 | Vancouver Island General Tips | Tips 1 - 10 of 25 |  |
Popular General Tips | Other General Tips Tips | All Tips (25) Most tourists that want to visit Vancouver Island landed in Vancouver or other parts of British Columbia or even coming from Seattle in the USA. If this is the case then you have to get to Vancouver Island. This can be done by ferry or by floatplane. No possibility to drive to the Island. But you can take your car or RV on the ferry so you can drive around on Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Island is well-connected to mainland British Columbia and Washington State by vehicle and passenger ferries. Each day, dozens of ferries cross the straits, granting breathtaking views of the rocky coastline, forested islands, inlets and often marine wildlife.
Frequent daily scheduled service is provided (passengers and all types of vehicles) between Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (north of Victoria), between Tsawwassen and Duke Point (south of Nanaimo) and between Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo). BC Ferries also serves the Gulf Islands and other ports in coastal BC (like the Sunshine Coast, Inside Passage,...). Buffet and/or full cafeteria service as well as other amenities are found on main-route ships.
YOU CAN RESERVE YOUR TRIP WITH THE BC FERRIES FOR AN EXTRA FEE IF YOU WANT! A GOOD IDEA IN THE SUMMER OR LONG WEEKENDS AS YOU MIGHT BE STANDING IN A LONG LINE UP FOR A FEW HOURS AT THE BC FERRY TERMINALS OR JUST AVOID THESE PERIODS!!!!
For detailed info on routes, schedules, fares and more please visit the BC Ferry website: BC Ferries Leave a Comment
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When you are visiting Canada you will notice that you will pay taxes on about everything you buy. There is a GST (Goods and Service Tax) of 7% and a PST (Provincial Sales Tax) of 7.5%. As a visitor from another country to Canada you will have a right to get a refund of most of these taxes.
To get the refund you must keep all your receipts, you flight tickets/information, receipt from your accommodations and more. You can get an application in the Visitor Info centres. You must take that application home with you and send it from there. For detailed information about this refund of taxes for visitors please visit the official website at: Tax Refund webpage Leave a Comment
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Pacific Rim-West Coast (orange area on the map): The Pacific region of Vancouver Island is renowned for pristine beaches, whale watching, wilderness camping and hiking, incredible fishing, and awesome winter storms. Some of the nicest places to see here are Tofino, Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park and Bamfield. Leave a Comment
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South Island-Gulf Islands (violet + light blue area on the map): From elegant Victoria to the tranquil Southern Gulf Islands, South Island is a diverse region of urban sophistication, rural charm, and exhilarating Coastal adventures. Some great places to visit here are Victoria, Salt Spring Island and Sooke. Leave a Comment
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Hans and I arrived by Ferry to Vancouver Island. Places we visited were Victoria then north on Highway 1 to Cowichan Bay, Duncan, Chemainus, then west on Highway 4 to Port Alberni and Tofino. We then backtracked to Parksville and Nanaimo where we took the Ferry back to the mainland.
Although we only explored the southern half of Vancouver Island, what we saw and experienced was just fantastic. Leave a Comment
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Vancouver Island has a population of over 750,000 and stretches southeast to northwest along the western coast of British Columbia.
The rugged west coast is cut deeply by fjords and lined between high mountains with many communities located along the shores of protected bays. The eastern plain is rich with timber, farmlands, fishing streams, villages, and modern cities.
Vancouver Island exists out of 7 different regions: North Island, North Central Island, Pacific Rim-West Coast, Central Island, Cowichan, South Island + Gulf Island. See my next tips for more detailed info on each of these regions. Leave a Comment
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The North Island (green area on the map): Rich in First Nations tradition and culture, the North Island region offers a wealth of recreation opportunities in spectacular settings. Some great places to see in this area include Telegraph Cove, Cape Scott Provincial Park, Alert Bay, Port Hardy, Sayward and Zeballos. Leave a Comment
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North-Central Island (pink area on the map): From the deep blue Pacific to Vancouver Island's highest peak, the North Central region is a year-round destination with a dazzling line-up of outdoor adventure and fishing experiences. Some of the nicest place to visit include Courtenay, Campbell River, and Comox. Leave a Comment
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Cowichan (turquois-greenish area on the map): Inspiring vistas of valleys and vineyards, forests and farmland, sparkling lakes and crystal-clear rivers abound in the picturesque South Central region. Some nice places to see here are Duncan, Chemainus and Cowichan Bay. Leave a Comment
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Central Island (yellow area on the map): Sandy beaches, tranquil lakes, beautiful gardens, and exceptional golf courses make this region a wonderful year-round holiday destination. Some wonderful places to see here are Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Nanaimo. Leave a Comment
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on November 8, 2004
on October 23, 2004
