Just a ferry hop from the city of
Vancouver in Canada’s southwest corner, lies Vancouver Island. This evergreen archipelago lures visitors with its miles of untouched wilderness, wild colonial history and modern farm to table ethos. Catch a ferry or seaplane from Vancouver, and arrive right in the heart of Victoria Harbour, the picturesque gateway through
which the island’s fortunes have long flowed. Once a rough fur trading outpost, Victoria found its wealth as the outfitting center for British Columbia’s gold rush, and became the elegant provincial capital in 1871. Today it is still described
as “more British than the British.” Designed by a young immigrant, to “express confidence in
the promise of British Columbia,” the Parliament Buildings have
proudly served the people of the province since their construction in 1898. Take the short stroll to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, an iconic symbol of the city itself. Ever since it opened its doors in 1908 this stately establishment has
been a magnet for society’s elite, from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
and Katharine Hepburn, to Rudyard Kipling and Harrison Ford. Nearby, grit, tenacity and industrial-era spirit are celebrated in Craigdarroch Castle, built by a Scottish coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir. Stepping ashore, penniless in 1851, by the late 1800s he had
become the wealthiest man in British Columbia. Although the dust has long
since settled over Victoria’s quarries, one has been given a new lease on life. In 1912, Jennie Butchart
meticulously cultivated a green haven in the sunken remains
of her family’s depleted limestone quarry. Wander through Butchart Gardens and reflect on Jennie’s legacy of
conservation and respect for Mother Nature. Vancouver Island’s rich history is preserved in the many
museums and galleries across the capital, including the Royal BC Museum. Experience 19th century life in the “Old Town” and admire the immense
collection of priceless artefacts in the First Peoples Gallery. Then, walk amongst totems carved from red cedar, representing the sacred
ancestry of the island’s first nations. A short walk from the museum, discover an area that’s a little less genteel-British, and a little more quirky-Canadian. Fisherman’s Wharf is a floating
neighborhood of houses, shops and restaurants. Order some of the freshest seafood in Canada and try to resist the pleading looks of hungry locals, hoping to share your lunch. Though Victoria is the first port of call for most visitors, the adventure truly begins
when you rent a car and travel beyond the capital. Make your way to the scenic area of Sooke to start discovering the natural offerings
of this abundant island. Explore an inland oasis of hidden pools and waterfalls at Sooke Potholes Regional Park. Follow salty sea breezes further west, to the black basalt shoreline of Sandcut Beach, and soak up the enchanting rhythms of lapping waters blending with rushing waterfalls. Continue along the British Columbia Highway
to the Juan de Fuca Trailhead and take the easy 1-mile walk
through dense old-growth forests to Mystic Beach. Explore the eerie shoreline and caves which have been gradually
carved by tempestuous Pacific waves over thousands of years. If you’re chasing adventure and want to experience
one of the world’s great coastal walks, lace up your hiking boots for the entire 29-mile trek. Or for a quicker journey,
continue to drive north-west along the highway. One of the camping stops along
the Juan de Fuca Trail is Sombrio Beach. After immersing yourself in miles
of serene wilderness, settle in for the night, watch the sun set over the Pacific,
and bask in pure solitude. When you’re ready to return to civilization, take the two-hour drive across the island
to Cowichan Bay on the east coast. This cozy seaside town thrives
on the bountiful waters of the Saanich Inlet. A short drive north of Cowichan is the city of Parksville. This picturesque place is a warm and inviting rest stop, and as the name suggests, the perfect base from which
to explore many pine-veiled parks and reserves. As the trail leads you deep into
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, breathe in the fresh scents of cedar, hemlock and maple. Follow the sound of cascading water to the riverbed, where the waters of Englishman River
tumble into the rocky gorge below. Just a short drive from here
is MacMillan Provincial Park, famous for Cathedral Grove. Wander beneath
this ancient cluster of Douglas Firs, standing like mighty pillars, some over 800 years old. Let the sizzling smells of farm to table fare draw you back across to the West Coast, to Tofino. This friendly town bustles
with visitors throughout the year. Surfers are drawn to the legendary
swells of Long Beach and Chesterman Beach. Oceanfront cabins buzz with
the chatter of Vancouver holiday-makers. And no matter the season, nature lovers take to the many
trails, gardens, and parks on offer. South of Tofino, the small town of Ucluelet awaits. Translating to “people of the safe harbor” in the native Nuu-chah-nulth language, this sleepy town is surrounded by some of the wildest landscapes on Vancouver Island. Follow the Wild Pacific Trail through thick forests of ancient cedar
out along the coastline. This trail serves up some of
the best scenery on the island, drawing photographers,
whale watchers and hikers from across the globe. The trail is made up of three sections. Along the Lighthouse Loop,
you’ll find Amphitrite Lighthouse. Named after the sea goddess and wife of Poseidon, this sturdy lighthouse stands like a sentinel, lighting the way for weary vessels
navigating these treacherous waters. From First Peoples to the fur trappers
and fortune seekers of old, Vancouver Island is a place that has long rewarded those who have walked its wild shores. In today's busy world, many intend on visiting
but few actually make the journey. Those who do, will be embraced by Mother Nature, at her wildest, purest and most beautiful best.
