Hope this video about Vancouver Island was helpful! You can also use our comprehensive TRAVEL PLANNER to easily organize your trip. It's a printable & digital PDF/Google Sheet to coordinate every aspect of your trip. 👍 Get 50% OFF here: worldwildhearts.hopp.to/travel-planner
I’m a proud resident of Victoria and must say that Vancouver Island is the greatest place on earth for hiking, camping, exploring and of course…raising a family. I feel blessed.❤️👍🏾
As a local I have to say this is one of the best videos I’ve seen to show off our beautiful island. Thank you. And there’s so many secret spots here it’s amazing.
The editing and filming in this video are absolutely stunning. You've done an exceptional job taking us on a journey through the beautiful landscapes of Vancouver Island. Thank you so much for sharing, and keep up the fantastic work!
So grateful to have lived here over the last 40 years and to have raised our children here. We go to other places in the world and when we return, we say why did we leave.
3 places I would add to the list (being from the island): 1. Parksville (beaches and family fun) 2. The murals of Chemanus (as a quick pit stop) 3. Coombs for the fun tourist traps and goats on a roof Less natural than what you offered, but still fun for the family.
I used to live in the house that’s the restaurant in the market,we moved in 1972 when I was five. They started to build the market I think within a year of us moving out. I still go there with my wife once in a while and I can still remember things about living there 50 freakin years ago 😆
I live in the UK and I so love Canada especially British Colombia area but love to see it all as i stayed in Toronto for 4 nights in 2009 and then 4 nights in countryside place near Peterborough and just fell in love and been trying to get back since and i would just up & live there if i got chance but I would also love to do sleeper train in prestige....Every-time I see Canada i just feel that's where my heart is and that's where my home is!!
Great video but it only scratches the surface of Vancouver Island. You didn't get as far north as Nanaimo, nevermind the north island! No matter where you go on the island, you'll win!
We do mention at the end that there are other beautiful places like Cape Scott and Port Hardy in the north. It’s hard to include that in a video when we don’t have that footage :) but of course there are many more places to see and to make a video with every place would be an hour long!
I wish somebody would make a video of the Island that is accessible to 80% of the population. It’s a wonderful place, but not many people have the skills and endurance to do these mountain hikes and rough terrain beaches. There are hundreds of places and sights that 55 yrs. and up could experience and have joy in. There’s also many places designed by BC Gov. for handicapped folks. How do I know this? I’m 83. I was born in Victoria. It’s my beautiful home. Yes, the trails and wild country are exciting, but so is Marine Drive and the cathedrals, and castle’s, museums, drive up the island on the great highway to see all the small towns and more totem poles you could dream of. Just saying. This video was beautifully done, but there’s much much more. Know your audience and go for another age group please.
I was born in Edmonton Alberta, moved to North Bay Ontario then to the west coast of Canada, and Vancouver Island. The best place to live in Canada!!! LOVE it here!!☺️👍✌️
We stayed near Duncan in 2021, and really loved the island. There is so much nature and the costal towns have a good vibe. Wish we could have stayed longer. Fun taking the ferry there too!
Great video, only thing I'd add is Vancouver Island is one of the best cold water scuba diving locations on the planet! Its on Jaccque Cousteau's top 10 overall best diving locations worldwide. In Nanoose bay there are endless sea lions/octopus and eels. Port hardy has massive walls of soft coral reefs. I'm an instructor at Nanaimo Dive outfitters and we or any other dive shop on the island would love to have you I'm sure!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the tip!! we actually got our scuba diving PADI certificate this year in Egypt. Didn’t know that Vancouver island was so known for it but would love to explore the underwater world there someday ☺️
Thank you for this video, I have been to all of the places you have showed as an experienced hiker. :) Please do tell people as you do these videos to LEAVE NO TRACE! As these types of videos make there way around, more and more people (inexperienced and experienced) are making their way to these destinations and leaving behind their garbage. Mystic beach lately. I found someone's Tim's cup buried in the tree roots on the way down to the beach. There are No garbage cans on a lot of these remote hikes, so please encourage your followers to take what they take in...Out! Do not leave your garbage for others to pick up~ Thank you! Happy Travelling! :)
I agree completely…and please stay on trails! Our forests and old growth are sensitive and precious. I’ve seen tourists walking wherever they please and destroying sensitive root systems and plant life by creating a new “path” through the woods.
