Gabriola Island
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Gabriola Island Community Links
Texada Island
Texada Island Community Links
Lantzville
Lantzville is a coastal community on the east side of Vancouver Island, along the western shore of the Strait of Georgia and immediately north of Nanaimo.
Lantzville Community Links
Lund
Lund (Klah ah men) is a small, picturesque community located at the north end of BC’s Sunshine Coast, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Homalco First Nations. It’s known as the “End of the Road” due to its location at Mile 0 of Highway 101.
Lund Community Links
Crofton
A small coastal town situated on the calm waters of Osborne Bay in the Cowichan Valley. It’s the location of a BC Ferries terminal with transportation to Vesuvius Bay on Saltspring Island. There is a seawalk that stretches from the wharf and ferry terminal to Crofton Beach, a distance of over one kilometre.
It is located just 11 km (7 miles) south of Chemanius and 8 km (5 miles) north of Maple Bay or about 74 km north of Victoria.
Crofton Community Links
Chemainus
“The Little Town that Did” is knew for it’s charm, giant outdoor wall murals and neo-classical threatre building.
Easy to get to, travel on the Island’s main highway 1, just an hour north of Victoria, or 40 minutes south of Nanaimo.
Chemainus Community Links
Ladysmith
The downtown core still retains many of it’s Edwardian style buildings. The local economy is based on forestry, tourism, and agriculture. A hillside location adjacent to a sheltered harbour form the natural characteristics of the community.
The town straddles the Trans-Canada Highway and is only 1 hour north of Victoria, 20 minutes south of Nanaimo, and 10 minutes north of Chemainus.
Ladysmith Community Links
Zeballos
This historic gold mining town that serves as a jumping off point for kayakers heading into the protected waters and islands in rugged and remote Kyuquot sound. Wildlife, old mining artifacts, great fishing, and a chance to strike it rich panning for gold are just a few of its attractions.
Drive north on the Inland Island Highway. A 1.5-hour drive pass Campbell River and Sayward takes you to the Zeballos turnoff. You will then travel on a 42 kilometres stretch of gravel road. Water taxi services are available.
Zeballos Community Links
Ucluelet
Visitors from around the world come here for our excellent fishing, whale watching, scuba diving, nature cruises, beachcombing, kayaking, wilderness hiking and the pristine nature.
From Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19 to Hwy 4 Exit 60 to Qualicum Beach/Port Alberni. Take the Hwy 4 West Ramp to Port Alberni, traveling along Hwy 4 before turning right onto Johnston Rd. Follow Johnston, until you turn right onto river road, turning onto Hwy 4 again, which you will follow for 87 Km, before bearing left towards Ucluelet.
Ucluelet Community Links
Tofino
From whale and bear watching to a soak in the hot springs, Tofino is a beautiful getaway on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
Beginning in Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19 to Hwy 4 Exit 60 to Qualicum Beach/Port Alberni. Take the Hwy 4 West Ramp to Port Alberni, traveling along Hwy 4 before turning right onto Johnston Rd. Follow Johnston, until you turn right onto river road, turning onto Hwy 4 again, which you will follow for 87 Km, before bearing right and then right again for an additional 29 Km to Tofino.
Tofino Community Links
Tahsis
Tahsis has something for everyone who wants to experience an outdoor adventure on the west coast of Vancouver Island, such as a Vancouver Island fishing charter, a sea kayaking tour, or hiking Nootka Trail.
To reach Tahsis take the Inland Island Highway to Campbell River travel west on highway 28 to Gold River, from there follow the signs 62 kilometres by gravel road. By air, there are regularly scheduled floatplane services from Gold River, a charter out of Campbell River and a helipad near the head of the inlet. From the Pacific Ocean, you can reach the Village by way of Nootka Sound into Tahsis Inlet.
Tahsis Community Links
Sointula
“Sointula” is the Finnish word for harmony, and this small island community truly lives up to its name. Hiking, farmer’s markets, and friendly people await you, and once you visit, you’ll never want to leave.
Take the new Inland Island Highway north to Port McNeill, passing Campbell River and Sayward. From Port McNeill there is a Tri-Island ferry running to Alert Bay and Sointula. Daily flights run from Vancouver to Port Hardy, a limousine service is available to Port McNeill; connections are made via ferry to Alert Bay. Scheduled bus services depart daily from all points on Vancouver Island.
Sointula Community Links
Sayward
Enjoy the clean air, beauty, and wide open spaces that Sayward has to offer, as well as its many recreational opportunities.
