Regions

Northern Vancouver Island is a huge region, encompassing both east and west coasts of the islands as well as the northern tip. Stretching from Kelsey Bay on the east coast to Winter Harbour on the northwest coast, this region is made up of freshwater lakes, huge west coast inlets, massive forest and beautiful beaches. The networks of ocean waterways as well as the close proximity to some very large pristine fresh water lakes provide recreational opportunities to satisfy most anyone.

The communities of Port McNeill, Port Alice and Port Hardy provide opportunities to access the west coast, east coast and northern waters of Vancouver Island. Port McNeill is a quaint, coastal community. Located approximately 20 minutes further north on Highway 19 is Port Hardy. Port Alice is located on Neroutsos Inlet, one of Vancouver Island’s gateways to the wild and wonderful west coast. Port McNeill and the community of Port Hardy offer a variety of convenient and essential services including a small airport, hospital and health care services and a marina amongst other conveniences and community facilities.

The regions of the West Coast of Vancouver Island are known for their rugged and remote landscapes, dramatic outer reefs, long expanses of pristine beaches and a wide variety of indigenous wildlife. Marine wildlife in this area includes killer whales (Orca), gray whales, seals, porpoises and sea otters as well as an abundance of black bear, cougar, deer and other land dwelling species. The stunning scenery, attracting anglers, kayakers, divers, campers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts to the wilderness area, enhances this isolation.

The fishing, kayaking and other recreational adventure in these regions are outstanding. Sheltered bays and protected coves in and amongst the islets provide for hours of exploration and relaxed quiet tranquility as your kayak glides effortlessly through the stilled waters. The waters themselves offer an abundance of large Chinook Salmon as well as some of the smaller salmon species and an impressive variety of bottom and deep-sea fish from Halibut, Red Snapper and Ling Cod to Black Sea Bass, Skate, Prawns and salt-water varieties of crab.

Access to these remote locations is by floatplane or by boat from the small towns which dot the west coast – Bamfield; Uclulet and Tofino; Gold River; Tahsis and Zeballos.

The area not only provides some of the best fishing on the BC Coast, it is also the jump-off point to explore miles of some of the most beautiful sand beaches and rugged coastline along the north-west tip of Vancouver Island. San Josef Bay, Cape Palmerston and Raft Cove are preferred destinations for the true outdoor enthusiast. The entire area both upland and marine is prolific with abundant, indigenous and migratory wildlife.

The beautiful community of Campbell River is located on the east coast of central Vancouver Island between Strathcona Park, to the west, and the Discovery Islands, to the east.  It is a growing city located on the frontier of BC’s spectacular wilderness. Renowned as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River is nestled in a region rich in natural resources, scenic beauty and an incredible variety of wildlife. One of the four main fishing centers on Vancouver Island, the city is internationally famous for both its ocean and freshwater fishing and the year-round salmon fishing in Discovery Passage is unmatched. Visitors marvel at the array of natural beauty and the variety of outdoor activities this region has to offer. Raw beauty and pristine wilderness less than 4 hours from the booming metropolises of Vancouver or Victoria make Campbell River one of the most desirable destinations in British Columbia.

The beautiful Comox Valley is situated on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, nestled between the Beaufort Mountains and the Strait of Georgia; it is a compilation of majestic mountains, pristine rivers and lakes, verdant forests, farmlands, alpine meadows, spectacular beaches and an abundance of parks and green space. The Comox Valley is made up of the unique communities of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland and surrounding rural areas which offer some of the best cultural events and venues on the mid island. Courtenay is home to the Public Contemporary Art Gallery and the Sid Williams Civic Theatre as well as excellent shopping, restaurants and world class golfing. This spectacular mid-Vancouver Island region’s central location makes it a perfect launching point for day trips to nearby communities & attractions.

Cortes Island is a perfect example of west coast island living. As one of the Discovery Islands off the central eastern coast of Vancouver Island it is popular with boaters and vacationers alike. As one of the two Discovery Islands with ferry access, Cortes also attracts a fair number of people year-round, and has a permanent population of about 1000 people. The relaxed, rural lifestyle attracts a cross-section of society, from old school hippies to new age environmentalists, from burned out city executives to small scale farmers - and everything else in between. There is a strong First Nations history and presence on the island as well as a more recent resource-based history and on-going presence. The island is 130 square kilometres and boasts some beautiful beaches as well as gorgeous lakes. Smelt Bay Provincial Park is a popular summer camping destination. There are three main population areas on the island, where one can find a public school, a medical clinic, a library branch and small community amenities.

 Access to Cortes Island is a 45-minute trip via regularly scheduled ferry service from Heriot Bay on Quadra Island.  Quadra Island is a short 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River.  During the summer months there is also regular float plane service from Vancouver and Seattle directly into Cortes Bay.

