If your Victoria vacation allows time to explore a little further afield, Vancouver Island truly offers a host of possibilities for singles, couples, families – anyone looking for a magical West Coast experience! Need a few ideas? Here are a few favourite destinations within several hours’ drive ofthe Garden City.

Salt Spring Island
35-minute ferry trip from Sidney/Swartz Bay ferry terminal

Salt Spring Island is a paradise of tranquility renowned for its relaxed lifestyle, idyllic beauty, art galleries, studios, wineries and gift shops. On Saturdays enjoy the huge outdoor market, where Salt Spring’s accomplished artisans and farmers display their fine products. In addition, there are hiking trails at Ruckle Provincial Park to explore, lots of country roads to cycle and some of the best kayaking around.

The Cowichan Valley
About 60km from Victoria to Duncanl

Boasting First Nations heritage, wineries and numerous family attractions and activities, the Cowichan Valley is an ideal destination for a day trip from Victoria. Known as the City of Totems, Duncan is one of Vancouver Island’s most significant centres of First Nations culture and features totem tours, a delightful museum located in a 1912 train station and the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre (page 63), where First Nations heritage is showcased in displays, audio-visual presentations, activities, demonstrations and dance performances. On the north side of town, the 100-acre BC Forest Discovery Centre (page 61) offers exhibits on the past, present and future of forestry, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, displays and steam train rides. Winery and cidery tours and tastings, perhaps paired with other agri-tourism adventures, are other extremely popular Cowichan Valley activities. Maps are located at the local Visitor Centres, as well as at many shops and services in the area. Other places to include in your Cowichan Valley tour are the quaint communities of Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay and Cowichan Bay, a colourful seaside village known for its fresh seafood, shops and galleries, including Arther Vickers’ brand new Shipyard Gallery. West of Duncan, Cowichan Lake is a hub for freshwater activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing and camping.

Chemainus
About 70 km from Victoria to Chemainus

“The little town than did,” Chemainus is among the most popular attractions on Vancouver Island, famous for its statues and larger-than-life murals that have transformed the town into one large, outdoor art gallery. Golf, shops, antique malls, tea houses and a great dinner theatre round out the possibilities.

Ladysmith & Nanaimo
Victoria to Ladysmith: 95km; to Nanaimo: 111km.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Ladysmith’s historic main street, or visit some of the many artists and artisans who make their home in Ladysmith, about 90 minutes from Victoria. Transfer Beach Park is fabulous for all ages – take in the harbour views, go for a dip, savour a summer picnic, or let the kids roam about the unique playground. Call the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce at 250-245-2112 for more details A little farther north, Nanaimo is a popular draw for its eclectic shopping opportunities, entertainment and beautiful natural spaces. BC Ferries links the town to both Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen on the Mainland and the Island Highway continues north, making Nanaimo a great jumping-off point to other adventures. Highlights here include the Port Theatre, Newcastle Island, the Harbourside Walkway, the Nanaimo District Museum and, for thrilling outdoor experiences, high above the ground, WildPlay. For more ideas, call Tourism Nanaimo at 1-866-756-0108.

The Oceanside Region
Victoria to Parksville: 147km.

About 20 minutes beyond Nanaimo, discover the picturesque communities of Parksville, Qualicum, Nanoose, Coombs, French Creek and Arrowsmith, collectively known as Ocean-side. Here enjoy kilometres of sandy beaches, winding rivers, challenging golf courses and family-friendly attractions. Favourites include the community beach and wonderful playground in downtown Parksville, the Coombs Country Market – watch for the goats on the roof – Little Qualicum Falls and Englishman River provincial parks, and Milner Gardens. For Oceanside details, call 250-248-3613 (Parksville) or 1-866-887-7106 (Qualicum).

The Comox Valley
About 220km from Victoria

Continuing north, travel either the newer and more direct Inland Island Highway to the Comox Valley, or opt for a more leisurely and picturesque route along the older Island Highway. About a three-hour drive from Victoria, the Comox Valley includes Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland plus several smaller communities, such as the charming Hornby and Denman Islands. Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is a favourite in the winter for its wonderful skiing, but summer visitors also flock here for hiking, mountain biking and other activities. The ocean, lakes and rivers are always nearby, popular for kayaking, windsurfing, diving, summer swimming and exploring. Other highlights here are historic Cumberland, a former mining community, and the Courtenay and District Museum, the first stop on the Great Canadian Fossil Trail, thanks to the discovery of the fossilized remains of such creatures as an elasmosaur and a mosasaur. In the pretty waterfront town of Comox, highlights include Filberg Lodge and Park, home to the annual Filberg Festival of arts and entertainment, held August 1 to 4 this year. The Valley is also a diverse farming community and the weekly Farmers’ Markets are wonderful to explore for their fine local foods – stop here before a picnic at the beach! For Comox Valley details, call the Visitor Centre at 1-888-357-4471.