Central Vancouver Island Offers up Amazing Day Trips
by Mark Corbett
When we talk about day tripping around Central Vancouver Island, I
hardly know where to begin? How about I let you know first of all that
Vancouver Island is the largest Island on the west coast of the
Americas? At approximately 3.2 million hectares it accounts for 3.5
per cent of the entire landmass of British Columbia…arguably the most
beautiful 3.5 per cent.
As a tourism professional in the Harbour City for the last 15 years, I
enjoy extolling the virtues of Nanaimo as much as possible (which it
genuinely deserves), but I also like to promote some of the other
incredible locations on this stunning primordial rock.
Vancouver Island is much longer than it is wide. So, from Nanaimo,
we’ll take you north first. About a half hour drive along the Island
Highway, take the turn off to Coombs and look for the North Island
Wildlife Recovery Centre This interpretive centre, museum and
rehabilitation facility offers an up-close look at the valiant efforts
being made to save injured wildlife such as black bears, eagles,
swans, raccoons, deer, and virtually any wild animal in need.
A little farther up the road, when you spot the bearded goats on the
roof of a rustic wooden building, you’ll know you’ve made it to the
famous Coombs Market. Over the years it’s grown into an eclectic
smorgasbord of funky artwork and crafts, food and drink, clothing and
souvenirs, entertainment and trinket hunting. It has that great Island
feel to it - a real feast for the senses.
Staying on Highway 4, just as your passing Cameron Lake, you’ll start
to see some huge trees up ahead. Before you know it, a cathedral-like
ceiling of the most enormous Douglas Fir will virtually block out the
sky. Some are these giants are 800 years old! (Great photo-op for all
real life tree huggers!) Fittingly, it’s called Cathedral Grove.
If you continue north along the Central Island’s Scenic Inner Route,
you’ll discover dozens of seaside communities filled with peaceful
charm and coastal ambience. You can comb the beaches and parks, visit
the galleries, island hop, shop, picnic, golf, cruise the strait
looking for whales, go caving, or simply relax and eat lunch on one of
the numerous patio decks dotting the coastline.
Gabriola Island is a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from the Harbour City
and an ideal way to day trip. Home to about 5,000 people, the largest
of the Northern Gulf Islands is permeated with artistic, cultural and
natural energy. The island’s sandstone formations are stunning, and
you can actually hear the oyster beds on the exposed beaches and watch
as an adept otter pries open his dinner.
Ladysmith, about 20 minutes south of Nanaimo, is a quaint Island
community overlooking the Southern Gulf Islands. The civic beach there
is eye-catching and a great place for a family picnic. Duncan, just
another 20 minutes down, is famous for its native heritage, the
beautiful Duncan River ideal for tubing, and shopping. Chemainus is
just a few minutes away from both towns and is world famous for its
murals.
I’ve just barely scratched the surface of what’s waiting to be
discovered in the middle of Vancouver Island. So unload the suitcases
in Nanaimo and hit the trail for as much adventure as you can handle!