Vancouver Island. It's really a treasure trove of intrigue for the passionate explorer, whether they be seasoned or, shall we say, merely ambitious. Here, there's something for everyone, ranging from hiking to caving, from mountaineering to surfing, or rock climbing to downhill mountain biking. What's sad, however, is that all this potential is all too often overlooked by our very own residents. Up until recently, this included myself. Those of us ignorant of what our Island has to offer are content with setting our sights on the horizon; searching for places halfway around the world to fill the void of lust for adventure felt by any explorer. We then leave behind towering mountains, sprawling cave systems and unmatched beaches to seek comparable thrills elsewhere, at great cost. Why? Sure, the rest of the world has everything and more to offer, and there's no denying that when it comes to history and cultural exploration, Vancouver Island is not exactly up to the task. But for the nature buff...there are few places that can compare, few places that are so densely packed with such diversity. What we have here is the New Zealand of Canada.
But where to begin? Quite frankly, it depends on what you're into, but if it's outdoors, chances are the Island has you covered. Do you enjoy traversing the depths of the earth? Vancouver Island contains a staggering percentage (over 50%) of the longest caves in Canada. Do you crave the adrenaline gained from blasting down a mountain at breakneck speeds on a big, burly bike? You'd be hard pressed to find a town on the Island without a network of trails that are quickly and easily accessible. Do you love surfing, and find yourself compelled to run down the beach in slow motion with a dramatic, sultry expression on your face? Our west coast offers second-to-none surf and sand.
The purpose of this blog is to promote Vancouver Island as a preferable destination of choice for the outdoor enthusiast. Perhaps you already dedicate yourself to the Island, however. That's great, and I can only hope that my contributions may incite further exploration. Regardless of your current stance on Vancouver Island, I hope to improve it, one way or the other. To generate interest, discussion, or just get my own personal excitement out in the open for others to read and enjoy.
