Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trip takes 20 minutes each way. The peak round-trip fare is $10.30 for adults, $5.15 for
children, and $24.50 for vehicles. For a taxi, call Gabriola Island Cabs (250/247-0049).
Highway 4 to the West Coast
From Nanaimo, it's 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) northwest up Highway 19 to one of Van-
couver Island's main highway junctions, where Highway 4 spurs west to Port Alberni and
the island's west coast. Follow Highway 4 to its end to reach Pacific Rim National Park,
a long, narrow park protecting the wild coastal strip and some magnificent sandy beaches,
and Tofino, a picturesque little town that makes the perfect base for sea kayaking, whale-
watching, or fishing excursions.
ENGLISHMAN RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK
AfterturningoffHighway19,makeyourfirststophere,whereEnglishmanRiver—fullof
steelhead, cutthroat, and rainbow trout—cascades down from high Beaufort Range snow-
fields in a series of beautiful waterfalls. Within the park you'll find a picnic area, easy
hiking trails to both the upper and lower falls, crystal-clear swimming holes, and plenty of
campsites among tall cedars and lush ferns ($19 per night; no showers).
To get there, turn off Highway 4 on Errington Road, 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) west of
the highway junction, and continue another 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), following signs.
COOMBS
What started just over 30 years ago as a simple produce stand has grown into the Old
Country Market (2310 Alberni Hwy., 250/248-6272, 9am-8pm daily), the lifeblood of
Coombs, along Highway 4A west of Nanaimo. Before moving inside the market building,
you'll want to stand out front and look upward, where several goats can be seen conten-
tedly grazing along the roof line, seemingly oblivious to the amused, camera-clicking vis-
itors. Inside is a selection of goodies of epic proportions—a bakery, a deli, an ice cream
stand, and a wealth of healthy island-made produce. Behind the main building and in an
adjacentpropertyarerowsofartyshopssellingeverythingfrompotterytojewelrytokites.
On the west side of Coombs, at the junction of Highways 4 and 4A, is Creekmore's
Coffee (2701 Alberni Hwy., 250/752-0158, 6:30am-6pm Mon.-Fri., 8am-6pm Sat.,
9am-6pm Sun.), an unassuming place that pours freshly roasted coffee as good as any on
the island.
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