Vancouver Island Travel Forum

Hi Folks,
I've been reading loads of advice on the VT pages and have found the information a great help. Thanks.
I'm arriving in Vancouver before flying to Port Hardy for 5 days diving (can't wait). I fly out of Victoria on August 31st to Calgary and am trying to decide how best to get down the island.... I leave Port hardy on 27th (Am) and have 4 days to get to Victoria. I would welcome some advice on places I ought to visit on the way down.

Would love to do some day hikes, kayaking and maybe even another days diving.. So much to see and do :-) Will be depending on public transport so not sure how limiting that will be. Heading to the Rockies for 10days after this so not sure if a visit to Strathcona Park would offer anything different?
Any advice is welcome
thanks
Brendan

Relying on Public Transport on Vancouver Island **severely** limits your options on the Island.
You are stuck either relying on local tour operators and/or hitchhiking.
Your best bet might be to head straight to Victoria and then explore the area around the city by transit-there are some parks that are worthwile but nothing like where you've been-I assume you'll be diving @ God's Pocket.
Strathcona will seem underwhelming against the Rockies I'd give it a miss.
Maybe a day on a place like Saltspring but again you'll need a car to get around once there.
Look into renting a bike in Victoria and going to http://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/

Hi Sam,
thanks for the advice and suggestions. Much appreciated.
Yes I am diving in God's Pocket and figure that it offers something quite unique!
Thanks again
Brendan

There's some nice hikes around Bedwell Lake and Flower Ridge in Strathcona close to Campbell River. Also there is more more level hiking in Paradise Meadows to some lakes near Courtenay. Mount Arrowsmith near Qualicum is very nice, but the signage to get there is missing or poor so get detailed instructions or take someone that knows the way.