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Vancouver Island, Canada
  • Martha Sleutel

Vancouver Island, Canada

A 18-day adventure by Martha Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 29, 2025
    Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    First view of Mount St. Helens and the mountains of the Cascades
    Five snow-capped mountains as we approach Vancouver1Mount St. Helens and a distant Mount Rainier (?)2Garden still remaining from Japanese workers at Britannia ShipyardsView over my shoulder at our seafood restaurant at Steveston Harbor

    Vancouver, Steveston, & Fraser's River

    June 29 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Flying into Vancouver, we had a stunning view of the Cascade Mountain range. Mount St. Helens was a stand-out since our view was of the missing part of the mountainside from when it erupted in 1980. Landing in the late morning, we reveled in the perfect weather - 65-75 degrees, blue skies, sunny.

    We had the afternoon to explore the waterfront Britannia Shipyards and Historic site. Between 1880 and 1900, the salmon runs were so abundant that FIFTEEN canneries operated on the just the Steveston waterfront. The historic site has old housing sites for workers (Mostly Japanese, but also First Nations, Chinese, and White workers). Just strolling through the area, I learned more than I really wanted about various types (and care) of old fishing nets and all aspects of shipbuilding.

    We topped our relaxed afternoon with a delectable seafood dinner overlooking the harbor. Glorious.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Crossing paths with another ferry
    Approaching Victoria from VancouverView from ferry of Olympic mountains, West of VictoriaHigh Tea at Butchart Gardens restaurantLook at those delectable treats!A window through the trees from the Japanese Garden to Butchart CoveButchart Cove, viewed from Japanese Garden areaSunken garden areaRoss Fountain at Sunken GardenBog GardenAnother view of Bog GardenSome of the steps on our hikeDoesn't look like it is uphill, but it is!

    Ferry, High Tea, Gardens, & Hike

    June 30 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    The ferry from Vancouver to Victoria area was massive, like a parking garage that floats. Much bigger than the Alaskan ferry. Scenic journey with more spectacular weather.

    Once across the strait, we went to the famous Butchart gardens for High Tea. What a treat! We spent several hours strolling the 125 year-old, 55 acre gardens. We are so spoiled - feeling very hot at 75 degrees and sunny!

    Next up was a "easy" hike that Charlie, the Everready Bunny, claimed was short. Well, it started easy, and thankfully, it was mostly shaded through lush rainforests. After about a mile of fairly flat, easy walking, it descended. And descended. Then came a series of uneven, rocky steps. And more steps. Our turnaround point was the lovely bay on a rocky shoreline. The trek back up those steps was slow (for me), and Charlie waited patiently.

    After a winding, hilly drive out of this wooded area, we drove into the town of Victoria where we are staying. And had amazing leftovers from lunch!!!!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Early morning in front of the parliament building where celebrations will be
    Appropriate topiary! Notice the grass forming the spout!Lots of hydrangeas!We watched as seaplanes took off and landed!Fun to watch the harbor activities as we ate lunch.Entrance to ChinatownA different twist than we are used to!Now THAT is a red hat I like!Beacon Hill Park - Iris growing along a pondOne of many ponds in Beacon Hill ParkBeacon Hill Overlook with views of Strait of San Juan de Fuca and Olympic MountainsBeacon Hill Overlook and Olympic MountainsSo many flowers!Wish I knew what this flower is!

    Canada Day in Victoria

    July 1 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    We did it again! Last March, we happened to be in Greece on their Independence Day. Now, again unknown to us, we happen to be in Canada on Canada Day. Our hotel is around the corner from the celebrations, which is in front of their parliament building on the harbor. Bands and performances will be ongoing from 11 AM until the fireworks at 1030 PM (1230 AM our time). We'll be in bed sleeping!

    FYI, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. Fun fact - The city of Vancouver is not on Vancouver Island. It is on the mainland of Canada (also in the province of British Columbia).

    In the morning, we perused the nicely done and interesting Royal British Columbia Museum (next to our hotel and next to the parliament building). We strolled around the parliament area and along the gorgeous harborfront. After a divine seafood lunch next to the water, we walked to Chinatown. Meanwhile, crowds have been increasing all day - people with Canada flags, hats, and shirts.

