Summer Time Vacations on Vancouver Island
Short Trips on the British Columbia Coastal Islands
May 26, 2009
Vancouver Island and the surrounding area really are a place onto their own. Majestic old growth forests, private beaches, seafood, wildlife, camping, fishing, sailing, kayaking, fresh farm produce and myriad choice of festivals all entice the visitor in the summer. Although one could spend a life time exploring the 500 km long island that lies off the British Columbia southern coast, many of the amazing sites can be reached as a day or weekend trip from Victoria, the provincial capitol.
BC Gulf Islands
The gulf islands make up the archipelago that lies between Vancouver and Victoria, and each island has its own flavour. As travel is reliant on ferry traffic, it is important to be aware of schedules and high traffic times such as long weekends.
Coastal Weather
Although the coast is known for rainy winters, the summers are usually warm and relatively dry. The eastern side of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are mostly in rain shadow, which makes them much drier than the coast on the mainland. In fact there is often a fire ban in the area during the summer due to the tinder dry conditions. Weather on the west side of Vancouver Island is much less predictable, and although storms are more of a winter phenomenon, anything can happen in the summer as well.
Here are some of the highlights of the coastal islands:
BC Coast Festivals and Markets
Salt Spring Island Saturday Market – This is one of the great farmer and artisan markets on the coast. Running from spring through to autumn in downtown Ganges, the market is packed with fresh produce, yummy treats, jewellery, pottery, and always a surprise or two.
Paddlefest - Ladysmith is full of summertime festivals, like this one at Transfer Beach Park. Paddlefest fills the beach with kayaks, vendors, and kayak demos. Usually run on the May long weekend, it is a great exposure to kayaking.
Coombs Market– A goat on the roof, and food and treasures inside are at the Coombs market between Qualicum Beach and Cathedral Grove. Be sure to spend some time poking around the great stores nearby.
Filberg Festival Comox – One of the many festivals that keep the coast hopping through July and August. The Filberg Festival over the August long weekend in Comox, provides a beautiful setting for art and music.
BC Coast's Natural Beauty
Cathedral Grove – Massive trees fill this small sanctuary and give a glimpse to what the old growth forests must have been like.
Pacific Rim National Park – The big blue ocean greets visitors to this wild part of the world. Between Tofino and Uclulet, the park has hiking trails, miles of beaches, surfing, kayaking, wildlife, and the chance to see Grey whales. Sometimes the migrating and summer resident whales can be seen from shore. Camping is available in the federal park or in private campgrounds. Hotels and resorts are plentiful and there is a popular hostel in Tofino.
Cruise Aboard the MV Lady Rose – Cruise the Alberni channel on a classic old boat that plies the waters from Port Alberni to Bamfield. Points off call include the popular kayaking destination, The Broken Group Islands. The MV Lady Rose runs a regular schedule throughout the year.
Parksville Beach – Warm water and a stunning beach that stretches at low tide into the distance, welcome families looking for some wet summer fun.
Horne Lake Caves – Try out spelunking, the sport of exploring caves, in this series of underground caverns. Explore the underground labyrinth that contains crystals, fossils, and underground waterfalls. The caves are approximately 1 hour drive north of Nanaimo.
Mitlenatch Island – Located just south of Campbell River, Mitlenatch is a nesting colony for Glaucous winged gulls, as well as many other species. The arid conditions of the island give rise to cactus growing along side the blackberry brambles. Although located a short distance from Campbell River, the island receives less than half the rainfall of the nearby town. Check in Black Creek or Campbell River to arrange a guide and boat.
Telegraph Cove – This little town is the jump off point for orca watching tours, or trips to Knight Inlet on the mainland to see the grizzly bears.
There is simply no way to take in all that Vancouver Island and the surrounding area has to offer in one summer. Music, camping, fresh food, and incredible natural beauty all await the traveler.
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