Western Canada,

This section covers British Columbia, Alberta, and Vancouver Island

1. General Information

British Columbia

2. Blogs,

Alberta, British Columbia & Vancouver Island

3. Video Clips

Alberta, British Columbia & Vancouver Island

 

1. General Info

In the vast and diverse landscape of western Canada lie three distinct regions,British Columbia, Alberta, and Vancouver Island, each with its own character, geography, and way of life.

To the west, British Columbia stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The province is defined by dramatic coastlines, temperate rainforests, and snow-covered ranges. Its largest city, Vancouver, is a modern metropolis known for its multicultural population, thriving arts scene, and proximity to nature. The provincial capital, Victoria, sits on Vancouver Island and offers a quieter, historic charm. British Columbia’s economy is diverse, powered by natural resources like forestry and mining, as well as technology, film production, and tourism. Coastal areas enjoy a mild climate with wet winters and warm summers, while the interior can experience more temperature extremes.

Moving Eastward, Alberta presents a striking contrast. A province of open prairies, rolling foothills, and towering mountains, it is both a center of natural beauty and economic strength. Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta’s largest cities, are hubs of business, energy, and culture. Alberta is widely recognized for its oil and gas industry, as well as agriculture and cattle ranching. The province’s identity is shaped by its western heritage, celebrated each year at the Calgary Stampede. With a dry, continental climate, Alberta experiences cold winters and warm, often sunny summers.

Off the southwestern coast of British Columbia lies Vancouver Island, a mountainous island covered in lush forests and dotted with charming towns and rugged coastlines. Home to the capital city of Victoria, the island is known for its scenic beauty, mild climate, and laid-back atmosphere. Tourism, fishing, and forestry remain key industries, while the region has also become a haven for artists, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. Vancouver Island offers one of the most temperate climates in Canada, with wet winters and dry, pleasant summers.

Together, British Columbia, Alberta, and Vancouver Island illustrate the geographical and cultural diversity of western Canada—from the energy-rich plains of Alberta to the misty forests of BC’s coastal regions. Each area contributes to a larger story of natural wonder, economic vitality, and cultural richness.

 

2. Blogs

 

A. Alberta  

Part 1  Alberta Saskatchwan Border to Banff

Part 2  Alberta  Banff to Jasper (including Lake Louise & Ice parkway

Part 3  Alberta  Calgary and Calgary Stampede

 

B. Calgary Stampede 

Calgary Stampede & Calgary

 

C. British Colombia 

Part 1  British Columbia, Alberta Border to Nakusp

Part 2  British Columbia, Nakusp to The Sunshine Coast

Part 3  British Columbia,  Vancouver Island 

 

3. Video Clips

A. Alberta 

Part 1  Alberta Saskatchwan Border to Banff

Part 2  Alberta  Banff to Jasper (including Lake Louise & Ice parkway

Part 3  Alberta  Calgary and Calgary Stampede

 

B. Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede & Calgary

 

C. British Columbia 

British Columbia part 1 Alberta Border to Nakusp

British Columbia part 2 Nakusp to the Sunshine Coast

British Columbia Part 3 Vancouver Island 

 

 

2. BLOGS

A. ALBERTA

1. General Information
2. 1988 Winter Olympics
3. Our Alberta Journey

1. General Information ALBERTA

Nestled in Western Canada, Alberta is a province that defies expectations. With its sweeping prairies, rugged Rocky Mountains, and vibrant cities, Alberta offers a stunning contrast of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. On our recent journey through this captivating region, we discovered not only breathtaking natural beauty but also a rich cultural mosaic and a surprisingly smooth ride—literally.

Urban Hubs: Edmonton & Calgary

Alberta is anchored by two major cities: Edmonton, the provincial capital, and Calgary, the largest city. Together, they are home to more than half of Alberta’s 4.2 million residents. Both cities pulse with energy, especially in the summer when festivals light up the streets and parks.

Calgary is best known for the world-famous Calgary Stampede, a celebration of Western heritage that draws visitors from all corners of the globe. Edmonton, meanwhile, plays host to the Edmonton Fringe Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Add to that food events like Taste of Edmonton and multicultural celebrations such as Heritage Days, and it’s clear that Alberta knows how to throw a party.

A Landscape of Extremes

Stretching 1,223 kilometres from north to south and up to 660 kilometres across, Alberta spans diverse terrain. The Rocky Mountains dominate the southwest, crowned by Mount Columbia at 3,747 metres. Meanwhile, the Slave River in the northeast marks the province’s lowest point at 152 metres. From boreal forests in the north to sweeping prairies in the south, Alberta’s ecosystems are as varied as they are spectacular.

We spent much of our time outdoors, exploring Elk Island National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Banff National Park Jasper National Park and driving the Icefields Parkway, often touted as one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the world. Every turn revealed glacial lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife such as bison, grizzlies, wolves, Moose and even the elusive lynx.

A Cultural Tapestry

Alberta’s population is a testament to Canada’s multicultural ethos. While many Albertans trace their roots to Western Europe—especially Scotland, England, Germany, and the Netherlands—there has also been significant immigration from Eastern Europe (notably Ukraine), Asia, Africa, and South America. Towns like Canmore, Airdrie, and Banff even reflect their Scottish influence in name and spirit.

Though English is the official language, Alberta also boasts the second-highest proportion of Francophones in Western Canada (after Manitoba), with about 2% of the population identifying as such.

Economic Powerhouse

Much of Alberta’s economic might lies beneath its surface. Approximately 70% of the province’s exports are oil and gas, with food products and industrial goods rounding out the top three. In 2023, Alberta’s economy contributed about $350 billion to Canada’s GDP—roughly 15% of the national total.

Tourism: Big Cities to Big Peaks

Beyond the cultural buzz of Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta welcomes millions of visitors each year to its awe-inspiring parks and mountain towns. Banff, Jasper, Waterton, and the Columbia Icefield attract nearly four million tourists annually, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and photography opportunities.

Alberta’s hospitality industry is well-prepared. Both Calgary and Edmonton each host more than four million visitors a year, with events, shopping, dining, and sports to suit every taste. A highlight for us was the West Edmonton Mall—a shopping and entertainment complex so massive it feels like a city within a city.

Roads Worth Driving

One unexpected joy of our Alberta adventure was the roads. Smooth, wide, and well-maintained, Alberta’s highways made long drives a pleasure. We followed the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16)—a key segment of the Trans-Canada Highway network—from Lloydminster on the Saskatchewan border westward to Edmonton. Known locally as the Northern Corridor, it provided the perfect entry into our Alberta experience.

Alberta will greet you with open skies, open roads, and open arms.

 

2.  The 1988 Olympic Winter Games

Calgary gained global recognition in 1988 as the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympics, thanks in part to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and its strong winter sports culture.

Despite concerns about debt—especially after Montreal’s 1976 Olympics—Calgary invested heavily in new venues. The Olympic Saddledome ($100 million) hosted ice hockey and figure skating, while Canada Olympic Park ($200 million) held bobsleigh, luge, ski jumping, and freestyle skiing. The Olympic Oval, the first fully enclosed 400-metre speed skating track, earned a reputation as “the fastest ice on Earth” after several world and Olympic records were set there.

Though Canada didn’t win a gold medal, the Games were seen as an economic success. They generated an estimated CA$1.4 billion in benefits nationwide, with 70% in Alberta, thanks to infrastructure spending, tourism, and lasting sports facilities.

Beyond the Olympics, Calgary stands out for its livability. Like our country of birth, the Netherlands, it features over 1,000 km of walking and cycling paths. Its +15 skywalk system—elevated pedestrian bridges—offers year-round downtown access protected from the cold.

 

 3. OUR ALBERTA JOURNEY

 

After a wonderful few days exploring the natural beauty of Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan and a lovely visit with Dolly (Staci’s mother who is neighbour in Australia ), we departed Saskatoon and set our sights on the next leg of our journey: the province of Alberta.

On our way west, we passed through Lloydminster, a truly unique city with an unusual geographic distinction—it straddles the border between Saskatchewan and Alberta. What makes Lloydminster particularly interesting is that, despite being split between two provinces, it operates as a single city with one municipal government. It’s incorporated by both provinces, allowing for unified administration and services across the border.

We followed Saskatchewan Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway, which cuts straight through Lloydminster from east to west (or west to east, depending on your direction). For more about our time in Saskatchewan, check out our Saskatchewan blog post.

En route to Edmonton, we bush camped just before reaching Vegreville, which is famous for its enormous Easter egg. This iconic 9.4 m aluminium sculpture celebrates Ukrainian heritage and craftsmanship. Nearby, the town of Mundare is known for the world’s largest sausage—a quirky 13 m-high monument honouring local culinary traditions.

Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park is 48 km east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere. It’s home to 42 species of mammals, including deer and elk and more than 250 species of birds. The park also plays a vital role in bison conservation. there are about 700 bison’s in the park. A scenic detour for wildlife lovers and good chance to see buffalo, elk, and bears,

Edmonton & West Edmonton Mall 

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is known as the “Gateway to the North.” Located near the geographic center of the province, it’s Canada’s northernmost major city and a key hub for resource development in the north. With nearly 1.5 million residents, it’s the sixth largest city in the country. The city is also a major center for the oil and gas industry and is nicknamed the “Oil Capital of Canada.”

Our stopover in Edmonton focused on the West Edmonton Mall, the second-largest mall in North America and formerly the largest in the world. It remains the largest by store count in the Western Hemisphere, with over 800 stores and services, nine attractions, two hotels, 100+ dining venues, and parking for more than 20,000 vehicles. It employs over 24,000 people and welcomes 32 million visitors annually, with daily traffic ranging from 90,000 to 200,000.

Current world records at West Edmonton Mall include: Largest indoor lake – Deep Sea Adventure Lake,Largest indoor wave pool – World WaterparkTallest indoor permanent bungee tower (no longer in use)Largest parking lot – Over 20,000 spots (+10,000 overflow)

The mall features themed streets like Bourbon Street (New Orleans-style dining and clubs) and Europa Boulevard, as well as the Scotiabank Theatre with 12 screens and IMAX. In 2021, the world’s largest in-mall Toyota dealership opened, with 65 service bays and a drive-through that crosses the mall.

We enjoyed a junior ice hockey game at the Ice Palace and explored many attractions, including:Mini golf, go-karts, and an indoor shooting range Sea Life Caverns, with 100+ marine species and daily sea lion shows

From Edmonton, we travelled to Calgary via Highway 2, also known as the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, named after the monarch’s 2005 visit.

CALGARY, See the separate blog Calgary Stampede and Calgary 

After the Calgary Stampede we travelled through Drumheller, Waterton National Park, and Kootenay National Park in BC, ending up in Banff. One of the highlights was the Icefields Parkway, a 228 km route between Lake Louise and Jasper, offering stunning views of glaciers and mountains.

Drumheller

The prehistoric dino-filled town Drumheller, was our hub for exploring the Canadian Badlands and nearby Dinosaur Provincial Park. Instead of paying $40.00 for a non-serviced site we stayed at the Walmart. And the following nights we bush camped at the Hoodoos

Drumheller is a town on the Red Deer River in the Badlands of East Central Alberta. The Drumheller portion of the Red Deer River valley, often referred to as Dinosaur Valley, has an approximate width of 2 kilometres and an approximate length of 28 kilometres. Drumheller is also known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World. Drumheller was once the largest coal producing city in Western Canada, with the Atlas Coal Mine. Now, coal mining has been replaced by natural gas and oil. Drumheller has Alberta’s second largest natural gas field, the West Drumheller Field. However, we are told by locals Drumheller is planning to transition away from fossil fuels and emphasize renewable energy sources, such as wind power, in its economy.

Currently, tourism is Drumheller’s main industry. The town states it has the world’s largest Dinosaur of 26 meters high, located next to the tourist information centre. other features are the Star Mine Suspension Bridge,  The Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology. This museum hosts Canada’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. It boasts 500,000 visitors a year

Hoodoos

Just 18 kilometres south of Drumheller lie the Hoodoos—an otherworldly landscape carved over millions of years. These strange rock formations sit atop 70-million-year-old fossil beds, and with warm weather and stunning views, the experience was unforgettable. We bush camped right behind the Hoodoos, hidden from the hundreds of daily visitors. It turned out to be one of the best bush camps we’ve had.