    In the late afternoon, we explored Beacon Hill Park, across the street from our hotel. This large park (20 acres) has meandering footpaths, ponds, streams, small forest areas, and manicured flower beds exploding with color. The far end overlooks the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. What a treasure!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Charlie in the lush rainforest
    Drift logs at the beach in Jordan River Regional ParkSmall waterfall running onto Sandcut BeachOlympic mountain range in Washington state across the strait from Sandcut Beach in Jordan River ParkWindy and chilly on Sandcut BeachDrift logsRainforest at Botanical Beach Provincial ParkThis is the first beach we came to at this provincial park. Lots of drift logs!Very rocky part of Botanical BeachHiking through more lovely rainforests along the beachesBack through the rainforest to the next beach on Botany BayAlong the rainforest trailFrom the rainforest to one of the beaches on Botany BayDrift logs just as the forest ends at the water's edgeDrift log at Botany BayBotany Bay viewsRocks at Botany BayMe standing on the interesting rock formations at Botany BayThese tall foxglove flowers were along the roads. So lovely.River view from private dock at hotel

    Hikes Through Rainforests to Beaches

    July 2 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    We drove along the lush Southern coast of Vancouver Island, with views of the Olympic Mountains in Washington state across the strait. Charlie had selected several places to stop and hike through the rainforests to the beaches. Pics are below. Temperatures were 55 - 60. One beach was windy and chilly, but the others were more sunny.

    Our hotel is next to a river and has a private dock for hotel guests. Lovely setting. Great day!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Qualicum River flowing through gorge
    CascadesSmall waterfallLarge waterfallUpper and lower falls2Closer view of both fallsView of flat, quieter section of river1Moss on tree trunks along riverNature's artworkBigleaf maple covered in moss. Clear water reveals colorful rocks on river bottomRainforest at MacMillan Provincial ParkOld-growth douglas fir forest1More old-growth forestRainforest view along creek2Me surrounded by mossy treesHard to see the edge of Cameron Lake through the trees2Charlie next to a fallen giant1We've seen clusters of these bright flowers along roads. We think maybe a type of sweet pea?

    Waterfalls, Cascades, and Rainforests

    July 3 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Today we drove toward Port Alberni, where we are staying tonight. Charlie had two stops planned for hikes. The first was at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. This forested trail follows a river as it traverses a steep gorge and down a series of cascades and waterfalls. As we walked upstream, beyond the cliffs, we were next to the river where it was wider and tranquil.

    Our 2nd stop was MacMillan Provincial Park with its old-growth forest of giant Douglas fir (some are 800+ years old) and groves of ancient western red cedar. There were two trail areas, one mostly boardwalk and alongside Lake Cameron and the other was an easy stroll through the peaceful rainforest of giants.

    After we checked into our hotel, we explored the area, which is alongside a river (again!). We saw a bald eagle soaring high above, while a deer walked across the street to graze!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Bold doe outside my window!
    The buck was constantly moving.He liked eating the leaves of the cherry treeOff he goes!Posing for us!

    Wildlife at Port Alberni

    July 4 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Before we left our lovely hotel on the river, we saw our deer yet again. This time, they were about 30 feet from my bedroom window, grazing on the abundant raspberry bushes and cherry trees! (and yes, we have sampled the yummy cherries, right off the trees!).

    We also saw another bald eagle high in a tree. There are black bear in the area, but alas, we didn't see them.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Wild Pacific Trail - notice the blue sky
    Twisty tree along the pathMore interesting trees along the pathNext overlook - we notice fog!2And more fog!The fog is deepening around CharlieMore fog. Foxgloves standing tall in the foregroundLovely views of the ocean with the fogGreat path through the rainforestThe path descends to a rocky beach, and the fog is gone!Now on Big Beach Trail, emerging from the forest to the rocky beachBig Beach Trail. Can you see why I didn't go far?Remnants of an 1880s shipwreckWe saw a bald eagle on the rocks, not far from us!Another viewCharlie didn't mind the rocks, and got much closer than I did!He got a close-up! You can see the wind is ruffling his feathersI saw this bear trap on the street near our lodging. I guess bears are common in town!A BIG cedar on the Ancient Cedars Trail

    Pacific Rim, Day 1

    July 4 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    Pacific Rim National Park is a stunner! On the Wild Pacific Trail, we looped around a dense rainforest with overlooks to the rocky beaches below. We saw 3 bald eagles on this trail.

