Vancouver Island
A time for reflection
Visiting the Island in the winter months is soothing for the soul
Vancouver Island is one of those magical Canadian destinations that holds appeal no matter what the season. In winter, it is entirely possible to ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon.
BEACHCOMBING: The Oceanside Region of Vancouver Island provides miles of beach.-Photo courtesy Oceanside Tourism Association
Winter is also a reflective, quiet time to visit the Island. Gone are the bustling crowds and long lineups of the summer. The weather is more temperate than on the mainland, but even the seasonal drizzling rains of the south and central island or the awesome winter storms off the west coast invite the traveller to sit, to gaze, to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey tea or a bowl of clam chowder and to take pleasure in the slower pace.
Day trip possibilities are endless, even during the winter; the only limit is one’s imagination.
Ideally located on the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is a hub for exploring all the Island has to offer.
A short two-hour drive south of Nanaimo, one finds Victoria, the capital of B.C. Victoria is reminiscent of England when it comes to architecture and traditions, so it is the ideal place to indulge in high tea. Charming shops, bistros and tea houses line the streets of the regal city. Most golf courses in the area are open year round, weather permitting. Don’t miss the chance to tell your snow-bound friends on the prairies that you spent the day hitting the links.
Travelling the Malahat Drive portion of the Trans-Canada Highway north of Victoria is spectacular. The views from the top of the Malahat are second to none, with the scenic Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands lying below. The road can be icy in winter, so check conditions before heading out.
Driving north along the old Island Highway is unforgettable. This is the scenic route—not as fast as the Island Highway, but well worth the slower pace. Along this route, you will pass through the communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach—the area known as Oceanside—as well as Fanny Bay and Union Bay. When you see giant white piles of shells along the shore, you are likely near an oyster farm. Most are open to the public year round—stop in and have some fried oysters or a Pacific salmon burger. You’ll be glad you did.
From Parksville, you can travel north through the Comox Valley, which includes the communities of Comox, Cumberland and Black Creek. This is the gateway to Vancouver Island’s powder paradise—Mt. Washington. This ski area is a favourite of Islanders and visitors alike. Farther up the road you’ll find Campbell River, home of some of the best winter salmon fishing in the world.
No trip to Vancouver Island is complete without a visit to the west coast. Travel west through Port Alberni to Tofino and Ucluelet. In Pacific Rim National Park, you can stand on the shore and look outacross the endless ocean.
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