South Vancouver Island Rental Guide
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South Vancouver Island stretches from Swartz Bay in the East to Port Renfrew in the west, and makes a great vacation destination! It is the largest island on the western side of North America. The climate is wonderfully mild, with Victoria boasting the mildest winters in Canada. The landscape in the region is extremely diverse from Douglas Fir forests to dry exposed conditions on high rocky elevations in Gary Oak forests. The Coast Salish First Nations peoples inhabited the island for thousands of years, until the 19th century when British explorers chartered the island. In 1843 the Hudsons Bay Company established a trading post, and within 15 years the gold rush caused the population to skyrocket; Victoria became a booming city. The island continues to have a sizable First Nations presence. Today, there are all types of activities both inland and on the coast. For the outdoor types, go hiking, swimming, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and much more. Head to the coast and try sea kayaking, whale watching, and explore the caves. Take the kids horseback riding, zip lining, through a corn maze, to a bug zoo and a butterfly garden! And of course there are museums to visit, wine to taste, art galleries to browse, and spas to be pampered at. Along with the wildflowers that begin to bloom in February, the wildlife in the area is astounding! Approximately 85 orcas live around the southern tip of the island and Gulf Islands. Killer whales and grey whales may also be seen in the area. Whale watching is a must! Further inland you may spot grizzly bears, black bears, deer, elk, mountain goats, cougars, and more. Its an excellent area for bird watching as well, particularly in the provincial parks. Victoria, Western Canadas oldest city, boasts a picturesque inner harbor, museums, galleries, and sculpted gardens. This city has a truly British feel. Browse the Royal BC Museum, First Nations Gallery, the (Emily) Carr house, and Canadas oldest Chinatown. Butchart Gardens are just outside the city, and one of the worlds premier show gardens. Further east youll find Sidney, Canadas only booktown. Its a gorgeous gateway to the BC gulf islands, and also homes beloved public gardens. The picture perfect inlets and nearby islands are worth a trip. West of Victoria youll come across Port Renfrew, the jewel of the west coast. Its best known for the historic West Coast hiking trail and Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Just 5 km away youll discover the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park with the famous Botancial Beach. At low tide walk across the flat sand stone and discover aquatic gemstones hiding in tide pools. If youre feeling brave, climb across to the Devils Punchbowl; a gallery of caves on the side of the coast, unreachable at high tide. Between August and March keep an eye out for sea otters following migrating fish! |
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