Wayne

Located approx. 15 kilometres south of Drumheller, It lies in the Rosebud River Valley, and has an elevation of 695 metres. It is accessed through a 150-metre-deep canyon in the Badlands, and in order to get to Wayne, you need to cross 11 bridges that span the Rosebud River in just 6 kilometres. Wayne was the site of several coal mines the town was one of many in the area that attracted thousands of workers to the coal mines, that were closed in the 1950s. the mines shut down in the 1950s, the town’s population dwindled from 2,000 to fewer than 300 residents. Today, Wayne has become a ghost town. the population hovers around 30 remaining residents.

It is host to a few historic sites, including the Last Chance Saloon Known as the collector of Antiques, Supplier of beer and supporter of live music.  Wayne has its own fascinating history. Part of the Drumheller Valley’s coal boom in the early 20th century, including the nearby Rosedeer Mine (the Rosedeer Hotel adjoining the saloon is named in its honour). The work was dangerous,  and living conditions were poor for the local miners, which led to the establishment of miners’ unions. Violence—both as part of anti union intimidation tactics and simply between overworked, intoxicated miners—abounded in the valley.

The Last Chance Saloon was no exception: The bar’s nickname in the 1920s was the “Bucket of Blood, A favorite tale about the saloon include the time a bartender fired a few warning shots at customers who refused to pay for their drinks; those bullet holes are now framed on the wall. Another is the story of the owner’s horse, Tinkerbell, who was a regular “long” face at the bar until local health inspectors banned the popular equine customer.

If you happen to be in the area in September Don’t miss the annual Wayne Stock Music Festival

Horseshoe Canyon 

Horseshoe Canyon is a region of Badlands surrounded by prairie west of the town of Drumheller.  The canyon gets its name from its horseshoe shape, defined by two coulees that flow into the Kneehill Creek, a tributary of the Red Deer River. The canyon’s two arms are approximately 5 km long each, extending from Highway 9 to kneehill Creek, at two former mining communities of Dunphy and Gatine..

 

The U-shaped canyon sits just right beside Highway 9, just 17 km  west of Drumheller.The rock layers go all the way back to the Cretaceous period some 70 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed a lush tropical landscape. The two arms of the canyon are each about 5 km long. The viewing platforms at the canyon rim deliver great views and great photos.

 

Waterton National Park

We explored Waterton Lakes National Park, a breathtaking 505-square-kilometre (195 square mile) stretch of wilderness where mountains rise from the prairie and pristine lakes reflect the sky. Over centuries, wind, fire, glacial ice, and floods have shaped this unique landscape—so distinctive that it’s been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Nestled in the far southwest corner of Alberta, Waterton shares an unguarded border with Montana’s Glacier National Park, forming the world’s first International Peace Park. The connection between the two parks is more than geographical—it’s a symbol of harmony and shared natural beauty.

Despite its relatively small size, Waterton packs in an incredible variety of sights and experiences. During our visit, we drove both of its iconic scenic routes:

Akamina Parkway took us on a 16 km journey from the village to Cameron Lake, one of the most stunning subalpine lakes we’ve ever seen, nestled deep in the Rockies.

Red Rock Parkway was equally memorable—16 km of winding roads offering views of lush alpine meadows, dramatic valleys, and majestic peaks. At the end, we discovered a spectacular canyon of red and green bedrock, cut through by clear mountain streams.

Even though the weather wasn’t ideal during our trip, we were amazed by the wildlife. We spotted bears, wolves, and bison—a reminder of how wild and alive this park truly is.

Nearly a million people visit Waterton every year, and we could see why. The charming village of Waterton made a great base for our adventures, offering cozy places to eat, relax, and enjoy a hot drink after a day of exploring.

Waterton Village

Every year, over 500,000 people visit the charming village of Waterton, and we were excited to experience it for ourselves. This pretty little village offers a great selection of places to enjoy a meal, snack, or beverage, all surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Prince of Wales Hotel. Built in 1927 by the Great Northern Railway, it stands proudly on a bluff overlooking Waterton’s Upper Lake, the village, and the Rocky Mountains, which stretch all the way to the Canada–USA border in Montana. As one of Alberta’s largest all-wood buildings, it has endured wind, fire, and even the Great Depression to become a National Historic Site, known around the world from photographs alone.

We also stopped by Cameron Falls, right in the village, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its beauty truly speaks for itself. Waterton Lake was another highlight — a paradise for windsurfers and a dream come true for anyone who loves fishing.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side during our visit, so we decided to continue our journey north toward Banff. Along the way, we made a scenic detour into British Columbia, which included a drive through part of the beautiful Kootenay National Park. Despite the change in plans, the adventure continued to impress us.

The Canadian Rockies 

The Majestic Rocky Mountains of Alberta

The majestic Rocky Mountains form the crown jewel of Alberta. These towering peaks are home to many of Canada’s most iconic animals—elk, bears, wolves, deer, mountain lions, and many more. Part of the American Cordillera, the Rockies are a vast, continuous chain of mountain ranges stretching from Alaska all the way to the tip of South America.

The Canadian Rockies, which span much of the Alberta–British Columbia border, are notably more jagged than their American counterparts. This is due to heavier glaciation, which sculpted the landscape into sharply pointed peaks and wide, U-shaped valleys. The Rockies are bounded by the open prairies to the east and stretch from New Mexico in the south to Alaska in the north, forming part of the larger North American Rocky Mountains.

The tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies is Mount Robson in British Columbia, standing at 3,954 metres. The second-highest, Mount Columbia (3,747 metres), is Alberta’s highest mountain. These impressive summits are set among some of the world’s most breathtaking national parks. Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes—many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites—together form the largest area of protected mountain parkland on Earth.

The Rockies teem with wildlife. Elk roam open meadows, deer slip quietly through forest trails, and black bears and grizzlies are sometimes seen lumbering across roads or foraging in berry patches. Wolves move in elusive packs, while mountain lions, powerful and stealthy, remain the ghostly guardians of the high country. The diversity of wildlife here reflects the untamed beauty of the land.

 

No visit to the Rockies is complete without a stop at Lake Louise. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, its surreal turquoise waters—fed by glacial melt—make it one of the most photographed lakes in the world. Whether you’re paddling across its surface or hiking to nearby spots like Lake Agnes or the Plain of Six Glaciers, Lake Louise offers moments of stillness and awe.

From Lake Louise, the spectacular Icefields Parkway leads to the Columbia Icefields—one of Alberta’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Here, visitors can walk on the ancient Athabasca Glacier or step out onto the Glacier Skywalk, where glass floors reveal a dizzying drop and panoramic views of a glacier-carved valley. It’s a humbling experience—a reminder of nature’s power and the vast age of the Earth.

Further north lies Jasper National Park, a quieter, more rugged corner of the Rockies. With its vast forests, pristine lakes, waterfalls, and deep canyons, Jasper is a paradise for explorers. It’s also one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world—ideal for stargazing far from city lights.

The Rocky Mountains have long played a vital role in Canada’s economy, especially through tourism. Nearly 11 million people visit the Canadian Rockies annually, drawn by their natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The region is also a haven for photographers, birders, and artists inspired by its raw grandeur.

Despite heavy snowfall in some areas—up to 7 metres per year—climate change is taking its toll. The Athabasca Glacier, for example, has been receding for over 125 years. In 2023, it experienced its greatest melt in a decade, retreating more than 5 metres in a single year.

Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park is a 1,406 km²   National Park in far southeastern British Columbia bordering Alberta to the East. It is one of seven contiguous national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage site. The Continental divide is the boundary between Kootenay and Banff National Park.

The main attractions of the park include Radium Hot Springs, the Paint Pots, Sinclair Canyon, Marble Canyon and Olive Lake. The Radium hot springs offer pools ranging from 35 to 47 °C.

Radium Hot Springs Just outside the park’s southwestern entrance is the town of Radium Hot Springs. The town provides amenities and services for those camping within the park, The town is named for the odourless hot springs located just inside the park boundary. We stayed overnight in the bush just outside Radium Hot Springs.

 BANFF

During our two-day stay, we had bad luck with the weather: it was cloudy, rainy, and felt like it could snow at any moment. Locals told us Banff has recorded snowfall in every month of the year.

Banff is a resort town nestled in Banff National Park, sitting at about 1,500 meters above sea level. It lies along the Trans-Canada Highway, 126 km west of Calgary and 58 km east of Lake Louise. Interestingly, Banff was the first municipality to incorporate within a Canadian national park.

As one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations, Banff is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery and natural hot springs. It’s home to about 8,500 residents and attracts visitors year-round. On our previous visit in the late ’90s, we had clear skies and stunning views right from town—an unforgettable memory. Unfortunately, this time the weather didn’t cooperate. Mountains like Mt. Rundle (2,050 m), Sulphur Mountain, Mt. Norquay (2,134 m), and Cascade Mountain (just under 3,000 m) all remained hidden behind a curtain of clouds.

Tunnel Mountain—also known as Sleeping Buffalo Mountain—stands at 1,690 meters. It got its name because surveyors originally planned to build a railway tunnel through it for the Canadian Pacific Railway, rather than following the Bow River Valley.

Banff also hosts events like the Rocky Mountain Music Festival and Bike Fest. It’s the northern starting point of the 4,417-km Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which ends in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Banff and nearby Canmore were proud hosts of the 2014 Alberta Winter Games.

In 2008, the town launched its local bus system, Roam Transit, which now offers 10 routes, mostly serving destinations within Banff and nearby areas in the national park. Two routes go to Lake Louise, and each bus stop features screens showing real-time arrival information for the next two buses.

Despite the weather, Banff remains a boutique village that understands what tourist want and expect. Thankfully, we hadn’t booked anything in advance, which gave us the flexibility to adjust our plans due to the weather.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies, this mountain paradise spans 6,641 square kilometres of awe-inspiring landscapes. It’s home to turquoise glacier-fed lakes, world-class hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints that leave visitors speechless.

However, the park can get extremely busy during the peak months of June through August. To enjoy a more peaceful experience, it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

Highlights within the park include:Moraine Lake – a world-famous gem with striking blue waters set against a backdrop of towering peaks.Morant’s Curve – a scenic viewpoint near Lake Louise, known for its iconic photo opportunities of trains winding through the valley.Lake Agnes – a stunning alpine lake, accessible via a rewarding hike starting from Lake Louise.The Columbia Icefield – the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, feeding six major glaciers and offering an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s glacial majesty.

Lake Louise Village

The village of Lake Louise is a located within Banff National Park on the Bow River. Just 3 kilometer from the lake that shares the same name. The village of Lake Louise sits at an elevation of 1,600 m making it Canada’s highest community. Snow can occur in any month of the year. Annual snowfall averages 2.8 meters and although winter temperatures can fall below −50 °C in January and February the averages are −18.4 °C Summers consist of frosty mornings and crisp, cool days.

Lake Louise

From the vivid turquoise waters to the soaring peaks that surround it, Lake Louise took our breath away. We joined fellow adventurers along the shore, taking in the stunning views, while bright red canoes floated gently across the glacial lake. We couldn’t resist dipping our hands into the icy water—just to feel if it was really as cold as it looked.

At the far end of the lake, glacial creeks flowed in, and every imaginable shade of blue came together just beyond the shoreline. It’s no wonder Lake Louise is famous worldwide—one of the most photogenic lakes on the planet. We arrived early, hoping to catch the sunrise, and it didn’t disappoint. As the first light hit the mountain peaks, the colors reflected across the still water in a scene that felt almost unreal.

We had also planned to visit Moraine Lake, another world-renowned gem featured as a background on Google and Windows systems, and even on the Canadian $20 bill. Sadly, we weren’t allowed to take our scooter up the access road—it was considered a vehicle under park rules. With all the national park shuttle buses fully booked for the next two days, our only option was a commercial tour… at $88 CAD each.

Just to travel 18 kilometers? That would’ve cost us $176—far too much for our budget. It was frustrating to be so close, yet unable to reach it. Still, even without Moraine Lake, Lake Louise offered us a magical experience—one that we won’t forget anytime soon. Standing there, surrounded by mountains and glaciers, we felt lucky just to witness such natural beauty.

We camped a few nights in the overflow area just south of Lake Louise takingthe scooter when sightseeing. WORD OF WARNING. Between July and August, it is peak season, and the place is overcrowded hence arrive early.

THE ICEFIELD PARKWAY

Banff and Jasper are connected by the scenic Icefield Parkway. This is definitely another journey that will be on our list of some of the most beautiful journeys we have driven so far visiting 144 countries around the world. A 232 km stretch of double-lane highway with soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields, a variety of wildlife, birds, and vast sweeping valleys. The Icefield parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and emerald lakes. Like in the USA we always wondered why you see signs warning travellers with signs Don’t kill our wild life? Yet allow you to drive 90 kilometres an hour on a scenic road and some go faster towing huge vans. No wonder many miss spotting wildlife.  Or maybe we are lucky as we never have a plan or are in a hurry.

