Vancouver Island
Situated in the southwest corner of British Columbia, just off Canada’s west coast, Vancouver Island is a large, beautiful, lush island, with a temperate Mediterranean climate, stunning mountain ranges, long expanses of gorgeous beaches, and natural rain forests.
At 480 km in length, and 80 km at its widest point, this amazing island is large enough to have six diverse regions, six major urban centres, as well as numerous smaller communities and villages. Victoria, BC’s capital city, is the largest community, situated on the southernmost tip, with about 350,000 of the island’s approximately 750,000 inhabitants. Other major centres situated up the east coast of the island include Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay and Campbell River. Another smaller community, Ladysmith, has been in the news recently as the original home of actress, Pamela Anderson, whom reportedly is considering a condo development in the area.
There are seemingly endless possibilities for relaxation and recreation, with a world-class tourism infrastructure in place, upscale accommodation and spas, fine dining, shopping, and outdoor adventures, offering everything from kayaking, canoeing, fishing, whale-watching, wildlife viewing, bungy jumping, seasonal skiing, and Canada’s best surfing on the island’s pacific coast.
LGBT life is also alive and well on the island, with the most developed activities in Victoria, and to some extent in Nanaimo, but with a little research, you can find gay owned and operated, and LGBT friendly businesses, in various locations outside the main urban centres.
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
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Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is an easy day trip from Vancouver, but is also a fabulous extended-stay destination in its own right. Fantastic scenery, peaceful vistas, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventure, are just some of the highlights of this stunning region.
Outdoor activities range from hiking, boat tours, air tours, fishing, water sports of all kinds, or simply taking a stroll on the many gorgeous, uncrowded beaches. Indoor activities may include staying at luxury accommodations, visiting a spa, checking out retail centres, art galleries, antique shops, and dining at waterfront restaurants, bistros and cafes.
This region is also known for various artistic festivals, such as the Festival of the Written Arts, and Fibre Arts Festival. Home of choice to many artists, the Sunshine Coast can be easily reached by ferry via Horseshoe Bay, just 20 km northwest of Vancouver on Highway 99.
Victoria
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British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria, is located on the southernmost tip of spectacular Vancouver Island, just a short helijet, floatplane, or commercial flight from BC’s lower mainland region, Metro Vancouver, and Washington State. You can also reach this delightful, cosmopolitan island destination via car, coach, ferry, or even as part of an incredible whale-watching adventure from downtown Vancouver.
Victoria is known for its old-world charm, world-class hotels, decadent dining, wine, seafood, and some of the best microbreweries on the west coast. Other highlights include, unique European-style architecture, antique shopping, art galleries, outdoor adventure travel, and gardens, gardens, gardens!
The rainbow flag is flown proudly in Victoria, and Victoria has a small, but active gay and lesbian scene. Many events and festivities take place throughout the year, including the Annual Pride Parade and Festival in July, celebrating its 15th year in 2009. The 2009 celebrations include a number of exciting new events; a Pink Whale-Watching Tour, a Business Fair, Inner Harbour Boat Cruise, Victoria’s Sekret women’s dance party, a Cheesecake Burlesque, and more.
Top five things to do in Victoria
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1. Dining
Victoria boasts the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America offering everything from casual cafes, to microbrew pubs to fine dining. Victoria’s hot, young chefs and the Island cuisine they create have garnered Victoria and Vancouver Island a prominent place on the culinary map.
2. Culinary Tourism
Culinary tourism has taken root in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. Visit acclaimed wineries, cideries and farms. Sample the region's organic produce, artisan cheeses and locally-produced gourmet fare. Do so on your own or join a tour for a behind-the-scenes experience.
The Ale Trail
Victoria has several microbreweries – many of which produce less than 15,000 barrels annually. Victoria’s micro-brewed beers are local, authentic and unique. Most breweries are within walking distance of Victoria’s historical, vibrant downtown core and Inner Harbour. Follow the “Ale Trail” and visit one or all of Victoria’s world-class breweries.
Island Vineyards
Southern Vancouver Island is the second largest wine region in British Columbia - next to the Okanagan Valley. The majority of Vancouver Island’s wineries are located 45 minutes north of Victoria. The vineyards located here enjoy a unique location with ideal growing conditions on southern, sun-drenched slopes. The scenery surrounding Vancouver Island’s vineyards also warrants recognition. Rolling pastures framed by ocean and mountain views make a self-guided tour of the wineries a must for any wine enthusiast.
3. Golf
Victoria and Vancouver Island's golf courses are a golfer’s paradise. With a climate that encourages golfing year-round, the region is home to many of Canada’s most beautiful and challenging courses. Experience the thrill of a Jack Nicklaus designed course complemented by rolling coastline and an ocean view. Or take in the splendour of the natural scenery, while playing on a course once challenged by Tiger Woods himself.
4. Cycling
According to the Government of Canada (Statistics Canada 2001), Victoria is rated “Canada’s Fittest City” and the “Cycling Capital of Canada”. With the mildest climate in the country, Victoria is Canada’s destination for year-round outdoor adventure. Victoria provides easy access to miles of scenic trails and sites that incorporate old growth rain forests, ocean shores and mountains. Cycling, hiking, kayaking and golf are just a few of the activities regularly enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
5. Whale-watching
Whale-watching in Victoria & Vancouver Island is awesome! No other spectacle of nature compares to the sight of a killer whale breaching out of the deep blue water only 100 metres from your boat. Victoria and Vancouver Island are well known as the place to view migrating and resident whales in their natural surroundings. The area also provides a number of other wildlife-watching opportunities throughout the seasons.
Getting to Victoria from Vancouver, BC is easy. There are a variety of scenic options including car and passenger ferries, sightseeing coaches, helicopters, float planes and commercial airlines.
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Lots of Tourist Attraction Info. For more information |
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Resources:
www.tourismvancouver.com
www.tourismvictoria.com
www.tourismvi.com
www.vcmbc.com
www.gayvan.com
www.gaywhistler.com
www.quickcoach.com
www.vancouverpride.ca
www.victoriapridesociety.org
