Vancouver Island Hotel Blogs

Travel & Leisure magazine named Vancouver Island one of North America’s Best Whale-Watching areas. Whale watching is an amazing experience like none other. The ones I saw with my family off the Victoria coast were killer whales (Orcas).

To be that close to these magnificent creatures was a very memorable experience. There are some 80 of these killer whales that “live” off the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Small wonder whale watching is one of the most popular activities on the Island.

There are Humpbacks, Gray whales,  Minke whales and Orcas (killer whales) in the waters around Vancouver Island. You can also see porpoises, a variety of seals and Pacific white-sided dolphins. The best times of the year are from May to October but some tour operators go year round.

Whale Watching Areas of Vancouver Island

• Alert Bay & Port McNeill – close to the northern tip of Vancouver Island, this area offers spectacular whale watching.

• Johnstone Strait, near Robson Bight Orca Preserve. Here you can sea kayak with Killer Whales–not your everyday adventure. This is on the inside passage between Vancouver Island the mainland, north of Campbell River.

• Campbell River – north central portion of Vancouver Island on the eastern side facing Georgia Straight. The killer whales come to feed on the migrating salmon.

• The inside passage (Georgia Straight) between Vancouver Island and the mainland as we like to call it, abounds with gulf islands that offer whale watching.

• Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This area has the  highest concentration of killer whales (Orcas) in the world.

• West coast of Vancouver Island (Tofino and Ucluelet). Prime whale watching areas along with remote parklands–Long Beach and the Pacific Rim National Park.

Vancouver Island has some of the most breathtaking whale watching and wildlife in the world–bald eagles, black bears and a multitude of land and sea birds.

And the natives are very friendly.

Come experience Amazing Vancouver Island!

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

From an amazing start in 1967 as part of Nanaimo’s Centennial activities, the Bathtub race has become an annual event dubbed the Nanaimo “Great” International World Championship Bathtub Race along with a 4 day Nanaimo Marine Festival.

Nanaimo Bath Tub Race

This unique Vancouver Island  race was originally across the straits of George to Fisherman’s Cover near Vancouver on the mainland. The adventurous tubbers now race around two local islands, Entrance and Winchelsea, then back to Departure Bay in Nanaimo.

Nanaimo Marine Festival

The Nanaimo Marine Festival also hosts an number of other events and activities that fun to watch and participate in.

The 2011 festival’s theme is a salute to the Canadian Naval Centennial and the salute will also be the theme for the “Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade” on the Saturday of Bathtub weekend.

Nanaimo Marine Festival 2011 Events and Activities

Event details are courtesy of Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society. Please check their website for up-to-date details.

With many of the events free, this an excellent family and fun event.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

•Kick Off – July 21st with the opening of the LNBS (Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society) Marine Festival Food Fair

•Kiddies Harborside Playdock

•Kiddies Karnival

•”Tim Hortons” Marine Festival Entertainment Stage

•Children’s programs at Maffeo Sutton and Swy-a-lana Lagoon parks (adjacent to the Nanaimo Harbor).

•Many informative static displays on boat safety, military, water sports plus many others.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

•July 23rd at 10:30 am the annual “Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade” takes place through the Old City Quarter and the City Center ending up at Maffeo Sutton Park.

•The Loyal Order of the Moose Bavarian Garden held in Maffeo Sutton park.

•Various events in the harbor.

•Evening – 10pm – The Quality Foods Festival of Lights & Music fireworks display

Sunday, July 24, 2011

•The 45th annual “Great” International World Championship Bathtub Race starting at 11:00 am. (approximately 1 1/2 hour)

•Marine Festival Food Fair

•Kiddies Karnival

•Harborside Playdock,

All during the events there are a number of great places for food and refreshments.

Getting To Nanaimo

Nanaimo is the 2nd largest city on the east coast of beautiful Vancouver Island and is one of the main ferry terminals from the Vancouver mainland. It is the gateway to a host of gulf islands, destinations and attractions for residents and visitors.  The ferry service has frequent sailings from two Vancouver terminals, Departure Bay and Tsawwassen.   More information at BC Ferries.