Our first stop was Bow Lake is the headwaters of the Bow River that runs south through the city of Calgary and onto the Oldman River, ultimately to Hudson Bay. The lake lines the Icefields Parkway and makes a perfect place to stop and view the Crowfoot Glacier (shaped like a crow’s foot), Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain and Mount Thompson

Followed by Peyto Lake, Peyto Lake, is also the most visited and photographed lake in the Canadian Rockies. During the summer, significant amounts of glacial rock flour flow into the lake, and these suspended rock particles give the lake a bright, turquoise colour. The lake is best seen from Bow Summit, which is 2,088 metres above sea level. Bow Summit is the highest point on the drive from Banff to Jasper.

Other stops included,

Saskatchewan River crossing where three rivers meet; the mighty North Saskatchewan, the Howse and the Mistaya. The North Saskatchewan River rises in the Canadian Rockies and empties into Lake Winnipeg over 1,600 kilometres east across the country. It is also the only place for basic services, including public bathrooms, a gas station and a restaurant. Please note fuel is 50 cents dearer per liter than in Lake Louise or Jasper.

Big Hill and Big Bend, you will know when you arrive at the Big Hill and Big Bend. The road clings to the wall of a mountain and offers expansive views of the valley and river below. The Big Bend is the famous hairpin turn that wraps in a circle below towering peaks.

Bridal Veil Falls 12 kilometres south of the Icefields, Bridal Veil Falls is a roadside attraction while travelling along the northern section of the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. The falls are estimated to have a cumulative drop of 1200 feet.

The Columbia Icefield, Here we stayed 2 nights in the carpark enjoying the expansive views of snow-capped mountain ranges and the longest glacier in the Canadian Rockies. Be aware during the day this place is very busy, but after 7PM things quieten down.

These glaciers or “fields of ice” straddle Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are the largest south of the Arctic Circle. They are 325km2 in area and 100 to 365 metres in depth and receive up to seven metres of snowfall per year. During the summer months you can travel onto the glacier in the comfort of large “snowcoaches” or you can simply marvel at them from the roadside parking lot like we did. The Columbia Icefield is also a major destination for ski mountaineering in the winter months. The Columbia Icefield Centre and its natural history museum. A large three-dimensional model of the Columbia Icefield clearly shows its extent and its three meltwater drainages (Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific). Other displays examine wildlife of the alpine zone and explain how glaciers form, grow, and retreat

Tangle Falls is located on the north side of Tangle Hill, 7.4 km north of the Columbia Icefields this waterfall is popular with ice climbers in the winter.

Sunwapta Falls offers a view of raging water with a drop of 18 metres The falls are particularly impressive in the late spring and early summer when snowpack runoff is high. The Sunwapta Falls are fed by the Athabasca Glacier

Athabasca Falls the most powerful falls in the Canadian Rockies; the Athabasca Falls located just 30 kilometres south of the Jasper. The falls are impressive for the volume and force of water, less for its height. The falls can be safely viewed and photographed from various viewing platforms and walking

Jasper National Park

Jasper is located 366 km west of Edmonton on the Yellowhead Highway. After Banff National Park it is the most popular places to visit in the Rocky Mountains. Jasper National Park is a wonderland of dazzling glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, thundering waterfalls and evergreen forest, roaming wildlife, all surrounded by mountains and with views that produce postcard worthy pictures.

The park is home to caribou, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears and wolves. Maligne Lake, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca falls are the 3 major tourist spots in the park. Maligne Lake is quite popular as it is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. The water boasts incredible shared of blue and green and is surrounded by roaring mountains. Part of the park has been badly affected by the July 24 wildfires which also destroyed part of the town of Jasper.

Jasper

The small alpine town of Jasper, home to 5,000 people, is a tremendous base for exploring the encompassing national park. Jasper is the commercial centre of Jasper National Park. Jasper is a great base for exploring Canada’s extraordinary wilderness, If it’s chilly, heat up at Miette Hot Springs in the National Park. The town of Jasper is charming and smaller than nearby Banff and with far fewer people. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and coffee shops to venture into and out of. We loved the town vibe and enjoyed using our scooter to drive around and enjoy some of the best ice-cream we have had since Clara Ice Cream in Mexico City.

We explored most of the area on our scooter leaving our vehicle at Wapiti Campsite 8KM south of town. The campsite reopenend after the wild fires of 2024 but the damage down is enormous.

We visited Pyramid Lake close to the town of Jasper and is another great lake and to enjoy the backdrop of Pyramid Mountain, Horseshoe Lake is just a 20-minute drive from Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. It’s a wonderful local lake that many overlanders are unaware of, but it’s well worth stopping. Others were Lake Edith, Annette, and Beauvert are all very close together, and you can easily enjoy all three in one day on the scooter.

Another beautiful road trip in Jasper, follow the Maligne Lake Rd, which ends right at Maligne Lake. This 46-kilometer drive winds through the mountains and offers impressive scenery. One of the best stops is Medicine Lake, but there are plenty of pull-off points along the way for enjoying a picnic. The road is also famous for its wildlife sightings, including elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, white-tail deer, and grizzly and black bears.

 

DISASTER.  The Jasper Wildfire

The Jasper Wildfire began on July 22, 2024 and destroyed significant parts of the town and a large part of Jasper National park. Fires started north and south of the resort town of Jasper and grew out of control, and on July 22 they forced a mass evacuation of 25,000 residents, workers, and visitors. The fires merged and swept through the town, destroying 358 of its 1,113 structures. The evacuation order lasted until August 17, but fires to the south continued to burn out of control.

On September 7 Parks Canada announced that the wildfire was under control with the fire estimated to be 32,722 hectares in size, and was declared extinguished on April 1, 2025. One firefighter was killed in efforts to contain the blaze, and insurance companies paid $880 million in claims, making it one of the most expensive natural disasters in Canadian history. Jasper fire topped the list of Canada’s 10 most impactful weather stories of 2024.

Talking to the locals we received the following time line.

July 22 wildfire Northeast Of Jasper and one South of Jasper. Later that night an evacuation order was issued for Jasper National park.

July 23, The fire on the south of Jasper was around 12km from the town.

July 24, The South Fire fire was 8 kilometers from Jasper, while the North Fire remained contained. Early that eveninggale force winds pushed the fire into Jasper. And significant loss had occurred in parts of Jasper.

July 25, by now over 24500 people had been evacuated and by now the North and South fires had merged together

July 26, Parks Canada revealed that 358 of the 1,113 structures within the Jasper townsite were damaged by the wildfire while all critical infrastructure such as the hospital, schools, and wastewater treatment plant were saved. hundreds of firefighters from Canada, Australia, and South Africa arrived the following day to help battle the wildfire

July 27, the Jasper council released a map and list of addresses of the structures damaged by the fire. Experts determined that a fire tornado may have formed, burning hundreds of homes. Parks Canada  explained the wildfire was the largest the park had recorded in the last 100 years and could continue to burn for months.

Aug 1, the wildfire had grown substantially and was now 39,000 hectares with even more growth expected.

Aug 3, a wildland firefighter was killed after he was hit by a falling tree while fighting the wildfire northeast of Jasper

Aug 17  Jasper Council lifted the evacuation alert for Jasper after the wildfire was classified as being held.

Sept 7 Parks Canada announced that the wildfire was under control with the fire estimated to be 32,722 hectares in size

April 1 (2025) The wild fire was declared as extinguished

Due to the north and south wildfires converging Evacuees travelling from Jasper were ordered by emergency personnel to continue to travel westbound on Highway 16. A welcome centre was established in Valemount in British Columbia as a place for evacuees to rest.

B. The Calgary Stampede & Calgary

1. The Calgary Stampede
2. The Calgary Stampede After Party.
3. Calgary
4. The History

The Calgary Stampede: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

 

The Calgary Stampede—Canada’s biggest rodeo and The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth—kicked off with its iconic parade, this year 2025 led by parade marshal Shania Twain. With marching bands, hundreds of horses, and international guests, the spotlight was on Australia’s Rodeo Queen 2025, Paris Aldenton, Being invited as special guest at the VIP exclusive after-party was a great honour.

Calgary is world-renowned for its Stampede, proudly dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” As Canada’s biggest rodeo festival, the Stampede features thrilling competitions including bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc, bareback riding, and the iconic chuckwagon races.

Having attended festivals across the globe, we found the Calgary Stampede to be truly one-of-a-kind. It’s not just a rodeo—it’s a music and arts festival, a carnival, a foodie’s dream, and a vibrant celebration of heritage. Since its inaugural event in 1912, which attracted 80,000 attendees, the Stampede has grown exponentially. Today, it draws over 1.8 million visitors from around the world each year.

Despite its popularity, the Stampede has faced increasing international criticism from animal welfare organizations, often supported by environmentalist groups and politicians concerned about the ethical implications of certain events. These concerns mainly target the animal-based competitions, such as rodeo and chuckwagon racing.

Some Stampede events are ticketed and can be pricey, while others are free with general admission to areas like Heritage Park. The ten-day extravaganza includes one of the world’s largest rodeos, an impressive opening parade, live stage shows and concerts, multicultural exhibitions, and First Nations programming.

The event is powered by thousands of dedicated volunteers and backed by civic leaders, helping it evolve into one of the world’s richest rodeos and a major cultural festival. Rodeo and chuckwagon events are broadcast nationwide, showcasing the excitement across Canada.

The Stampede’s origins can be traced back to 1886, when the Calgary and District Agricultural Society held its first fair. Since then, it has become deeply embedded in Calgary’s identity. The city is affectionately known as “Stampede City” or “Cowtown,” and even the local CFL team is named the Stampeders.

During Stampede week, the city transforms. Office buildings and storefronts are decked out in western themes, locals don cowboy hats and boots, and the streets come alive with free pancake breakfasts, barbecues, and city-wide festivities.

The highlights

The Opening Parade

The parade marks the official opening of the Stampede and sets the tone for the festivities. Each year, a different parade marshal is selected to reflect public interest at the time—ranging from politicians and athletes to actors and other dignitaries. In 2025, the honour went to Canadian music icon Shania Twain. The event features dozens of marching bands, over 150 floats, and hundreds of horses, with participants from around the world. This year, Australia was represented by Rodeo Queen 2025, Paris Aldenton. Cowboys, First Nations dancers, and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are joined by clowns, bands, politicians, and business leaders in a vibrant celebration of culture and community

Rodeo

The rodeo is the heart of the Calgary Stampede, and it’s one of the largest and most famous events of its kind in the world. With a $100,000 prize awarded to the winner of each major discipline—and over $1,000,000 in total payouts on Championship Sunday—it also boasts the richest prize money in rodeo. Performing in front of more than 20,000 fans each day is considered the highlight of the rodeo season for many cowboys and cowgirls. Competitors are divided into two pools: the first pool competes over the first four days, and the second pool over the following four. The top four contestants from each pool move on to the final on Sunday. Those who don’t qualify directly get one more chance on Saturday’s Wild Card Day, where they compete for a spot in the final. The competitor with the best time or highest score on Sunday takes home the $100,000 grand prize.

Chuckwagon races

Chuckwagon races are a popular attraction. Officially called the Rangeland Derby, and nicknamed the “half-mile of hell” or the “dash for cash”, chuckwagon racing proved immediately popular and quickly became the event’s largest attraction. Today’s Rangeland Derby consists of 36 teams competing for $1.5 million in prize money. The chuckwagon drivers auction advertising space on their wagons before each year’s Stampede.

First Nations participation

During each Stampede, the five nations of the Treaty 7 create a camp on the bank of the elbow River, in the southern section of Stampede Park, originally known as the Indian Village, but renamed Elbow River Camp in 2018. They erect tipis, organize pow wows, offer arts and crafts, and re-enact elements of their traditional lifestyle. Each year, an Indian Princess is selected from one of the five nations to represent the Treaty 7 as part of the Stampede’s royalty. The village is among the Stampede’s most popular attractions

Stampede Park

Permanent structures at the site include the Saddledome, Big Four Building, a convention and exhibition facility, Cowboys Casino, and the Stampede Grandstand. Stampede Park has became a must visit location for locals and tourist year round. In addition to 1.8 million visitors at the Calgary Stampede, over 3 million people visit during the rest of the year and the park facilitates over 1000 events annually including sporting events, concerts, trade shows and meetings.

