Discover your limits.
THE ISLANDS, BC
FREE AND FUN
Elk Falls
Whether you enjoy the calmness of relaxing in nature, or the thrill of fishing, Elk Falls Provincial Park has something for everyone. While the beautiful Elk Falls are enough to draw a crowd, many people also visit the park for the amazing Salmon fishing. Located in the "Salmon Capital of the World", salmon are abundant at Elk falls, making it the perfect place for catching a meal.
Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona is the oldest Provincial Park in all of BC. The park is dominated by mountaintops and surrounded by lakes, rivers, and streams. Throughout the park you can find activities such as kayaking, canoeing, cycling, climbing, fishing, hiking, and even horseback riding.
Photo credit to: https://en.wikipedia.org
Discovery Passage Aquarium
Located in Campbell River, the Discovery Passage is a small aquarium with lots of hands-on experiences. Come here to see varieties of life that are found in BC tidepools, kelp forests, and eel grassbeds. The aquarium is not free, but only costs a small entrance fee and offers plenty of hands-on opportunities and touch tanks.
Discovery Coast Circle Route
To drive the entire Discovery Coast Circle Route takes anywhere between 7 and 10 days, but is a great roadtrip. Along the route you will drive through scenic villages, around volcanic mountains, and even through the Gold Rush Trail. This route has stops for everything from fishing, to hiking, to swimming, and horseback riding!
Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail is one of the longest networks of trails in the world! The route incorporates over 24, 000km of trails and stretches past the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans! Many people travel the trails via hiking, skiing, bike riding, and even horseback riding.
Photo credit to: http://tctrail.ca/
Coombs Country Market
The Old Country Market in Coombs is known for it's amazing foods, imported gifts, and amazing baked goods. With that said, the main attraction is not the food or gifts - it's the goats! These 4 legged market friends can be found travelling the market, and basking on the roof!
Photo credit to: http://travelingcanucks.com
Meet an Alpaca!
The Paradise Island Alpaca Farm can be found on Gabriola Island. It is home to over 15 Alpacas, as well as other animals such as mini horses, hens, and llamas. The farm is considered to be "hands-on" and loving interactions with the animals are encouraged! Visits to the Alpaca farm are free!
Galiano Sand Caves
The Galiano Sand Caves can be found on Galiano Island, which makes for a wonderful weekend getaway. Aside from the uniquely formed sand caves, the island has an abundance of wildlife, parks, and mountains for hiking.
Photo credit to: https://www.pinterest.com/
Upana Caves
The Upana Caves can be found in Gold River, BC. The area has an approximated 100 caves in total and offers self-guided, as well as guided tours. Self-guided tours are a popular option, but if you want to get deep down into the caves, a guided tour is recommended.
Photo credit to: http://www.theweathernetwork.com
Shoe Tree
Holberg BC is home to the "shoe tree". The tree is a collection of shoes (needless to say) that are donated by hikers and passers by. Bring an extra pair if you'd like to add your own!
Photo credit to: http://www.vancouverisland.travel/regions/north-island/holberg/
Search for Fairy Doors
If you're visiting Salt Spring Island, be sure to take some time to search for the fairy doors. Fairy doors can be found throughout the island, but can mostly be found on a hike of Mt. Erskine. Many of these doors will have small trinkets and notes beside them, left for the fairies by children that have passed by. Turn your hike into an adventure with your children and leave your own notes for the fairys to read!
Photo credit to: http://thebigtodolist.com
Sooke Potholes
The Sooke Potholes are a popular swimming hole in Sooke, BC. They are a series of water holes that have been naturally carved into the rocks over the years. The surrounding area is also popular for swimming, canoeing, fishing, and picnicing.
Photo credit to: http://www.sookepotholes.com/
West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in BC and sees thousands of hikers each year. The trail extends for 77km from Port Renfrew to Bamfield. It passes by oceans, through rainforests, and holds a rich cultural history.
Photo credit to: http://www.outpostmagazine.com/
Wild Pacific Trail
Another popular hiking trail in BC is the Wild Pacific Trail. The trail is divided into three main sections: The lighthouse loop, the Artists Loop, and the Ancient Cedars and Rocky Bluffs. The trail is the perfect place to watch for marine life like seals, whales, and sea lions. Bears, cougars, and wolves are also known to frequent the paths, so please keep caution when walking.
Fisherman's Wharf
The Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. Here you can watch the seals beneath the dock, grab a fresh lunch straight off the boat, explore unique shops and restaurants, or head out on a marine adventure.
Old Town Victoria
Skip the malls and head to Old Town Victoria - the place that has it all! Shopping, dining, attractions, and sights - Old Town Victoria has everything you need to spend a full day. It is filled with old buildings and street art, and is surrounded by popular tourist areas such as Chinatown and the Inner Harbour.
Photo credit to: https://www.flickr.com
Tour the Parliament Building
Public tours of Parliament are conducted daily. Tours are offered at serveral hours throughout the day, and do not require pre-booking. Express and group tours are also avaiable, and all tours are free of charge.
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/visit/public-tours
Photo credit to: http://www.destination360.com
