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Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is the seat of government for Canada's westernmost province, located in the heart of the capital city, Victoria (on Vancouver Island).
Iconic Architecture: The building was designed by Francis Rattenbury and completed in 1898. It is one of Canada's most impressive examples of Richardsonian Romanesque and Neo-Baroque architecture. It is constructed primarily of grey sandstone and features a grand dome and a golden statue of George Vancouver.
Nighttime Lighting: The building is particularly famous for its nightly illumination. After sunset, thousands of lights outline the structure, turning it into a spectacular landmark on Victoria's Inner Harbour.
Civic Function: This is the place where the 87 elected members (Members of the Legislative Assembly or MLAS) for British Columbia meet to debate and enact legislation.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Deep Bay Marina is a well-known harbour situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island in the Lighthouse Country region, north of Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada. It is a sheltered port popular with boaters exploring the Strait of Georgia, the Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound.
The marina provides essential services, including protected moorage (both transient and permanent), power, water, and washroom facilities. It is also notable for its proximity to the Deep Bay Marine Field Station (a Vancouver Island University marine research station) and to rich salmon fishing grounds, making the area a hub for fishing and marine education.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Fisherman's Wharf is a colourful pier located close to Victoria's Inner Harbour on Vancouver Island. What was once primarily a commercial fishing dock has transformed into a popular destination that blends maritime activity with tourism.
Its most distinctive feature is the collection of brightly painted residential float homes. The wharf is also famous for its food kiosks (especially for excellent fish and chips and fresh seafood), unique shops, and eco-tour adventures, such as whale watching excursions and kayak rentals. It is a great spot to see fishing vessels unload their catch and to observe local marine life, like harbour seals.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Christ Church Cathedral is the principal Anglican church (episcopal seat) of the Diocese of British Columbia, which covers Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands in Canada.
Located in the heart of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, it is an imposing example of Gothic Revival architecture. The stone construction began in the early 20th century and was completed in several phases (the nave in 1929 and the western towers in the 1950s, with final completion in 1991).
The Cathedral is known for its majestic scale, its stained-glass windows, and its role as a centre for worship and community, as well as being a significant historical and architectural landmark in the city.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Fairmont Empress is a historic luxury hotel located on Victoria's Inner Harbour on Vancouver Island. It is the city's most recognizable landmark, known for its majestic architecture and royal history.
Architecture and History: The hotel opened in 1908 and was designed by Francis Rattenbury (also the designer of the Legislative building) for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Its Scottish Castle-style architecture with copper roofs gives it an air of European grandeur.
Tea Time: The Empress is world-famous for its traditional Afternoon Tea. It is served in the hotel lobby and is a long-standing tradition that draws visitors from around the globe, with a reputation for high elegance.
Status: It is part of the Fairmont luxury hotel network and has hosted royals, celebrities, and political figures for over a century, remaining the crown jewel of tourism in Victoria.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Tonquin Beach is a small, picturesque beach located close to the centre of Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is one of Tofino's most readily accessible beaches.
Location and Access: Unlike the area's large surfing beaches, Tonquin is more intimate. It is accessed by trails through the forest, often via wooden boardwalks, making it a popular destination for a short walk.
Scenery: The beach is framed by dramatic rock formations and opens up to the Pacific Ocean. It is an excellent spot for sunset viewing and enjoying a close-up view of the offshore islands and lighthouses.
Character: Its atmosphere is quieter than the larger beaches (like Long Beach), making it ideal for relaxing, observing marine life and birds, and enjoying the energy of the West Coast in a sheltered setting.
Took this picture on a recent trip to Victoria, Canada. It is a section of the inner harbour with the Empress Hotel in the background. They were doing some restoration work on the Empress Hotel so you will notice some scaffolding on the right side of the picture...Drats!
Note: The whale in the foreground is made out of Tiffany glass.
Queen Elizabeth sailing under a nearly full moon.
ISO 400, 1/160, F/5.6, 95mm
Nikon Z7ii
Tamron VR 70-200mm f2.8
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Harbour Air Seaplanes is North America's largest seaplane airline and an essential mode of transport in British Columbia. Its main terminal in Victoria is conveniently located in the Inner Harbour, just steps away from the city centre and the Parliament Buildings.
