Vancouver Island is filled with green-brown rock-wet beauty I would really like to visit one day, It’s on my list.
Guys, welcome to Solo React Talk! Today, we’re traveling to Canada for our Expedia video segment. We’re visiting a place called Vancouver Island. Let’s get started: Canada, here we come! Three, two, one, go!
Just a ferry ride from the city of Vancouver in Canada’s southwest corner lies Vancouver Island. This evergreen archipelago attracts visitors with its miles of untouched wilderness, rich colonial history, and modern farm-to-table ethos.
Catch a ferry or seaplane from Vancouver and arrive right in the heart of Victoria Harbour, the picturesque gateway through which the island’s fortunes have long flowed.
Once a rough fur trading outpost, Victoria found its wealth as the outfitting center for British Columbia’s gold rush and became the elegant provincial capital in 1871. Today, it’s still described as more British than the British.
Designed by a young immigrant to express confidence in the promise of British Columbia, the Parliament Buildings have proudly served the people of the province since their construction in 1898.
Take a short stroll to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, an iconic symbol of the city since it opened its doors in 1908.
This stately establishment has attracted society’s elite, from Queen Elizabeth and Katharine Hepburn to Rudyard Kipling and Harrison Ford.
Nearby, grit, tenacity, and industrial era spirit are celebrated in Craigdarroch Castle, built by Scottish coal baron Robert Dunsmuir.
Arriving penniless in 1851, by the late 1800s he had become the wealthiest man in British Columbia.
Although the dust has long since settled over Victoria’s quarries, one has been given a new lease on life.
In 1912, Jennie Butchart meticulously cultivated a green haven in the sunken remains of her family’s depleted limestone quarry.
Wander through Butchart Gardens and reflect on Jennie’s legacy of conservation and respect for Mother Nature.
Vancouver Island’s rich history is preserved in many museums and galleries across the capital, including the Royal BC Museum.
Experience 19th-century life in the Old Town and admire the immense collection of priceless artifacts in the First Peoples Gallery.
Walk among totems carved from red cedar, representing the sacred ancestry of the island’s First Nations.
A short walk from the museum, discover an area that’s a little less genteel British and a little more quirky Canadian.
Fisherman’s Wharf is a floating neighborhood of houses, shops, and restaurants.
Order some of the freshest seafood in Canada and try to resist the pleading looks of hungry locals hoping to share your lunch.
Though Victoria is the first port of call for most visitors, the adventure truly begins when you rent a car and travel beyond the capital.
Head to the scenic area of Sooke to start discovering the natural offerings of this abundant island. Explore an inland oasis of hidden pools and waterfalls at Sooke Potholes Regional Park.
Follow salty sea breezes further west to the black basalt shoreline of Sandcut Beach and soak up the enchanting rhythms of lapping waters blending with rushing waterfalls.
Continue along the British Columbia Highway to the Juan de Fuca Trailhead and take the easy one-mile walk through dense old-growth forests to Mystic Beach.
Explore the eerie shoreline and caves, gradually carved by tempestuous Pacific waves over thousands of years.
For those chasing adventure and wanting to experience one of the world’s great coastal walks, lace up your hiking boots for the entire 29-mile trek.
Or for a quicker journey, continue to drive northwest along the highway.
One of the camping stops along the Juan de Fuca Trail is Sombrio Beach. After immersing yourself in miles of serene wilderness, settle in for the night.
Watch the sun set over the Pacific and bask in pure solitude.
When you’re ready to return to civilization, take the two-hour drive across the island to Cowichan Bay on the east coast.
This cozy seaside town thrives on the bountiful waters of the Saanich Inlet. A short drive north of Cowichan is the city of Parksville, a warm and inviting rest stop.
As the name suggests, it’s the perfect base from which to explore many pine-veiled parks and reserves.
As the trail leads you deep into Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, breathe in the fresh scents of cedar, hemlock, and maple.
Follow the sound of cascading water to the riverbed, where the waters of Englishman River tumble into the rocky gorge below.
Just a short drive from here is MacMillan Provincial Park, famous for Cathedral Grove. Wander beneath this ancient cluster of Douglas firs, some over 800 years old.
Let the sizzling smells of farm-to-table fare draw you back across to the west coast to Tofino. This friendly town bustles with visitors throughout the year.
Surfers are drawn to the legendary swells of Long Beach and Chesterman Beach.
Oceanfront cabins buzz with the chatter of Vancouver holidaymakers, and no matter the season, nature lovers take to the many trails, gardens, and parks on offer.
South of Tofino, the small town of Ucluelet awaits.
Translating to “people of the safe harbor” in the native Nuu-chah-nulth language, this sleepy town is surrounded by some of the wildest landscapes on Vancouver Island.
Follow the Wild Pacific Trail through thick forests of ancient cedar and along the coastline.
This trail serves up some of the best scenery on the island, drawing photographers, whale watchers, and hikers from across the globe.
The trail is made up of three sections. Along the Lighthouse Loop, you’ll find Amphitrite Lighthouse, named after the sea goddess and wife of Poseidon.
This sturdy lighthouse stands like a sentinel, lighting the way for weary vessels navigating these treacherous waters.
From First Peoples to fur trappers and fortune seekers, Vancouver Island has long rewarded those who have walked its wild shores.
In today’s busy world, many intend on visiting, but few actually make the journey. Those who do will be embraced by Mother Nature at her wildest, purest, and most beautiful.
Well, that was Vancouver Island, Canada! The place is naturally spectacular. I know a lot about the United States—its history, culture, and food—but I realized I know very little about Canada.
I think I can only name three Canadian cities: Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa (which I believe is the capital). If I’m wrong, please correct me.
I’m going to look up more videos about Canada, its history, geography, and people. There’s so much more to North America than just the United States.
Canada and Mexico are also important parts of the continent.
Vancouver Island has 800-year-old trees! Imagine what they’ve witnessed. If we could talk to them, the stories they could tell! The oldest animal, a tortoise, is about 200 years old.
But these trees are 800 years old—that’s amazing.
The castle that looked like a mansion was interesting. When I think of a castle, I imagine battlements and watchtowers, not something that looks like a big house.
Maybe there are different versions of castles.
The Parliament Building was also very beautiful. The community there enjoys lovely views of the sea, mountains, and trees. It’s definitely a place I’d want to visit.
Vancouver Island looks like a perfect place to experience nature.
As for surfing, I’m not very good at it, but it’s something I’d like to try. The fresh seafood sounds great too. My only concern is the exchange rate.
I’ll need to see if my South African Rand will go far enough in Canada.
Vancouver Island is definitely on my list of places to visit. I hope everyone who visits respects the biodiversity and keeps it alive for future generations.
That’s it for today with Expedia. It was a great video showcasing Vancouver Island. I’m going to look for more content on their channel.
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