Love your videos. Shows me places that I explored in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Definitely recommend that you explore the north end of the Island more. We sailed around the Island annually in the 80's and access from the water to much of the north Island opens up some truly amazing places. Keep up the great work showing these places. Love experiencing them again.
I love the island. I have spent a lot of time there over the years. I think this video would have worked well as a south to North list as compared to a top ten. I would also have mentioned the incredible street food and restaurants in Tofino.
Many places more to explore on northern Vancouver Island. The hike to Vanishing river. Nimkish lake for kite sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, caves, fishing. Hike into Huston caves south of Nimpkish lake.
Elk Falls north of Campbell River is nice, Horne Lake Caves are good for rock climbing and cave discovery, the view from the summit of Mt Benson is great, and of course there's a dozen natural hot springs hidden across both the main Van Island and some of the surrounding ones.
While South Island is beautiful the north island is not to be missed. Three hours from Victoria by road you can find many amazing Sandy beaches in Comox Valley to explore Campbell River, not to forget Gold River, Port Hardy and Cape Scott. Vancouver Island is just plain amazing from the southern coast tip to the northern tip.
Good video. Very good 👍 picture. Missed more than half the island. West coast trail, (fee these days) is fantastic. Sproat Lake is again, fantastic swimming, water skiing etc. Could easily be a 40 min vid. Cape Scott is a great hike. Holberg and area is great scenery enroute. Best part of Vancouver Island is North of Duncan all the way to Cape Scott. Port Alice where the side of the mountain came down and wiped out some of the town. Been to most places over the last 50+ years on the island. If you travel this island and like being out doors, it will give you some excellent memories. Whatever you enjoy, chances are it's here on this island. (ferry to get here with vehicle is around $180.00 return, walk on is approximately $20.00 each way per person, not sure if still available but seniors can ride free Monday thru Thursday). Enjoy.
Over 50+ years here & been to places that don't even exist anymore. Roads, rails & towns that have vanished over the years. I remember the last train on the Galloping Goose Trail when it was still a rail line.
@@worldwildhearts The last trains to run on that track went from the (non-existent) 6 mile cafe up to Helmlecken & back. Steam train for tourists past the totem poles at the Gorge.
Vancouver Island Native Here: Add Sprout Lake to this list, not long past Cameron Lake, closer to Port Alberni Plus on your way through Parksville you have to stop at Coombs Market and see the Goats on the Roof! Happy Travels!
I use to live on Port Alberni. Beautiful in the spring and Fall. Really Hot in the Summer though. Lots of Port Alberni residents go to Sproat Lake or Paper Mill Dam to swim to cool off. Many places you can enjoy around Sproat Lake since you can also drive around it. Lots of other lakes and rivers to hike, camp, swim and fish around Sproat Lake and Great Central Lake, which has Della Falls at the far end. 16th Highest Water fall in Canada, second highest on Vancouver Island. Only downfall is that you have to boat or helicopter to the far end of Great Central Lake then hike the rest of the way. Sproat Lake is also home to the World Famous Mars Water Bombers and Petroglyphs a easy walk from Sproat Lake Provincial Park
Hahaha thanks for watching and we won’t tell 😜 we’ve never been to Newfoundland but have some friends who live on Vancouver island who are from there!!
I was hoping some more of Northern Vancouver Island would be on the list. Port Hardy got an Honorable Mention. Maybe we all need a longer video. Port Alice though it is smaller is worth a visit. Alert Bay, All of the places listed was basically southern tip of the island.
It's difficult to do this as a day trip as the island is huge! Of course you can get to Victoria by ferry and then back, but we'd recommend staying at least a few days on the island to appreciate it
Great videos guys! I am actually considering moving to Victoria but I am freaked out that you may encounter a puma or a bear hiking in those beautiful parks and trials.
In the 10 years that Zac lived there and the 2 years I did, we never encountered a bear or puma on the trails! We once saw a bear in Strathcona Park but only because we heard about it and he was next to the road
@@worldwildhearts there are NO pumas in Canada.....we have mountain lions. or cougars...slight difference....and yes, they are around....saw one about 3 weeks ago on the inland island highway.....but he was busy and on his way home....
According to BBC wildlife: “'Puma' is generally used to refer to Latin American cats, while 'cougar' is a North American term, but the distinction is unclear. So you might find yourself talking about mountain lions, cougars, pumas, Florida panthers, catamounts or even léons - but remember: they're all the same cool cat.”
