beltwayandbeyondA trip to Vancouver Island refreshes the soul. Dramatic landscapes, wildlife at every turn, fresh mountain and ocean breezes, and breweries galore! We spent a little over a week exploring the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island in the early Fall.
Taking BC Ferries between West Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island was an unexpectedly fun (and easy) part of our trip. Drive or walk on and you’re treated to magnificent views that can be enjoyed from numerous decks or comfortable inside seating. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat and keep an eye out for whales, seals, and other wildlife!
We spent the first part of our trip in Garden Bay, situated on the northside of Pender Harbour on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Dotted with local breweries, the Sunshine Coast offers scenic views of the Strait of Georgia and Coast Mountains, mossy rainforests, and idyllic coastal towns.
Our leisurely hike through the thick mossy rainforest of Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park ended at the narrows, the highlight of the park. Twice a day, the tides change and the reversing direction of the waters create incredible rapids. The Sechelt Rapids are known to attract extreme kayakers. Although we didn’t get to see anyone battling the rapids, the rainforest and rapids are not to be missed.
Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park is on the southside of Sechelt Peninsula and is yet another opportunity to duck into one of the Sunshine Coast’s dense, lush forests. We took a brief, picturesque hike through the wetlands, taking in all the sights and sounds of the cove.
A quaint, idyllic coastal town, Sechelt is the perfect place to take in panoramic views of the Salish Sea, stunning sunsets, and quiet walks along the beach. The town also offers cafes, breweries, fish and chips, and ice cream...what more could you ask for?
The ferry ride from Powell River, BC (Sunshine Coast) to Vancouver Island was one of our favorites. Be sure to arrive early so you have time to park your car in the ferry queue and explore the Powell River pier and harbour. Keep an eye out for whales!
We spent the second part of our trip in Ucluelet, a laid-back coastal town on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Ucluelet is rugged beauty at its best, known for stunning sunsets, powerful winter storms, and hiking along the Wild Pacific Trail. This is a place not soon to be forgotten.
Whale watching is a must while on Vancouver Island. We opted for a small, family-owned yacht to explore the Barkley Sound and Broken Group Islands and were not disappointed. Whales, sea lions, eagles, otters, and bears were almost secondary to the magnificent scenery. And don’t worry if it’s overcast or raining, cloudy days enhance the dramatic moodiness of the ocean and coastline.
Did you know British Columbia has one-quarter of Canada’s black bears, with nearly 7,000 of them on Vancouver Island? If you’re patient, one of the places you’re likely to see them is Thorton Creek Hatchery, a salmon hatchery in Ucluelet. The hatchery is a non-profit organization (don’t forget to make a donation!) dedicated to building salmon stocks. It’s a wonderful place to learn about salmon and to safely view the many black bears that wander through the area.
Picture this: a warm, early fall day with a bright blue cloudless sky and epic coastal views...and all while paddling around the Clayoquot Sound. Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to take in the natural beauty Vancouver Island has to offer. The kayak tour around the sound was a highlight of our time on the island!
Tofino is Ucluelet’s more outgoing older sister. Located just a half hour from Ucluelet, Tofino is a surf town with breweries, shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Clayoquot Sound.
