Pacific Northwest’s Top 25 - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 26

Pacific Northwest's Top 25

Vancouver Island

Parliament Buildings ( Click here ) , Victoria
STEFAN SCHULHOF/GETTY IMAGES ©

24 The largest populated landmass off North America's west coast, Van-

couver Island ( Click here ) is ready-made for nature-lovers. Its diverse
ecosystems include mountains, rivers, lakes, rainforests, marshes and beaches
- a paradise to the island's many wildlife species, both on land and in water. Fish
for salmon, go bird- or whale-watching or just explore the many nature reserves
and parks. And when you get tired of all that green, stop off in lovely Victoria,
where the historic architecture might just make you believe you're in Europe.