Going to Vancouver Island

What to do in Vancouver Island

by Nancy Prichard Bouchard

Vancouver Island is the biggest island off the coast of North America, encompassing an amazingly diverse ecosystem of old-growth forests, rainforests, big mountains, alpine meadows, and ocean beaches. While many people limit their visit to Victoria, with obligatory visits to Butchart Gardens and The Fairmont’s Empress Room, adventurous souls head north to the Comox Valley, a burgeoning mountain-biking mecca. In the historic coal-mining town of Cumberland (about three hours north of Victoria) is the Riding Fool Hostel, owned by riders and designed with facilities like bike storage and wash stations. Out the front door, trails with colorful names like Thirsty Beaver wind through the old-growth fir and cedar forests, integrating old rail lines and logging roads. For an après-ride libation, join the local crowd at the Waverley Hotel.

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