Vancouver Island

Surf the wild waves of Tofino or take in the colourful murals of the old logging community of Chemainus

ancouver Island is roughly the same length as Ireland. It reaches 460 km (260 miles) from north to south, while its width ranges from 50 to 80 km (31 to 50 miles). Its scenery is as spectacular as it is varied and abundant, its rugged west coast fronting the open Pacific Ocean — a paradise for naturalists, surfers, hikers and whale-watchers — while its eastern side is sheltered, calm and interspersed with Gulf Islands, easily accessible by ferry, float plane or water-taxi. Vancouver Island is a 1 hour-and-40 minute ferry trip from Vancouver and the mainland, or less than a scenic half-hour flight by float plane or helicopter.

Western Vancouver Island's Long Beach, its West Coast hiking trail — a challenging five to seven day wilderness jaunt for which reservations and a high level of fitness are essential — and sea kayaking in the Broken Island chain attract visitors from all over the world. But this is still unspoiled and uncrowded British Columbia — and however desirable a destination, Vancouver Island remains very much a part of Canada's Great Outdoors Experience. An overnight ferry trip from Port Hardy to North Western B.C.'s Prince Rupert makes possible onward visits to the Queen Charlotte Islands and Alaska, or a triangular trip by road or rail to Vancouver through some of North America's most magnificent scenery.