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The Best Things to Do in Canada

Vancouver Island

Whale Watching Victoria

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Welcome to the wild and wondrous whale-watching world in Victoria, BC!

Whale Watching Victoria, Vancouver Island, and Port Renfrew Canada.
Watching Orca whales off the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada.

Imagine yourself aboard a boat, the salty sea breeze tousling your hair, and the anticipation of spotting one of nature’s most majestic creatures building with every passing wave. With its pristine waters and stunning coastal landscapes, Victoria is a whale watcher’s paradise. From the heart-pounding excitement of seeing a humpback breach to the serene beauty of orcas gliding gracefully through the waves, every trip is an unforgettable adventure.

Buckle up (or rather, hold onto your hats) as we dive into the best whale-watching experiences that Victoria, BC, has to offer! Whether you’re a seasoned marine enthusiast or a curious first-timer, get ready for a splash of excitement and awe-inspiring encounters with the giants of the deep.

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Sleeping in the Trunk – A Special Big Trees Vancouver Island Road Trip

By Zack Metcalfe Leave a Comment

Big Trees Vancouver Island.
Are you looking to experience a Big Trees Vancouver road trip? Check out this giant of Eden Grove. Photo by Zack Metcalfe.

I don’t cry easily, and that’s been true as far back as I can remember. Numbness comes more readily than tears, a sort of stoic deadening I hide behind when emotions start to bite, but that didn’t happen when I visited the Harris Creek Spruce back in 2018.

It was my first truly giant tree, a Sitka spruce of a startling, almost grotesque diameter, untapered from root to canopy. Its bark had so completely surrendered to time that no useful distinction could be made between the flesh of the tree and the blankets of lichen and bryophyte embedded therein, generations of Witch’s Hair that couldn’t have been excised with a scalpel.

This titan is tucked in the regrowth of an 1893 clearcut in southwestern Vancouver Island, and while the surrounding forest has recovered admirably from the axe – already larger and wilder than any I’d yet seen – the Harris Creek Spruce is separated from its neighbours by centuries of experience, much of it with loss.

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These are the Best Restaurants in Nanaimo

By Darren Penney Leave a Comment

These are the best restaurants in Nanaimo, BC.
Melange is one of the best restaurants in Nanaimo.

In the heart of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island’s coastal gem, a culinary evolution is quietly unfolding.

Indeed, when those taste buds start talking, Nanaimo’s got the answer in spades: from hometown haunts cooking up coastal classics to international eateries or even romantic restaurants housed in historic mansions, ‘Hub City’ certainly offers top-notch cooking at every turn!  

Whether your culinary kryptonite lies in Pacific Northwest prime cuts, plates piled high with the local seafood or wood-fired pizzas, we do not doubt that you’ll find a restaurant to your liking in this charming coastal town. Best of all, Nanaimo’s eateries are known for their hyper-local and quality ingredients that practically ooze freshness.    

So, grab your fork and join us as we take a deep dive into the best restaurants in Nanaimo!

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24 Things to Do on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

The Butchart Gardens is not only one of the top things to do in Victoria but also one of the top things to do on Vancouver Island.
The world-famous Butchart Gardens are one of the top things to do on Vancouver Island.

After many road trips across Canada, we can easily say that Vancouver Island is one of our favourite destinations in the country. Located on Canada’s west coast and home to some of the mildest weather in Canada, there are lots of incredible things to do on Vancouver Island, including whale watching, surfing, scuba diving, restaurants, breweries, and more.

With old-growth forests, massive trees, rugged shorelines, mountains, one of Canada’s prettiest cities, and many charming towns, Vancouver Island really is a must-visit British Columbia destination and easily accessible via a flight or a short ferry ride from Vancouver. So whether you’re into soft adventure, hard adventure, or just looking to soak up life in a lodge facing the pacific ocean, we’ll fill you in on the top things to do in Vancouver Island.

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15 of the Best Hot Springs in BC

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

One of the many beautiful hot springs in BC.
Sloquet Hot Springs.

Looking for hot springs in BC? We’ve got you covered!

When it comes to hot springs, there’s no better place in Canada than British Columbia. From north to south, there are so many hot springs in BC, ranging from wild and hard-to-get-to to resort-style spas with changing rooms.

From the west coast of Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains and all the way up to the Yukon border, These beautiful natural wonders can be found all over the province. They don’t always smell the best but they truly feel like a dream when you step inside one, especially in the winter, which is our favourite time to take a hot dip.

So whether you’re looking to relax at a 5-star spa with lockers to store your bags or a wild hike to find a hot spring that you can have to yourself, here is our list of the best hot springs in BC.

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31 of the Best Things to Do in Nanaimo

By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Things to Do in Nanaimo

Aside from biting into a mouth-watering Nanaimo bar, there are many things to do in Nanaimo, one of the biggest cities on Vancouver Island.

Centrally located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is a beautiful city next to the Salish Sea and facing the Coastal Mountains of mainland British Columbia. Anchored by the lovely harbour, which is home to seaplanes, boat tours, walking trails, and more, this seaside city is a great place to experience the charm of Vancouver Island.

However, despite being one of the biggest cities on the island, it’s still quite small. Instead of skyscrapers, you’ll find many little shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as lots of nature, including parks, nearby provincial parks, and more.

In this Nanaimo travel guide, we’ll fill you in on the top 31 things to do in Nanaimo and the surrounding area, as well as where to stay, and more!

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13 Awesome Things to Do in Tofino

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

sunset on long beach tofino british columbia
Tofino is known for incredible sunsets.

Things to Do in Tofino last updated: July 31st, 2021

When I think of both “tropical” and “Canada”, the first place that comes to mind is Tofino. One of Canada’s most westerly towns, Tofino faces the Pacific Ocean and is home to some of the best surfing in the country, as well as whale watching, hiking, paddling, and so much more.

We’ve been to Tofino many times and it’s always a charming place to visit. Whether it’s walking along the beach in the evening to witness some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country or hiking along the coast in beautiful lush rainforest, Tofino is one of our favourite places to visit in British Columbia.

We always look forward to going back, so if you do get the chance to go, here are some things you shouldn’t miss.

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