How the heck do you make it to cream lake? Are there trails leading to it? I've lived on the island for a year now and am still finding gems like these. Awesome video
Cream lake is a gem!! You can hike there actually. We did it as a day hike but it’s a long one! We have a video all about the hike if you’re looking for a trail overview: ua-cam.com/video/A20Z1HNHPTk/v-deo.html
Take the Buttle Lake road off of Hwy 28. Drive all the way down to the south end of the lake. As the road rounds the toe of the lake, it crosses the creek. Take a left immediately after crossing the bridge. 6.8 km of dirt road with steep washboard sections later, you'll arrive at a parking area for the trailhead to Bedwell Lake. This is one of the three "core areas" of the park, and you're required to pay a fee per night you stay in these areas. There are envelopes with receipts and a cash vault at the trailhead. You'll reach Baby Bedwell lake in 2 - 2.5 hours, and there are some tent pads (8, I think). The hike to Bedwell lake from Baby Bedwell is another 45 minutes or so, and there's about 20 tent pads. Cream Lake is another 7 km from Bedwell, but camping is not permitted there. There are a couple of paths leading away from Bedwell, one leading to the west coast, and the one you want, leading uphill toward Big Interior mountain. You run into a creek, and follow it to Little Jim lake. Beyond that, you might want binoculars to take advantage of the distant view of Della Falls (Canada's highest). Don't get sucked down into the valley toward the falls. Just keep left, and maintain elevation, and before you know it, you'll be overlooking Cream Lake.
Head toward Gold River & go to the top of Buttle Lake. From there the trial head goes South from the parking lot. If you stop at Strathcona Park Lodge, there are maps available for most of the trails in the park. P.S. Bring bug dope, you'll need it.
We never ran into any bears on Vancouver Island (except from one that we saw on the road). Of course there's always a chance but not as common like in the Canadian Rockies or Whistler area
Epic video and good spots! By any chance do u guys know how the drone regilations are in canada, especially for foreigners? When i travel canada i REALLLLY NEED TO fly some of those spots. Especially that hole in the rock in the beginning of zhe video would be amazing with my fpv drone.
Actually flying a drone in Canada is tough as there are many strict rules and regulations. None of the parks allow you to fly it. We had a Canada permit for our drone as we lived there and it was required. Not sure whether that’s the same for foreigners. You can check some more up-to-date info here: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally
Your forgetting much of the north island, only a brief mention of Port Hardy. Fabulous country pristine lakes; Woss lake, Nimpkish Lake, Alice Lake. Camping, excellent fishing, and very few people.
@@worldwildhearts actually the highway from Campbell River north is really very good. Carefull if you ever want to try it though, folks drive like they are insane, and that includes logging trucks.
Great video! I’ve lived on Vancouver island all my life. There are a couple places on this list though that are not open to the public any longer. First is the trestle bridge in Goldstream. It’s been fenced off and closed for awhile due to an unfortunate incident. The second is The Quarry in Shawnigan Lake where I live. The Quarry sits on private owned land. Due to an unfortunate incident there the property owners are no longer allowed to give public access. There are multiple signs and gates now as well as active security persons and RCMP who will ticket you for trespassing.
Thanks for the info!! We lived on Vancouver Island until the end of 2020 (that’s when we started travelling!) and went to those places multiple times over the years. I’ll update this in the description! 😊
September should be still pretty warm and dry! Some places are warmer like the Cowichan Valley! But overall it’s pretty mild all year round. Expect around 18 degrees!
Yes, much much much easier with a car. Public transit is OK within the larger towns, but not great between towns. Cycling only is great within Victoria.
Yes Victoria downtown is best for whale watching tours. We like the boats that are a bit more closed rather than the open zodiac. That’s because the sea gets pretty cold and windy!
Hope this video about Vancouver Island was helpful! You can also use our comprehensive TRAVEL PLANNER to easily organize your trip. It's a printable & digital PDF/Google Sheet to coordinate every aspect of your trip. 👍 Get 50% OFF here: worldwildhearts.hopp.to/travel-planner
I’m a proud resident of Victoria and must say that Vancouver Island is the greatest place on earth for hiking, camping, exploring and of course…raising a family. I feel blessed.❤️👍🏾
Way to many Karen’s in Victoria
Yup, I can verify this. Living on this Pacific island is amazing.