    After a picnic lunch, we hiked on Big Beach trail, a very rocky area with remnants of an 1880s shipwreck. I could pick my way through some of the jagged, uneven rocks, but I mostly stuck to the flatter area (hence, I didn't go far!). We saw another eagle on the rocks near the ocean.

    Finally, we strolled through the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail. I never knew Western Red Cedars could get so big!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Fog at South Beach
    Coastal viewsCoast view through bouldersView of South Beach through the treesCharlie in front of a giant Western Red CedarAnother giant in the rainforestRainforest viewWonderful boardwalkThis tree is more than 800 years oldAmazing - tolerance, kindness and respect. And bilingual without scorn. Works great!Rocky Bluffs Trail has views to the ocean as we amble through the forestRocky Bluffs Trail traverses the forest toward the bluffFerns from forest meet the rocks and coastViews of the rocky bluffsWaves crash in that little inletA fishing boat off the coastWaves crash over the rocksBald eagle on the rocks watches the fishing boat

    Pacific Rim, Day 2

    July 5 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 55 °F

    We went to three different areas - South Beach, a double loop rainforest trail, and Rocky Bluffs Trail along the coast. All gorgeous. See pics, including a sign at a visitor center.

    We topped off our day with local fish and chips a block from our lodging. Yummy! (And watched a deer stroll through town, crossing streets while cars waited!).Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Surfers on Long Beach
    Tonguin BeachAnother view of Tonquin BeachTrail overlook2Twisty trees behind meStranded boatRescue in progress!View from trailLast view of Tonquin Beach

    Last Day in Pacific Rim NP

    July 6 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Today we drove to the upper end of the island, to the quaint harbor town of Tofino. On the way, we stopped at Long Beach, known for treacherous currents, and frequent whale sightings. It was flat and sandy, and at 0830, with temps of 55 degrees, surfers were busy surfing (with wet suits, but still). I wore a coat, while others wore shorts and t-shirts. Video is of Long Beach, the aptly named longest beach we've seen here.

    Tonquin Trail, our next stop, meandered through old-growth forests, with peek-a-boo occasional views of the coast. Side trails led to Tonguin Beach, Middle Beach, and Third Beach. While at Middle Beach, we witnessed a little drama. There was a small boat floating and stranded near shore. Another boat appeared, attached a rope and pulled the stranded vessel away.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Me on boardwalk next to a pond on Paradise Meadow Trail
    Flowering plants in boggy meadow pondAlpine heather in foreground of pondLily pads in a pond so clear you can see the rocks on the bottomClose up of alpine heatherElk Falls from side trailElk Falls from suspension bridgeView of Campbell River Harbor from our dinner restaurantBoat traffic on Campbell River Harbor in from of our restaurant

    Mount Washington & Elk Falls

    July 6 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    Our scenic drive took us through the midde of Vancouver Island to the town of Campbell River. Enroute, we stopped at Mt. Washington, and wandered along Paradise Meadow, an alpine area criss-crossed with trails. The alpine meadow trails were on elevated boardwalks to protect the plants.

    Outside of Campbell River, Elk Falls Provincial Park features a thundering waterfall down a rocky gorge. The 250-foot waterfall is viewable only from one of the highest pedestrial suspension bridges in Canada. I'm not a fan of heights...., but the falls and steep canyon are impressive.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Campbell River Canyon
    View upsteamWider view of river from the bank

    Campbell River Canyon and Museums

    July 8 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 57 °F

    Charlie had a big day of hiking planned, but weather intervened. In the morning, it was drizzling off and on, so we went to the Campbell River Canyon trail, and just strolled to the overlook (a LOT of steps). We followed the riverbank for a bit through lush forest, then turned back when the drizzle increased. Earlier, we had noticed 2 museums at the town of Campbell River, so we returned to town and went to both. Both surprisingly good for a small town! At the Maritime Heritage Center, a retired fishing boat captain gave us a private tour with an insider's commentary. We followed that with the Museum at Campbell River, also well-done.

