The Gardens

The Butchart Gardens is one of the world's premier floral show gardens. Jennie Butchart began to shape this magnificent landscape in 1904. She established, in the style of the grand estates of the period, several distinct gardens to evoke a range of aesthetic experiences. An abandoned limestone quarry was transformed into the dramatic Sunken Garden, a reflection of the early 20th-century beautification movement and an exceptional achievement in Canadian gardening history. Through successive generations of the Butchart family, The Gardens has retained much of its original design, and continues the Victorian tradition of seasonally changing the outstanding floral displays.

estates of the period, several distinct gardens to evoke a range of aesthetic experiences. An abandoned limestone quarry was transformed into the dramatic Sunken Garden, a reflection of the early 20th-century beautification movement and an exceptional achievement in Canadian gardening history. Through successive generations of the Butchart family, The Gardens has retained much of its original design, and continues the Victorian tradition of seasonally changing the outstanding floral displays.

Nestled on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, and long known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River is a natural destination, in more ways than one.

Capture the spirit of Campbell River ... stroll in sea breezes on Discovery Pier and you might see a salmon, eagle, or whale. Take in views of Discovery Passage, Quadra Island and, in the distance, the rugged Coast Mountain range of mainland British Columbia. Explore trails along Campbell River's namesake, a designated British Columbia Heritage River. Restore your soul amidst streams and lakes in forests kept green by the mild Pacific Coast climate.

We are also your gateway to Strathcona Park, the Discovery Islands, and remote north and west Vancouver Island. In these renowned wilderness destinations, you'll find a world of mountains, coastlines, and islands just waiting to be explored.

Campbell River ... stroll in sea breezes on Discovery Pier and you might see a salmon, eagle, or whale. Take in views of Discovery Passage, Quadra Island and, in the distance, the rugged Coast Mountain range of mainland British Columbia. Explore trails along Campbell River's namesake, a designated British Columbia Heritage River. Restore your soul amidst streams and lakes in forests kept green by the mild Pacific Coast climate.

We are also your gateway to Strathcona Park, the Discovery Islands, and remote north and west Vancouver Island. In these renowned wilderness destinations, you'll find a world of mountains, coastlines, and islands just waiting to be explored.

This wondrous display of 800-year-old trees in Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park has been undergoing the restoration of its trails since a severe windstorm damaged several sections of the park in January 1997, toppling a number of these huge and ancient trees.

These trails are short walks, not hikes, winding through some of the biggest trees in Canada. Ten to twenty minute loop trails on either side of the highway lead awe-struck visitors through the mighty forest stands.

The south loop showcases the largest Douglas-fir trees, with the biggest one measuring over 9 metres in circumference.

The trail on the northern side of the road winds through groves of ancient Western Red Cedar to the shores of Cameron Lake.

park in January 1997, toppling a number of these huge and ancient trees.

These trails are short walks, not hikes, winding through some of the biggest trees in Canada. Ten to twenty minute loop trails on either side of the highway lead awe-struck visitors through the mighty forest stands.

The south loop showcases the largest Douglas-fir trees, with the biggest one measuring over 9 metres in circumference.

The trail on the northern side of the road winds through groves of ancient Western Red Cedar to the shores of Cameron Lake.

This 59 hectare park along the spectacular Strait of Juan de Fuca offers beautiful trails, whale watching, secluded campsites and waterfront picnic areas.

Park History

Imagine loving to travel so much, you would walk across Canada! Imagine falling through the ice in the Northwest Territories, losing to frostbite all the toes off one foot and the heel of your other, thanking aboriginal knowledge that you did not lose more! Imagine not stopping there, travelling by boat and canoe down the Bulkley Valley to Vancouver, and then paddling around Vancouver Island to find your future home!

It took pioneer James French two adventurous years to travel from New Brunswick to Victoria. He pre-empted the land west of Sooke in 1885. French was an early naturalist, travelling the world to bring exotic animals to zoos for public enjoyment and education. After an expedition to Africa, French once brought home a small elephant shortly before selling it to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

French died in 1952, survived by his family who continued to live on the property and play an active part in local logging. French had hoped that a much larger section of the west coast of Vancouver Island would be made into a provincial park. His home and favorite beach would become French Beach Provincial Park in 1974... twenty years later, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park would further his dream.

French Beach lies within the traditional territory of the T'Sou-ke First Nation. Their economy was based on hunting, fishing and gathering, and extended families amoung the Straits people owned the lands and resources which could not be sold but only inherited.

so much, you would walk across Canada! Imagine falling through the ice in the Northwest Territories, losing to frostbite all the toes off one foot and the heel of your other, thanking aboriginal knowledge that you did not lose more! Imagine not stopping there, travelling by boat and canoe down the Bulkley Valley to Vancouver, and then paddling around Vancouver Island to find your future home!

It took pioneer James French two adventurous years to travel from New Brunswick to Victoria. He pre-empted the land west of Sooke in 1885. French was an early naturalist, travelling the world to bring exotic animals to zoos for public enjoyment and education. After an expedition to Africa, French once brought home a small elephant shortly before selling it to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

French died in 1952, survived by his family who continued to live on the property and play an active part in local logging. French had hoped that a much larger section of the west coast of Vancouver Island would be made into a provincial park. His home and favorite beach would become French Beach Provincial Park in 1974... twenty years later, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park would further his dream.

French Beach lies within the traditional territory of the T'Sou-ke First Nation. Their economy was based on hunting, fishing and gathering, and extended families amoung the Straits people owned the lands and resources which could not be sold but only inherited.

