Vancouver Island Vacation Recommendations

[TheReefGeek]

Going to be taking a 2 week vacation on Vancouver Island. It is just two of us and our dog, no kids. We would like to spend 1 week at two different locations.

Any recommendations for where we should go and stay? We would like a cabin or rental house with kitchen, etc. Some of the things we would like to do is day trips canoeing, hiking, etc.

[Jason McK]

I've only ever been a tourist there as well, But Tofino is a must in my mind.

There is so much to see an do on the island it is very hard to make 1 spot a home base. You could start with Victoria and then move north.

J

[Delphinus]

Vancouver Island has a tourism website which would be a good place to start @ http://vancouverisland.travel/pub/islandtime/

The whole island though has several distinct zones, you could never do it all in a few weeks. Personally, I quite like the Parksville/Qualicum areas and then Pacific Rim Nat'l Park (Tofino, Ucluelet). Or Victoria would also be good. Each of those areas you should spend at least a week.

[TheReefGeek]

Anyone been around Campbell River?

Is Victoria really city-like, or is a nice place to relax too? I was going to spend a day there, but if it is nice I will plan more.

I have a bit over two weeks, so far I am planning a few days in Victoria, then 1 week in Tofino, and 1 week somewhere else, maybe this Parksville/Qualicum area, I will check it it!

Thanks for the link too, I had done some basic searches in there, but there is so much, so many places I didn't know where to start.

[muck]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

http://vancouverisland.travel/pub/islandtime/

Sounds like agood place to start to me too..

[Murminator]

Originally Posted by Jason McK

But Tofino is a must in my mind.

J

AGREED !!! a must, drive there is cool to, except the rain
We parked our trailer in Nanaimo (living forest campground, ocean front ) and drove everywhere. The Island is very nice and a LOT of rain....I got in a argument with the campground owner about all the rain and told him REALLY needed to get the Island.....but thats a different story

I went to Campbell River .....no I didn't catch a big tyee went to the big dock and thats about it, nice little town rained there too. Would definatly go back.

We may go back next summer to Tofino we loved it there but Maybe stay at a resort this time

Victoria Craigrock(sp) castle, miniture world, the park (Queen Mary? or Elizabeth??) the docks for the cruise ships and just down the road there is a floating resturant (Think it had Newfie in the name) that has awesome fish and chips....gotta have F&C

I'll stop rambling now....Have fun

[Kabong]

Coming from Edmonton Rory you'll probably laugh that we even call Victoria a city.
So yeah it's pretty small and there lots of little shops and stuff to do.
You can wander around with no fear of getting mugged or anything

Tofino and Parksville are great for large sandy beaches.
But hey i know what you really want to see..... Tide pools!
Botanical beach is the place to check out.
http://www.portrenfrew.com/botbeach.htm
Its a long drive but can be done as a nice day trip from Victoria.
Even better if you spend the night in Sooke.
Just remember to check the tide table.
High tide = Bad
Low tide = good

[TheReefGeek]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Tide pools would be awesome, the wife likes marine stuff too.

I want to go diving while I am there too, anyone know of some good places to dive, and dive centers to use?

[Swags]

Do a night dive on Ogden Point Breakwater. Incredible is the only word I can think of. There is a dive center with showers and all you need right there too!
Cheers,
Phil

[TheReefGeek]

I did read about that one already, good to hear from someone in person though, thanks!

If I go down to victoria area I will for sure dive it.