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Getaways on the BC Coastal Tour |
(The
Sunshine Coast & Vancouver Island)
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Moonlit night
at Powell River.
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Photo by
Sean Percy
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Every BC traveller has a special getaway that they claim as their own.
For some it is the azure lakes of the Okanagan,
for others, it is the quiet, serene parks above Vancouver.
For me, it is BC's coastline. No matter the time of year or weather,
the view is always interesting, always enticing, and always magical.
Having said that, I will admit that there is no better time to see
BC's
islands and coastal scenery than during the summer. BC was made
for sunny weather, for long strolls along the beach and for inviting,
romantic sunsets. It also offers an excellent selection of getaways
and wilderness excursions for hikers and boaters.
One of the best ways to see BC's islands and coastal attractions
is to drive the BC Coastal tour through Vancouver Island and the Sunshine
Coast. Beginning in Victoria
(which is accessible by ferry from both Vancouver or Seattle, WA) the
tour takes you north on Vancouver Island (Highway 19) to Comox,
where you cross back over to the mainland at Powell
River. Picking up Highway 101, you travel southeast again through
Sechelt and Gibson's Landing, to Vancouver.
The circle tour is actually short enough to complete in 2 days (allowing
for ferry schedules), but lends itself best to several days or a week
of travel. It also provides a great opportunity to take short trips
to BC's famous islands, which are easily accessible from Vancouver Island's
Swartz Bay terminal.
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One of the
many inlet bays near Lund and Powell River.
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Photo by
Sean Percy
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Having just spent two weeks in Victoria's glorious sunny weather,
I can tell you that there is no better time to see BC's capital. Even
if you prefer rustic scenery over cities, a trip to Victoria is a
must. Its attractions range from historic walking tours (Victoria
is world renown for its careful preservation of historic sites), to
whale watching and ecology tours. There are, in fact, tours for just
about every kind of attraction, from pub- hopping to haunted buildings.
Accommodations
on Southern Vancouver Island include a range of bed and breakfast establishments,
hotels and campgrounds. To be sure you get the accommodation you prefer,
don't forget to reserve ahead. Also remember that great weather means
more ferry passengers. BC Ferries recommends arriving at the terminal
at least an hour ahead to ensure your place on board. If you are travelling
from Washington state, don't forget to make a ferry reservation.
One of the benefits of this particular coastal tour, is that it allows
for a trip to the Gulf
Islands. All of the southern Gulf Islands have regional parks open
to the day traveller and there are two provincial parks with campsites
on Galiano and Pender Islands. Salt Spring and Galiano are well known
as artist enclaves. The best way to see the islands is to book accommodations
on one of the islands and then plan a few day trips to locations around
you. Vehicle reservations are recommended for all southern Gulf Island
ferries.
Back on Vancouver Island again, Highway 19 north takes you through
the City of Nanaimo
(113 km/71 miles from Victoria), BC's third oldest city. There are numerous
camping and RV sites in the area, including Engishman River Falls and
Little Qualicum Falls provincial parks, which offer fishing and swimming.
Both are located east of Parksville on highway 4, which is approximately
37 km/23 miles north of Nanaimo. Little Qualicum is 19 km/12 miles from
Parksville and Engishman River is 8 km/5 miles south of 4, midway between
Parksville and the town of Coombs.
115 km/72 miles from Nanaimo on highway 19 is the town of Comox
and the ferry to Powell River. In addition to its popular arts and crafts
festival (Early August) Comox is known for its historic Filberg Lodge
and Park. Built in the 1930's, it is open to public tours.
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A great catch
near Powell River.
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Photo by
Sean Percy
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The ferry to Powell
River takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is 145 km/91 miles north
of Vancouver. Considered to be one of BC's choicest diving spots,
it offers a variety of underwater attractions for all levels of
diving experience.
Just north of Powell River (23 km/14 miles), is the town of Lund, BC's
northernmost point on Highway 101. Founded in 1889, Lund overlooks the
rocky, formidable cliffs of the Georgia Straight. It is possible to
rent a boat or hire a tour guide to investigate more northern points,
such as BC's marine parks. Kayak and canoe enthusiasts will also enjoy
investigating the wealth of portages and lakes in the area.
Powell River hosts a Sea Fair (Mid August) and a Blackberry Festival
(Late August). The Sea Fair includes its own bathtub races (a wacky
BC specialty that must be seen to be appreciated) and the Blackberry
Festival includes a wine vintner's contest.
Take a photo tour of Powell River, courtesy of
the Powell River Visitor's Bureau
 When
you are ready to head
south again, you will take Highway 101 to Saltery Bay where you
will cross a small inlet by ferry to Earls Cove. The ride is approximately
50 minutes and has always been one of my more favourite ferry excursions.
There are several resorts and bed and breakfast inns between Earl's
Cove and Sechelt that offer picturesque settings on or near the beach.
Porpoise
Bay Provincial Park is located 10 km/6 miles north of Sechelt,
an easy drive to local shops and galleries. 21 km/13 miles south of
Sechelt is Gibsons Landing and the Langdale Ferry Terminal, where you
will catch your last ferry on route to Vancouver. The crossing affords
another interesting glimpse of BC's inland waters, which are becoming
gradually more populated with summer homes and residential communities.
After you have made this last crossing, you will join Highway 1. Follow
the highway southeast to the Lions Gate Bridge, approximately 40 minutes
from Horseshoe Bay (allow extra time during rush hours). There are some
spectacular views of Howe Sound that make this excursion well worth
the trip. Ample rest stops are available on the south-bound side of
the highway.
Travel Information:
CRD Parks Information: 250-478-3344
Vancouver Island's Capital Regional Park System has more than 20 parks
in operation for day use. Activities range from hiking to boating and
swimming.
BC Parks Information: 250-387-4550
(offers camping as well as day use)
For toll free access to this number call Enquiry BC first, at 660-2421
in Vancouver or 800-663-7867 and request to be transferred to this number.
BC Ferries Information:
1- 888-223-3779 or 250-386-3431
"Sean Percy lives in Powell River, where he works
as a reporter/photographer for the Powell River News and Town Crier.
A self-taught photographer, he specializes in scenic, wildlife and underwater
images. If you are interested in purchasing one of his photographs,
he can be reached at seanpe@prcn.org"
© Copyright Jan Lee
Jan Lee jnlee@sfu.ca
Be sure to read other
articles by Jan Lee in the BC Adventure Network
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