Other facts

The Economic impact and tourism are huge; officials work hard promoting the event across the globe. As such, the Calgary Stampede is known around the world. The Stampede draws foreign visitors primarily from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, and is experiencing growing attendance by tourists from South America. The 10-day event in Calgary accouns for $290 million of the $550 million the Calgary stampede generates during the year across the province of Alberta.  Stampede officials estimate that for every dollar spent at Stampede Park, tourists spend $2.65 in the rest of the city.

Operation of the park throughout the year requires 300 full-time and 1,400 part-time employees. An additional 3,500 seasonal workers are hired for the Stampede itself. Over 2,000 volunteers sit on 50 committees responsible for all aspects of the Stampede’s operation.  Nearly half of all volunteers have served for more than 10 years, and some as long as 60.

2. The Calgary Stampede After Party

When the Calgary Stampede ends, the after-party begins. The fireworks have faded, the rodeo bulls are resting, and the midway lights blink out one by one—but for anyone really in the know, the party is just beginning.

We felt so privileged to be invited as volunteer global overlanders and be looked after by Lisa, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, while bartenders pour  happy hour drinks until 11 PM.

It felt like a continuation of the Stampede tents. The place was a full-on country carnival and Canadian Country artist Brent McAthey, had the place rocking, a packed dance floor, midway games, and bars serving whiskey shots and BBQ sliders. Here, the line dancing went late, and the beer never stopped flowing. By 3:45 AM it was last drinks.

3. CALGARY

Calgary is a major city with a population of 1,5 million people. In 2022, 34% of the population was born outside Canada,

Located at the transition between the Rocky Mountain Foothills and the Canadian Prairies, Calgary sits about 80 km east of the Canadian Rockies, 240 km north of the U.S. border, and 300 km south of Alberta’s capital, Edmonton. At an elevation of approximately 1,042 meters above sea level, Calgary combines natural beauty, urban sophistication, and cultural vibrancy.

In 2022, Calgary was ranked alongside Zurich as the third most liveable city in the world, and the top-ranked city in Canada and North America. It also boasts the highest number of millionaires per capita of any major Canadian city.

Calgary is internationally recognized for the Calgary Stampede, which draws over 1.6 million visitors annually. But the city’s event calendar is packed with other major festivals, including the Calgary International Film Festival, the Calgary Folk Festival, The Greek Festival, and many more.

Downtown Calgary is home to many notable landmarks and neighbourhoods: Stephen Avenue, a lively pedestrian mall, features a mix of boutiques, high-end retailers, restaurants, and pubs. The Calgary Tower, once the city’s tallest structure, still stands as an iconic symbol, offering 360-degree views from 191 metres above street level. Olympic Plaza, St. Patrick’s Island, The Peace Bridge, and the Chinatown district add to the downtown charm. The Beltline, directly south of downtown, is a trendy area known for its nightlife, especially along 17 Avenue SW, packed with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The downtown core is well connected by the CTrain light rail system, which is free to ride within the downtown zone and includes nine stations.

One of the must do attractions when in Calgary is Heritage Park Historical Village. Calgary is also famous for its marching bands, such as the The Calgary Round-Up Band, The Calgary Stetson Show Band, Our Lady of the Rockies Marching Ghosts, Calgary Stampede Showband, and various militairy bands

navigation is straightforward in Calgary, The city’s road system is laid out on a grid, with numbered avenues running east–west and streets running north–south

After the Calgary Stampede we travelled through Drumheller, Waterton National Park, and Kootenay National Park in BC, ending up in Banff. One of the highlights was the Icefields Parkway, a 228 km route between Lake Louise and Jasper, offering stunning views of glaciers and mountains.

Downtown Calgary features a vibrant mix of attractions and districts. Highlights include the Chinatown district, St. Patrick’s Island, Olympic Plaza, and the Calgary Stampede grounds. The iconic Peace Bridge spans the Bow River, offering a picturesque connection between downtown and the city’s north side.

Directly south of downtown lies the Beltline community, known for its energetic nightlife, trendy restaurants, bars, and boutique shopping. The neighborhood’s main entertainment corridor is 17 Avenue SW, lined with a high concentration of pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Downtown Calgary is easily accessible via the CTrain light rail system, which features nine stations in the downtown area. Within this zone, the train is fare-free, making it a convenient option for getting around the core.

Beyond downtown, Calgary offers more attractions worth exploring. One standout is the Heritage Park Historical Village, which we first visited 30 years ago. This living history museum depicts life in pre-1914 Alberta and features costumed interpreters, original historical buildings, fresh-baked goods, and operational vintage machinery.

Guests can ride authentic historic vehicles, including a steam train, paddle steamer, and electric streetcar, or enjoy a scoop of old-fashioned ice cream and classic midway rides. The village itself is a blend of reconstructed buildings and original structures relocated from across southern Alberta.

Stampede History

The Calgary and District Agricultural Society was formed in 1884 to promote the town and encourage farmers and ranchers from eastern Canada to move west. The society held its first fair two years later, attracting a quarter of the town’s 2,000 residents

 

In 1889 it had acquired land on the banks of the Elbow River and the newly formed Western Pacific Exhibition Company hosted its first agricultural and industrial fair in 1899.

In 1908 the Government of Canada announced that Calgary would host the federally funded dominion exhibition that year. Seeking to take advantage of the opportunity to promote itself, the city spent $145,000 to build six new pavilions and a racetrack. The exhibition was a success, drawing 100,000 people to the fairgrounds over seven days despite an economic recession that afflicted the city of 25,000

In 1912 the first Stampede took place. The city built a rodeo arena on the fairgrounds and over 100,000 people attended the six-day event to watch hundreds of cowboys from Western Canada, the United States, and Mexico compete for $20,000 in prizes. The event generated $120,000 in revenue and was hailed as a success.

In 1919 the general manager of the Calgary Industrial Exhibition, convinced numerous Calgarian business owners to back the “Great Victory Stampede” in celebration of Canada’s soldiers returning from World War I.

In 1922 Weadick encouraged the city’s residents to dress in western clothes and decorate their businesses in the spirit of the “wild west”. By now Civic leaders truly supported the event (Votes) for the first time: The Mayor followed the costume suggestion and allowed downtown roads to be closed for two hours each morning of the six-day event to accommodate street parties. The new sport of chuckwagon racing was introduced and proved immediately popular. 138,950 people attended and the event.

1923 over 167,000 people attended and the success guaranteed that the Stampede and Exhibition would be held together permanently. The exhibition grew annually, peaking at 258,496 in 1928

The Great Depression resulted in attendance declines and financial losses. After the second world war things improved again The 1950s represented the golden age of the Calgary Stampede. Hollywood stars and foreign dignitaries were attracted to the Stampede; Bob Hope and Bing Crosby each served as parade marshals during the 1950s, The 7,500-seat stampede coral was completed in 1950 as the largest indoor arena in Western Canada

In 1949 to 1959 Attendance records were broken nearly every year.  In the 1950s and overall attendance increased by 200,000. This necessitated expansion of the exhibition grounds. Improvements were made to the grandstand and the race track was rebuilt in 1954. The Big Four Building, named in honour of the Stampede’s benefactors, opened in 1959 to serve as the city’s largest exhibition hall in the summer, and was converted into a curling facility each winter. But the improvements failed to alleviate all the pressures growth has caused: chronic parking shortages and inability to accommodate demand. Mainly due to lack of politician’s vision.

In 1959 Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip made their first of two visits to the event as part of their 1959 tour of Canada. The Queen also opened the 1973 Stampede.

In 1960-1966 Attendance continued to grow exceeding 500,000 for the first time in 1962 and reaching 654,000 in 1966.

In 1967-1968 Organizers expanded the event from six days to nine in 1967 and then to ten the following year.

In 1976 The Stampede exceeded one million visitors for the first time

In 1979 The Round-Up Centre opened as the new exhibition hall.

Between 1980-1988, the Olympic Saddledome, was completed in 1983. The Saddledome replaced the Corral as the city’s top sporting arena, and both facilities hosted hockey and figure skating events at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Between 1990-2000 Horizon 2000 (10 year plan) was released in 1990 detailing plans to grow Stampede Park into a year-round destination for Calgarians.

Between 2000-2010 A new ten-year expansion plan was released in 2004. The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede organization dropped the word “exhibition” from its title in 2007, and has since been known simply as the Calgary Stampede.

Between 2010-2020 Severe flooding happenend in Calgary in 2013, two weeks before the July 5 opening of the Stampede and caused significant damage to the grounds. However, the event went on as planned, except some of the main events scheduled for the Saddledome were cancelled due to flood damage to the facility, while other events were relocated to other locations.

In 2020 On April 23, the 2020 Stampede was cancelled for the first time in almost a century due to the COVID 19 Pandemic.

In 2021 community-oriented events held in compliance with Alberta public health orders were organized on the original dates of the Stampede.  Food vans offered pancakes and midway food staples, and the event’s fireworks show did happen.

Between 2022-2025, On July 1 2022, all covid restrictions were lifted with a marketing campaign called “Open for Summer” The decision to go on with the Stampede was met with mixed reactions, including concerns that it could become a superspreading event because Alberta’s reopening criteria were based only on the first vaccine dose and not being fully vaccinated.

 

C. British Columbia (BC)

PICTURES COMING SOON

1. General Information
2. British Columbia Part 1, Alberta Border to Nakusp
3. British Columbia Part 2, Nakusp to The Sunshine Coast
4. British Columbia Part 3, Vancouver island (under construction)  

1. General Information British Columbia

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is the third most populous province with an estimated population of over 5.7 million. Its capital is Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, while its largest city is Vancouver. BC is home to at least 34 Indigenous languages, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the province.

Geography and Borders
BC is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. It shares borders with Alberta to the east, Yukon and the Northwest Territories to the north, the US states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south, and Alaska to the northwest. The province boasts a rugged coastline stretching over 27,000 kilometers, including deep fjords and roughly 6,000 islands, most of which are uninhabited.

Mountains and Landscape
Approximately 75% of the province is mountainous, with more than 1,000 meters above sea level, 60% forested, and just 5% arable. The northern region is largely undeveloped and sparsely populated, except for areas east of the Rockies, centered around Dawson Creek. The highest mountain in BC is Mount Fairweather, while the highest peak entirely within the province is Mount Waddington. The Coastal Mountains and the Inside Passage, with their numerous inlets, offer some of BC’s most spectacular scenery.

Climate
BC’s climate varies dramatically due to its mountains and coastline. Coastal southern BC enjoys a mild, rainy climate influenced by the North Pacific Current, with annual precipitation exceeding 1,000 mm in most areas. Hucuktlis Lake on Vancouver Island receives an astounding 6.9 meters (6,903 mm) of rainfall annually. Heavy snowfall occurs in elevated mountainous areas, supporting ski resorts in both southern and central BC. Highway mountain passes in the southern interior can experience snowfall rivaling some of the snowiest cities in Canada, along with freezing rain and fog, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Economy
Major sectors of BC’s economy include forestry, mining, tourism, and construction. The province’s main exports are lumber, timber, pulp, paper, copper, coal, and natural gas.

Wildlife
Much of BC remains undeveloped, allowing populations of many species that have become rare elsewhere to thrive. During our travels, encountering wildlife at bush camps or along roadsides was amazing. The province is home to Grizzly and black bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars, moose, caribou, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and an incredible variety of birds.

British Colombia Part 1, Mt Robson to Nakups.

Mt Robson

After leaving Jasper, we crossed into British Columbia and made our first stop at Mount Robson Provincial Park. Towering above the landscape, Mount Robson is the most prominent peak in the Canadian Rockies and the second-highest mountain entirely within British Columbia, only behind Mount Waddington in the Coast Range. From the Yellowhead Highway, its massive south face dominates the horizon, an awe-inspiring sight that makes you feel both small and exhilarated. Mount Robson has a high failure rate on climbing to the top, with only about 10% of attempts being successful. there is no easy way to the summit and bad weather commonly rebuffs summit attempts Standing at its base, it’s impossible not to respect the challenge it presents—a true testament to the raw power and beauty of the Rockies.

Valemount

The village of Valemount serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Cariboo Mountain ranges, located just a short drive past Mt. Robson and Overlander Falls. Keep an eye out for mule deer, elk, black bears, and moose. The town is also a popular stop on BC’s mountain bike circuit. Just minutes from the center, the grassroots Valemount Bike Park offers a growing list of trails, all designed and built by local riders. You can also explore more than 15 historic hikes through a self-guided GPS geocaching adventure. Unfortunately for us, the weather turned nasty again, so we decided to continue on to Kamloops.