The company is best known for providing fast, scheduled flights (approx. 35 minutes) connecting downtown Victoria with downtown Vancouver (Coal Harbour), as well as other coastal destinations like Nanaimo and the Gulf Islands. Beyond transportation, Harbour Air also offers scenic tours over the coastline, giving passengers breathtaking aerial views of Vancouver Island's landscape and the Strait of Georgia. It is considered a quintessential West Coast travel experience.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival is one of Victoria's most iconic music events, internationally recognized as the longest-running and largest festival of its kind in North America.
The festival is an annual five-day celebration that takes place every June in downtown Victoria, on Vancouver Island. It is known for being the longest-running ska and reggae festival in North America.
The event is held across multiple venues, with the main stage located at Ship Point in Victoria's Inner Harbour, offering a family-friendly setting with stunning waterfront views. While focusing on ska, reggae, dub, and rocksteady, the festival embraces a broad spectrum of genres influenced by Jamaican and Caribbean musical traditions, including jazz, punk, and hip-hop.
The festival attracts renowned international and regional artists and is celebrated for its strong community spirit, filling the city streets with rhythm, colour, and dancing.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Long Beach is the longest and most famous sandy beach on Vancouver Island's west coast, forming an iconic part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
It is a spectacular stretch of sand, approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) long, situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island between the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. It constitutes the most accessible and visited unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
The area is renowned for its wild atmosphere, dramatic landscape of old-growth temperate rainforests, and the open Pacific Ocean.
Surfing: It is often dubbed the Surf Capital of Canada due to the consistent, open-ocean swells it receives, making it a major draw for surfers of all levels.
Storm Watching: During the winter months, it attracts visitors who come to witness the raw power of the crashing waves and winter storms.
Ecosystem: The beach is bordered by ancient forests and is an excellent location for observing marine life in the tide pools at low tide.
Access: The area offers parking and access to the park's trail network, including the new ʔapsčiik t̓ašii multi-use path for cycling and walking.
It's important to note that Long Beach lies within the traditional and unceded territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations people.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Cowichan Lake and the eponymous town are a popular summer tourism destination known for its forests, warm climate, and abundance of water-based activities.
Lake Cowichan is one of the largest and most popular freshwater lakes on southern Vancouver Island, located in the Cowichan Valley region, northwest of Victoria. The Town of Lake Cowichan is situated at the east end of the lake, where the Cowichan River, a Canadian Heritage River, begins.
The area is famous for its warm microclimate, making it a hotspot for summer activities. The most iconic activity is river tubing (floating down the river on an inner tube), but it is also highly popular for:
Water Sports: Swimming, paddling, kayaking, and boating.
Fishing: The lake offers various trout species, and the river is world-renowned for fly fishing for salmon and steelhead.
Hiking/Biking: Trails through the surrounding forests, including parts of the Trans Canada Trail network that follow old railway lines.
Parks: Including nearby Gordon Bay Provincial Park.
The broader Cowichan Valley is known for its "slow travel" focus and is also famous for its wineries, rich First Nations history, and logging heritage.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
In the Victoria area of Vancouver Island, there is a park named Queens' Park (sometimes referred to as Queen's Park) located in the district of Oak Bay, adjacent to Victoria.
The name is used for several parks in British Columbia (most notably in New Westminster), but the one in Oak Bay is the relevant one in the Victoria area.
Key Highlights
Seaside Location: The park is situated right on the shoreline next to the Oak Bay Marina, offering spectacular scenic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait, nearby islands (like Chatham and Discovery Islands), and on clear days, Mount Baker in Washington State (USA).
Amenities and Art: It is a quiet spot, ideal for relaxing and picnicking. It features benches, beach access, and interpretive signs about local birds and wildlife. It was renamed in 2002 to honour Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee.
Public Art: A unique feature of the park is the public art installation called "The Hunt," which depicts a pack of steel-welded wolves.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Johnson Street Bridge is a movable (bascule-type) bridge spanning Victoria Harbour, Vancouver Island, and is a crucial link connecting downtown with Victoria West and Esquimalt.
The current bridge, opened in 2018, is the fourth structure at this location and is the largest single-leaf bascule bridge in Canada. It was built to replace the previous structure (from 1924) which was popularly known as the “Blue Bridge” due to its distinctive colour.
