Vancouver Island is a surprisingly diverse region on the west coast of Canada opposite mainland British Columbia. Its large, sparsely populated area has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world: rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, rivers and lakes, which create habitats for a multitude of wildlife species. In fact, the island is one of the most important places in the world for whale and bird watching, as well as for salmon and trout fishing.

Much of the island has been protected as green areas. It contains many foci of ancient fir and cedar forests, as well as rare and natural groves of Garry oak. The Beaufort Mountain Range bisects Vancouver Island, from north to south, which is home to one of Canada’s largest natural ski resorts. The beauty and tranquility of this region has long been an attraction for artists and artisans. Galleries, studios, and shops selling unique locally produced handicrafts and handicrafts are found in many population centers.

The southern tip of Vancouver Island is anchored by the city of Victoria (population: 300,000), once known primarily as a city of wealthy retirees and now a bustling commercial center and booming tourist center. It is also the capital of British Columbia. There are several must-see attractions here, the first being the Butchart Gardens, famous throughout the world for its many varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees. The other must-see is the High Tea in the afternoon at the Empress Hotel. Facing the busy sheltered harbor, High Tea is an imported custom of London’s high society and has flourished here in Victoria for over a century.

Nanaimo (population: 73,000) is located on the east side of Vancouver Island, along the Strait of Georgia. It is the second largest city on Vancouver Island; its central location makes it a good starting point for exploring downtown Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The climate is one of the mildest and sunniest in Canada, while the landscape is essentially Vancouver Island: temperate coastal rainforests, glistening ocean, and majestic mountain ranges. Nanaimo also enjoys a reputation for being home to creative and artistic personalities that contribute to the character of the city’s eclectic Harbor Front area and its overall laid-back island lifestyle.

Port Hardy (population: 4,574) is the largest community on the coast of North Vancouver Island. It’s the gateway to the Discovery Coast Passage via ferries and freighters that run from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, the Queen Charlotte Islands, and even as far north as Anchorage, Alaska. It is also the northern terminus of the Vancouver Island Expressway; It is where most of the North Island adventures begin. Because it is a business center and tourist destination, it feels more crowded than other island communities of similar size. It also offers more amenities and services. Visitors have access to a wide range of recreational facilities, shopping options, retail services, and accommodations.

There are world-class saltwater fishing experiences, cold-water diving, and nature walks available. Aboriginal artists, some of the best on the island, producing exquisite pieces in a variety of media, dominate the art scene. The magnificent Kwakiutl masks from the Port Hardy area are highly prized by collectors.

On the west coast is Port Alberni (population: 17,743) and the pastoral Alberni Valley which serve as the gateway to the west coast of British Columbia. Just a 193 km (120 mile) drive northwest of the provincial capital Victoria, Port Alberni boasts a magnificent deep-water harbor that opens onto Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, and the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by freshwater lakes and streams, the area is wildly popular for sport fishing for salmon (license required), as well as for hiking, camping and kayaking. From Port Alberni, the famous MV Lady Rose makes his daily excursion to Barkley Sound. The city is also home to the Heritage Network of attractions.

You should not get lost on the motorway to Port Alberni (there is only one!) It is a place with a sign that says “Cathedral Grove”. This is a protected area of ​​ancient forest with trees of enormous girth and height. They are really impressive when one walks the trails that go through the grove.

Ucluelet (you-CLUE-let) (population: 1,559) is one of the few population centers on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Its name means “safe landing place” in the language of the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have lived here for at least 4,300 years. In its sheltered inland harbor, seals, sea lions and otters pay little attention to the commercial and charter fishing boats that perpetually come and go.

Much of the landscape around Ucluelet consists of temperate rainforests, while some of the largest old red cedar stands in British Columbia are found here. The area is also famous for its miles of wide sandy beaches. Several first-class hostels with world-class chefs have opened in the area and have attracted tourists from all over the world.

A popular ski destination, Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort is Vancouver Island’s largest ski and snowboard facility. The resort has one of the deepest snow bases in British Columbia, with no snow machines and breathtaking 360-degree mountain-to-ocean views from the top. This year’s snowfall is easily the best in the last four years: From January 2-25, 2006 alone, the mountain received a prodigious 4m (13.25ft) of snow, operating on a base of 3, 2 m (10.5 ft). The gunpowder is also exquisite, with continuous storm cycles ensuring temperatures are mild for six out of seven days on average during the 2005-6 season.

Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort is a 20 minute drive west of the Comox Valley and 1 hour 15 minutes north of Nanaimo. Comox Valley and Campbell River airports have daily service from Vancouver. There is also a daily shuttle bus service from Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum.

This has been too brief a look at Vancouver Island, one of the most picturesque areas in all of Canada.