Separated by the Straight of Georgia, Nanaimo is 55km (34 miles) west of Vancouver and 110 km (68 miles) north of the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. There is easy highway access from anywhere on Vancouver Island.

Via Rail offers service from Victoria in the south and Courtenay in the North. More information at Via Rail .

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Duncan is just off the Trans Canada Highway about half-way between Victoria and Nanaimo on the eastern side of Vancouver Island. It has all the charm and character of a real friendly small town. Duncan and the surrounding Cowichan region is the one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit.

Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival

One of the fun events held each year, typically in February, is the Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival held at the BC Forest Discovery Centre, 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC.  The  admission is just $5 including train rides and a taste of local maple syrup provided by the Sapsuckers.

The Festival Events:

• If you have ever wondered where real maple syrup comes from you can take in a tapping demonstration.
• Get the inside skinny by attending a workshop with the professional maple syrup producers.
• Cooking demonstrations.
• Have a sniff of the real thing as the evaporator runs all day and you can watch how maple syrup is made.
• Grab the kids and jump on the museum’s train.
• Enjoy the live musical entertainment.
• Taste the local maple syrup provided by Sapsuckers, a group of local maple syrup producers.
• Watch the maple syrup competition which has participants from all over the Island as well as Vancouver.
Visit the Duncan-Cowichan Visitor Centre for information about Duncan and the surrounding area.

Getting To Duncan

BC Ferry: From Vancouver – take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo then south on Highway 1 to Duncan. Or from Tsawwassen to Victoria (Schwartz Bay), then north on Highway 1 to Duncan.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Comox Lake is a large glacier-fed lake near Cumberland, BC on Vancouver Island that offers excellent freshwater fishing. The lake, in the middle of a forested wilderness, offers great times in addition to fishing including hiking, swimming, boating, canoeing, biking and huge amounts of relaxation.

It is a great place for families to spend a vacation, watch local wildlife or just enjoy the natural beauty and quiet of nature. Comox Lake is close to Strathcona Provincial Park, Mt. Washington and the Courtenay-Comox area.

Fishing on Comox Lake

On Comox Lake there are lots of opportunities to fish for Kokanee salmon, Dolly Varden, Char, as well as my favorite, Rainbow trout. Fishing on Comox Lake is considered to be the best during the spring and fall. To launch your boat you can take advantage of free access to a concrete boat launch located at the west end of Comox Lake road. Remember that you need a fishing license to fish in BC.

For up-to-date fishing regulations for Comox Lake Reservoir the Puntledge River contact the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection in Campbell River at 250-286-7630.

Fishing on Punteldge River

The Puntledge River flows from Comox Lake in a northeast direction. It joins the Tsolum River which eventually becomes the Courtenay River and ultimately empties into the Gulf of Georgia at Comox Harbour on Vancouver Island’s east coast.

There are Steelhead, Salmon and Rainbow trout present and there isn’t much competition except the seals.

Comox Lake Hiking

In addition to the gorgeous views of the forests and foothills, you will find a variety of hiking trails. These are the main hiking trails:

• River Trail West is a 1 to 2 hour hike along a easy trail along the Puntledge River west side. Great river views. You can get there from the upper Puntledge Hatchery or from the Comox Dam picnic area.

• River Trail East is a 3/4 hour to 1 1/2 hour hike along the east side of the Puntledge River. You can access it from the Comox Lake Hostel or the Comox Lake Dam.

• Twin Lakes Trail is a short trail going past a couple of small lakes. It starts at the Comox Lake Dam Picnic area.

Comox Lake Dam Picnic Area

The Comox Lake Dam picnic spot is located at the outlet of the Comox Lake Reservoir on the Puntledge River. There is information displays, beach and picnic area. Overnight camping and fires are not permitted in the Recreation Area.

Comox Lake Biking

There are a variety of mountain biking and multiuse trails in the Comox Valley area. There is a group of trails around Comox Lake and the Puntledge River (runs out from Comox Lake) know as the Comox Lake-Puntledge River Trails. The trails with different degrees of difficulty begin at the dam on Comox Lake.

• Bear Bait Trail – (you are not the bear bait) runs along the west side of Puntledge River and will take about half an hour. It begins at the Comox Lake Picnic area with connections to the trails in Nymph Falls Regional Park.

