Explore Nanaimo, Duncan, Courtenay, Victoria, Parksville and other nearby cities on Vancouver Island.
Nestled on the shores of the Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni is a charming city on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, boasting a vibrant and diverse community of local businesses. From award-winning breweries and artisan shops to innovative tech startups and family-owned restaurants, Port Alberni offers a unique and authentic shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.
Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Vancouver Island, Courtenay, BC, is a city navigating a period of economic change. Historically reliant on traditional industries like logging, fishing, and agriculture, Courtenay is now shifting its focus towards diversification and sustainability.
Nestled in the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Duncan, British Columbia, is a small city that packs a big punch in terms of activities and attractions. Known as the "City of Totems," Duncan is rich in Indigenous culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Duncan offers a myriad of experiences to explore. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in this charming city.
The real estate market in Nanaimo has become one of the most expensive in British Columbia, rivaling that of Vancouver and Victoria. Many potential homeowners choose to settle in Nanaimo because of its lovely surroundings and magnificent residential estates.
Relax into island time and enjoy the variety of food and drink made available by the region's warm climate. Almost every town on Vancouver Island has a farmers' market, and many of them are open all year, allowing you to eat all year seasonally.
There are many natural parks and reserves in Canada that delight locals and tourists: one of these places is Vancouver Island, located off the western coast of Canada and washed by the Pacific Ocean. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year for the sake of magnificent nature, relict forests, pristine beaches, rich fishing and other activities.
Vancouver Island is a large island located off the west coast of North America in the province of British Columbia. Here you will find incredible national parks, secluded resorts and beautiful coastal towns. The mountainous island of Vancouver, 450 km long and 80 km wide, is covered with dense forest, which grows the world's tallest spruce, reaching a height of 95 meters. Their timber is the raw material for one of the most important local industries. The island also attracts nature lovers. For several thousand years, Indians lived in these places, who mainly hunted and fished.
Forestry has always been a part of Vancouver Island’s identity, starting first by the First Nation’s people, and then later by the European settlers and current-day loggers. The act of logging has been improved upon over the many years, and nowadays, logging is very cost-effective and efficient.
The Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is one of the largest library systems in British Columbia to cater for more than 430,000 people through 39 branch libraries and books by mail service. As a regional system, VIRL covers a vast geographic area, from Sooke and Sidney in the south to Port Hardy, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast, totals more than 42,0000 square kilometers and includes a mix of urban, rural, and remote communities that work together to provide excellent library services for all its members. Its Administrative offices are located in Nanaimo.
Exploring Cowichan Valley's wine country, AKA the Napa of the north
Located of Canada’s Pacific Coast, Vancouver Island is a great destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. There are so many ideas for outdoor and indoor activities that you will be spoiled for choice: from hiking in the forests to spending your time on rugged beaches, from watching wildlife to visiting lovely tiny villages. Read on to find out top 5 things to do on Vancouver Island.
Long before Vancouver Island became a popular tourist destination in British Columbia, Vancouver Island had been the homeland to a number of First Nations peoples. Kwakwaka'wakw groups occupied the northern and northwestern parts of Vancouver Island, the Coast Salish territory included the southern island, and the Nuu-chah-nulth lived on the west coast.
Victoria, the largest city and the capital of British Columbia, boasts fascinating natural surroundings that are worth visiting. If you are traveling to Victoria and looking for fun things to do – be sure to check out our top 5 day trip ideas for an unforgettable weekend getaway!
The city of Nanaimo boasts a colourful history: from being a coal mining town in the 1850s, the town evolved to be a centralised location of Vancouver Island. With a population of over 90,000 people, Nanaimo is a dynamic second largest city on the island.