THE REGIONS

Looking across the Strait of Georgia at mainland landmarks as the spires of the Coast Mountains rise on the eastern horizon is always a delight. The profile of Howe Sound Crest, visible while looking back towards Vancouver from Parksville, is one such magnificent image.

However, as you travel north toward Courtenay and Campbell River, the peaks and glaciers of Vancouver Island's ranges, notably the majestic Comox Glacier, Forbidden Plateau, and Mount Washington, appear in the west to compete for equal attention.

The open seas along the southern coast of Vancouver Island rapidly demolish any illusion that an ocean is an ocean. As the Strait of Juan de Fuca comes into the Pacific from the open sea, the genuine personality of the Pacific is exposed.

With its smattering of peaceful islands, the protected, rain-shadowed rivers of the Strait of Georgia see a drastic change in conditions. Nothing can break the rolling swells or deflect the sting of winter storms while you're out on the vast ocean.

The interior's trails, lakes, and mountain bike routes; waterways renowned for their Salmon motherlode; the ancient mysteries and secrets of the coastal rainforest; and the salty tang and seasonally changing magnificence of the open Pacific are all available to international travelers.

The journey can begin at Port Alberni, a deep-water inland port with a growing eco-tourism economy anchored to its long history as a wildlife watching hub. Bamfield, Tofino, or Ucluelet are premier gateways to begin your wildlife viewing adventure.

The climate of Victoria is moderate, with mild, wet winters and dry, pleasant summers. Due to its often dry summers, it is frequently classed as a cool-summer Mediterranean climate.

The region has a wide range of landforms, from Douglas fir forests near the coast to the drier, more exposed conditions of higher, rockier altitudes where Garry oak woods thrive, making it an ideal destination for whale watching and birding.

There are seven main islands on the southern side of the Georgia Strait. Galiano Island has long had the reputation of being the friendliest to visitors among them.

The lovely quiet surrounding these islands is typical of the atmosphere in distant central coast locations, creating an idyllic natural sanctuary for quiet explorations.

The Sunshine Coast, located in the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia, is a 180-kilometre length of beauty. Black bears, cougars, coyotes, and wolves are just a few animals that call the Sunshine Coast home.

Our leisure activities must not contribute to human-wildlife conflict. Make use of your voice to alert wildlife to your presence to prevent surprising an animal. Never feed or approach wildlife.