.

Oh yeah, the caving at Horn Lake. That's a freaky experience for sure. Go into a hole in the ground at one place, come out of a different hole somewhere else. Totally surreal!! Nearby Spider Lake is also a neat spot for maybe a lunch picnic or a swim in a FW lake.

[marie]

Originally Posted by muck

You forgot the most important one... "Marie's Tank Tour".

And everyone goes home with free digitata

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

Thanks Steve for the info, I had read about Horn Lake Caving and was planning to go there, I do enjoy caving and they have some neat 3 and 4 hour tours there.

Most people seem to enjoy the west end of the island around Tofino, what is there to do there? It seems to me that most of the stuff to do is alone the east side.

Im not into sitting on the beach, so maybe Tonfino is not the place for me?

the west side is beautiful, bug waves, windy rainy but what you have is the main road running up the east side then there will be a turn off to tofino, so you go there, now to get to another place say north of tofino you have to go all the way ears again to the main road and go north until you find the next west turn off, that is unless you are into logging roads with no directions depending what time of summer you are looking at you might want to go to long beach over night if there is a festival going on like the sand castle competition, it is pretty amazing.

Steve

[TheReefGeek]

Steve, so you don't think Tofino is worth the driving in your opinion?

[marie]

In my opinion, Tofino is definitely worth seeing, at least once.

[woodcarver]

Hi Rory, I have lived in the Mill Bay area ( 45k north of Victoria ) for 24 yrs ( less a three year exile to Ontario ! )
I have had a few visitors from the U.K. and back east .
If you come thro' Swartz Bay ,from Twassen ,which I recommend as the route through the gulf islands is nothing short of spectacular then I woud spend a couple of days in Victoria . Do the scenic route to see the splendid view from Dallas road looking accross at the Olympics .
Saxe Point Park is a lovely well maintained garden with again wonderful views.
An hour or to around the harbour is always interesting and if you were up to the walk the West Bay walkway leads to Esquimalt along the front ,over paths and board walks.
Drive over the Malahat stopping to take in the sights from all three lookouts ,at least dont miss the third one where the rock has been blasted as this must be one of the most incredible panoramas in the world ,looking out over the Gulf Islands .( On the way back take the Mill Bay - Brentwood ferry , a great way to end your trip )
As Steve mentioned Tofino is a few hours away down a very long winding road but is well worth the visit if you think you can afford to lose the travelling time.
Another thought would be to visit a couple of Gulf Islands ,say Saltspring and Quadra. Saltspring has its own charm and you should go up Mount Maxwell ,just outside Ganges , which you can drive to the summit and gaze over a frightening drop ( above the eagles ) at the awesome view in both directions.
Most of the islands have ferry services and have Kayak rentals etc.
Campbell River is not too far away but I find that ,unless you are a keen fisherman or want to whale watch then there is plenty to see and do to the south.
Cowichan Bay is a neat little fishing village ,stop in at the Rock Cod Cafe for a superb serving of fish and chips!( No I am am just a customer !!)
If you call ahead we may be around so you can stop for coffee .
Hope you enjoy our beautiful island .....................................Dave

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

Steve, so you don't think Tofino is worth the driving in your opinion?

well I have been here 17 years now and still never got out there.. so... I am not a surfer and that is the main attraction of the east coast.. in my opinion, I can see rugged natural beauty anywhere on the Island so in my mind I don't need to drive to Tofino to see bigger waves.. see them in other places.

just remembered something, the inner harbor they have the Harbor ferry tours.. something like 15 bucks for about 40 min to an hour tour from the water.. walking around the Victoria harbor is cool but it is absolutely nothing compared to seeing it from the water.


Steve

[TheReefGeek]

Thanks Dave & Steve, much appreciated information.

I am looking at staying at Seascape Waterfront Resort on Quadra island, they have studios with full kitchens for $130 a night and the 7th night is free. Plus they have canoe and kayak rentals for free. My better half also have a cousin living in Campbell River we should visit.

If anyone knows of any nice cabins elswhere to stay at, please let me know. Probably someplace more south, victoria/nanaimo area to use as a base to explore the south.

[woodcarver]

Rory, Check out the artists and potters on quadra . There is one studio ,forget the name for the moment (south end) that has a beautiful garden with a resident artist and potter ,very nice work.Heriot House (?) used to be a great place to eat ,havent been for a while. Used to stay at Tza Kwaluten lodge on the reserve , lovely building overlooking the passage .
Cape Mudge museum is interesting and of course Rebecca Spit. As you are up in that area think of a visit to Denman and Hornby . Terrific park on Hornby ,Helliwell park. Lots of eagles etc.Gabriola just off Nanaimo has a bountiful market on Saturdays .
I will try to think of cabins to the south. There is Tigh Na Mara in Parksville and Rosebank cottages in Mill bay on the ocean........
Dave