 

KAMLOOPS

Kamloops, British Columbia
Kamloops is located in south-central British Columbia, at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. Situated in the Thompson Valley within the Montane Cordillera Ecozone, the city’s center lies in the valley, with suburbs extending along the river branches and onto the surrounding hillsides. Kamloops is an important transportation hub. Kamloops North station serves as the first stop on the eastbound transcontinental train service, while the famous Rocky Mountaineer uses the Kamloops Heritage Railway at Kamloops station.

Known as a college town and promoted as the “Tournament Capital of Canada,” Kamloops hosts over 100 sporting tournaments annually. The city has also gained recognition as a mountain biking destination, home to Canada’s largest municipal bike park, the 26-hectare Kamloops Bike Ranch, and is often cited as the birthplace of freeride mountain biking.

SAD NOTE
In May 2021, an anthropologist announced the discovery of “probable” graves containing the remains of 215 children at a former Kamloops Indian Residential School. This tragedy led to the burning of five Catholic churches in Western Canada, as the school was operated by a Catholic order.

Inks Lake
Located just outside Kamloops at an elevation of 850 meters, Inks Lake sits in a shallow glacial valley with steep cliffs and surrounding hills. The lake was formed by a massive landslide that created a natural dam, blocking a nearby river and leading to its formation. Its water levels fluctuate seasonally, fed by snowmelt and precipitation from the surrounding mountains. The area is popular for bush camping and enjoying the natural, rugged landscape.

Revelstoke

After a day of shopping, refilling our water tanks, and doing laundry, we arrived in Revelstoke. Nestled high in the Monashee Mountains, next to Mount Revelstoke National Park and close to Glacier National Park, this year-round playground offers some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia. With metropolitan comforts set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, Revelstoke is flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Selkirk Mountains to the east and the Monashees to the west. Proclaimed “The Capital of Canada’s Alps” Revelstoke is our gateway to adventure and breathtaking views. Rugged mountains, glistening glaciers, lush forests, tumbling waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes made it a photographer’s paradise for us.

We found a great bushcamp just before Revelstoke on crown land. Knowing the area is bear country, we stayed alert—and seeing a bear wandering into our bush camp is another highlight of our visit to Canada. These magnificent creatures never fail to make a big impression. British Columbia truly is one of the richest wildlife-viewing areas in Canada.

For a local brew, we headed to Mt. Begbie Brewing, and we also checked out the quirky Village Idiot Bar & Grill, where we sipped Caesars made with bacon-infused vodka. Grizzly Plaza became our hub in Revelstoke’s historic downtown, where we enjoyed free live performances every evening. We missed a photo at the grizzly bear statue downtown—it’s kind of a thing here.

During our second visit we also visited the Revelstoke Dam, which produces enough energy to power 745,000 homes each year. We took an elevator ride to the dam crest lookout atop the massive 175-meter-high structure. Just outside Revelstoke, we wandered through the Enchanted Forest on the Trans-Canada Highway, a magical walk among ancient trees and over 350 handcrafted fairytale figurines and structures. At Mount Revelstoke National Park, we followed the Summit Road to the top, stopping at viewpoints along the way, and explored the pristine alpine and glaciated terrain of the Monashee Mountains, a wilderness of mountains, lakes, and forests south of Revelstoke.

East of Revelstoke, we visited Rogers Pass, one of British Columbia’s most spectacular mountain crossings and the crowning glory of the Trans-Canada Highway. At 1,382 meters in Glacier National Park, it’s home to the Park Canada Interpretation Centre. Unfortunately, pouring rain and low clouds closed the park during our visit, but we managed a quick photo from the top.

West of Revelstoke, we explored Sicamous in the Shuswap region, at the junction of Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake in the Eagle Valley. Known as Canada’s Houseboat Capital. the weather turned nasty again, we plan to return after completing our loop through the Kootenay region.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park had been highly recommended by fellow overlanders, and we had been looking forward to it for months. But when we arrived, the park was closed due to poor weather and a recent avalanche. We missed the towering mountain peaks and the cascading waterfalls that make this place so iconic. Still, our adventure wasn’t lost. We found ourselves camping beside a roaring glacier-fed river, surrounded by the towering old-growth trees of the world’s only inland cedar rainforest. Even without the peaks in view, the sheer power and serenity of the wilderness left us in awe.

Golden

Surrounded by six breathtaking national parks and three majestic mountain ranges—the Rockies, Selkirks, and Purcells—Golden sits at the heart of alpine adventure. But there’s more here than meets the eye. Say “hello” to the Kicking Horse River, named after one particularly ornery mule on a historic geology expedition. Stop by Kicking Horse Pass National Park along the Trans-Canada Highway to watch trains navigate the astounding Spiral Tunnels. Cross the river on the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, Canada’s longest freestanding timber-frame bridge. Golden is also home to over 100 km of incredible mountain biking trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

YOHO NATIONAL PARK

The word “Yoho” is a Cree expression for awe and wonder. Venture to Yoho National Park on the cusp of the Continental Divide to find traces of ancient ocean life and vast scenery. Be sure to explore Takakkaw Falls (one of Canada’s highest waterfalls). Yoho National Park is one of the best parks and places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is home to stunning glacial lakes, tall waterfalls, and amazing fossil beds. It is home to the famous Emerald Lake, which boasts unique emerald colours.

 Kootenay National Park

The park consists of 1,406 km² of the Canadian Rocky Mountains The park ranges in elevation from 918 m at the southwestern park entrance to 3,424 m at the Deltaform Mountain. Kootenay National Park is one of seven contiguous national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site. The main attractions of the park include Radium Hot springs, Sinclair Canyon, Marble Canyon, Numa Falls, The paint pots, and Olive Lake. Because of the relatively small width of the park around 8 kilometers either side of the highway many of the park’s attractions are situated near the road.

The Paint Pots are an acidic, cold water, mineral spring system from which ochre is deposited at spring outlets. The minerals are principally iron oxide which produces the water and mud’s reddish colour but other similar minerals can also be present and vary the colours to include various shades of yellow, red and brown.

Radium Hot Springs

We stayed just outside Radium Hot Springs and the national park a few weeks earlier love the area so much that we returned. Just outside town is a great area to bush camp on crown land. Radium Springs is named after the odourless hot springs located just inside the Kootenay National park boundary. Positioned on the “warmer side of the Rockies,” Radium Hot Springs offers more than the expected majestic mountain vistas, the hot springs offer a pool ranging from 35 to 47 °C The famed hot springs, the perfect accent to an adventurous day, are now open year round. The village sits just on the edge of Kootenay National Park, where the landscape transitions from ancient glaciers to the sweeping grasslands of the Columbia Valley. We camped in the bush on crown land just outside the village. Easy ride on the scooter and to the Radium Brewing Pub, Old Salzburg Restaurant, Helna’s Stube or the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery. This village has plenty of great European atmosphere and food such as the well known authentic Austrian Wiener Schnitzel.

 

The Kootenays Region

The Kootenays, a stunning region in southeastern British Columbia along the U.S. border with Washington and Idaho, is defined by its dramatic mountains and abundant waterways. The area stretches from Grand Forks to Creston, encompassing the Slocan Valley, Upper Arrow Lake (from Salmo to Galena Bay), and the North Kootenay Lake and Selkirk Valleys from Kaslo north to Galena Bay. Winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here, with numerous ski resorts scattered throughout the region.

Traveling east of Grand Forks along the Crowsnest Highway offers a perfect introduction to the steep, rugged terrain of the West Kootenays. This route includes the Skyway, the highest-elevation paved highway in Canada, and passes near two of British Columbia’s major mountain wilderness parks: Valhalla and Kokanee Glacier. Unique natural wonders, like Cody Caves and their karst formations, add to the region’s appeal. Serrated, glacier-cloaked granite peaks dominate the skyline, while glacial valleys filled with lakes create habitats for diverse wildlife. From alpine meadows to hot springs, and from wildlife observation to winter sports, the West Kootenays offer an exhilarating variety of wilderness experiences.

For overlanders and adventurous travelers, the Kootenays also boast backroads leading to hidden wilderness destinations. One such route passes through the Lardeau and Duncan Valleys, hemmed in by the Selkirk Mountains. Here, steep valleys channel mountain runoff into long, narrow lakes, which feed fast-flowing rivers cascading south into Kootenay Lake. Dense forests provide a constant reminder that much of this region remains untouched wilderness, perfect for backpacking and bush camping.

We reached the area via Highway 6 from Radium Hot Springs to the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3). From there, numerous roads and tracks branch off, and we explored a loop through Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, and Salmo. Heading north again, we took the Shelter Bay Ferry to Galena Bay before returning to Revelstoke, completing a journey that revealed the Kootenays’ rugged beauty, natural wonders, and serene wilderness.

SPARWOOD

Tucked away in some of the most rugged terrain in the heart of the Elk Valley, and surrounded by some of the densest wildlife populations in North America, we discovered the picturesque town of Sparwood. As the second-largest centre on the Elk River, it’s one of the youngest towns in British Columbia, yet it has a fascinating history that we couldn’t wait to explore.

We wandered through the village centre and admired several murals depicting Sparwood’s unique mining and railway heritage. For those interested in industrial marvels, tours of the Elkview open-pit coal mine—the largest in Canada—are available in July and August. Unfortunately, we hadn’t booked ahead, as we prefer to live day by day and explore spontaneously.

We couldn’t resist marveling at the Terex Titan, the largest tandem-axle dump truck in the world. Built by General Motors of Canada in 1974, this 350-tonne, 3,300-horsepower giant is so enormous that two Greyhound buses and two pickups can fit in its dump box!

The coal mines have created one of the strongest resource-based economies in British Columbia, and we were impressed by the pride the residents and mining companies take in preserving the area’s natural beauty. All Elk Valley mines take radical steps in reclamation to restore the landscape to its pre-mining splendour, which made us feel good about the balance between industry and nature.

The wildlife here is incredible. As we travelled through the region, we frequently spotted elk, bears, deer, and bighorn sheep. Heading north of Sparwood, we explored Elk Lakes Provincial Park, with its breathtaking subalpine scenery, pristine lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. We also hiked parts of the Elkford Interpretive Trail System, which offers 40 km of trails for beginners and advanced hikers alike.

Fernie

We found Fernie tucked into a narrow mountain valley, a town with a rich history and plenty of character. From its coal-mining roots, named after William Fernie, to its Prohibition-era nickname, the “Whiskey Gap,” there’s history around every corner. We loved exploring abandoned mines and heritage sites, stepping back in time while spotting black bears, deer, and elk around our bushcamp.

 

Adventure is everywhere. We missed the excitement of the Trans Rockies Challenge, a legendary mountain bike race covering 600 km and 12,000 meters of climbing. If you ever visit in April don’t miss the Griz Days Winter Festival, celebrating Fernie’s snow god, The Griz. For us, Fernie js a lot more than a ski town—it’s a mountain playground full of history, adventure, and awe-inspiring scenery.

Cranbrook

Cranbrook, the largest city in the Rocky Mountain region and the sunniest place in British Columbia, has earned the nickname “The Sunshine City”, with an average of 2,100 hours of sunlight annually. Thanks to milder early-fall weather, the season lingers longer here, making it an ideal gateway for adventure. Surrounded by stunning nature, Cranbrook offers five mountain biking areas with dozens of trails, including the popular Star Wars trail network. Many trails are multi-use, such as the 43-kilometre Chief Isadore Trail and the 28-kilometre Northstar Rails-to-Trails connecting Cranbrook and Kimberley.

 

For those seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and town comforts, Cranbrook delivers with boutiques, cafés, and a variety of attractions. Overlanders can enjoy bush camping and day trips, such as a journey up the St. Mary River Valley to St. Mary Lake, then over Grey Creek Pass to Kootenay Lake. While the road beyond the lake is gravel and summer-passable, a four-wheel-drive vehicle isn’t necessary. A round trip via Creston offers a spectacular backcountry experience. Another highlight is the Gilnockie Creek Ecological Reserve, a 2,800-hectare area featuring some of the region’s oldest larch and fir trees. A circular route from Moyie Lake, through Gilnockie Creek, and following Bloom Creek and Gold Creek back to Cranbrook makes for a rewarding adventure.

