Vancouver Island is a region astonishing diversity of the west coast of Canada, the mainland of British Columbia. Its vast territory with a low population density is one of the most diverse ecosystems around the world: forests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, rivers and lakes, creating habitats for a multitude of animal species. The island is indeed one of the world’s leading sites for whale watching and observing birds, as well as fishing for trout and salmon.

Much of the island has been protected as a park. It contains many pockets of growth in old and rare, and the cedar forests, reported to occur naturally in oak forests of Garry. The Beaufort half Mountain Range Vancouver Island, North-South, which is home to one of Canada’s greatest all-natural Ski bases. The beauty and tranquility in this region for a long time, a draw for artists and craftspeople. Galleries, workshops and unique shops, locally produced art and craftsmanship can be found in many population centers.

The southern tip of Vancouver Island is rooted in the city of Victoria (pop: 300,000), especially after having known as a city of wealthy retirees living, and now a commercial centre and a tourist centre booming. It is also the capital of British Columbia. There are several tourist sites are the first to Butchart Gardens - famous throughout the world for its many varieties of flowers, trees and shrubs. — Others must see, is the tea in the afternoon on the Empress Hotel. Facing the busy protected from the outer harbour, tea is a tradition from the London high society, and bloomed here in Victoria for more than a century.

Nanaimo (pop: 73,000), located on the east side of Vancouver Island, along the Strait of Georgia. It is Vancouver Island, the second largest city, its central location, it is a good starting point for the discovery of Vancouver Island and the main Gulf Islands. Climate change is one of the sunniest mildesten and Canada, while the landscape is the epitome of Vancouver Island: moderate coastal forests, flicker of the sea and majestic mountains. Nanaimo also appreciates the reputation of being a country of origin for creative and artistic personalities that contribute to the eclectic nature of the city and their Harbourfront laid-back island lifestyle in general.

Port Hardy (pop: 4574) is the largest town on the northern coast of Vancouver Island. It is the gateway to the Discovery Coast Passage on ferries and cargo ships, in the provision of Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, islands of the Queen Charlotte, and even as far north as the city of Anchorage , Alaska. It is also the northern terminus of the Vancouver Island Highway, it is where most of the North Island adventure begins. Since this is a business center and a tourist destination that feels more active than other municipalities of similar size island. It also offers more in the kind of equipment and services. Visitors have access to a full range of leisure facilities, shops, hosting services and retail.

It is in the world class water fishing, diving and hiking coldwater wild experience at your disposal. Aboriginal artists, some of the best on the island, manufacturing delicious pieces in a number of media, to dominate the art scene. Magnificent Kwakiutls masks in the Port Hardy are highly sought after by collectors.

On the west coast of Port Alberni (pop: 17,743) and the pastoral Alberni Valley, as a gateway to the BC’s West Coast. Only 193 kilometers (120 miles) northwest of the hour’s drive from the province of the capital, Victoria, Port Alberni has a beautiful, deep water port opens Alberni Inlet, and Barkley Sound ‘Pacific Ocean. Surrounded freshwater lakes and rivers, the region is famous for its sport fishing of wild salmon (license (s), which is necessary), as well as hiking, camping and kayaking. It is in Port Alberni, that the reputation MV Lady Rose made his daily trip to Barkley Sound. The city is also the headquarters of the Heritage Network attractions.

It should not be forgotten on the highway in the direction of Port Alberni (there is only one!) Is a pull-off, with a sign “Cathedral Grove. It is a protected area of the forest with old trees and the ‘enormous volume of altitude. They are indeed impressive, as a walk along the hiking trails through the woods.

Ucluelet (CLUE-annual) (pop: 1559) is one of the few centers wild populations of the west coast of Vancouver Island. Its name means “place of safe landing” in the language of the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have lived here for at least the year 4300. Within its port protected, seals, sea lions and otters are concerned little trade and charter vessels, which come and go constantly.

Much of the countryside around Ucluelet is composed of moderate rain forest, while some of BC’s greatest, the old red cedar growth here. The region is also known for its wide sandy beaches, a kilometre long. Several first lodges with the best cooks have evaluated, in the region and tourists from around the world.

A popular ski, Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort is the largest ski and snowboard placement on Vancouver Island. The property using one of the deepest values and the foundations of snow BC without the use of the facilities of machines breathtaking, and at 360 degrees on the sea from the top of the Alps. This year, the snow is slightly better cases, the last four years: 2 to January 25, 2006, the mountain received a surprising 4 m (13.25 m) of snow over an area of 3.2 m ( 10.5 ft). The powder is exquisite, with continuous cycles to ensure the storm things light six days a week, on average, during the 2005-6 season.

Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort is located 20 minutes by car from the west of the Comox Valley, and 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Nanaimo. The Comox Valley Campbell River and airports every day from Vancouver. There is also a daily shuttle from Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum.

That was too short-sighted on Vancouver Island, one of the most beautiful areas of development across Canada.