    After lunch, we drove to our destination for the day, Gold River. With rain increasing, instead of the planned hikes here, we did laundry instead. My feet were thankful for the reprieve!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Lady Falls
    Lady Falls closer viewButtle LakeMyra Falls - a group of young adults began to swim here as we were leaving!Me on rocks at Myra FallsMyra Falls with better view of upper fallsCharlie in front of Myra FallsPool at base of Myra Falls with Buttle Lake in background2Myra Falls, viewed from Buttle LakeCreek flowing into south side of Buttle LakeLupin FallsHillsides coated with moss as far as the eye can seeBlackberries along trail (fewer dark ones because we already ate some)Unripe blueberries/huckleberries - one more month!

    Waterfalls and Lakes

    July 9 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    The rain stopped, and the clean air smells like piney (fir and hemlock) forest. We are in the enormous Strathcona Provincial Park, exploring 2 lake areas, Upper Campbell and Buttle Lakes. This is a rugged area, traversed by very few roads (former and current logging roads), and numerous trails.

    At our first stop today, we heard a bird calling and I used my Merlin app to ID it. Ironically, it was a Merlin, and we saw several flying above the forest. They are small hawks, and the Merlin app is named after them! Who knew?

    Our paths to 3 different waterfalls today were fairly short and easy. Pics below show the waterfalls and lakes. We continue to be in awe of the hardy souls who swim in these waters. With today's high of 60 degrees, we saw folks swimming in these glacier and snowmelt fed waters - YIKES!    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Charlie among the giants (ferns and trees)
    Reflection of mountains in the clouds in Antler LakeMountain and clouds reflected in lakeView of Antler Lake and mountains through treesA sea of green ferns2Giant douglas fir and CharlieEnchanted forestRipe blueberries!Charlie clamors over rocks into Insect CaveCorner Cave with mossUpana River runs through Resurgence Cave. Can you see someone exploring the left part?A smaller stream inside the caveUpana River running through Resurgence CaveView to forest from inside caveUpana River exiting Resurgence CaveFoxgloves by the side of the road (at least 3 feet tall!)Closer view of foxgloveIn town, carved bearChain saw art on benchMore chain saw art

    Antler Lake and Upana Caves

    July 10 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We started our last day in Gold River at Antler Lake. The trail circles the lake through enchanting old growth forests, meadows, and green hillsides. We sampled ripe blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries along the path. See pics.

    The Upana Caves area is a cluster of interconnected caves within one small area. The Upana River runs through some of the caves (and goes underground!). The caves are open for all to explore. Some people went deep into the caves, scrambling over rocks and through small tunnels, but we were happy to look at each cave from at or near their entrances. Really unique experience!

    Back at Gold River, locals told us that they have a heated community pool, open to all, but they have to close it in summer. Why? Everyone swims in the 50 degree waterfall pools and lakes! BRRRR!

    As a final note about Gold River, we noticed impressive chain saw carvings all over town. The last 3 pics are 3 examples near our hotel.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Roadside view between Gold River and Campbell River. Reflection in lake
    Another roadside view2After-rain walk through forest with views of seaWisps of fog in trees and hugging the seaStrange fog pattern!Kayaker headed into fogHeaded away from us and toward fog bank

    Port McNeil

    July 11 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 61 °F

    It's a long drive to Port McNeil because the only paved road from Gold River involves retracing our route back through Campbell River. The scenery was blindingly beautiful, even with some clouds. Well, only halfway, and then the clouds and drizzle started. Now in Port McNeil, a steady drizzle is keeping us indoors. We explored the town a bit, and later, strolled in the forest with views of the sea.

    Fun fact - At these smaller port towns, you can't get seafood meals. They eat fish all the time and don't want it at restaurants.

