Vancouver Island is on the west coast of Canada, just north of the American border. It is about as far west as you can go on the continent without falling into the ocean. The climate is moderate and in most areas we only have a couple of days of snowfall a year. The island is mountainous and there are many small rivers and fairly spectacular water falls as streams make their way to the coastal low lands or the beaches. The natural vegetation of the island is temperate rain forest. Does that bring to mind any concerns? Yes, it does rain a little. Cape Scott at the north end of the island has the distinction of having the greatest rainfall of any place on the North American continent. These big evergreens need to drink deep! The good news is that generally our summers are fairly dry.
Well you could fly. There is regular air service between the island and
the mainland. Unless you are in a dreadful hurry, though, it would be a
shame to do that. The B.C. Government Ferries are part of the Vancouver
Island ambiance. If you are planning to holiday on the island there is
no better way to slow down and make that transition to island time. You
cannot do a single thing to rush a B.C. Ferry, so bring something good
to read, a game to play and maybe a snack. Get out of your vehicle and
stroll around the terminal...if you are leaving from Horse Shoe Bay you
will have access to a lovely seaside park where you can enjoy the spectacular
view while you wait. Even at the less picturesque terminals there are usually
a few picnic tables and a cafeteria. If you are travelling on a long
weekend during the peek season you may find that there is a one or two
sailing wait. If you can manage without a vehicle you might consider coming
on board as a "footsy". It is much cheaper and you are always sure of getting
on the first sailing that way. A representative of a bus line is available
during the course of the sailing and you can make arrangements to board
the bus to take you to your destination once the ferry docks.
When I first began coming to
the island back in 1972 the ferries used to have a first class dining room
aboard. The first group of passengers to make it up there could enjoy a
several course meal served by discreet waiters at a table nicely set with
a real table cloth and silver flat ware. The tone was subdued and the scenery
was magnificent. The sailing time which is between an hour and a half and
two hours was just about right for a leisurely dinner. I used to take the
bus on in those days and since the buses are always loaded first and I
was young and swift of foot, I always got a table. The peasant mobs who
used to watch us longingly from their places behind the velvet rope must
have complained. Now there is a cafeteria which manages to serve everyone
though it isn't anywhere near as elegant. There is also a snack bar, a
news stand and gift shop, video games for the big kids, a play area for
the little ones, tables you can work or play cards at, plug ins for computers
and of course lots of big comfortable chairs and a view of the passing
shore lines and islands which goes on forever. (This all assumes
you are not getting our new expensive "fast cat" from Horseshoe Bay to
Nanaimo....so far I have managed to avoid it but I am told that though
it is a bit faster the chairs are not so comfortable.)
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Particulars of routes, schedules and prices can be obtained by visiting the
As you approach any of the cities or towns, watch for this sign. This indicates
that you are nearing a tourist information center. These centers are almost
always on the main street and are always signed on the highway. In the
summer months even the offices in the smallest towns are manned and the
staff will help you with pretty much anything you might want to know. The
tourism centers in the larger centers which I have marked on the map below
are open year round. You can click on the logo to get further addresses
and they will send you any information you might need to plan your trip
in advance. So there is my tribute to Tourism B.C.! On with the cities.
© 1998 vanisle@oocities.com
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