NANAIMO

Nanaimo, the Hub City of Vancouver Island is the third oldest city in the province. However, not only is is a treasure trove of museums and history, it is also the base to a large number of outdoor activities and day trips. Take part in Nanaimo Heritage Tours or enjoy some west-caost flavour shopping at one of the malls, including Woodgrove Mall, the largest mall on Vancouver Island, or visit one of the unique downtown shopping areas --   "The Arts District", "Old City Quarter", or the "Waterfront".

 Take the short ferry ride to nearby Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park for an enjoyable afternoon of biking, walking or exploring.

For more information go to http://www.tourismnanaimo.com/visitors.php

WEST COAST OF THE ISLAND

If you have a time for a daytrip, be sure and visit Pacific Rim National Park with its miles of sandy beaches, rainforest and westcoast villages.  http://www.vancouverislandabound.com/pacific_rim.htm

Tofino & Ucluelet are best described as stunning! Home to about 1,400 locals, Tofino BC is the most popular destination on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

As you head towards the west coast of the Island, take a few moments to walk in the shade of  the old-growth giant Douglas Firs of Cathedral Grove. As well, take some time to explore the history and museums of Port Alberni, a mill town that is rapidily becoming a growing tourist destination, and is a good place to begin many outdoor activities.

VICTORIA

No visit to the Island is complete without a visit to British-flavoured Victoria. Enjoy the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park and the many international dining experiences.

The Royal BC  Museum is an multi-sensory expericne that will be enjoyed by all ages.

Visit the World Famous Butchart Gardens.

For more information go to
http://www.tourismvictoria.com

COMOX VALLEY

Drive north "up island" and visit the Comox Valley where area residents brag that you can go snow skiing, golfing, and sailing all on the same day. The area has an abundance of recreational activites, but is also know nation-wide for its cultural events and artists, being name the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2007.  Make sure and visit some of the following places.

Make sure that you don't miss:

• fossil digging for dinosaur bones,
  
• riding the Mt. Washington Alpine chairlift and enjoying the many activites on the mountain
  
• scuba diving in our water, rated as one of the top cold-water dive destinations in the world,  
  
• spending an afternoon at the beach or swimming/tubing in one of the local rivers
  
• gourmet food and a full-range of dining experiences
  
• golfing,  or
  
• enjoying some of the many art galleries and stage performances. 

If you have children there is no lack of activities to do...whether mountain biking or mini-golfing,
building sand-castles at the beach, going to a petting farm,
or driving go-carts.

For more information go to http://www.discovercomoxvalley.com