And why?

You mean no one's visited any other part of the island?

It's not that there isn't anything to say, Catherine - I guess I feel I've been ranting and raving on this site so much, I'd be repeating myself! There are lots of posts here - about Tofino, about Hot Springs Cove, about Chemainus, the Gulf Islands - if there's anything in particular you'd like to know, please post and I'll try to answer you. I love Vancouver Island and will be moving out there myself in a few years.

I have been enjoying your posts Cindy, thank you. <BR>Did you visit Duncan to see the totems, etc, or up to Uclulet (sp!)?

My favourite area on the island is the Pacific Rim National Park because of its (and this is going to sound corny)... its majestic, natural beauty!<BR><BR>When I was 5 years old my family took me on a vacation to the tiny town of Youbou, located on Cowichan Lake. We stayed in a little cabin on the lake, and still to this day I remember it fondly.<BR><BR>I also remember going to Chemainus and Duncun during the same trip, though I believe I was more interested in the little toy stores than I was totem poles and murals. <BR><BR>Catherine, if you haven't already, go to www.vancouverisland.com and click on "Regions/Towns" - it has the most informative pages on every single town on Vancouver Island, no matter how large or small the town is. I'd highly recommend going over it before you arrive.

Thanks for the websites, I'll look them up.

Parksville and Qualicum Beach (north of Nanaimo) are beautiful if you like great long sandy beaches -- great if you have kids too as the water is shallow and perfect for them for wading and sandcastles....<BR><BR>But Ucluelet and Tofino on the west coast ARE spectacular -- crashing waves, massive trees, rainforest, it's amazing.<BR><BR>

Hi, Catherine - I certainly agree with the previous poster's comments about Ucluelet. It's very close to Tofino, and they both have the same gorgeous scenery. <BR> I have been to/through Duncan. A few years ago I went to the railroad museum there. At least that's what I think it's called. To be honest, I wasn't wildly impressed. I don't know that Duncan is necessarily worth a special trip (meaning no disrespect to anybody who lives there!). <BR> We enjoyed Chemainus. The murals are quite wonderful. Last year we discovered another part of the town, away from the "strip" where most of the shops are. If you go through the town, and I'm trying to remember exactly where this is, but I think there are maps that would show you - anyway, there's a whole section of "old town" Chemainus that has some pretty b&bs, some small restaurants, older houses, and a lovely park with a beach. <BR> There's also the butterfly garden at Coombs, which is great if you've never seen one (and pretty neat even if you have!). There's another one in Saanich, near Butchart Gardens, if you don't want to go all the way to Coombs.<BR> Are you planning to visit any of the Gulf Islands?

Hi Cindy,<BR>Thanks for your reply and everyone else's. No I wasn't planning on visiting the Gulf Islands this time,not enough time which is why I am trying to concentrate on Vancover Island and the mainland. <BR>Got to get off the net now before my hsband has a fit

Cindy please tell me more about the hot springs! How far of a trip is it from Victoria? We will be in Victoria the first week of July and would like to see the hot springs.

Hi, Mary - I posted a fairly lengthy description on this site a couple of days ago, with the heading "Hot Springs". I just found it a couple of minutes ago and I'll top it for you. If it disappears or you can't find it, post here again and I'll tell you whatever you'd like to know.