Take the Inland Island Highway north; take turn-off called the Sayward Junction. The approximate driving time from Campbell River is 50 minutes. The nearest available airport is in Campbell River. A regular bus travels daily from several points on Vancouver Island to Sayward.
Sayward Community Links
Qualicum Beach
A short drive north of Parksville will bring you to the quaint community of Qualicum Beach. Along the seaside promenade enjoy stunning views of Lasqueti and Texada Islands, backstopped by the majestic snow capped peaks of the coastal mountains on the mainland.
From Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19 to Hwy 4 Exit 60 to Qualicum Beach/Port Alberni. Then, turn onto the Qualicum Beach Ramp (about 43 min).
Qualicum Beach Community Links
Quadra Island
Quadra Island is the heart and hub of the Discovery Islands - arts, culture, adventure recreation, scenery and the laid-back island lifestyle are just a few of the reasons people come to live or visit.
To get here, follow the Inland Island Highway north to Campbell River. Take the jubilee parkway exit to Campbell River. The ferry terminal to Quadra Island is located on the downtown waterfront. The nearest available airport is in Campbell River. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for transfer to the ferry terminal.
Quadra Island Community Links
Powell River
More then ever the world is choosing the city of Powell River to retire in: Miles of hiking trails lead to beautiful lookouts, waterfalls and peaceful lakes, which can be viewed along the 180 km Sunshine Coast Trail in Powell River.
Take the Inland Island Highway North to Courtenay; follow the signs to the ferry landing at Little River. The crossing time to Powell River is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Regular flights are available from the Vancouver Airport to the Powell River airport. A float plane service is also available. A regular bus runs twice a day from the Vancouver bus depot and from the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond.
Powell River Community Links
Port McNeill
Enjoy the splendid surroundings of Port McNeil in an atmosphere of friendly hospitality. Explore the Broughton Archipelago Marine park, cruise to Robson Bight to view Orcas in their natural habitat, take a fishing charter and catch a big one, or kayak the coastline.
Take the Inland Highway north to Port McNeill. Port Hardy has the closest available airport. Scheduled buses travel from several points on Vancouver Island to Port McNeill.
Port McNeill Community Links
Port Hardy
Watch your Wheels! You’ve reached the end of Island Highway 19 - Port Hardy is as far north as you can drive. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, as well as shopping and exploring the local arts and culture scene.
Take the Inland Island Highway north to Port Hardy. Regular flights are available from Vancouver International Airport to the Port Hardy airport. Limousine and taxi services offer transportation from the airport to downtown Port Hardy. Float plane and helicopter services are available. A regular bus runs from Campbell River and Nanaimo to Port Hardy.
Port Hardy Community Links
Port Alice
In Port Alice you’ll experience community living, right next to the Quatsino Rain Forest.
Take the Inland Island Highway north to Port McNeill. Just north of Port McNeill you will find the Port Alice turnoff on the left. Scheduled airline connections are out of Vancouver to Campbell River or Port Hardy. Floatplane service is also available.
Port Alice Community Links
Port Alberni
Port Alberni is one of a few ports on the West Coast of Vancouver Island which allows shelter and safe haven against some of the powerful Pacific Ocean weather systems.
From Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19, before taking exit 60 to Qualicum beach/Port Alberni. Take the Hwy 4 West ramp to Port Alberni, and follow Hwy 4 for approximately 1 hour.
Port Alberni Community Links
Parksville
Here you’ll be entering a unique geographical and temperate zone, which has more in common with the Californian coast than the Canadian north.
Parksville is located 35 minutes from Nanaimo, accessible by traveling south along Hwy 19, and taking the Hwy 4A exit 51 to Parksville.
Parksville Community Links
Nanaimo
Nanaimo is the second largest city on Vancouver Island and is centrally located on the east coast, a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride from Vancouver.
Downtown along Commercial Street, Victoria Crescent, and Fitzwilliam Street is a thriving mix of restaurants, music venues, shops and galleries.
Nanaimo Community Links
Hornby Island
Hornby Island is home to a tightly knit community of about nine hundred residents and a well kept secret to thousands of visitors.
From Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19, until turning off at Exit 101 to Buckley Bay/Union Bay/Royston. Turn right, onto Buckley Bay Rd. before turning right again, towards the Vancouver Island/Denman Island ferry. Once across the ferry travel along the main road for 1.6 Km, before bearing left, which will bring you to the Denman Island/Hornby Island Ferry (about 2 hr 11 min).
