Exploring Southern B.C.

From outdoorsy Tofino to multicultural Vancouver, there’s plenty to see and do

- Bill Henry

The morningafter I arrived in Victoria to begin a short tour of southern British Columbia, I set out for Tofino, a beach community on Vancouver Island. Two hours into the ferry trip there, I took a detour and got off at Nanaimo for 25 minutes to watch the ferries coming in and out of the terminal. Next, reaching Port Alberni two hours later for a 20-minute stop, I saw a few sights before reboarding for the last segment, which looped south at the western coastline, offering a chance to see Ucluelet.

After a six-hour bus ride, I was finally in Tofino. Along one stretch of road, artwork in cobblestone layouts and a few uniquely designed crosswalk patterns gave reference to ocean life and the local waterfront scene. I camped there before beginning the second leg of my trip—heading back to Victoria and then a day trip to Sidney and Central Saanich.

While in Sidney, I spent a moment by the shoreline, taking in the sights, then headed to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea to view ocean life displays, featuring an octopus and some starfish.