Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Orca, Gulf Islands
Right
Mural depicting local history, Chemainus
Excursions from Victoria
Nanaimo
The Old Quarter, built during
the days when Nanaimo was a
coal-mining town, has many
19th-century buildings, including
the 1895 Nanaimo Court House.
Stroll along the Harbourfront Walk-
way, stopping at The Bastion
military museum, where guards
perform daily. Departure Bay has a
good beach and public market.
Nanaimo is a good starting point
for wildlife tours.
d
Map D4
Chemainus
When the sawmill, the basis
of its economy, closed in 1983,
Chemainus transformed itself into
a picturesque seaside town. More
than 35 giant murals by local
and international artists appear
throughout the town, depicting
the region's history.
d
Map D5
Gulf Islands
Visitors flock to these islands
in the Strait of Georgia to enjoy
their quietness and natural beauty.
Salt Spring with its many artists'
studios, and Galiano, which has a
lovely provinical park, are the most
popular island destinations. Sa-
turna, Pender, Mayne, and Gabrio-
la are the other major islands.
Each has its own personality; all
are accessible by BC Ferries from
Swartz Bay
(see p107)
.
d
Map E5
Cowichan Valley
This pastoral valley is a mix
of forests and farmland. Local
wines, ciders, and gourmet
cheeses attract gastronomically
minded visitors by car and tour-
ing bicycles. Cowichan Lake is
Vancouver Island's main fresh-
water lake and a terrific spot for
swimming, canoeing, and fish-
ing. The Cowichan River is a
designated heritage treasure,
famed for its fly fishing.
d
Map D5
Duncan
Duncan is known as the City
of Totems for the 80 Coast Salish
poles displayed around town. At
the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre
see carvers at work, and some of
the best Native arts and crafts in
BC. The focus of the BC Forest
Discovery Centre is the province's
heyday of logging. In summer, a
1920s steam train carries passen-
gers past heritage buildings and
through a rainforest.
d
Map E5
• Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre: 200
Cowichan Way • 250 746 8119 • Open
daily • BC Forest Discovery Centre:
2892 Drinkwater Rd • 250 715 1113
• Open summer: 10am-6pm daily; spring
& fall: 10am-4pm daily • Adm
Evergreen forests, Cowichan Valley
For information about an excursion to the Long Beach
area
See pp26-7
100
