The biggest island on the west coast of North America, Vancouver Island is almost twice the size of Hawaii. It is 451 kilometres (282 miles) long and covers 32,136 square kilometres (12,408 square miles). Much of the island is untamed wilderness - home to cougar, wolves, bear, deer, elk and eagles. The surrounding sea has a myriad of creatures including whales, dolphins, otters, seals, salmon and many others.

The western side of the island is sparsely populated and consists of many rugged fjords, temperate rain forests, and mountainous terrain. It is best known around the world for Pacific Rim National Park and the famous "West Coast Trail", a challenge even to seasoned hikers. There are very few roads and many of the coastal villages are only accessible by sea or air. The only highway running the length of the island connects the main cities and towns on the more populated eastern side. From Port Hardy, the northernmost town, to Victoria at the southern tip is a full day's drive past lush farmland and forests, and through quaint villages and towns with names as varied and interesting as their history. Some place names have a First Nations' origin such as Nanaimo and Qualicum, while others like Juan de Fuca and Victoria speak of a Spanish or English past.

There is much to see and do, but your adventure begins on the southern tip of our beautiful island in Victoria, the jewel of Vancouver Island, your stay at one of our unique B&B's will give your visit a touch of polish.

For your information, we've compiled some interesting statistics to help orient you to our West Coast area.

 

Climate Data for Victoria

What To Wear

Victoria has a low humidity ratio and almost constant ocean breezes, which is delightfully comfortable in summer, so that air conditioning is not necessary. You'll need a sweater on cool summer evenings. In winter warmer clothing is necessary, although we seldom get snow in our balmy climate. Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you are to explore our many charming walkways, heritage houses and gardens. Strolling is a common pastime, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Average Maximum Temperature

month	° C	F
January	6.5	44
February	8.4	47
March	10.2	50
April	12.9	55
May	16.3	61
June	19.3	67
July	21.8	71
August	21.8	71
September	19.1	67
October	14.1	57
November	9.4	49
December	6.4	44

Sunshine hours

2185

Vancouver Island Population: 2002

Greater Victoria	344,567
Vancouver Island	701,438

Facts & Figures

Visitors through Victoria International Airport (2003)	100,170
Passengers on BC Ferries (2003)	529,522
Number of visitors (2002))	3,650,000
Average price-single family home in Greater Victoria -November 2003	$347,564
Average price of all condominiums in Victoria in November 2003	$204,775

Vancouver Island has the second largest technology region in BC. Over 1000 technology companies employ more than 15,000 professionals. By 2005, the Technology industry is expected to have more employees than the Provincial Government

Destinations from Victoria:

Community	km	mi
Port Hardy	502	308
Campbell River	264	161
Tofino	316	194
Ucluelet	291	180
Courtenay	219	133
Qualicum	158	99
Nanaimo	111	68
Ladysmith	88	54
Port Renfrew	107	61
Duncan	60	36
Sidney	26	15