British Columbia: Vancouver, The Sunshine Coast & Vancouver Island

Vancouver is a bustling metropolis located on Canada's west coast, in the province of British Columbia, notable for its spectacular geographical location, surrounded by towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This unique combination offers panoramic views and a wide range of outdoor activities. One of the jewels of the city is Stanley Park, a vast urban park offering forests, trails, beaches and breathtaking views of the city and ocean. It is a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and simply enjoying nature. Vancouver is one of Canada's most culturally diverse cities, with a cosmopolitan population reflecting a variety of traditions, languages and cuisines. Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy are testimony to this rich diversity. The city is also an important economic and financial centre and a focal point for innovation and technology. It is home to numerous technology companies and offers opportunities in sectors such as film and television production. The city is often ranked as one of the cities with the best quality of life in the world. This is due to its clean environment, rich cultural offerings, accessible outdoor activities and its lively, welcoming atmosphere. Sports enthusiasts will find many options in Vancouver, from skiing in the surrounding mountains in winter to water activities in the ocean in summer. The city is also home to professional sports teams such as the Canucks (ice hockey) and the Whitecaps (football). In summary, Vancouver is a city that combines urban modernity with natural beauty, offering a wide range of experiences and activities for residents and visitors alike.

Campbell River is a coastal city located in the northern part of Vancouver Island. It is renowned as the "Salmon Capital of the World," offering abundant opportunities for sport fishing. The city is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, including fjords, rainforests, and mountains that provide numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and kayaking. It is an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the wilderness of Western Canada.

Telegraph Cove, a picturesque fishing village on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, is famed for whale watching and its charming, colorful buildings. Kayaking tours through the Johnstone Strait, a haven for orcas, start here. The local Whale Interpretive Centre provides insights into marine wildlife. The village maintains its rustic charm and is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a magnificent amalgam of mountains, coastal rainforest, wild beaches and unspoiled marine landscapes stretching intermittently for 125 km between the towns of Tofino in the north and Port Renfrew to the south. It divides into three distinct areas: Long Beach, which is the most popular; the Broken Group Islands, hundreds of islets only accessible to sailors and kayakers; and the West Coast Trail, a tough but popular long-distance hike. The whole area has also become a magnet for surfing and whale-watching.

The drive from Tofino to Victoria offers an extraordinary experience through breathtaking landscapes on Vancouver Island: the road continues through rainforests, mountains and enchanting lakes along the Pacific Rim road (Highway 4), offering spectacular views along the way, we head east along the Trans-Canada road (Highway 1) until we reach the town of Duncan, known for its totem poles and First Nations culture. From here you finally reach Victoria, capital of British Columbia, with its historic buildings and lush gardens. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Famous for its charming historic downtown, the elegant Inner Harbour, the Butchart Gardens, and Victorian-style architecture, the city blends British tradition with a Canadian coastal atmosphere. It is also renowned for its museums, boutiques, cozy cafés, and vibrant cultural scene.

Boarding the ferry from Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver: the crossing is atmospheric, among dozens of sailboats and a wide variety of birds and sea animals.