• Bevan Trail - the trail starts at the Comox Lake Dam and ends at the Puntledge Diversion Dam.

• Comox Glacier Trail - An alpine trail for experienced bikers that leads to the Comox Glacier. Allow 7 hours.

Getting to Comox Lake

The closest town is Cumberland which is about an hours drive north of Nanaimo and just a few minutes from Courtenay going south on Island Highway 19. There are signs to Comox Lake from Highway 19.

Take Exit 117 to Cumberland and turn left onto Comox Valley Pkwy S/Cumberland Rd S, Continue to follow Cumberland Rd S, take the 2nd right onto Bevan Rd, turn left onto Comox Logging road.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

The Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens are a 24 acre feast for the senses. Located in Courtenay BC on the eastern part of Vancouver Island, the Gardens has some 3,000 varieties of rhododendrons – the largest in Western Canada as well as wildflowers, birds, forest and native plants.

Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy a walk through a well managed garden in a wilderness forest. You are right in nature so you can expect to see wild deer (seem to be everywhere on the Island) as well as varieties of birds. Bring your own food and water – there are picnic areas but no food services.

The best viewing is from March to June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The gardens are also an ideal location for a wedding.

History of Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

The gardens are indeed a labour of love – amazingly the efforts of one man, Bryan Zimmerman. Bryan’s Santa’s Barn and Christmas Tree Farm are well known to the locals in the Comox Valley. The garden developed over time as Bryan cleared out the thick brush and created a mile of paths. He insisted on using no large machinery to protect the forest and plants.

While leaving the natural forest areas intact, he then began to create a beautiful woodland garden. The 3,000 varieties of rhododendrons integrated into the neighboring rain forest areas and ponds is a sight to behold.

Festivals at the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

• Victoria Day (Canadian holiday on the Monday preceding May 25) – Art & Bloom Festival
• On the Labour Day long weekend the Gardens hosts the annual Artisans’ Festival features high quality original creations from furniture, to weaving to ceramics, to fine art and more.
• The Garden has Carol Walks and Garden Lights during the month of December. Check their website for details.

Contact Information

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
6183 Whittaker Road, Courtenay, V9J 1V7
Phone:250-338-6901 Fax:250-338-6917
http://woodlandgardens.ca/index.html
Hours: 9 a.m. to dusk daily

Getting to Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

The gardens are just a 15 minute north of Courtenay in the beautiful Comox Valley.  It is about an hours drive from the ferry terminal at Departure Bay in Nanaimo and about 3 hours drive from Victoria. Just follow the tourist attraction signs “Woodland Gardens”.

Enjoy all that Courtenay has to offer and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Milner Gardens Qualicum Beach BC

Milner Gardens and Woodland in charming Qualicum Beach is rated as one of the best public guardens in Canada by Canadian geographic travel magazine. It is both a beautiful garden as well as a well-preserved rain forest.

Milner Gardens and Woodland

The Milner Gardens and Woodlands are like a well-kept English estate. It has some 28 hectares (70 acres) of lush gardens and of untouched woodlands. As you wonder down the path from the entrance you encounter a gate with a sign requesting that you close the gate after you to keep the deer out.

Milner Gardens Gift Shop

The path continues to an area where you can buy plants grown on the property. A few steps further is the gift shop which looks like it was fashioned out of a doll house. The gift shop offers a variety of gift items from local artisans as well as light refreshments. Behind the gift shop is the pool and behind that is the plant nursery.

The Old Milner House

Following on down the path you come to the old Milner House which is situated atop an oceanside bluff overlooking Georgia straight and the coastal mountains of the mainland. That view alone is worth the trip.

Just as Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana did, you can delight in English tea at the house. Imagine looking out over an amazing garden with the view of the sea while relaxing over tea and scones with clotted cream.  You can also mill memorabilia from the Milner family.

Milner Gardens Special Events

The Milner Gardens offers many special events including music, horticultural courses, workshops and a hands-on educational program called “Shoots with Roots”. While we were there in the late afternoon, the staff were setting up for an outdoor evening concert.

