Did you know that travelers and tourist rank Vancouver Island as North America’s top island destination and third most popular in the world? There is a reason people migrate to this beautiful island, both to visit and to live. We are surrounded and enriched by the immense natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

The Island covers approximately 31,000 square kilometers and is approximately 460 kilometers long and from 50 to 80 kilometers wide. It is separated from Vancouver B.C. by the Strait of Georgia to the east and from Washington State,  the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the south and southeast.

A mountainous area runs the length of Vancouver Island. Cutting through more than half of the island is the Alberni Inlet ending in Port Alberni. Also of note is the Saanich Inlet in the Victoria area and the Malahat section of the Island Highway which climbs to an elevation of more than 335 meters above the waters of the Saanich Inlet.

The population is in the range of 750,000 and about half live in the Greater Victoria area. Most of the population is on the east coast with the exception of some small communities such as Tofino and Ucluelet located around the Pacific Rim National Park. Historically, the economic base has been forestry, fishing, mining and agriculture.

 We have no moose, coyotes, foxes or chipmunks on the island, but we do have cougars, elk, deer, wolves and black bears. Our marine life includes killer whales, sea otters, sea lions, Pacific gray whales, varieties or dolphins, porpoises and seals. We are also on the Pacific Flyways with approximately 150 bird species stopping on the island as part of their migratory route.

We have an awesome coastline (about 3,460 kilometers), protected bays, sand beaches, lofty mountains, incredible forests, lush farmlands, fishing streams, small villages and modern cities. Vancouver Island has something for everyone!