Time for a road trip?

Have you visited anywhere fun this summer? On Vancouver Island, you don’t have to travel far to find beauty and escape. In this month’s newsletter, I’ll take you on a journey to explore some hidden gems that make Vancouver Island a remarkable place to live!

North Island: Live on the wild side
My husband and I are big fans of road trips. One of our favourite routes is a multi-day exploration of the stunning North Island region which stretches from the north of Campbell River to the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Every visit to this area is a feast for the eyes. I hope my photos will entice you to make the trip soon!

Telegraph Cove
This postcard-ready boardwalk community is nestled at the northern end of Johnstone Strait. From its historic multi-coloured buildings on stilts to the picture-perfect ocean views, Telegraph Cove remains an iconic eco-tourism destination on Vancouver Island. 

We rented a cute house with access to the boardwalk as our home base, and we made sure to visit the Whale Interpretive Centre which hosts the largest collection of marine mammal skeletons in BC. Come to Telegraph Cove to view whales, catch fish, camp, and kayak along the sheltered waters and secluded inlets! With its many eco-tours, it’s a village that offers a great selection of truly magnificent adventures and activities you can partake in.

Port McNeill
In the heart of North Island, you'll find Port McNeill, a proud forestry community with its own unique charm. While there, make sure to visit the world's largest burls! The second-largest burl, weighing an estimated 22 tons and measuring 13.7 meters in circumference, is located in the center of town. It's a hidden gem protected by trees, bushes, and a structure (in what looks like an abandoned parking lot). The largest burl, carved off a tall Sitka Spruce tree near Holberg in 2005, is located just out of town and weighs an estimated 30 tons, standing 6 meters tall and in diameter. This attraction is located just out of town, off of SW Main Road (off of Hwy 19 N).

Port McNeill is also a gateway to two fascinating northern islands one must explore (see below). These islands are a short ferry ride from Port McNeill and are well worth the trip.

Malcolm Island
This is a place where orcas go to rub up against the smooth pebbled beach and where humans go to create lasting memories. I brought a small rock home and it looks polished. Every time I look at it, I can only imagine how many orca rubbed on this rock to make it so perfectly smooth.
While relatively small in size, Malcolm Island offers much to its visitors. You will find breathtaking scenery, great outdoor experiences, ample wildlife viewing opportunities, and fascinating history.

Alert Bay (Cormorant Island)
Explore this working coastal town that proudly celebrates its First Nations and Pioneer heritage. From the world-renowned U’mista Cultural Centre to the world’s tallest totem pole, Alert Bay is known internationally as a centre for First Nations culture. And if you ask me, it’s a must-see stop on any Vancouver Island North road trip!

Cape Scott
Cape Scott offers amazing beaches and rock formations, and well worth a day trip! It’s a walk-in-only park, and the one parking lot is only accessible via a very long drive down a rough logging road. Be sure to bring plenty of water, chairs, sunscreen, food/snacks, and a beach tent for shade if it’s a warm, sunny day. The area is undeveloped so you won’t have the opportunity to purchase anything. However, if you are up for the adventure, you will be treated to pristine rainforests, majestic beaches, and unspoiled nature.