Milner Gardens Inspiration

The gardens were an inspiration of one woman, Veronica Milner, who gathered plants from various areas around the world with special emphasis on rhododendrons. Be sure to check with the garden to determine when the bulk of the flowers are in bloom. We visited in June which was great but the major blooms were in May. It truly is a garden oasis by the sea.

Vancouver Island University

Milner Garden was gifted to Vancouver Island University in 1996 and is currently operated by the Milner Gardens Woodland society along with Vancouver Island University.

Milner Garden Directions

Address: 2179 West Island Highway, Qualicum Beach, BC  V9K 1G1

Tell: 250-752-6153 http://www.viu.ca/MilnerGardens/

Hours 10 AM to 4 PM with seasonal openings – check the website for specific times.

The Milner Gardens is a short drive from Nanaimo just south of Qualicum Beach on the eastern side of Vancouver Island which you can easily reach by a car via Highway 19.

Come visit the Milner Gardens and Woodland to enjoy an afternoon stroll through the beautiful gardens, an ancient forest and English tea with an ocean view.

Enjoy all that the Nanaimo area has to offer and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

The Mary Winspear Cultural and Conference Centre is in the peninsula community of Sidney BC in Southern Vancouver Island. It hosts trade shows, conferences and events in its multi-purpose rooms and the large Bodine Family banquet hall. The adjoining courtyard along with the banquet hall make an ideal location for dances, special dinners, weddings and more. The Centre has a sustainability program to help you make your event as green as possible.

Mary Winspear Cultural and Conference Centre

The 30,000 square foot facility with its banquet hall and theatre has modern facilities and professional catering to host a variety of business functions, events and conferences. Along with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems there is a 12′ x 12′ drop screen for your impactful presentations.

The 8,100 square foot Bodine Family banquet hall with 18 foot vaulted ceilings and fresh sea air is ideal for receptions, weddings, concerts or other events. The 5,000 outdoor patio can accommodate events in the scenic by the sea surroundings. The centre can host over 900 attendees at a time.

Charlie White Theatre

The first-class Charlie White Theatre with its 310 seating capacity and private reception lobby is an ideal community performance theatre. There is  a large stage area supported by professional lighting and sound technical staff. The weekly fare includes dance, musicals and live theatre. For ticketed functions there is a box office service.

Contact Info – Mary Winspear Centre

2243 Beacon Avenue
Sidney, BC V8L 1W9
Tel: (250) 656-0275
www.marywinspear.ca

Conveiently Located – Mary Winspear Centre

• Charming seaside town of Sidney
• A short drive from the Victoria International Airport
• Close to the BC Ferry Terminal in Schwartz Bay
• Near the Sidney – Anacortes (Washington State) Ferry Terminal
• A 10 minute drive to the world famous Butchart Gardens
• Adjacent to several hotels
• Near to restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes
• Short drive to downtown Victoria 

Come and enjoy Sidney on Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

On top of Observatory Hill, near Sidney B.C., at the National Research Council’s Dominion Astrophysical Observatory lies the Center of the Universe and a gateway to the stars.

Centre of the Universe

Described as an Interpretive Centre, the Centre of the Universe is a new kind of museum, so to speak, which has as its purpose the spreading of knowledge of a natural or cultural heritage.

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory opened its doors in May of 1918.  In 1995 the NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics made it their home. The NRC (the National Research Council), is the number one organization for research and development in Canada, with Technology Clusters, Research & Educational Programs, Marine Life and Ecologically Conscious initiatives stretching out across the country.  It’s truly an extraordinary facility, in which the Centre of the Universe resides.

The Plaskett Telescope

The Plaskett Telescope, named for John Stanley Plaskett, the Observatory founder, also made its debut in 1918 and is considered to be the centrepiece of the Centre of the Universe as far as the general public is concerned. The Plaskett is a 1.8-m telescope, which for a very brief period of time was the world’s largest, and has been the 2^nd largest telescope on planet earth for quite some time. With the help of some of the most recently developed technology which can capture even faint light signals of objects which are at spectacular distances, the Plaskett is now 10,000+ times more sensitive than when it was first entered into use. The Plaskett’s original purpose was to study the stars motions to understand the structure of the Milky Way, the galaxy in which our home planet Earth resides.