Desolation Sound is a name and region recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful areas along the British Columbia mainland coast. Naturally beautiful and diverse, the area is also known to have some of the warmest summer time ocean temperatures anywhere along the west coast of North America. The predominately calm waters of Desolation Sound are home to a variety of indigenous marine wild life and the mainland, with its spectacular inlets such as Toba inlet to the north, is home to all types of mainland wildlife. Access to local communities providing a variety of services is relatively quick and easy. Lund with marina facilities and road access to Powell River is located approximately 15 miles south and east from the properties and Campbell River on Vancouver Island is approximately 28 miles to the southwest.  

The Discovery Islands are located between Campbell River, Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. With snow-capped mountains and deep inlets fed by tumbling glaciers as a backdrop, the scenery to be found in this part of the world is some of the most impressive on the BC coast. These islands and the intricate waterways that weave between them are home to fish farms, fishing and kayak lodges, homesteaders and logging camps. They provide a multitude of adventure and recreation opportunities. Sea kayaking among calm protected channels, with boiling tidal rapids for the more adventurous, hiking, diving, sport fishing, mountain biking and canoe touring are all popular activities catered to by local guiding outfitters and resorts. The temperate climate, spectacular scenery, quiet rural lifestyle and endless recreation opportunities combine to make the Discovery Islands a highly desirable place to live and visit.

This marine wildlife wilderness area is one of breath-taking natural beauty with rugged coastlines, pristine forests and unspoiled ocean. Hundreds of islands provide inlets, coves and bays ideal for sailing, boating, whale watching, wildlife viewing, kayaking and photography. Considered by many to be the top group of islands in the world for marine eco-adventuring, the Broughton Archipelago is a wilderness masterpiece.

The inlet and the waters of Johnstone Strait are known for their abundance of mainland and marine wildlife. The region is home to a northern population of resident killer whales (Orcas), and other marine mammals including dolphins, harbour porpoise, porpoise, seals, and wintering sea lions. Other wildlife in the area includes deer, bears, shorebirds, seabirds, loons, and bald eagles. Vast numbers of salmon migrate through these waters providing excellent salmon fishing.

The BC Mainland Coast is a boat access area of some of the most breath-taking and rugged scenery to be found. The large mainland fjords of Bute, Toba, Loughborough and Knight offer glimpses into the massive coastal mountains as well as leading to pristine waters and land where few have ventured. This area is simply spectacular and offers a great variety of outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, shellfish harvesting, wildlife viewing, yachting and kayaking. 

Quadra Island is the largest (approximately 34 km long) and most populated (approximately 2,500 full-time residents) of the Discovery Island group.  It lies between Campbell River on Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of British Columbia, off Canada's west coast. Quadra's residents enjoy a rural lifestyle surrounded by a clean unspoiled environment. The breathtaking wilderness scenery, mild temperate climate, and natural beauty make it a popular destination for visitors from around the world.  There are complete services on the island as well as a wide variety of accommodation and dining from deluxe resorts to rustic campsites.  Unlimited adventure recreation includes sport fishing, diving, hiking on over 200 km of hiking trails, sea kayaking, powerboat and sailing. There are many beaches, sheltered coves, protected channels and islets along the intricate shoreline and the rich waters fed by large tidal exchanges nourish abundant marine life. All regular services are available on Quadra and the full service community of Campbell River on Vancouver Island is just a 10-minute ferry ride away from Quathiaski Cove. From Heriot Bay, ferry service operates to Whaletown on Cortes Island.

Quatsino is a historical boat-access coastal community founded in the late 1800s, with a current population of approximately 40 year-round residents plus a complement of part-time and seasonal vacationers. Quatsino is situated 12 miles south of Port Hardy and only 5 miles south from Coal Harbour by boat. The community is serviced with a local road, hydro electricity and telephone.

Quatsino Sound, one of the last great west coast frontiers easily accessible for the outdoor enthusiast and avid sport-fisherman, offers a great variety of activities throughout the network of protected inlets and the access to the open west coast. As well there are numerous rivers and lakes abundant with trout, steelhead and spawning salmon in the fall. Colony Lake and Little Colony Lake are within easy walking access from this property. Seventeen miles to the southwest out Quatsino Sound is the open west coast of Vancouver Island that offers spectacular fishing for salmon, halibut and other species. The marine life and other wildlife in addition to the beauty of the west coast are unsurpassed. 

The Southern Gulf Islands stretch for 100km between southern Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC’s western coast. There are a dozen large islands interspersed with a multitude of islets. They receive less rain than the rest of coastal BC, and are surrounded by sheltered waters. This popular region is considered one of the best for recreation, boating, tourism and coastal island living.

The Sunshine Coast is a region of the southern mainland of British Columbia just NW of Greater Vancouver. While populous and frequently visited by tourists it can be reached only by using BC Ferries, boat or sea plane; because of the steep rugged terrain no access roads have been built from the rest of the Province. The Sunshine Coast stretches along the NE shores of the Strait of Georgia from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound.  The Powell River region of the Sunshine Coast is a year round sea to mountain recreation area and offers an array of experiences for travelers of all kinds, no matter the season. Cultural amenities include world-class art galleries, and memorable events and festivals.