The Funky Site - Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island

Created 23rd July 2006, last updated 23rd July 2006.

After a few days in Vancouver, we jumped on the ferry over to Vancouver Island. Coming from the UK and with no prior knowledge of the island, I was surprised to discover how large this island is - about 12,000sq miles, or 29 times the size of Hong Kong! We docked at the port of Nainamo on the east coast, and had a lovely three hour drive over to the west coast to a place called Tofino. Located just outside the Pacific Rim National Park and on the edge of Clayoquot Sound it enjoys fantastic views and some wonderful scenery. Since 2000 it has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, ensuring that it's protected for future generations. We stayed at the Tofino Swell Lodge, which we can thoroughly recommend.

Tofino is well geared up for tourists, and in the busy summer months has plenty to offer including whale watching, kayaking, a hot springs nearby, and a lively surfing community. As well as the hot springs trip we did a bear watching trip where we were lucky enough to see a mother and cub feeding by the waters edge.

Clayoquot Sound

Tofino

Tofino view

Harbour at night

Tofino Swell Lodge

Sarah in the hot tub

One of our first walks was through the old growth forests to Schooner Cove. Some of the trees in these forests are over a thousand years old. There are plenty of walks within the National Park, and most have some information along the way to inform visitors about what they're seeing. The boardwalks are great to explore, and the trees magnificent.