@@EllyshaGarand agree lots of Karen’s if your in Sidney
Good for swimming, but not hiking. The cougars might get ya.
@@sethother8012 …I’m 60. Ain’t no cougars after me anymore.😢
As a local I have to say this is one of the best videos I’ve seen to show off our beautiful island. Thank you. And there’s so many secret spots here it’s amazing.
I never get tired of coming home to this wonderful island. If you get the chance, you should come visit.
Zac lived there for 10 years!
Love Vancouver Island!
😍
Awesome scenery. Thanks for sharing this video
Thanks for watching! 😁
I live in Victoria. Born and raised here. Thank you for showing our beautiful island! I’m seeing areas I’ve never been to myself! 😊❤️🇨🇦
Thanks for watching! We used to live in Victoria for a long time. Being all the way south makes it sometimes hard to travel up north!
So you think Victoria is the centre of the universe? Now you know why northern residents of the Island do not like people from the southern part.
The editing and filming in this video are absolutely stunning. You've done an exceptional job taking us on a journey through the beautiful landscapes of Vancouver Island. Thank you so much for sharing, and keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you so much for the kind words ☺️
Moving to Vancouver Island this summer, I am so excited!
Awesome video! We'll definitely have to check out some of these places!
Absolutely! So many hidden gems on Vancouver island 😊
If i were to live in Canada i would choose this area for sure.
So grateful to have lived here over the last 40 years and to have raised our children here. We go to other places in the world and when we return, we say why did we leave.
Vancouver Island is the best! You picked a great spot to live 👍
Spectacular video.
3 places I would add to the list (being from the island):
1. Parksville (beaches and family fun)
2. The murals of Chemanus (as a quick pit stop)
3. Coombs for the fun tourist traps and goats on a roof
Less natural than what you offered, but still fun for the family.
Nice places to add and definitely great for the family 😊
I used to live in the house that’s the restaurant in the market,we moved in 1972 when I was five. They started to build the market I think within a year of us moving out. I still go there with my wife once in a while and I can still remember things about living there 50 freakin years ago 😆
Add Myra Falls to the list. A little off the beaten path, but everyone can visit.
I live in the UK and I so love Canada especially British Colombia area but love to see it all as i stayed in Toronto for 4 nights in 2009 and then 4 nights in countryside place near Peterborough and just fell in love and been trying to get back since and i would just up & live there if i got chance but I would also love to do sleeper train in prestige....Every-time I see Canada i just feel that's where my heart is and that's where my home is!!
☺️🙏
I live on Vancouver Island and it is so pretty 10 out of 10
Thanks a lot for the video guys 🤗
Great video but it only scratches the surface of Vancouver Island. You didn't get as far north as Nanaimo, nevermind the north island! No matter where you go on the island, you'll win!
We do mention at the end that there are other beautiful places like Cape Scott and Port Hardy in the north. It’s hard to include that in a video when we don’t have that footage :) but of course there are many more places to see and to make a video with every place would be an hour long!
You spelled to 'lose' wrong, or maybe you meant to say 'sacrifice'.
Cathedral Grove, Cameron Lake, Tofino, Ucluelet, Parksville, Port Alberni, Horne Lake, Strathcona Park, all north of Nanaimo.
I wish somebody would make a video of the Island that is accessible to 80% of the population. It’s a wonderful place, but not many people have the skills and endurance to do these mountain hikes and rough terrain beaches. There are hundreds of places and sights that 55 yrs. and up could experience and have joy in. There’s also many places designed by BC Gov. for handicapped folks. How do I know this? I’m 83. I was born in Victoria. It’s my beautiful home. Yes, the trails and wild country are exciting, but so is Marine Drive and the cathedrals, and castle’s, museums, drive up the island on the great highway to see all the small towns and more totem poles you could dream of. Just saying. This video was beautifully done, but there’s much much more. Know your audience and go for another age group please.
I was born in Edmonton Alberta, moved to North Bay Ontario then to the west coast of Canada, and Vancouver Island.
The best place to live in Canada!!! LOVE it here!!☺️👍✌️
Yeah the west coast of Canada is pretty!! We also like it a lot more than the east
No cabe duda,es un paraíso de verdad.
I used to live in sequim WA and frequented Victoria BC many times…. Empress Hotel, Buschart Gardens, China town, etc…. ❤❤❤❤
Thanks for the guide.
