by Michelle Graf

Created on: August 05, 2009   Last Updated: August 20, 2009

PIck up a travel guide about Vancouver Island and you are likely to see photos of the Parliament Buildings at night, a sleek killer whale (orca) breaching the ocean's surface, or the dazzling array of flowers at Buchart Gardens. These are all terrific sights, but there is so much more to discover on Vancouver Island, and what follows is something of an insider's guide to the 'off the map' sites and scenes.

Locals refer to it simply as "The Island". In reality, it is one of the largest islands in North America, a full day's drive from tip to tip. Historic Victoria sparkles on the waterfront and radiates its heritage as a British colonial outpost throughout the picturesque inner harbour. The west coast of the Island is a haven for ecotourism.

There is no direct road access - you must travel via ferry or airplane. If travelling in the summer time on a weekend, it is best to make a reservation for the sailing of your choice as waits of 2 to 3 sailings are not uncommon at peak times. The southern route from Tsawwassen to Schwartz Bay is the most scenic. About halfway through the 95 minute trip, the ship enters the Southern Gulf Islands. Slowing down to negotiate Active Pass, travellers get an up close view of Mayne and Galiano Islands, two of the sparsley inhabited and largely undeveloped islands in the chain. Even the most novice of photographers can capture fantastic images of the sun setting in Active Pass in the evening.

Arriving in Schwartz Bay at the northern tip of the Saanich Peninsula involves a bit of heavy traffic as the ferries unload. This will thin out as you travel the approximately 30 minute drive into the city of Victoria; or you can stop for a bite and wait it out in Sidney. This small town is just a few miles down the Pat Bay Highway from the ferry terminal. The downtown core is a block or two off of the oceanfront and has several small specialty shops for browsing. Better yet, take a stroll along the pier and sample fresh local seafood at one of the many local eateries.

Continuing into Victoria, the best part of the scenic drive is the part that is most often missed - the northern section that travels through Cordova Bay. The city is surrounded on three sides with water, so just about everywhere you go has an ocean view. The main beaches in Oak Bay tend to be crowded in the summer time; there are several small beaches and coves along the scenic drive that provide a bit more peace and quiet, if that is your goal. Some beaches have private

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• Next Page >>