About Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is the largest island on the Pacific coast of North America, opposite the mainland of British Columbia. Vancouver Island is approximately 300 miles long and varies from 40 to 80 miles wide. You can reach Vancouver Island by a network of provincial ferries that arrive in either Victoria or Nanaimo. Most cities on Vancouver Island have their own airport with quite a few being recognized as international destinations.
(click for more about Getting Here)
The largest city and provincial capital of British Columbia is Victoria, situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island about a 3 hour drive south of Campbell River. The world-renowned Butchart Gardens began as a hobby in 1904 and is a must-see for any visitor to Victoria. The British Columbia Provincial museum resides in Victoria and is a source of pride to all British Columbians. The Empress Hotel and Craigdarroch Castle are just part of the quaint Victorian atmosphere found in architecture, shops and gardens.
A relaxing drive north of Victoria offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Georgia and its myriad islands. A variety of communities await your arrival. From Duncan to the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo to Telegraph Cove there is a patchwork of serene rural areas, majestic coastline and the bustling city of Nanaimo. Lumbering, sawmills, pulp manufacturing and specialized farming support the growing population of Vancouver Island.
Traveling north from Nanaimo to Campbell River you have a choice of 2 highways to travel. The Vancouver Island Coastal Highway follows the coastline of Vancouver Island and affords you breath-taking views of the Coastal Mountain range, small islands dotting the deep blue waters of Georgia Strait and quaint seaside towns. The other choice is a high- speed 4-lane highway that cuts a swath through the center of Vancouver Island. Just north of Nanaimo, highway #4 takes you west to the rugged communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni. The journey here takes you through the virgin timber of MacMillan Park otherwise known as Cathedral Grove. Comox Glacier - Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
The mighty Vancouver Island Douglas Firs stand over the highway while winding paths lead into the dewy depths, leaving each visitor to marvel at the wonder of nature. The raw beauty of Long Beach, found near Tofino on Vancouver Island, leaves all who visit her breathless. Surfing is world class here and the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet find themselves playing host to adventure lovers of all types.
Now, back to highway #19 heading North to Dolphins Fishing Resort in Campbell River. The relaxed east coast communities of Qualicum Beach and Parksville are a haven for retirees and families alike. The temperate climate allows for more sunshine because of their location in the 'banana belt' of Vancouver Island! The endless sandy beaches, golf courses and shopping make this a premier holiday spot. The agricultural areas of Comox Valley and Courtenay are nestled at the foot of the Comox Glacier. Here there are many attractions for the visitor who wishes to golf, fish, hike, climb mountains or ski at Mount Washington Ski Resort.
The Sayward Valley hugs the banks of the Salmon River a scant 40 minutes north. The valley is a scarcely populated area -that is a beautiful stopping place on your way to exploring points North.
Port McNeill, Port Hardy and Telegraph Cove which are synonymous with whale watching, are some of many small communities that inhabit the northern reaches of Vancouver Island. The Cape Scott Trail
on the northern-most tip of the Island offers awe-inspiring insight into the hardship our earliest settlers endured.
An island for all seasons and all reasons. Visit Vancouver Island today! Email or call the Dolphins Resort for more information. 1-800-891-0287