Thanks for watching!
A lot of tips to visit the island. we will be visiting in september 24, from Belgium.
greetings, Philip & Martine
Enjoy!
We stayed near Duncan in 2021, and really loved the island. There is so much nature and the costal towns have a good vibe. Wish we could have stayed longer. Fun taking the ferry there too!
Awesome! Glad you had a good time :) Vancouver Island is a special place
The sea mountain views in one glance are the best here. Love the mountains!
We love them too!
Thanks your sharing. Strachonan looks like the Alps in Europe or Banff. Stunning to say the least!
Love, love, love this amazing. video. Thank you for capturing the beauty of my home.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This could be renamed the top 10 places to visit in Southern Vancouver Island.
New subscriber from Vancouver Canada 🇨🇦 Great video. Thanks
Great video, only thing I'd add is Vancouver Island is one of the best cold water scuba diving locations on the planet! Its on Jaccque Cousteau's top 10 overall best diving locations worldwide. In Nanoose bay there are endless sea lions/octopus and eels. Port hardy has massive walls of soft coral reefs. I'm an instructor at Nanaimo Dive outfitters and we or any other dive shop on the island would love to have you I'm sure!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the tip!! we actually got our scuba diving PADI certificate this year in Egypt. Didn’t know that Vancouver island was so known for it but would love to explore the underwater world there someday ☺️
Thank you for this video, I have been to all of the places you have showed as an experienced hiker. :) Please do tell people as you do these videos to LEAVE NO TRACE! As these types of videos make there way around, more and more people (inexperienced and experienced) are making their way to these destinations and leaving behind their garbage. Mystic beach lately. I found someone's Tim's cup buried in the tree roots on the way down to the beach. There are No garbage cans on a lot of these remote hikes, so please encourage your followers to take what they take in...Out! Do not leave your garbage for others to pick up~ Thank you! Happy Travelling! :)
You’re absolutely right and noted 👍
The rule is if you bring it take it home, if you find it leave it!
I agree completely…and please stay on trails! Our forests and old growth are sensitive and precious. I’ve seen tourists walking wherever they please and destroying sensitive root systems and plant life by creating a new “path” through the woods.
Very well made video, thanks!
I've lived here on the island for most of my life. Couldn't ask for a better place to live in Canada.
Awesome!
Love your videos. Shows me places that I explored in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Definitely recommend that you explore the north end of the Island more. We sailed around the Island annually in the 80's and access from the water to much of the north Island opens up some truly amazing places. Keep up the great work showing these places. Love experiencing them again.
Thanks for watching! And gotcha, we definitely want to explore more of the north ☺️
Hey great vid so far. I have been to shawnigan lake before. I went wake boarding. It was so much fun.
Cool! There are always many boats out on the land during the summer! 😁
I love the island. I have spent a lot of time there over the years. I think this video would have worked well as a south to North list as compared to a top ten. I would also have mentioned the incredible street food and restaurants in Tofino.
Yeah it’s not in a particular order but just the places we really enjoyed on Vancouver island!
Great video thanks for covering these places of my home island 🏝️🇨🇦
Thanks for watching! 😁
Island gal here , born & raised #loveit 🥰 ✌🏼
That’s awesome! We used to live in Victoria
My Island, ❤
Great place to live 😉
Many places more to explore on northern Vancouver Island. The hike to Vanishing river. Nimkish lake for kite sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, caves, fishing. Hike into Huston caves south of Nimpkish lake.
Elk Falls north of Campbell River is nice, Horne Lake Caves are good for rock climbing and cave discovery, the view from the summit of Mt Benson is great, and of course there's a dozen natural hot springs hidden across both the main Van Island and some of the surrounding ones.
What a nice and complete video. It’s inspiring me in my next travel.
Thanks!! Glad it’s inspiring 😇
While South Island is beautiful the north island is not to be missed. Three hours from Victoria by road you can find many amazing Sandy beaches in Comox Valley to explore Campbell River, not to forget Gold River, Port Hardy and Cape Scott. Vancouver Island is just plain amazing from the southern coast tip to the northern tip.
After montreal its the best part of canada. Love victoria and nanaimo
Victoria was so peaceful to live in!
Victoria is a hole and a tourist trap.
