Visiting Vancouver Island

Winter on Vancouver Island means skiing rugged snow filled peaks of Vancouver Island Mountain Ranges while enjoying stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Strathcona Provincial Park offers seemingly endless terrain for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Mount Washington with Mount Washington Alpine Resort offers Vancouver Islands' best downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Kick off the New Year with a Polar Bear Plunge at Port Hardy or Saratoga Beach on New Year's Day and welcome 2012 with a Vancouver Island outdoor adventure. After a spectacular holiday in Victoria with a wonderland of lights at Butchart Garden’s Magic of Christmas, it's time to enjoy winter on Vancouver Island.

Head inside to browse the exhibits at the Greater Victoria Art Gallery or see what’s new at the Royal BC Museum. Through April 9th visit the Natural History Museum's exhibition of wildlife photographs, featuring over 100 pictures selected from over 40,000 entries from across the globe. For a look at Vancouver Island history and heritage, be sure to browse the First Peoples Gallery at the Royal BC Museum.

The Greater Victoria Art Gallery kicks off Jazz at the Gallery 2012 with Joe Coughlin on January 29th. The Tony Westlake Trio performs February 26th and the Joey Smith Collective March 25th. Jazz at the Gallery wraps up with the Gord Clements Ensemble on April 29th. Enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon concert at the Victoria Art Gallery.

Called Habour City, Vancouver Island’s Nanaimo is less than two hours north of Victoria and equally close to the pristine Pacific Ocean beaches northwest in Tofino. Because of the central location on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is also referred to as the Hub City. Nanaimo Harbourfront is at the center of downtown Nanaimo and a convenient ferry ride across the Straight of Georgia from Vancouver.

Kick off the New Year with a good laugh in Nanaimo. The Port Theatre on Nanaimo’s Front Street hosts’ popular Canadian comedian Nikki Payne, launching their 2012 performances. Enjoy this award-winning Nova Scotia native, January 13th. February brings Ballet Nacional De Cuba to the Port Theatre on February 7th and Jaime Adkins and Circus Icognitus on February 12th. Check the Port Theatre calendar any time you visit Nanaimo for outstanding entertainment options.

Vancouver Island’s northeast coast is anchored by Campbell River. Recognized world wide for its outstanding salmon fishing, anglers flock to the city. Cast a line from Campbell River’s Discovery Fishing Pier or venture out with a guide for the big ones in the Johnston Strait. The Discovery Islands east of Campbell River offer pristine wildlife habitat for viewing animals and outdoor adventure.

Canada’s surfing capital is Tofino, on the northwest Pacific coast. Tofino and nearby Ucluelet to the south are stunning Pacific Ocean beaches ideal for winter storm watching. The adventurous surf year round in Tofino with Canada’s best surfing waves. Bring a wet suit and you’re all set.

Vancouver Island Hotel Map