The modern new bridge honours its predecessor by being illuminated in blue at night. In addition to three vehicular lanes, it features a dedicated pedestrian walkway and a multi-use pathway (for cycling/walking), making it a vital connection for road, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic, while still allowing marine traffic to pass through to the Upper Harbour when it is raised.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Bard & Banker is a Victorian-era pub and restaurant located in downtown Victoria, Vancouver Island, well-known for its luxurious setting and rich history.
Building History: The establishment is housed in a historic building originally constructed in 1885 as a branch of the Bank of British Columbia. Its interiors (featuring high ceilings, elaborate wood detailing, opulent chandeliers, and old bank vaults) reflect its former banking function.
The Name: The name refers to the poet Robert Service, who worked as a bank teller in this very building around 1903 before gaining fame as the "Bard of the Yukon" (hence Bard).
Service and Atmosphere: Today, it is a vibrant spot offering a full menu of pub fare (like fish and chips and shepherd's pie), a wide selection of local craft beers (many from Vancouver Island), and notably, free live music seven nights a week.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The beaches in Parksville are a prime attraction in the Oceanside region of Vancouver Island, famous for their vast sandy shores and warm ocean waters in the summer. The area is often nicknamed "Canada's Riviera."
1. Parksville Beach
Atmosphere: This is the central, family-friendly hub of the community, located within the Parksville Community Park.
Features: It boasts an extensive sandy area, complemented by a waterfront walkway, beach volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a large, inclusive children's playground (including a splash park).
Low Tide: At low tide, the sand stretches out up to a kilometre into the Strait of Georgia, creating a massive tidal flat perfect for beachcombing and building sandcastles.
Events: It is the host site for the Annual Parksville Beach Festival, which features a world-class sand sculpting competition every July and August.
2. Rathtrevor Beach (Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park)
Atmosphere: Located within Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, it offers a more natural, relaxed experience with campsites nestled among majestic old-growth Douglas fir trees.
Features: It is a wide, sandy beach that stretches for about two kilometres. The campsites are all within a five-minute walk of the shore.
Low Tide and Swimming: Similar to Parksville Beach, the tide recedes dramatically (almost a kilometre), and the returning water warms up quickly over the sun-baked sand, creating ideal conditions for swimming and paddling in the shallow water during high tide.
Wildlife: It is a key location for bird watching, especially during the spring migration of Brant geese.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Government Street is the most iconic and historical thoroughfare in downtown Victoria, Vancouver Island, serving as the city's main tourist, commercial, and cultural axis.
Government Street is the primary and most recognizable artery in downtown Victoria, Vancouver Island. It stretches from the city's famous Inner Harbour, runs through the heart of the historic district, and continues toward the Old Town and near Chinatown.
The street is a vibrant hub of British Columbia's history and activity:
Landmarks: Key landmarks and attractions situated on or near the street include the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, and the entrances to Bastion Square and the historic Chinatown.
Shopping: It is a prime destination for shopping, featuring a mix of tourist souvenir shops, independent boutiques, and historic retail establishments. Notable spots include Munro's Books (founded by Alice Munro) and the historic Rogers' Chocolates store.
Atmosphere: Government Street is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, which lends Victoria its famous British and European atmosphere. The city has made efforts to transform sections of the street into pedestrian-priority zones, especially during summer, to enhance the visitor experience.
Took this on a recent trip to Victoria, Canada. We enjoyed this beautiful sunset over the inner harbour while we ate a fantastic seafood dinner at the Flying Otter Grill.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Ucluelet (commonly pronounced Yu-CLUE-let) is a small coastal town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is a quieter and more industrial place than its neighbour, Tofino, yet it offers equally spectacular access to the Pacific Ocean.
Etymology and History: Its name comes from the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation, meaning "people of the safe place" or "people with a safe landing place," reflecting its sheltered natural harbour. Historically, its economy was based on fishing and logging.
Key Landmark: The most famous feature is the Wild Pacific Trail, a network of well-maintained paths that hug the rocky coastline and offer excellent ocean views, particularly from the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse.
Activities: Ucluelet is a major hub for whale watching (especially grey whales during their migration), storm watching in the winter, sport fishing, and nature exploration.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Little Free Library is a global non-profit movement that promotes reading and community building by installing small, outdoor wooden boxes that function as book exchange points.