The discovery of Plaskett’s Star, and coming to understand the orbital motion of our solar system around the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy have been invaluable discoveries in the field of astronomy. Now used by professional astronomers from all around the world, to track comet and asteroid orbits, and to learn more about the nature of stars, and other astral bodies, the Plaskett is put to good use every clear night, approximately 200 nights a year.

There are numerous programs which someone wanting to learn more about this telescope or the facility can attend. There are courses, and special events, which include Star Parties, which I think sound like great fun, and these events feature the Plaskett Telescope.

Centre of the Universe Schedule

The Centre of the Universe is open for group bookings and school programs only between the dates October 1^st – March 13th. The facility is open to all public during Spring Break and from May 3rd – September 30^th.  Take advantage of the spectacular views of both Vancouver Island and the heavens; enjoy the Centre’s interactive exhibits; discover the amazing world of astronomy; take a telescope tour of the constellations; and see the special presentations in the theatre – from what I hear you don’t want to miss the ‘Falling Asteroid’.

It is an enjoyable trip just driving up the mountain – be sure to watch for bikes as they seem to love the challenge of the vertical climb.

Have you been stargazing at the Centre of the Universe?  What was your favorite part of the trip?

For more information about the Centre of the Universe, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory:

Come and enjoy Victoria Island and please tell your friends about us.

The Butchart Gardens is a world famous display of flowers, plants and other vegetation in a striking setting . Located in Victoria on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Butchart Gardens has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. It was created by namesake Jennie Butchart as a way to beautify her husbands worked-out limestone quarry.

The garden with some 22ha (55 acres) of amazing floral displays has been blooming for over 100 years. Its reputation as one of the best gardens in the world is definitely not overstating it. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera!

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Italian Garden. A favorite is the path to the edge of the towering limestone walls that surround the Sunken Garden.

Butchart Gardens Activities

• 5 Seasons – see breath taking displays during Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and special events for Christmas

• Walking – take your time to explore each part of the gardens as they all reward close inspection

• Photography – bring extra memory for your camera to capture all the pictures you will want to take

• Evening entertainment

• And 150 other things to do

Butchart Gardens Restaurants

• The Dining Room Restaurant is located in the original Butchart family residence. From the restaurant you can enjoy spectacular views of Tod Inlet as well as the Private Garden and the Italian Garden. Afternoon Tea is served during the Spring and Summer seasons. High Tea is served in the winter months. Lunch is served seasonally.

• The Blue Poppy Restaurant – offers cafeteria-style service ideal for families.

• The Coffee Shop – offers coffee, tea, pastries and sandwiches.

Admission to The Gardens is required for all restaurants.

Butchart Gardens TripAdvisor Rating

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:  4 1/2 out of 5

TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 72 attractions in Victoria

Butchart Gardens Address and Phone Number

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave. Victoria, British Columbia V8X 3X4 Canada

Tel: 250-652-4422 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fax: 250-652-3883

Email: email@butchartgardens.com

Website: www.butchartgardens.com

Buchart Gardens From Victoria By Car

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave. Victoria, British Columbia V8X 3X4 Canada

Distance: 21km (14miles) from downtown Victoria

Travel time: 30 minutes by car

-Take Blanshard Street (North).

-Blanshard Street becomes Hwy 17 (on the way to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal).

-Pass Elk Lake on the left.

-Turn left off Hwy 17 (Exit 18) onto Keating X Road.

- Continue along Keating X Road which becomes Benvenuto Avenue

The Butchart Gardens is a little slice of paradise–enjoy every color imaginable on these immaculate grounds. Linger and enjoy the flowers, have lunch, dinner or even high tea.

The Ten Most Beautiful Urban Parks on Earth

Environmental Graffiti found ten oases in the middle of cities that provide a good dose of nature for urban dwellers. Some are big enough to have hiking trails, lakes, zoos, forests, gardens, and even observatories. These 26 pictures are a refreshing treat for the eyes! Included is the gorgeous Butchart Gardens.

Come and enjoy Butchart Gardens in Sidney on Amazing Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.