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The information and detail
provided below is a general guide to where and what to
explore, if looking to get out and about beyond Nanaimo. As
an independent traveller, you may find the hyperlinks
offered to the various companies and organisation of
assistance in planning your vacation. However, if you prefer
a more personal touch to your vacation planning then we
would be more than happy to lend a helping hand whether
you're looking for assistance in planning your itinerary,
booking an additional component (s) for your vacation or
recommendations of where to go and what to see. You may wish
to wait until you arrive to decide where or what you want to
do as part of your stay, but don't worry we'll have plenty
of visitor information on hand so you can make plans at your
leisure.
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Vancouver
As an international gateway, the
city of Vancouver has won many accolades and awards.
For each consecutive year since 2004, the Conde Nast
readers have voted Vancouver 'the Best City in the Americas'.
Set against a backdrop of
spectacular natural beauty and all year round temperate
climate, Vancouver is a dynamic and vibrant city hosting an
array of activities and adventure for all ages, indoor or
outdoor. With an extensive choice of restaurants, shopping,
accommodation, culture and sightseeing encompassed within a
friendly and relaxed atmosphere and where you will find a
city that prides itself on excellent service and value.
As Vancouver looks forward to
the prestigious honour of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics &
Paralympics, it's not hard to see why the city of Vancouver
continues to grow and succeed in the business of tourism and hospitality
industry.
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a cosmopolitan &
multicultural city, however most of the population speak
English.
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a sophisticated city with a
safe & laidback lifestyle.
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warmed by the Pacific Ocean
and protected by a range of mountains, ensures a year
round mild climate.
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the locals nickname the
Canadian Dollar, symbolised as a large gold coin as 'the
loonie', although officially named due to the featured
Canadian bird the loon.
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MUST SEES:
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Stanley Park: One of
the city's main attractions and renowned as one of the
greatest parks in the world. Stanley Park is 400
hectares or 1000 acres, located close to the downtown
area and
offering an oasis of open space embraced by cedar, fir
and hemlock trees. Absorb its tranquillity, amongst
natural beauty and animated wildlife. The park has a
year round calendar of events, so for the latest
information check out
Welcome to Stanley Park.
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Capilano Bridge: A
breathtaking suspension bridge spanning 450ft (135m)
across and 230ft (70m) down. Just minutes from downtown
Vancouver, take this thrilling adventure. For further
information and details
www.capbridge.com.
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Grouse Mountain:
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, with so
much on offer with year round adventure and
entertainment a must to be explored, be amazed at the
spectacular 'Peak of Vancouver'. For full details and
information of this wonderful attraction
www.grousemountain.com.
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Vancouver Aquarium:
Is Canada's largest aquarium and as a non-profit
organisation is dedicated to aquatic life conservation.
With over 70,000 animals with shows and galleries so come and
meet some watery friends, including the beluga whale,
seals and otters to name but a few. Located in the
grounds of Stanley Park and open year round, this makes
for a great interactive day out for all the family. For
further information
www.vanaqua.org.
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To find out more about what
Vancouver has to offer contact
www.tourismvancouver.com this is an exceptional
customer focused destination sales, marketing & visitor
servicing organisation and has a wealth of information
and details of all the above and more.
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Oceanside Region
Just a
short drive from Nanaimo, dominated by Mt. Arrowsmith, the
Oceanside region spans the costal communities from Nanoose
Bay in the south of the region thru to Lighthouse Country in
the north, while Coombs Country can be found north of
Parksville encompassing the natural attractions of Little
Qualicum Falls Park, Spider Lake Park and Mt. Arrowsmith
Regional Park.
Take the
scenic route just north of Nanaimo on the Highway 19a, where
you will find kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches and
sparkling blue ocean and fondly referred to as the Canadian
Rivera. Parksville's welcoming community has a lively
central downtown area home to business with a full range of
shopping offering local arts and crafts, galleries, gift
shops and restaurants. A fantastic place for families, the
popular Lion's Venture Playground and waterpark is a big hit
for the kids, the grounds also include a BMX & Skateboard
park, however there's also a full range of activities for
all ages such as beach volleyball and tennis courts and
a 36-hole miniature golf course. With a year round timetable
of events, Parksville is the perfect place to host the
yearly held 'Canadian Open Sand Sculpture Competition' and
its three week festival in August. Well-known for it's
'garden friendly' climate has been awarded the proud
accolade in 2006 for 'Five Blooms' or first place for cities
its size. Together with a combined award with Qualicum Beach
in 2004 for the national Communities in Bloom 'Canadian
Classic' collectively at the Communities in Bloom National
Award Ceremonies.