The Concept: It is based on the philosophy of "Take a Book, Share a Book." Neighbours and passersby can take books for free to read and, if they choose, leave another book behind to share with the community.
On Vancouver Island: The Greater Victoria region has one of the highest densities of Little Free Libraries in all of Canada, with hundreds of them documented.
Design: They are known for their often whimsical, artistic, and handmade design, resembling dollhouses, post boxes, or miniature versions of the homes they sit in front of. Many have unique themes or are decorated with local art.
Community Importance: These "micro-libraries" are important for fostering neighbourly interaction and making books accessible to everyone, without the need for a traditional library setup.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Cameron Lake Viewpoint is a scenic rest stop located along Highway 4 on Vancouver Island, offering spectacular views of Cameron Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Location: Cameron Lake is situated between the city of Port Alberni and the town of Qualicum Beach, and the viewpoint is a popular stop on the road connecting the east and west sides of the island.
Scenery: The lake is known for its clear, deep waters and is surrounded by dense old-growth forest. The viewpoint allows travelers to pause and take in the tranquil atmosphere, with the towering mountains as a backdrop.
Proximity to Landmarks: The lake is located just east of the iconic MacMillan Provincial Park (also known as Cathedral Grove), famous for its gigantic Douglas fir trees. This makes the area a hub for forest and mountain exploration.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen Cafe is a highly popular Italian bakery, deli, and cafe, known for delivering high-quality, artisan foods and ingredients. It is located not in downtown Victoria, but in the busy Oak Bay / Fairfield neighbourhood.
Core Offerings: Ottavio is celebrated for its freshly hand-baked bread (including the famous ciabatta), Italian pastries, delicious pizza by the slice, and excellent coffee.
Delicatessen: The deli section is a treasure trove for Italian food lovers. They offer a wide selection of artisan cheeses (local and imported), cured meats, dry pasta, imported olive oils, and other European specialty goods.
Atmosphere: The cafe maintains a bustling, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere, typical of an Italian gastronomia, where customers can grab an espresso or a sandwich during the lunch rush.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Horseshoe Bay is a community and the location of a major ferry terminal, but it is located on the mainland (in West Vancouver, near the city of Vancouver in the Lower Mainland area), not directly on Vancouver Island.
However, it is a critical access point for reaching the island and a destination in itself. Here is a summary focused on its importance as a gateway to Vancouver Island:
Horseshoe Bay is a picturesque coastal village in West Vancouver, British Columbia, best known for its crucial BC Ferries Terminal.
Key Connection Point:
Gateway to Vancouver Island: Horseshoe Bay is the mainland terminal where ferries depart for Nanaimo (Departure Bay), the second-largest city on Vancouver Island. This ferry route is a vital link for passengers and vehicles.
Trans-Canada Highway: It marks the western terminus of the main route of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) on the mainland.
Howe Sound Access: It is also a departure point for shorter ferry routes to Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast mainland (Langdale), and the entry to the Howe Sound fjord.
The Village and Surroundings:
The village itself has a quaint coastal charm, featuring seafood restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. It's a popular spot for a walk and to enjoy the mountain views and the ferries moving in and out.
It is the starting point of the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway leading north to Whistler.
Nearby, Whytecliff Park is a marine sanctuary known for its views and scuba diving.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Courtenay Airpark (CAH3) is not just an aerodrome, but also a popular public park and important natural attraction on the east coast of Vancouver Island, located in the city of Courtenay.
Key Points:
Public-Use Aerodrome: It's a small registered airport (with an 1,800 ft paved runway) primarily serving general aviation (light aircraft) and featuring floatplane access to the Courtenay River. It's operated by local volunteers.
Nature and Recreation Hub: The airpark is situated next to the Courtenay River estuary, an important area for biodiversity. It is circled by the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Park Trail, a popular and accessible paved pathway for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Unique Attraction: What makes the location special is that it allows visitors to get an up-close view of planes landing and taking off while simultaneously enjoying nature. It's common to spot wildlife, such as waterfowl, eagles, and sometimes seals in the river.
Location: It is conveniently located within easy walking distance of downtown Courtenay, with quick access to local cafes and other amenities.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Carr House National Historic Site is the birthplace and childhood home of the celebrated Canadian artist Emily Carr (1871–1945). It is located in the James Bay neighbourhood of Victoria, close to the Inner Harbour.