In the cover photo, I’ve been to the top of that exact mountain top on cox bay tofino, a month ago, with a friend and it was incredible!
Nice! We love that view! It’s amazing and a great place to watch the sunset
Good info, going there this summer for our 25th wedding anniversary. Msut be nice to do this for a living, looks great
Have an amazing time! Congrats! 😄
Wow so Amazing video, thanks for sharing❤️
Thanks! :)
ua-cam.com/video/pL3DsS_qXzg/v-deo.html
Good video. Very good 👍 picture. Missed more than half the island. West coast trail, (fee these days) is fantastic. Sproat Lake is again, fantastic swimming, water skiing etc. Could easily be a 40 min vid. Cape Scott is a great hike. Holberg and area is great scenery enroute. Best part of Vancouver Island is North of Duncan all the way to Cape Scott. Port Alice where the side of the mountain came down and wiped out some of the town. Been to most places over the last 50+ years on the island. If you travel this island and like being out doors, it will give you some excellent memories. Whatever you enjoy, chances are it's here on this island. (ferry to get here with vehicle is around $180.00 return, walk on is approximately $20.00 each way per person, not sure if still available but seniors can ride free Monday thru Thursday). Enjoy.
So much more to see on Vancouver Island! Thanks for the extra tips!
Victoria BC Is luxurious and relaxing
Yes come to Port Alberni , and not just for the Hole in the Wall. So many things in my town like McCain mill. Sproat Lake.
Over 50+ years here & been to places that don't even exist anymore. Roads, rails & towns that have vanished over the years. I remember the last train on the Galloping Goose Trail when it was still a rail line.
and now it's a great bike trail
@@mikegrew7446
Yes, good point: a variety of cycling opportunies ranging from managed infrastructure in Victoria to gnarly trails in the hills
Must have been so different with the rail line still in use!!
@@worldwildhearts The last trains to run on that track went from the (non-existent) 6 mile cafe up to Helmlecken & back. Steam train for tourists past the totem poles at the Gorge.
Vancouver island is also the sport fishing capital of Canada.
Salmon, Halibut, lingcod crab and shrimp!
Shrimp? You mean Prawns. Best in the world. eg, 85% of Seafood, served in Las Vegas, is from BC
Lovely 😻
Awesome summary! Thanks
Thanks for watching 😊
ua-cam.com/video/pL3DsS_qXzg/v-deo.html
I live here. Fantastic video!
Great place to live! 😇
Amazing mate.
Thanks 😎
Okay, Canada is way prettier than I thought. I wanna visit here
The nature there is unmatched!
Shout out comox valley. Been on Vancouver island for 30 years.
awesome! you're so close to the beautiful Strathcona!
You could add Rathtrevor Beach to your list. Thanks. Great video
Another good one! Heard the camping is great there
😍😍😍 this is pretty
Vancouver Island Native Here: Add Sprout Lake to this list, not long past Cameron Lake, closer to Port Alberni
Plus on your way through Parksville you have to stop at Coombs Market and see the Goats on the Roof!
Happy Travels!
Thanks for the comment!!! We haven’t been to sprout lake but the goats we’ve spotted a few times when passing by! Great places ☺️
It's SPROAT Lake.
@@fattymcbastard6536 My bad, but I'm sure they still knew what I meant :)
I use to live on Port Alberni. Beautiful in the spring and Fall. Really Hot in the Summer though. Lots of Port Alberni residents go to Sproat Lake or Paper Mill Dam to swim to cool off. Many places you can enjoy around Sproat Lake since you can also drive around it. Lots of other lakes and rivers to hike, camp, swim and fish around Sproat Lake and Great Central Lake, which has Della Falls at the far end. 16th Highest Water fall in Canada, second highest on Vancouver Island. Only downfall is that you have to boat or helicopter to the far end of Great Central Lake then hike the rest of the way. Sproat Lake is also home to the World Famous Mars Water Bombers and Petroglyphs a easy walk from Sproat Lake Provincial Park
awesome 🤙🏻
Thanks ☺️
What a great video, unfortunately you forgot Della Falls outside of Port Alberni, as well as the cruise to Banfield!
Thanks! we'll remeber that for part 2 ;)
One of my sisters lives in Victoria. It's so beautiful there.
Yes it is 😍
campbell river also has beautiful beaches!
