Vancouver Island - A Tourist's Bonanza
By Michael Russell

Vancouver Island is a surprisingly diverse region on Canada's West Coast off the mainland of British Columbia. Its large sparsely populated area has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems: rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, rivers and lakes, which create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. The Island in fact is one of the world's premier locations for whale watching and birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.

Much of the island has been protected as parkland. It contains many pockets of old-growth fir and cedar forests as well as rare, naturally occurring groves of Garry oak. The Beaufort Mountain Range bisects Vancouver Island, north to south, which is home to one of Canada's biggest all-natural ski bases. The beauty and tranquility of this region has long been a draw for artists and artisans. Galleries, studios and shops selling unique, locally produced arts and crafts are found in many population centers.

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

Nanaimo (pop: 73,000) is located on the east side of Vancouver Island, along the Strait of Georgia. It is Vancouver Island's second-largest city; its central location makes it a good starting point for exploring central Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The climate is one of the mildest and sunniest in Canada, while the scenery is quintessentially Vancouver Island: temperate coastal rainforests, sparkling ocean and majestic mountain ranges. Nanaimo also enjoys a reputation as a home for creative and artistic personalities who contribute to the character of the city's eclectic Harbour Front area and its laid-back island lifestyle in general.