Northwest of Cranbrook lies Kimberley, a charming town with Bavarian-style buildings, cafés, and shops clustered around The Platzl pedestrian mall, the heart of downtown. In summer, live European music fills the air from the bandstand, often accompanied by a wandering minstrel accordionist.

Nelson

Nelson, a heritage town with a funky vibe, is brimming with interesting characters and hip businesses. Community and creativity are the backbone of the town, making this spot a warm and welcoming home base for fall escapades. And, with its natural beauty, cultural highlights, and great food, it’s easy to fall in love with this lakeside mountain town.

Nelson boasts 350 preserved heritage buildings which house hotels, diverse and contemporary restaurants, bustling cafes, a terrific food co-op, and locally owned independent boutiques. The town is home to four craft breweries—try Nelson Brewing Company, a Certified Organic craft brewery located in a 125-year-old building.

Rossland

During the Gold Rush of the late 1800s, Rossland was one of the largest cities in Western Canada. Now, the “Golden City” is an endearing, laid-back place with an adventurous heart and the beer is good, too. There are plenty of decommissioned railway beds, wagon roads, miners’ trails, and whiskey-running routes to explore.

Rossland is a driving force behind freeride mountain biking in the region. This passionate trail building community offers over 200 kilometres of trails, and with so many well-maintained trails and incredible access to the alpine, the trail-running scene is flourishing, too. But the aspirational ride many come to tackle is the Seven Summits Trail, a gruelling 36-kilometre traverse of the Rossland Range.

And don’t forget a beer at the Flying Stamshovel rumoured to be one of the oldest pubs in BC and one of the few remaining saloons from this era. At one time, there were 42 saloons in Rossland alone! As with many of its neighbours, the beer flows freely here. We found a great bushcamp just out of town overlooking the valley towards the USA border just 6 kilometers away

Nakusp

Tucked away in the heart of the Kootenays, Nakusp sits quietly on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake, Surrounded by the Selkirk, Valhalla, and Monashee mountains. Just outside town, a stretch of soft golden sand curves along the water, its gentle slope leading into clear, refreshing lake water. 4 days of R & R and only sounds are the soft lapping of waves, surrounded by, mountains rise steep and green. reminding us that wild beauty is never far away. Around us, amazing scenery and mountains that rise steep and green, reminding us that wild beauty is never far. That is until we got hit by a wild storm and lightning sparked a bushfire, it was time to leave the following day.

 

Nakusp’s charm isn’t just in its scenery. There’s a quiet sense of history here, from the days when paddle steamers brought miners and supplies up the lake, and that heritage lingers along the old streets. It’s a place where the pace of life slows, the mountains seem to keep watch, and the beach invites you to stay just a little longer. We did come for the beach and the views, but it’s the calm, the space, and the feeling of being cradled by lake and mountains that makes you want to return.

British Colombia Part 2, Nakusp to the Sunshine Coast.

Our journey through southwestern British Columbia was full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. The bushfires near Nakusp forced us to leave a beautiful beach spot we had been enjoying, sending us westward through breathtaking landscapes. We drove through the mountain towns of Revelstoke and Lillooet, and then on to the alpine charm of Whistler, each stop offering its own unique vistas and adventures.

Eventually, we reached the Sunshine Coast, north of Vancouver, a region that felt both remote and magical. To get there, we navigated three ferries, gliding across waters that at times mirrored the sky and at others sparkled in the sun, tracing part of the famous Inside Passage. Along the way, we also reached the end of Highway 101, a remarkable road we had been following on and off since our travels in Chile, South America—linking continents through a single thread of adventure.

Lillooet

Lillooet is a district municipality on the west shore of the Fraser River immediately north of the Seton River mouth. A main population centre of the Lillooet Nation who comprise just over 50 per cent of the Lillooet area residents, it is one of the southernmost communities in North America where indigenous people form the majority. Four internment camps existed in the Lillooet area during world war 2, following the removal of Japanese Canadians from the British Columbia Coast in 1942.

Whistler

Nestled northeast of Vancouver in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains, Whistler is a resort town that perfectly blends adventure with stunning natural beauty. While it has a permanent population of around 14,000, the town comes alive with seasonal workers and visitors, especially during peak ski and mountain biking seasons.

Originally celebrated as an alpine skiing mecca, Whistler has reinvented itself as a year-round playground. Summer brings thrilling mountain biking trails, and we were lucky enough to arrive just in time for the 20th anniversary of Crankworx, the world-famous mountain biking festival that draws riders from across the globe.

Whistler also left its mark on history as a host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, staging most of the alpine, Nordic, luge, skeleton, and bobsled events. Towering glaciated mountains flank the valley on both sides, creating a dramatic backdrop that invites exploration and adventure in every season.

The Sunshine Coast, British Columbia

The Sunshine Coast is a 180 km stretch of paradise along the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia. Known for its slower pace of life and charming coastal communities, it’s split into two halves—North and South Coast—separated by a large ocean inlet. We took the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay to connect the two sides, and we quickly realized that in the summer, waiting for the ferry is part of the adventure.

Although the Sunshine Coast is part of the BC mainland, we could only get there by ferry, boat, or air. We took the 40-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to the Langdale ferry terminal near Gibsons. Fun fact: we were back on Highway 101, which we’d been following on and off since Chile in South America. We know Lund as the “End of the Road” because it sits at Mile 0 of Highway 101, which is part of one of the longest highway networks in the world, stretching along the coast from Chile to Canada. And we have been following Highway 101 on and off since 2017, all the way from Chile.

Our Stops Along the Sunshine Coast

1. Gibsons
   Gibsons was our entryway to the Sunshine Coast. The village sits at the southwest corner of Howe Sound, perched on a hillside with views of several small islands. We recognized some spots from the classic CBC TV show The Beachcombers, including Molly’s Reach restaurant. We also discovered the roads here can be very steep—up to 33%—so driving required some careful maneuvering.
2. Roberts Creek
   We visited the funky artist village of Roberts Creek, home to about 3,553 people. The village stretches from the ocean up into the forests of Mount Elphinstone and Dakota Ridge. We spent most of our time in the Heart of the Creek, around Roberts Creek Road and Lower Road, soaking up the artsy vibe.
3. Sechelt
   Nestled on a narrow isthmus between Sechelt Inlet and the Salish Sea, Sechelt is surrounded by forests and coastline. We drove there along Highway 101 from Gibsons and used the free shuttle to explore the town, since RV parking was limited.
4. Halfmoon Bay
   Just north of Sechelt, we found Halfmoon Bay with some of the most stunning coastline and beach access points on the Sunshine Coast.
5. Pender Harbour
   Pender Harbour felt like a true water-centric community. We explored Pender Bay and the surrounding small communities of Madeira Park, Kleindale, and Garden Bay, which form a horseshoe around the ocean coastline with freshwater lakes in between.
6. Egmont
   Egmont sits on the Sechelt Inlet, just 10 minutes from the Earls Cove ferry terminal. The highlight for us was Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, home to the world-famous rapids. We watched the powerful standing waves and were amazed by the expert paddlers navigating them.
7. Powell River
   Powell River is the largest community on the Sunshine Coast, with about 14,000 residents. We spent three days on the beach here, and it felt like we met almost the entire village, as everyone seemed to come over to admire our vehicle.

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9. Lund
   At the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast, Lund sits on the traditional and unceded territory of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Homalco First Nations. This picturesque village is a haven for boaters heading to Desolation Sound, Overlanders finishing Highway 101 which is part of one of the longest highway networks in the world, stretching along the coast from Chile to Canada., at Mile 0, the end of the road in Lund.

“Three days by the marina in Powell River, and we met practically everyone in town—apparently our vehicle was the hottest attraction since the local bakery opened. Ha Ha Ha

BRITISH COLOMBIA PART 3 Vancouver Island

After exploring The Sunshine Coast for the last 5 days, we caught the 90-minute ferry to Vancouver Island to continue our adventure in Part 3 of British Columbia.

 

Vancouver Island Canada’s true West Coast.

Vancouver Island stretches like a great green jewel in the northeastern Pacific, lying just off the southwest coast of British Columbia. At 456 kilometers long and up to 100 kilometers wide, it’s a place of contrasts—rugged coastlines, deep forests, gentle farmland, and bustling harbours. At its southern tip sits Victoria, the island’s capital and the oldest city in the province.

 

The island is famous for its mild climate, the warmest in all of Canada. Here, winters are soft, springs come early, and summers linger. Since the mid-1990s, some areas have been mild enough to grow Mediterranean crops like olives and lemons. Parts of the southern island and nearby Gulf Islands even lie south of the 49th parallel, setting them apart from the rest of Western Canada.

Vancouver Island is often described by its regions. To the south lies Greater Victoria, alive with gardens and heritage buildings. Moving northward, the South Island blends vineyards and forested hills. The Central Island mixes beaches and small-town life, while the Pacific Rim on the wild west coast draws surfers and storm watchers. Further still, the North Island is a frontier of wilderness, and scattered nearby are the Gulf & Discovery Islands, where life slows to the rhythm of tides.

But perhaps the truest spirit of Vancouver Island is found in its wild places. On the Brooks Peninsula, a 14-kilometre arm of land thrust into the Pacific, the wilderness feels unchanged by time. Here, every step into the rainforest or along the rocky shore feels like walking into the past. Even wilder still is Cape Scott Provincial Park, a rugged headland where the elements rule. Towering evergreens bend under relentless winds, and the Pacific roars against cliffs and beaches. Yet tucked among these wild shores are hidden coves and inlets—silent, sheltered places where the sea mirrors the sky.

The island’s backbone is the Vancouver Island Ranges, running its length and dividing the wet, storm-battered west coast from the gentler, drier east coast. At their heart rises Golden Hinde, the island’s highest peak at 2,195 meters, surrounded by alpine lakes and valleys. The coastline is carved into fjords, bays, and inlets, while the interior hides still, deep waters and ancient groves.

About 860,000 people call Vancouver Island home, nearly half clustered around Victoria. Others live in small, scattered towns at the ends of logging roads or in quiet coastal villages. Life here moves at a slower pace, tied to the sea and the forest. Visitors come for whale watching, bear viewing, surfing, camping, or simply to walk among old-growth forests and windswept beaches.

Despite its size and importance, Vancouver Island remains separated from the mainland—no bridge connects it to British Columbia or Washington. Instead, ferries carry cars and passengers across the Strait of Georgia, while planes touch down in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Comox. The journey itself feels like part of the adventure, as the island always rewards those who make the crossing.

Vancouver Island is more than just a destination—it’s a place of wilderness and warmth, where untamed nature and human life exist side by side. It’s an island that invites exploration, whether in its bustling harbours, hidden coves, or along its endless forest trails.

Vancouver Island Roads

Every turn of the road, every trail into the forest, brings a sense of discovery and awe. The northern part of Vancouver Island is a land of extremes—of roaring winds and quiet coves, of towering forests and open seas—a place where nature still reigns supreme, and every encounter reminds you of just how wild and alive it truly is. Vancouver Island is also well served by gravel and logging tracks, and a growing number are being upgraded to paved roads. Numerous active and decommissioned logging and forest roads provide access to the backcountry.

 

There is one major north–south highway system on the island, which runs along the eastern side. It begins in Victoria as Highway 1 which is part of the Trans-Canada Highway as far as Nanaimo.this is when Highway 19 takes over and continues to Port Hardy. The route is a patchwork of two-, four-, and six-lane roadways between Victoria and Port Hardy. The main east–west routes are mostly two-lane, such as Highway 4 to Tofino, Highway 14 to Port Renfrew, Highway 18 to Lake Cowichan, Highway 28 to Gold river and highway 30 to Port Alice.

Climate

The climate of Vancouver Island is the mildest in Canada, with temperatures on the coast even in January being usually above 0 °C.  In summer, the warmest days usually have a maximum of 28–33 °C. The southeastern part of the island notably has a warm summer with numerous vineyards. The rain shadow effect of the island’s mountains, as well as the mountains of Washington Olympic Peninsula, creates wide variation in precipitation. The west coast is considerably wetter than the east coast. Average annual precipitation ranges from 6,650 mm at hucuktlis Lake on the west coast which makes it the wettest place in North America to only 608 mm in Victoria. Precipitation is heaviest in the autumn and winter. Snow is rare at low altitudes but is common on the island’s mountaintops in winter. Skiing is popular at Mt Washington in the mid-island, with an elevation of 1,588 m.