Agreed! 👍
I live here 😁 and its the most awesome place to be 😁
Great place indeed 😄
I have been to long Beach it is nice there I would like to explore more of the island
So much more to explore! ☺️
Wow fantastic , most people just show Victoria the tourist spots , there is so much just around greater Victoria, Try East Sooke park next time, a
Yes East Sooke is also great! Hiked there a few times
Ilove the Islland ,I thinks triste video❤❤❤❤❤❤
You need to make a video about Haida Gwaii
Noted 😉
I’m so glad I live on the island. 😊 I’m from a very different island (Newfoundland) but I like this one more 😛 don’t tell my family!
Hahaha thanks for watching and we won’t tell 😜 we’ve never been to Newfoundland but have some friends who live on Vancouver island who are from there!!
@@worldwildhearts Lots of East coasters out here!
I was hoping some more of Northern Vancouver Island would be on the list. Port Hardy got an Honorable Mention. Maybe we all need a longer video. Port Alice though it is smaller is worth a visit. Alert Bay, All of the places listed was basically southern tip of the island.
Wow it’s so beautiful ??
Do they have campgrounds?
Yes of course! Many of the places have multiple campgrounds
You mainlanders can keep the south and central island areas and leave the far more beautiful north island to us locals. 😃
Mooi deze film genieten.
Dankje! ☺️
Hi excellent and informative video thank you, can you day trip the island from vancouver?
It's difficult to do this as a day trip as the island is huge! Of course you can get to Victoria by ferry and then back, but we'd recommend staying at least a few days on the island to appreciate it
Great videos guys! I am actually considering moving to Victoria but I am freaked out that you may encounter a puma or a bear hiking in those beautiful parks and trials.
In the 10 years that Zac lived there and the 2 years I did, we never encountered a bear or puma on the trails! We once saw a bear in Strathcona Park but only because we heard about it and he was next to the road
@@worldwildhearts there are NO pumas in Canada.....we have mountain lions. or cougars...slight difference....and yes, they are around....saw one about 3 weeks ago on the inland island highway.....but he was busy and on his way home....
According to BBC wildlife: “'Puma' is generally used to refer to Latin American cats, while 'cougar' is a North American term, but the distinction is unclear. So you might find yourself talking about mountain lions, cougars, pumas, Florida panthers, catamounts or even léons - but remember: they're all the same cool cat.”
How the heck do you make it to cream lake? Are there trails leading to it? I've lived on the island for a year now and am still finding gems like these. Awesome video
Cream lake is a gem!! You can hike there actually. We did it as a day hike but it’s a long one! We have a video all about the hike if you’re looking for a trail overview: ua-cam.com/video/A20Z1HNHPTk/v-deo.html
Take the Buttle Lake road off of Hwy 28. Drive all the way down to the south end of the lake. As the road rounds the toe of the lake, it crosses the creek. Take a left immediately after crossing the bridge. 6.8 km of dirt road with steep washboard sections later, you'll arrive at a parking area for the trailhead to Bedwell Lake. This is one of the three "core areas" of the park, and you're required to pay a fee per night you stay in these areas. There are envelopes with receipts and a cash vault at the trailhead.
You'll reach Baby Bedwell lake in 2 - 2.5 hours, and there are some tent pads (8, I think). The hike to Bedwell lake from Baby Bedwell is another 45 minutes or so, and there's about 20 tent pads.
Cream Lake is another 7 km from Bedwell, but camping is not permitted there. There are a couple of paths leading away from Bedwell, one leading to the west coast, and the one you want, leading uphill toward Big Interior mountain. You run into a creek, and follow it to Little Jim lake. Beyond that, you might want binoculars to take advantage of the distant view of Della Falls (Canada's highest). Don't get sucked down into the valley toward the falls. Just keep left, and maintain elevation, and before you know it, you'll be overlooking Cream Lake.
Head toward Gold River & go to the top of Buttle Lake. From there the trial head goes South from the parking lot. If you stop at Strathcona Park Lodge, there are maps available for most of the trails in the park. P.S. Bring bug dope, you'll need it.
surprised that you missed the Sooke Pot holes in Sooke with great swimming holes and amazing diving caves
We’ve been multiple times to relax and swim! It’s a great place but we narrowed our top down and it didn’t make the list
Beautiful! Are there bears where you hiked?
We never ran into any bears on Vancouver Island (except from one that we saw on the road). Of course there's always a chance but not as common like in the Canadian Rockies or Whistler area
Beautiful video, Do you use a camera, go pro or phone when filming?