Significance: Emily Carr is considered one of the most important figures in Canadian art history, celebrated for her paintings of British Columbia's flora and forests, as well as her depictions of West Coast Indigenous culture.
The Building: The house is a beautiful example of Victorian-era architecture and was built in 1863. It is a large, well-appointed house and garden that reflects the upper-middle-class lifestyle of colonial Victoria.
Current Function: Today, the house has been restored to its original late 19th-century condition and functions as a National Historic Site of Canada. Visitors can tour the house and gardens, gaining insight into Emily Carr's life and formative period.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Chesterman Beach is one of the most iconic and celebrated beaches on Vancouver Island, located on the west coast, just south of the town of Tofino. It is part of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve.
Key Highlights
Natural Setting and Length: The beach is renowned for its long stretch of nearly 3 km (1.7 miles) of hard-packed, fine sand, framed by lush temperate rainforest on one side and the pounding Pacific Ocean on the other.
Surfing and Water Sports: It is considered one of Canada's premier surfing destinations, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers due to its consistent waves year-round. Other popular activities include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and skimboarding.
Frank Island (Tombolo): One of its most distinctive features is a tombolo (a natural sandspit) that emerges at low tide, connecting the beach (which is divided into North and South Chesterman) to the small, private Frank Island. It is a very popular walk during low tide.
Storm Watching: During the winter months, the beach transforms into a prime location for storm watching, where visitors can witness massive waves and dramatic skies.
Coastal Exploration: At low tide, visitors can explore extensive tide pools teeming with marine life (anemones, starfish) in the rocky formations at the beach's ends.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Ship Point is a crucial, multi-functional pier and public space located in the very heart of Victoria's Inner Harbour, on Vancouver Island.
This area, jointly managed by the Harbour Authority and the City, serves as a vibrant center for civic and tourist life, with direct views of landmarks like the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings.
Event Hub: Its main function is to host major events, markets, and festivals. During the summer months, it is the venue for numerous activities, including concerts, jazz and reggae festivals, open-air artisan markets, and community events that utilize its wide pier space.
Marina and Transport: The Ship Point marina area accommodates large vessels, luxury yachts, and transient boats, maintaining the harbor's role as a center for maritime activity.
Recreational Area: When no events are running, it provides a large open space for waterfront strolls. The City of Victoria has invested in renewal plans to make Ship Point a more pedestrian-focused and ecological space, replacing the former parking lot with green areas, seating, and terraces.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The Johnson Street Bridge is a single-leaf bascule bridge that spans the Victoria Harbour, connecting the downtown area with the Esquimalt neighbourhood.
The Current Bridge: The current version of the bridge opened in 2018, replacing the previous bridge (built in 1924). The new design is modern, featuring a sleek steel structure with three vehicular lanes, a dedicated pedestrian walkway, and a multi-use pathway.
The "Blue Bridge": The former Johnson Street Bridge was popularly known as the "Blue Bridge" due to its distinctive colour since 1979. The new bridge maintains this legacy, as it is illuminated with blue LED lighting at night.
Function: It is an essential movable bridge that lifts to allow larger ships to pass through to Victoria's Upper Harbour, making it a key choke point for both road and marine traffic. The new bridge is Canada's largest single-leaf bascule bridge.
Our Daily Challenge ... carry.
A number of water taxis carry people backwards and forewards on the harbour in Victoria, Canada. We caught one from Fishermen's Wharf to the Empress Wharf and then walked the rest of the way to our hotel. A very nice way to travel.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Tofino Brewing Company is a highly respected craft brewery and a landmark in the coastal town of Tofino, on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. Since opening in 2011, it has become a reflection of the area's surf culture, wild natural environment, and strong commitment to sustainability.
Key Highlights
Philosophy and Location: The brewery focuses on creating high-quality, consistent beers that reflect the unique experience of coastal life. Their brand is strongly tied to the culture of Tuff City (Tofino's nickname).
Distinctive Brews (Local Ingredients): Tofino Brewing is famous for incorporating unique, Pacific-inspired local ingredients. Their most iconic beer is the Kelp Stout, brewed with locally harvested kelp, which provides a unique salty, umami-like balance. Another notable seasonal brew is the Spruce Tree Ale, conditioned with fresh, locally foraged spruce tips.