Hornby Island Community Links
Gold River
Carved from wilderness in the 1960s, the resource-based community of Gold River is a paradise for the outdoors enthusiast, with its close proximity to beautiful caves, rushing rivers, and campgrounds.
Take Highway 28, from Campbell River.
Gold River Community Links
Denman Island
Denman Island is characterized by its beautiful natural environment and its residents who produce an abundance of inspired arts & crafts that have earned the small Gulf Island an esteemed reputation around the world.
From Nanaimo, head North along Hwy 19, until you turn off at Exit 101 to Buckley Bay/Union Bay/Royston. Bear right onto Buckley Bay Rd. before turning right towards the Vancouver Island/Denman Island ferry (about 1 hr 30 min).
Denman Island Community Links
Cumberland
Nestled a the foot of the Beaufort Range, Cumberland was bustling coal mining town from 1888 to 1966, it still retains it’s frontier heritage look. Cumberland once boasted a diversified ethnic population, including one of the largest Asian populations north of San Francisco. Today, Cumberland draws visitors with its colourful history and wonderful family activities.
From Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19 until you take exit 117 to Cumberland/Courtenay/Comox. Next, bear left at Comox Valley Pky (about 1 hr 15 min).
Cumberland Community Links
Courtenay
From the snow capped mountains to the salty sea, time spent in Courtenay is the stuff memories are made of. Whether you want a vacation filled with outdoor adventure, relaxation, celebration or urban cultural pursuits, you’ll find it here!
From Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19 until you take exit 117 to Cumberland/Courtenay/Comox. Bear right at Comox Valley Pky, then turn left at Hwy 19A/Cliffe Avenue (about 1 hr 23 min). If coming from Campbell River, simply travel South down Hwy 19A, turning right when prompted by the Courtenay Sign (about 49 min).
Courtenay Community Links
Cortes Island
Cortes Island boasts a small community with a big spirit - there is always an activity, whether boating or touring, to get involved in.
From Nanaimo, drive north on the Inland Island Highway to Campbell River. Take the ferry to Quadra Island. From Quadra Island another ferry will take you to Cortes Island. A water taxi can be hired from Campbell River. Floatplanes fly directly to Cortes.
Cortes Island Community Links
Comox
Explore Comox’s incredible surroundings and unique urban centres. Cast a line for your supper, paddle down pristine rivers, or hike and ski the alpine heights.
Comox is a one hour drive north from Nanaimo on the Inland Island Highway. Comox has an airport; flights are available to Vancouver or Calgary and scheduled busses travel to all points on the island.
Comox Community Links
Campbell River
Watch videos, the spirit of Campbell River
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- Live in Campbell River
- Play in Campbell River
- Work in Campbell River
- Invest in Campbell River
Campbell River features many of the amenities of a big city without sacrificing its friendly small-town character. Long known for legendary salmon fishing by generations of anglers, Campbell River has grown into a multi-faceted travel destination.
It is a 1.5 hour drive north from Nanaimo on the new Inland Island Highway and 2.5 hours north from Victoria. Daily flights are available from Vancouver International Airport. Car rental companies are stationed at the airport. Floatplane and helicopter services are also available. Scheduled busses travel to Campbell River from Vancouver and Victoria.
Campbell River Community Links
Bamfield
Located in the heart of Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park, Bamfield’s parkland is like none other in the world. Whether you fish or hike, beach comb or bird watch, there is an adventure for you!
From Nanaimo, travel North along Hwy 19 before turning off onto Hwy 4 at Exit 60. Travel down Hwy 4 for 28.9 Km, then turn left onto the 90 Km of well maintained logging road that will take you to Bamfield (about 2 hr 40 min). If you are travelling from Victoria, travel North along the Trans Canada Hwy, turning left onto Hwy 18. Follow Hwy 18 for 20 Km before turning right onto the 106 Km of logging road, which will complete your journey (about 3 hr 25 min).
Bamfield Community Links
Alert Bay
Visitors come from around the world to enjoy native culture, and to experience Alert Bay’s friendly community, the quiet magnificence of its scenery and some of the best salt-water fishing in BC.
Take the Inland Island Highway north to Port McNeill, passing Campbell River and Sayward. From Port McNeill there is a Tri-Island ferry running to Alert Bay and Sointula. Daily flights run from Vancouver to Port Hardy, a limousine service is available to Port McNeill; connections are made via ferry to Alert Bay. Scheduled bus services depart daily from all points on Vancouver Island.
