"Getting close to nature" Top 5 Page for this destination Vancouver Island by toonsarah


Vancouver Island Travel Guide: 252 reviews and 651 photos

Telegraph Cove - Vancouver Island
Telegraph Cove

For anyone who appreciates beautiful scenery or likes to get close to nature this is a must-see destination. There are some amazing beaches, many of them unspoiled and relatively deserted; pretty coastal towns such as Tofino with its interesting galleries and excellent restaurants; and best of all, in my opinion, a wonderful opportunity to get close to one of the most magnificent of animals, the whale.

Whales!
Orca - Vancouver Island

Orca

The whales were definitely among the highlights of our trip. We were lucky enough to get a good look at Orcas (killer whales) in the Johnstone Strait off the northern end of the island, and got really close to grey whales near Tofino. We also enjoyed exploring the Pacific Rim National Park, the historic and very photogenic village of Telegraph Cove and the beaches of Quadra Island. And in addition to the whales, we were lucky enough to see two bears and two bald eagles!

We combined our week here with one on the mainland of British Columbia, and the two together made for a great holiday experience as we were able to enjoy the awe-inspiring peaks of the Rockies as well as this wonderful coastline.

Totem pole on Quadra Island - Vancouver Island

Totem pole on Quadra Island

My tips describe the various things we did in a number of locations on the island, so I’ve used the General tips section to describe those locations which we particularly enjoyed, and the “Things to do” section to cover the different things we did in those places – I hope that makes sense!

We were here back in July 2002 and I’m writing this in early 2007, so I should warn you that some things will have changed. However I’ve checked through the internet that all the things I’m recommending are still there, and the prices I quote are the up-to-date ones based on that research. But if anyone has been more recently and spots any mistakes, I’d be glad to hear from you and to make the corrections.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Relatively unspoiled, great scenery and awesome whale-watching
  • Cons:Not many :) though we had a few rainy days
  • Last visit to Vancouver Island: Jul 2002
  • Intro Updated Dec 24, 2011
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Comments (13)

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  • Bwana_Brown's Profile Photo
    Bwana_Brown Apr 22, 2012 at 4:30 AM Report Abuse

    An excellent account and photos of your trip to beautiful BC that brought back fond memories of our time on Vancouver Island. It looks like you had some very enjoyable meals and places to stay! I actually remember the Ripple Rock explosion!

  • Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Nemorino Jul 27, 2008 at 7:02 AM Report Abuse

    Hi Sarah, I enjoyed reading your tips about this attractive destination. I've been to the city of Vancouver (my brother lives there) but never to the island, which sounds really interesting.

  • kyoub's Profile Photo
    kyoub Feb 28, 2008 at 2:41 AM Report Abuse

    This sounds like a great place for nature lovers. I never tire of watching whales and birds. Your restaurant and hotel tips are good also.

  • Gillybob's Profile Photo
    Gillybob Oct 30, 2007 at 6:56 AM Report Abuse

    I've been promising myself a trip here for about 3 years now! Hopefully I'll fit it in somewhere in the next decade! LOL!! Gillybob greetings

  • 36waterfalls Oct 25, 2007 at 5:31 AM Report Abuse

    A soothing voice, or playing dead: both must be equally difficult! Good advice, wonderful page here, stunning scenery!

  • Fra.da. Jul 16, 2007 at 2:08 PM Report Abuse

    Excellent tips Sarah! Would love to go there

  • Jim_Eliason's Profile Photo
    Jim_Eliason Jun 20, 2007 at 6:44 AM Report Abuse

    nice tips!

  • sue_stone's Profile Photo
    sue_stone Jun 14, 2007 at 11:49 AM Report Abuse

    That whale watching sounds and looks amazing!

  • Trekki's Profile Photo
    Trekki May 27, 2007 at 2:26 AM Report Abuse

    Oh wow - whale watching and marvellous food :-) I just love mussels, so I might never starve there ! Very much impressing whale photos you've got here, it must have been a really remarkable trip :-)

  • scottishvisitor's Profile Photo
    scottishvisitor May 16, 2007 at 12:56 PM Report Abuse

    A place here for me Sarah = lovely nature captured perfectly in your pictures especially Quada Island

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