Most Overlanders begin their trip to Vancouver Island in Victoria, But Ferries also run regularly from Vancouver to Nanaimo, from Seattle or Port Angeles in the USA to Vancouver Island, from Prince Rupert River to Port Hardy and from Powel River to Comox

in a few small pockets around the island are some remaining virgin forests, home to enormous trees up to 800 years old. Some of the best places to see these giants are around Tofino, Port Renfrew, and an area known as Cathedral Grove

Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests are truly a national treasure and an absolute must-see for anyone with an appreciation for nature. Given the incredibly scenic nature of Vancouver Island, it’s not surprising that camping is a popular pastime. However some of those campsite charge ridiculous prices. Hence bush camping is the way to go. it’s hard to beat waking up in the fresh air on a still morning, looking out over glass-calm water, or watching the smoke rise up from your campfire. Compared to waking up with your neighbour 2 meters away and his airconditioner running all night.

Comox

We began our journey in Comox, a town on the southern edge of the Comox Peninsula, overlooking the Strait of Georgia on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. While most visitors first arrive at the island’s southern tip or through Nanaimo, we chose instead to arrive in the heart of the island.

Comox immediately drew us in with its blend of coastal charm and outdoor adventure. The town is known for its fishing, abundant wildlife, and year-round golf, as well as its easy access to both Mount Washington’s ski slopes and the wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park. The mild climate has also attracted many retirees in recent years, reshaping the community and giving it a noticeably older character. From much of town we could see the Comox Glacier—an unmistakable landmark and a dramatic backdrop to daily life.

 

After an overnight stop just outside Comox, we set off north. The stretch of island from Campbell River to Cape Scott revealed itself as wild and untamed, with jagged Pacific coastline on one side and whale-rich waters on the other. Everywhere we turned, wildlife seemed to be waiting for us: the haunting plume of a whale offshore, the sudden rustle of leaves as a black bear crossed the road, or the unforgettable sight of bears fishing in salmon-filled rivers during spring and summer.

North Vancouver Island

Much of Vancouver Island once looked the way the North Island still does today—wild, rugged, and untamed. We discovered that some of this wilderness has been preserved, such as Brooks Peninsula, a stubby 14-km projection on the northwest coast, and Cape Scott Provincial Park, one of the wildest and windiest places on the island. Here, the elements have protected the land from the reach of industry.

We also noticed how gentler conditions prevail in the sheltered coves and inlets, where calm waters invite exploration. After our overnight stop just outside Comox, we decided to head north first.

Just beyond Campbell River, we entered the North Island region, which stretches to the windswept tip at Cape Scott, west to the jagged Pacific coast, and east to whale-rich waters. Along the way, we found that wildlife is everywhere. We spotted whales offshore and black bears along Highway 19—remarkable roadside attractions in the spring and summer. During salmon season, you even see bears fishing in local rivers.

Port McNeill – Gateway to the Broughton Archipelago

Port Mc Neil is proud to be known as the gateway to the scenic offshore islands, protected waters, and winding passages of the Broughton Archipelago. For anyone seeking outdoor adventure, Port McNeill is the perfect starting point.

As Vancouver Island North’s second-largest town, locals live in harmony with the rich natural resources of both land and sea. The full-service commercial harbour welcomes sailors from all over the world and serves as a hub for exploring the coast.

along our seawall, we found plenty of photo opportunities. Including a 1938 steam donkey, once used in local logging operations, now displayed as part of our heritage. We saw the world’s largest burl, weighing 24 tons and estimated to be more than 525 years old. A second impressive burl awaits just five minutes north of town along Highway 19.

Telegraph Cove

 

 

Travel writers love to call this one of Canada’s most picturesque villages… honestly, I’m not sure I’d go that far. But there’s no denying it has charm. Telegraph Cove is best known as the jumping-off point for whale-watching in Johnstone Strait, and boat tours to see bears. Named after a coastal telegraph station built over a century ago, it’s one of the West Coast’s last remaining boardwalk communities, and walking around, you can feel a little bit of that old-time character.

 

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s $$$. But if you’ve never seen bears or humpback whales, this is a prime spot to try. Remember the signs warn, nature doesn’t exactly come with guarantees. And honestly, that unpredictability is half the thrill.

Port Hardy

Port Hardy is the northernmost point of the Island Highway (Hwy 19) and the starting point for the BC Ferries Inside Passage route to Prince Rupert. We can’t wait to experience this epic ocean journey along the Discovery Coast Passage, through the mid and north coast, and to Haida Gwaii, with Prince Rupert as our final stop next year on our Canada West Coast and Alaska adventure.

This town has it all for us: outdoor adventures, marine activities, Wildlife is everywhere around town, and we spotted black bears along the highway as they feast on sweet grass. We’ll also be kept a sharp eye out for whales in Johnstone Strait—nature in its purest form!

Coal Harbour

Situated just a 20-minute drive from Port Hardy, Coal Harbour is a northern Vancouver Island marine hub offering prime access to the fertile fishing grounds of Quatsino Sound. Over the years, this charming community has transformed from a mining town to a military base and even a whaling station. Today, it serves as a perfect launch point for fishing charters, boating, kayaking, and camping adventures into the scenic coastal waters and old-growth forests of Vancouver Island North.

The annual Music and Arts Festival, held in late April or early May, is a must do if you are in the area and spot local wildlife including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters in their natural habitat. Coal Harbour is truly a gateway to both adventure and nature on the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

 

Port Alice

Known as the Gateway to the Wild West Coast, Port Alice is a village of approximately 700 residents and provides crowd-free access to prime fishing and great campspots along Alice Lake, Spruce Bay, Side Bay, and Gooding Cove. Thirty minutes off Highway 19, this seaside community at the end of Neroutsos Inlet is situated in a pristine wilderness setting. The sheltered waters of Neroutsos Inlet are perfect for kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife viewing, fishing and prawning. Witness the abundance of wildlife: eagles, bears, sea otters, sea lions, orca and humpback whales. The village is also known for its natural environment, pulp mill, and salt water fishing. Devil’s Bath, a flooded sinkhole near Port Alice, is an example of a cenote and is the largest in Canada at 359 meters in diameter and 44 meters in depth

Due to heavy rainfall and the surrounding steep slopes, Port Alice experienced mud and rock slides in 1927 and 1935, which contributed to the decision to relocate the town site away from the mill in 1965. Landslides continued to occur in the area and at the new townsite in 1973, 1975, 1987, and 2010.

Central Vancouver Island

As we drove south through central Vancouver Island, the views across the Strait of Georgia were breathtaking, with the rugged Coast Mountains rising majestically to the east. The highway meandered past well-tended farms, making this stretch of the journey feel peacefully rural. Vibrant flowers bloomed in the gardens that adorned many of the homes along the route. Small rivers, like the Little Qualicum and the Englishman, and larger ones such as the Puntledge and the Campbell, all flowed gracefully into the strait, adding a dynamic rhythm to the serene landscape.

Gold river

Gold River is a village municipality located close to the geographic centre of Vancouver Island.  In terms of the Island’s human geography, it is considered to be part of the “North Island”, even though it technically is close to the islands centre.

Taking advantage of its deep water and abundant forests, Gold River was Carved from wilderness in the 1960s and developed in 1967 as a prototypical logging and pulp and paper industry village. When Gold River was built, it was Canada’s first all-electric town, and the first in Canada to have underground wiring. Gold River quickly sprang into prosperity and established excellent community facilities. When shifting world markets brought the mill closure in 1998, many of Gold River’s inhabitants were forced to relocate. Since then, the village has attempted to capitalize on its idyllic setting among picturesque mountains, lakes, rivers, ocean and forest to develop tourism which has today become an major economic benefit for the town.

Gold River also serves as a historic point, being the closest village to Friendly Cove, where British explorer Captain James Cook first came ashore. After one great day of blue sky and warm temperature on the shores of Upper Campell reservoir we woke up the next morning to cloudy sky and cool weather. Real shame as the area covers many great campsites and over 100 caves (the upana caves)

Mount Washington

This is Vancouver Island’s most popular family ski resort with year-round activities. In winter, the mountain offers a variety of ski runs and a terrain park. The resort has more than 500 meters of elevation from base to top. There are also opportunities for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and tobogganing. In summer, visitors can enjoy alpine hiking, with the help of the Scenic Chairlift Ride to the top of Mount Washington, or on the trails at the base.

Campbell River

The young and vibrant community of Campbell River on the east coast of central Vancouver Island is beautifully set between Strathcona Park to the west and the Discovery Islands to the east, a metropolitan town located on the frontier of a BC wilderness, inhabited by few people but many animals. Long known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River is a natural destination, in more ways than one. Campbell River is big as Vancouver Island cities go. The town hosts a busy arts and culture scene, and is completely ringed with shopping malls, yet the city centre still looks and feels as it probably did in the ’50s.

One of the four main fishing centres on Vancouver Island, the city is internationally famous for both its ocean and freshwater fishing. The year-round salmon fishing in Discovery Passage is unmatched. Here you’ll find some of the best fishing outfitters on the island. Over 32000 residents call Campbell River home. Totem poles can be viewed at various sites throughout Campbell River; Tyee Plaza Shopping Centre, Foreshore Park, Coast Discovery Inn, Wei Wai Kum House of Treasures and the Discovery Harbour Centre. There are many opportunities to share and experience First Nations culture, festivals, and special ceremonies provided in the region.

Coombs

Coombs One of the more unique and long-standing attractions on Vancouver Island is the Old Country Market, complete with resident goats on the roof. For over 30 years, goats have been happily posing for pictures as they munch contentedly away on the sod roof. The goats are only out in summer we are told, but the area is a popular place to visit year-round. the Old Country Market is a fully-fledged tourist attraction and perfect family outing. Not only will you find the goats, you’ll also find an assortment of restaurants, an ice cream stand, gift shops, a vegetable and fruit market, a garden center, and a surf shop. We even found a Dutch shop in the village full of European goodies.

 

Port Alberni

Port Alberni is a city located in the Alberni Valley at the head of the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest inlet. Port Alberni has a total population of just over 18000. We arrived in Port Alberni as the sun sparkled off the Alberni Inlet, its waters inviting and calm. But bushfires were raging in the mountains around us. First, we wandered Harbour Quay, after shopping at Walmart we decided to stay overnight in the carpark followed the following morning with a visit to Sproat Lake we marvelled at towering trees

 

Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove Near Port Alberni, is one of the most popular places to see ancient trees. It’s an easy stop on the way to Tofino. Cathedral Grove is a stand of towering Douglas firs, with some trees between 600 and 800 years old, reaching 75 meters tall and as much as nine meters in circumference. Also in the park are old western red cedar.

Pacific Rim (West Coast Vancouver Island)

In the decades before the Pacific Rim National Park was born in 1970, this moss-laden landscape of mist and surf was a little-known outpost, a world apart. If adventurers managed to coax a vehicle across the tortuous road that led west from Port Alberni to the isolated ports of Tofino and Ucluelet Today over 1 million people visit this remote town but today the dirt made room for black topped highway.

 

Tofino

Tofino is a town of approximately 2,500 residents on the west coast of Vancouver Island. A popular year-round tourism destination, Tofino’s summer population swells to many times its winter size.The little town of Tofino is the jewel of Vancouver Island’s western shore. In the winter, it is not as bustling, although many people visit Tofino and the West Coast to watch winter storms. Looking out over Claoquot Sound and surrounded by old-growth forest and seemingly endless beaches, this little fishing village is a popular tourist destination on Vancouver Island but it did not feel crowded. Tofino is one of the oldest settlements on the West Coast, and it has a very remote feel. Despite its popularity, it has remained small. The town has surf shops, tourist stores, restaurants, and hotels.

It’s also known for being Canada’s hottest surf destination, with people coming here to surf year-round. In Tofino, you can spot orcas and humpback whales, but the main species is gray whales, which can be seen regularly between March and November. If you aren’t into surfing, storm watching from November to February, when huge waves roll in off the Pacific Ocean, we are told is another reason many people like to visit Tofino in the quiet of the off-season. Massive piles of driftwood along some of the beaches testify to the violence of the ocean waves. Lots to see and do in the area. Whale Watching, Hot springs, Pacific Rim National Park, and hopefully when we return in March we will visit during the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. The armchair sport of winter storm watching originated in Tofino.

 Clayoquot Sound

Clayoquot Sound is a remote area on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Much of it lies north-west of Tofino, with beautiful deep fiords, countless little islands, and one of the last surviving areas of temperate rainforest. It is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A decision by the provincial government to allow clearance of half the remaining 3,500 square kilometers of virgin wilderness met with much resistance and protests, and led to the preservation of this special place. black bears, as well as other animals, are roaming the surrounding areas.

