The desire to travel is instinctive; to see what's ahead of us, around the corner, or across the sea. We've been curious about the world since time began. So get out there, see the world, have an adventure, have fun, live! Vancouver Island is the largest island on the west coast, and it has not only some of the biggest trees in the world – as well as sea monsters, orca and fairly regular Bigfoot sightings – it also has the city of Victoria, recently voted the top city in North America. Once you're on the island, it'll be hard to think of a reason to leave. How can you not love a city that puts flower pots on all its lamp posts? Victoria is, plain and simple, one of the glory cities of the western hemisphere. It's beautiful, friendly, civilized. And it's diverse. You can go from having high tea at one of the fanciest hotels to chasing sea monsters, all in a few hours. You can tour classics of Victorian architecture, or hang out with orcas. And then you can move out and begin to explore Vancouver Island, from Port Hardy to Quadra Island, Pacific Rim National Park to Nootka Sound. Then we explore the Gulf Islands, charming, beautiful and unspoiled, including Galiano Island, Salt Spring Island, Saturna, Mayne Island and beyond. The author knows the area intimately and provides all the details you need: where to stay, where to eat, shopping, the best walks and hikes, camping options, how to get around, what to see and do. Includes photos throughout.