A mix of all 3 lol!!
Nice video , can i see a snow in Strathcona lake in august ?
In August the lakes are thawed, but you can see amazing colours!
Planning a vacation but now I want to plan me moving 😂
😂
I'm from Victoria...and moved now to Saint John, New Brunswick :-)
Wow that's a long way from home! Enjoy there!
I live here in parksville. Best retirement home
Epic video and good spots! By any chance do u guys know how the drone regilations are in canada, especially for foreigners? When i travel canada i REALLLLY NEED TO fly some of those spots. Especially that hole in the rock in the beginning of zhe video would be amazing with my fpv drone.
Actually flying a drone in Canada is tough as there are many strict rules and regulations. None of the parks allow you to fly it. We had a Canada permit for our drone as we lived there and it was required. Not sure whether that’s the same for foreigners. You can check some more up-to-date info here: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally
Your forgetting much of the north island, only a brief mention of Port Hardy. Fabulous country pristine lakes; Woss lake, Nimpkish Lake, Alice Lake. Camping, excellent fishing, and very few people.
Definitely not an exhaustive list! The north is harder to reach for most, including us when we lived in Victoria!
@@worldwildhearts actually the highway from Campbell River north is really very good. Carefull if you ever want to try it though, folks drive like they are insane, and that includes logging trucks.
plus a great area to drive if you want to see bears
Glad they didn’t mention my favourite places….. let’s just keep quiet on those.
If you ever get the chance San Josef Bay and Cape Scott, along with Winter Harbour on the north end of the island are worth visiting as well!
I lived in Holberg for 9 years back in the 60’s and 70’s and it is still a favorite area to visit.
Great video! I’ve lived on Vancouver island all my life. There are a couple places on this list though that are not open to the public any longer. First is the trestle bridge in Goldstream. It’s been fenced off and closed for awhile due to an unfortunate incident. The second is The Quarry in Shawnigan Lake where I live. The Quarry sits on private owned land. Due to an unfortunate incident there the property owners are no longer allowed to give public access. There are multiple signs and gates now as well as active security persons and RCMP who will ticket you for trespassing.
Thanks for the info!! We lived on Vancouver Island until the end of 2020 (that’s when we started travelling!) and went to those places multiple times over the years. I’ll update this in the description! 😊
@@worldwildhearts thanks!
What would you say about Comox and Comox Valley? Is it worth travelling to?
Yes it’s worth it but mainly because it’s the gateway to Strathcona park! ☺️
Thanks for the video! Can you please share how you got to "Monas Island"? (8:53)
Thanks for watching! ☺️ we kayaked to the island! There are many little islands you can kayak to!
Grew up on Beautiful Vancouver Island in the 70s - has changed alot - too many people
I can imagine! Population in general has grown so much though… had almost doubled in Canada over those years!
I agree, I've lived in Langford my whole life here and its horrible now, too many people and all condos😭 But our island is a beautiful place to be
I live in Cedar I did live in Port Renfrew 5 years back for only 11 months I worked at the Trailhead Resort
That's awesome! small town!
"Known for its mild climate... compared to the rest of Canada" lol😂 🇨🇦 🍁
Haha Canada is cold! 🥶
My dream
avatar grove is closed to the public right now for restoration. so google to see if it is open before you go
Great video. What’s the weather like in September? We are planning a trip to go there. Thanks in advanced.
September should be still pretty warm and dry! Some places are warmer like the Cowichan Valley! But overall it’s pretty mild all year round. Expect around 18 degrees!
If you’re planning to be in any of the valleys expect rain
The weather's often pretty smoky, to be honest 😶🌫. But yeah, otherwise. it's usually pretty nice in September.
Just booked for honeymoon in mid September! Added all of these to the wish list! Do you recommend hiring a car to get to these locations?
Thanks :)
Yes, much much much easier with a car. Public transit is OK within the larger towns, but not great between towns. Cycling only is great within Victoria.
Yes, absolutely! Most "nature" places are hard to get to without a car!
Hi guys we’re coming to visit this wonderful island in September, what would be your best whale watching trip to go on?? Thanks for all your advice 😊
Yes Victoria downtown is best for whale watching tours. We like the boats that are a bit more closed rather than the open zodiac. That’s because the sea gets pretty cold and windy!