Pacific Rim National Park,

Pacific Rim National Park, just outside the resort town of Tofino, is another excellent area to see the giant trees of Vancouver Island’s rainforest. Two one-kilometre loops lead past hundreds-of-800 years-old trees. Sit down on a park-provided Adirondack Chair for a while and gaze up at one of these beauties while you listen to the sounds of nature. Pacific Rim National Park covers a lush stretch of coast between Tofino and Ucluelet. The rainforest of ancient cedars and shoreline of beaches and rocky headlands reveals the wild and rugged natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Long soft-sand beaches are found all along Pacific Rim National Park. The 16-kilometer-long Long Beach is a vast expanse of sand where people come to walk, beachcomb, surf in the big waves, or simply enjoy a sunset. Whales can sometimes be spotted offshore, especially in spring and autumn.

 

Ucluelet

Ucluelet located on the Ucluelet Peninsula at the western edge of Barkley Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This village is 42 kilometres south of Tofino and a wonderful drive to experience some of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful scenery. population around 2100. The closest city is Port Alberni, which is approximately 100 km to the east.

Nanaimo

Nanaimo is a city of about 100,000 on the east coast of Vancouver Island. A 2-hour ferry ride will transport you from the bustling city of Vancouver to this charming island town. “The Harbour City” was previously known as the “Hub City”, which was attributed to its original layout design with streets radiating from the shoreline like the spokes of a wagon wheel, and to its relatively central location on Vancouver Island Nanaimo is often one of the two jumping-off points on Vancouver Island when you travel here by ferry.

Nanaimo is the second largest city on Vancouver Island. Nanaimo receives very similar weather patterns to Vancouver. You can expect a good amount of rain, about 170 days of rain yearly. Winters rarely dip below freezing with only a few days of snow expected during the winter months. Nanaimo also has three BC Ferry terminals.

Chemainus

 

Located south of Nanaimo, Chemainus is known for its larger-than-life size murals (50 plus) that decorate the sides of buildings throughout the town. The images illustrate the history of the town and are painted by well-known artists. A walking path leads visitors on a trail to see the murals. This has become a big tourist draw. While tourism activities represent a new feature of Chemainus’ economy, the forest industry is still the largest industry in the community.

Duncan

Duncan is the smallest city in size in Canada by area. It was incorporated as a city in 1912. The city is served by the Trans Canada Highway which connects the city to Nanaimo 45 kilometers to the north and Victoria 45 kilometers to the south. Although the City of Duncan has a population of just over 5,000, it serves the Cowichan which has a population of approximately 90,000

The City of Duncan is known for one of the largest totem pole collections. The City was officially named “City of Totems” in 1985. The City had 44 totem poles in the collection, however one was destroyed in an auto accident, one was gifted to Kaikohe, New Zealand and one returned to earth. Duncan has a large Indigenous community and is the traditional home of the Cowichan Tribes. The men and women of the Cowichan Tribes are makers of Cowichan Sweaters

From Duncan, we headed over to Cowichan Bay on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. The small maritime town is the first “Cittaslow” village in North American; a network of towns and villages in over 28 countries, and an offshoot of the Slow Food Movement founded in Italy. Must visit is the Old World-style bakery, True Grain Bread.

Mill Bay

Mill Bay at the north end of the Malahat Drive, is where we met up with Jay and Bernice and parked our truck before and left to go back to Australia. Mill Bay village’s has a quiet waterfront streets and wonderful Gulf Island views. The surrounding parks and scenery are lovely This is an ideal spot to spend a few days, basking in the sun and swimming in warm waters. BC Ferries operates a regularly scheduled ferry service between Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula, which offers an alternative route from Mill Bay to Victoria or to the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay. heading back to the Malahat Highway, towards the Malahat Summit to take in stunning views of the Saanich Inlet and the Cowichan Valley, before victoria.

Greater Victoria

Almost half of Vancouver Island’s population of 750,000 lives in and around the provincial capital of Victoria, at the southern end of Vancouver Island. Victoria has a temperate climate with mild, damp winters and relatively dry and mild summers. There is a rich diversity of landscapes within the region, ranging from the Douglas fir forests along the coast to the drier, exposed conditions of the higher, rockier elevations that support Garry oak forests. Flowers bloom year-round in Victoria.

A tangled web of events since then has displaced the original dwellers, but their history is evident in the petroglyphs that adorn the shoreline and in the middens of seashells mounded up beside the beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Totem poles new and old stand as proud reminders of this heritage. After talking to some of the first nation people the figures on the totems will no longer be static representations from a mythological age. Instead, combined with the presence of killer whales, seals, eagles, ravens, salmon, and other species that are as vibrant in the landscape today as they were in the past.

Victoria

Victoria is the capital city of the British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada’s Pacific coast. The city has a population of 91,867,As the main gateway for most overlanders to Vancouver Island, Victoria is where most visitors will begin their trip, For us it was one of the last, but  a great town to finish our 6 months in Canada and the photo opportunity to the end of the Trans Canadian Highway ( depends who you speak to as from some or the Vancouver locals it is the beginning. Looking out over the Juan de Fuca Strait to the mountains on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, British Columbia’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada.

Known as “the Garden City”, Victoria is an attractive city and a popular tourism destination and has a regional technology sector that has risen to be its largest revenue-generating private industry. In 2019, Victoria was in the top 20 world cities for quality of life,

Arriving in Victoria, take a deep breath, (It is busy), horse-drawn carriage rides, Victoria is a small city, and the compact downtown makes visiting the sites incredibly easy. It’s also filled with stores and restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. The focal point downtown is the Inner Harbour, lined with historic stone buildings (including the BC legislature, which at night lights up like a palace with over 3,000 lights) and buzzing with floatplanes, boats, passenger ferries, and whale-watching zodiacs. The scenic Inner Harbour is where much of the action is centred and where many of the tourist attractions are located.

Victoria is the southernmost major city in Western Canada and just 40 km North of the USA and the city Port Angeles in the state of Washington, by ferry Coho across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, 100 kilomters to the city of Seattle in the USA.

Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway – Victoria

Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway is located at the intersection of Douglas Street and Dallas Road, near the scenic Victoria waterfront. This marker signifies the start (or finish) of the over 8,000 km Trans-Canada Highway, which spans the entire length of Canada.

 

 

The monument sits on a large grassy area adjacent to Beacon Hill Park. Mile 0 is also home to a statue of Terry Fox, a Canadian hero who lost his right leg to cancer at the age of 18. Fox embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research, beginning in Newfoundland on the east coast and aiming to finish at Victoria’s Mile 0. Tragically, his journey ended near the halfway point when he fell ill and passed away. Since his run, hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised in Terry Fox’s name for cancer research, inspiring generations of Canadians and people around the world.

Butchart Gardens

Our first visit to Butchart Gardens was 30 years ago, (1995) unfortunately this trip we missed out due to running out of time

However, we will visit when we return early 2026. Butchart Gardens is set in an old quarry outside Victoria, in Brentwood Bay. For those with a love of gardening these fabulous gardens provide a opportunity to step into a peaceful natural setting with flowers, trees, pathways, and places to relax. In the evening, the gardens are illuminated with creative lighting and on Saturday nights you can enjoy a firework display set to music. Every evening in July and August live music performances take place at Butchart Gardens. If you happen to visit around Christmas, the gardens are lit with a display of Christmas lights and decorations, and various festivities and activities are on offer, including ice skating in an outdoor rink.

Sidney

Sidney is a town located at the northern end of the Saanich Peninsula, population of approximately 11,583. Sidney is mainly an industrial town, with most people working in the construction, manufacturing, and warehousing fields The quaint Sidney-by-the-Sea is a seaside sanctuary with plenty to do. It is the perfect destination to wrap our road trip before heading back to Mill Bay to store our truck with Jason and Bernice. Sidney-by-the-Sea is the gateway to the southern Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, and is an eco-tourist destination, with whale-watching,

The end of our Vancouver Island adventure 2025

We have come to the end of our Vancouver Island adventure, though unfortunately we ran out of time to complete the Pacific Marine Circle Route—a road with varied landscapes, stops, and views. The total drive spans 289 km and would have taken us past some of the most majestic old-growth forests on Vancouver Island, stretching from Port Renfrew and Bamfield on the west coast to Malahat and Nanaimo on the east side.

Most of the population lives along the east coast, where farming in the lush, rolling Cowichan and Chemainus Valleys has long gone hand in hand with logging, dating back to when Vancouver Island was an independent Crown Colony. The heart of agriculture lies south of Nanaimo, the Hub City, and this pastoral atmosphere continues as we make our way north to Parksville in central island. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the slopes of the Vancouver Island Mountains, which begin to nudge us closer to the coastline where wide valley bottoms give way to granite ridges. Most roads heading west peter out quickly against this natural barrier.

The exception is the cross-island melange of paved highway and gravel logging roads that link the sheltered Cowichan Valley with the storm-battered community of Bamfield on the west coast. The contrast is striking, which is what makes exploring this region so fascinating. There’s plenty of easygoing adventuring to be found along the main routes, though we made sure to treat ourselves to a backroad or two where the valleys meet the Strait of Georgia. Here, the beaches are unlike anywhere else on the coast, with views that foster intimacy with the landscape while emphasizing its isolation. Our journey across Vancouver Island revealed a place of contrasts: fertile farmlands, towering forests, granite mountains, and remote beaches. It’s a land that invites exploration, and we feel lucky to have glimpsed its wild, captivating heart.

When we return to Vancouver Island in early 2026, we plan to explore the Pacific Marine Circle Route, continuing northwards until we reach Port Hardy. From there, we’ll take the 17-hour ferry ride along the Marine Highway to Prince Rupert. From Prince Rupert, our adventure continues along the West Coast of Canada, heading toward Alaska and exploring some of the 6,000 islands that shelter the British Columbia coastline. The tranquil silence of these remote islands is a hallmark of the central coast’s ambience.

Vancouver Island back home to Palm Cove Australia

 

After parking our vehicle with Jason and Bernice in Mill Bay, we took the Hulo water taxi from Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver. We spent three days exploring the vibrant city of Vancouver before flying home to Australia.

Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. The Metro Vancouver area has a population of just under 3 million. Vancouver has the highest population density in Canada, with over 5,700 inhabitants per square kilometre, and is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in the country: 49% of its residents are not native speakers of either English or French. We also noticed the many homeless people in the city, as homelessness is a significant issue in Vancouver.

The city is named after George Vancouver, who explored the inner harbour in 1792 and named various places along the way. The surname “Vancouver” originates from the Dutch “van Coevorden,” meaning someone from the city of Coevorden in the Netherlands. George Vancouver’s ancestors moved to England from Coevorden, giving rise to the name that eventually became “Vancouver.”

Vancouver is home to one of the largest urban parks in North America, Stanley Park, which covers 1,001 acres. Other highlights include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, and the Vancouver Lookout. We were lucky to experience two days of sunshine, as Vancouver is one of the wettest cities in Canada. Its scenic location makes it a major tourist destination. In 2024, over 18 million people visited Vancouver. Tourism supports more than 80,000 jobs annually. Highlights for visitors include the city’s gardens, nearby mountains, ocean, forests, and parklands. Nearly 2 million cruise ship passengers passed through Vancouver in 2024, often en route to Alaska.

On our return, we have a “must” on our list: to watch the Vancouver Canucks play.

We are ready to board our plane for the flight home. Till next year when we explore Canada’s West Coast and Alaska.

Arriving Back Home 20 hours later, getting ready for 2026 when we explore Canada’s West Coast and Alaska.

 

 3. VIDEO CLIPS

A. ALBERTA

Alberta Part 1 Saskatchewan to Banff, (Not Included Calgary  and Stampede)

Alberta Part 2 Banff to Jasper (Including Lake Louise & Ice Parkway

B. CALGARY STAMPEDE & CALGARY

Alberta Part 3 Calgary & Calgary Stampede

C. BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia Part 1 Alberta Border to

British Columbia Part 2 Nakusp to the Sunshine Coast

 

A. ALBERTA

Alberta Part 1, Saskatchewan to Banff, (Not Included Calgary  and Stampede)

 

Alberta Part 2, Banff to Jasper (Including Lake Louise & Ice Parkway

 

B. CALGARY STAMPEDE & CALGARY

Alberta Part 3,  Calgary & Calgary Stampede

 

C. BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia Part 1, Alberta Border to Nakusp

British Columbia Part 2, Nakusp to Sunshine Coast

 

VANCOUVER ISLAND