    Random Observations - (I think #2 is due to # 3 and# 4)
    1. These island towns, regardless of size, are clean and well-maintained. No abandoned buildings, and shiny new schools and municipal buildings. Fully staffed visitor centers, even at these tiny towns! (Lumber, tourism, and fishing money seems to be well-spent)
    2. No litter anywhere
    3. No plastic utensils or take-out containers. All cardboard, thick paper, or wood.
    4. No plastic bags at grocery stores. Either bring your own bag or buy their recyclable bags.
    5. Vancouver Island reminds me of Alaska without the mosquitoes and rain.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    Port Alice as the fog lifts
    Different view of Port Alice2Eternal Fountain2Another sinkhole in the forestPort Hardy - view of harbor and the PacificDriftwood along beach at Port HardyBald eagle at Port HardyView from Rocky Beach at Port HardyInteresting boulders on beachSigns on bathrooms in Port Hardy - Love the inclusiveness!Telegraph Point view, right before seeing "our" bear!

    Port Alice and Port Hardy

    July 12 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    At Port Alice, we enjoyed strolling along the hill overlooking Port Alice's harbor. We had been told that a "must-see" sight is Devil's Bath, Canada's largest cenote (water-filled sinkhole), at 1200 feet around, 150 feet deep. Nearby is another unique sight, called Eternal Fountain, emerging from a small hill and disappearing into the ground as an underground river. Just 12 miles along a gravel road to get there, they said.

    Reality: Getting twisted up in a maze of criss-crossing unlabeled gravel roads with no signage whatsoever (and no cell signal). After an hour and some backtracking, we finally found it. The size of Devil's Bath and the massive, steep limestone cliffs are hard to see because the trees and bushes obscure the view. Hence, no pic.

    Port Hardy is as far North on Vancouver Island as you can get by paved road. We ambled along their coastal walk overlooking the Pacific, spotting 9 bald eagles! Our trip total is 17. As has happened with all the other towns on the island, we saw 2 deer lazily cross the road in the middle of town.

    Back near our hotel, we stopped at Telegraph Point for an ocean and mountain view from the hilltop. I heard rustling in the overgrown berry bushes, 20 feet from me, and out popped a black bear! Coal black, adorable ears, and too close! We slowly backed away, and he went back to the business of foraging berries. Great ending for the day! Tomorrow, we drive South and catch the ferry to Vancouver.    Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    HUGE leaves on this plant! We think it is Gunnera Manicata, also called Giant Rhubarb
    Angel's Fishing Rod - in the Iris familyLots of roses at the VanDusen Botanical GardenSOOO many hydrangeas!!!!Blue and purple were my favorite hydrangeasAnthuriums at Bloedel ConservatoryUnique-looking tropical plant at conservatoryAnother fascinating tropical bloomLarge Quarry Garden at Queen Elizabeth ParkInteresting flower beds at Queen Elizabeth GardensView from restaurant of Vancouver and mountains over Quarry Garden

    Mainland Vancouver

    July 14 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Good-bye Vancouver Island (yesterday, via ferry), and hello city of Vancouver (mainland).

    Today's pics are from The VanDusen Botanical Garden, The Bloedel Conservatory (indoor tropiccal garden), and the Queen Elizabeth Park. All lovely and the weather here is lovely, too!!!Read more

  • Martha SleutelVancouver Island, CanadaMartha Sleutel
    The waterfront and downtown just outside the food market
    View of harbor and downtown from our restaurantView toward the sea from our restaurantChinese Classical GardenAnother view of garden1Me in front of the pond and pergola

    Last Day Sightseeing around Vancouver!

    July 15 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Charlie abhors shopping, so what a surprise when he agreed to, and actually ENJOYED the Granville Island Market! This market has artisans, shops, restaurants, and a massive food area in a former industrial warehouse. Right on the waterfront, it was an interesting change of pace.

    After lunch overlooking the harbor, we explored the town a bit, then went to a classical Chinese garden in Vancouver's Chinatown. Tonight, we pack up and get ready to fly home!    Read more

    Trip end
    July 16, 2025
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