Popular Core Beers: Their lineup includes year-round popular classics such as the Tuff Session Ale (their flagship pale ale), Blonde Ale, Tofino Lager, and the Ethereal IPA.
Commitment to Sustainability: The brewery has a strong environmental focus. It uses hydroelectric power for production, packages its cans with biodegradable EcoRings, and recycles spent grain by giving it to local farmers for livestock feed. It is registered as an "Ocean Friendly Business."
Tasting Room: The tasting room is a lively, laid-back spot where visitors can enjoy a pint or a flight, and purchase beer to go. A food truck is often parked nearby to complement the drinks.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Ucluelet (colloquially pronounced "Ukee") is a district municipality located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. Its name comes from the Indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth language, Yuułuʔił, meaning "people of the safe harbour."
Key Highlights
Rugged Contrast: While close to its more famous neighbour, Tofino, Ucluelet is characterized by a more rugged, wild, and rocky coastal beauty, maintaining a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.
Wild Pacific Trail: The area's main attraction. This world-class hiking trail winds along the cliffs and coastal rainforest of the Ucluelet Peninsula, offering dramatic ocean vistas. The most popular section is the Lighthouse Loop, which passes the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, a historic beacon for navigating the treacherous waters.
Safe Harbour and Islands: Ucluelet sits at the mouth of Barkley Sound, a protected marine area that contains the Broken Group Islands unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This makes it an excellent launch point for activities such as sheltered kayaking, whale watching, and deep-sea fishing.
Storm Watching: Like Tofino, Ucluelet is a popular winter destination for storm watching, with many accommodations perched to view the fierce Pacific Ocean storms.
Proximity to National Park: Ucluelet lies at the southern edge of the Long Beach unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which features extensive rainforest trails and vast sandy beaches.
What a pretty flower .....taken by my son's wife on her Seattle , Washington trip. I will post more of hers in the future. I have not idea what it is or what is in the background,, but the colors mixed like this satisfied my taste.The botanical garden she visited is actually in Victoria, B.C., Canada.
Victoria is the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of 85,792.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Meares Island is located in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, just across the harbour from the village of Tofino. It is famous as a preserved old-growth forest and for its deep cultural and historical significance.
Old-Growth Forest: The island is renowned for being home to some of the oldest and largest Western Red Cedars and Sitka Spruce trees in British Columbia, some of which are over 1,500 years old. The Big Tree Trail, with its wooden boardwalks, allows visitors to admire giants like the famous Hanging Garden Tree.
Historical Struggle: Meares Island was the focus of the "War of the Woods" in the 1980s. Attempts by a logging company to clear-cut the old-growth forest were successfully blockaded by an alliance of Tofino residents and the local Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.
Protected Status: The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations declared the island Canada's first Tribal Park, protecting it from logging and underscoring its cultural and ancestral significance.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
Fisherman's Wharf is a floating marine park and harbour located in Victoria's James Bay neighbourhood, a short walk from the Inner Harbour.
Main Feature: Its most distinctive characteristic is its colourful float homes where communities of people permanently reside. This gives it a unique, quirky vibe, blending residential and commercial life.
Dining Options: The wharf is famous for its casual food offerings. There are numerous stands serving fish and chips, fresh seafood (often cooked straight after being caught), ice cream, and other quick bites.
Activities: It is a popular departure point for whale watching tours (especially for orcas and humpback whales) and kayaking excursions. Additionally, visitors can often spot seals near the docks, hoping for a meal.
Illa de Vancouver, CANADÀ 2024
The address 633 Humboldt Street is located in the heart of Victoria's Inner Harbour area and is the location of the Fairmont Spa, situated within the complex of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Strategic Location: Humboldt Street is a key thoroughfare connecting the harbour to residential areas. This address is within easy walking distance of the Legislative Assembly building, the Royal BC Museum, and the waterfront.
The Empress Spa: The Fairmont Spa (formerly known as Willow Stream Spa) at 633 Humboldt St. is a wellness oasis inside the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel. It offers a comprehensive menu of luxury treatments, massages, and wellness services.
Significance: The area embodies the elegance and history of Victoria. The address represents an experience of luxury and relaxation within one of Canada's grandest and most historic hotels.