Nanaimo, BC is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 113 km north of Victoria, and 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. The city projects out into the strait like a headland, affording waterfront on three sides, and spectacular ocean views at every turn. BC Ferry terminals in Departure Bay and Duke Point link Nanaimo directly to the Vancouver metro area, and smaller ferries offer service to and from several islands pressed up against the shore here. Gabriola Island, Protection Island, and Mudge Island (without ferry service) are home to small communities, while forest and field-covered Newcastle Island is designated as a provincial park. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres (3,300 feet) just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.

affording waterfront on three sides, and spectacular ocean views at every turn. BC Ferry terminals in Departure Bay and Duke Point link Nanaimo directly to the Vancouver metro area, and smaller ferries offer service to and from several islands pressed up against the shore here. Gabriola Island, Protection Island, and Mudge Island (without ferry service) are home to small communities, while forest and field-covered Newcastle Island is designated as a provincial park. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres (3,300 feet) just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.

AMTRAK from St Paul to Everett, WA
Overnite in Anacortes,WA

Huge, wet Pacific storms pummel the west coast of Vancouver Island every winter, blessing it with the obvious ingredient any temperate rain forest needs to flourish. The result is lush abundance. Stands of old-growth spruce, red cedar, and hemlock crowd deserted headlands. Offshore, seabirds squawk, sea lions bark, and whales breach. At the heart of it all are the three units of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve—Long Beach, the West Coast Trail, and the Broken Group Islands—a Wild Kingdom just north of the international border.

Stands of old-growth spruce, red cedar, and hemlock crowd deserted headlands. Offshore, seabirds squawk, sea lions bark, and whales breach. At the heart of it all are the three units of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve—Long Beach, the West Coast Trail, and the Broken Group Islands—a Wild Kingdom just north of the international border.

Strathcona Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. In the valleys and lower regions of Strathcona are forest stands that were already old when Captain James Cook of Britain’s Royal Navy landed at Nootka Sound in 1778, on the west coast of Vancouver Island a few kilometers from what is now the western boundary of the park.

Strathcona Park was named for Donald Alexander Smith, First Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, a Canadian pioneer and one of the principals in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. On November 7, 1885 Lord Strathcona drove the last iron spike into the twin ribbons of steel that united Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific at Craigellachie in BC’s Selkirk Mountains.

of Britain’s Royal Navy landed at Nootka Sound in 1778, on the west coast of Vancouver Island a few kilometers from what is now the western boundary of the park.

Strathcona Park was named for Donald Alexander Smith, First Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, a Canadian pioneer and one of the principals in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. On November 7, 1885 Lord Strathcona drove the last iron spike into the twin ribbons of steel that united Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific at Craigellachie in BC’s Selkirk Mountains.

Long awaited journey to Vancouver Island
Pacific Shores Resort - see all 12 albums for full coverage

It has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems: rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. In fact, the region is one of the world's premier locations for golf, whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.

Much of the island has been protected as parkland. It contains many pockets of old-growth fir and cedar forests, as well as rare, naturally occurring groves of Garry oak. Vancouver Island is bisected, north to south, by the Beaufort Mountain Range, which is home to one of Canada's biggest all-natural ski bases.

So far we have spotted seals, bear, elk, eagles, deer and many friendly people. Lots of great food as well.

mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. In fact, the region is one of the world's premier locations for golf, whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.

Much of the island has been protected as parkland. It contains many pockets of old-growth fir and cedar forests, as well as rare, naturally occurring groves of Garry oak. Vancouver Island is bisected, north to south, by the Beaufort Mountain Range, which is home to one of Canada's biggest all-natural ski bases.

So far we have spotted seals, bear, elk, eagles, deer and many friendly people. Lots of great food as well.

Victoria Harbor & downtown

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, sits on the south tip of Vancouver lsland off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is a city of 300,000 with a breathtaking inner harbour area. Victoria is well known for its Heritage homes either as Bed and Breakfasts or rental homes and suites. Much of Victoria's downtown area has been restored to original facades. The streets are safe, clean and well lit at night. Victoria is not just for adults as many venues and accommodations welcome children and many are pet friendly.

breathtaking inner harbour area. Victoria is well known for its Heritage homes either as Bed and Breakfasts or rental homes and suites. Much of Victoria's downtown area has been restored to original facades. The streets are safe, clean and well lit at night. Victoria is not just for adults as many venues and accommodations welcome children and many are pet friendly.

Qualicum & Englishman River

The relatively flat land around Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park doesn't hint at the fact that there are waterfalls around. Though if you visit this park, you'll see why. Watercourses in this are of Vancouver Island have eroded down to a layer of what appeared to be Limestone (or a similar bedrock) Canyon, creating several small waterfalls as it descends. The falls start off dropping over a 20 and 25 foot double drop (seen here). The river then turns 90 degrees and drops over another 10 foot fall as it turns back 90 degrees in the opposite direction (resuming it's previous course). The upper tiers cannot be seen with the lower tier, and vice versa. Please remain within the fenced viewing areas here, the gorge is very dangerous, and lacks any access short of an airlift. Swimming is not allowed in the upper gorge.

see why. Watercourses in this are of Vancouver Island have eroded down to a layer of what appeared to be Limestone (or a similar bedrock) Canyon, creating several small waterfalls as it descends. The falls start off dropping over a 20 and 25 foot double drop (seen here). The river then turns 90 degrees and drops over another 10 foot fall as it turns back 90 degrees in the opposite direction (resuming it's previous course). The upper tiers cannot be seen with the lower tier, and vice versa. Please remain within the fenced viewing areas here, the gorge is very dangerous, and lacks any access short of an airlift. Swimming is not allowed in the upper gorge.