Travelling
further along the scenic route of Highway 19a, is historical
seaside destination of 'Qualicum Beach' which was
founded by early explorers as far back as 1814 captivatedd by
its unique charm and beauty, which remains today to retain
its uniqueness as a special seaside location. Just as Parksville, Qualicum Beach takes it gardening seriously and
likewise has been presented with many awards and accolades
over the years. Downtown comes alive with the fragrance and
blooms of hanging baskets, flower boxes and street gardens
which are kept in tip top condition by the local town staff
and volunteers. The downtown pedestrian friendly walkway
make's it a pleasure to explore the many boutique shops,
speciality stores, galleries and cafes accompanied by the
long beachside promenade which extends north from the town and
where you'll find fresh seafood restaurants and the ideal
place for beachcombing at low tide, a spot for a picnic or a
leisurely stroll just to absorb its special atmosphere.
Nanoose
Bay is acclaimed as one of the driest places in
summertime Canada. The landscape is formed by fascinating
rock formations, coves and secluded beaches and the optimum
setting for the signature evergreen of Vancouver Island the
'Arbutus tree' which provides a green shading canopy to an
area scattered with superb golf facilities and a marina with
plenty of activities such as kayaking, sailing, fishing
charters excursion's and diving.
The rural
communities of Arrowsmith Coombs Country is just north of Parksville and is home to
the site of the 'Country Store', where
you'll be captivated by the spirit majestic flora and fauna.
This area is also home to the enchanting waterfalls of
Englishman River Falls & Little Qualicum River Falls and
where you'll find the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre,
a fantastic day out for all the family. This non-profit
organisation takes on the islands injured, ill and orphaned
wildlife and have a dedicated 'Bear Cub Release Program' as
well as rehabilitation for wolves, cougars and other woeful,
needy creatures that come their way. Open from March
Spring Break through to October, a great place to learn
about the islands wildlife and even the opportunity to
sponsor one of the orphaned residents. More information can
be found at www.niwra.org
For further
information & news on any of the above destination
in the Oceanside region contact
www.oceansidetourism.com
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Victoria - The Capital City of
British Columbia
Victoria
holds the prestigious title as British Columbia's capital
city located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Surrounded by natural beauty, a vibrant harbour, colourful
native history and architecture. This blooming city has
green spaces and flowering borders in abundance and is
fondly referred to as 'The Garden City'. Amongst
the nostalgic ambience of Victoria, as with the many other
parts of Vancouver island, you'll find a wide array of
things to do, whether it's adventure by land, air or sea.
Whatever your itinerary dictates, this diverse city has lots
on offer be it only a few hours or a few days, from outdoor
quests, attractions and tours, a wide range of restaurants
offering cuisine from around the world, shopping galore,
museums, culture & the arts. There's a wealth of tours to
suit all and these are a terrific way to capture the
highlights of the city as well as allowing the ability to
spread your wings further a field.
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MUST
SEES:
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Butchart Gardens: Established since the early 1990s
and now designated a National Historic site this
majestic 55 acres of breathtaking gardens, open year
round, with each season offering a unique sensory
experience with sways of flora and fauna. For more
detailed information & directions check out:
www.butchartgardens.com
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Royal BC Museum: Found within Victoria's Inner
Harbour, as one of the city's most acclaimed attractions
together with the National Geographic IMAX Theatre
located within its grounds. Find out more:
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
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The
Pacific Undersea Gardens: Another main attraction in
the Inner Harbour area. The building reaches down 5m (15
ft) and offers an ideal opportunity to view and become
interactive with the aquatic life of the Pacific Ocean
including the seal pup rehabilitation tank. Meander
through the underwater aquarium and then become up close
& personal with the showcase of marine life including
that of Armstrong, a giant Pacific octopus that all
become the stars at underwater theatre with regular
daily shows. Find more details at
www.pacificunderseagardens.com
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There
is so much to do and contemplate for your itinerary in
Victoria and the surrounding areas, the above is just a
taste of what you might want to consider, but for a more
comprehensive view of what's on offer go to
www.tourismvictoria.ca
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