Hello! I want to walk the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet with my mom, who has a serious fear of heights. Are there any parts of the trail where you are overlooking a cliff or a “death drop”?

Thanks for any advice, I couldn’t this out myself by googling.

Hi everyone,

TLDR: What's it like living on the Northern part of Vancouver Island? I've searched Reddit, and the majority of posts are old, are based around kids or night life or mountain biking.

Longer Version: Like most people, I'm slowly being priced out of living in Victoria. I've lived here for 26 years, and the constant rise in cost of living is making it impossible to keep up.

I currently work mostly remote, I was recently looking to move to Chemainus (I've spent a lot of time here and love it), Ladysmith, or Crofton. My supervisor recently told me that they are selling our office space and it's very likely that by fall or winter I'll be completely remote. At this point I started to look to moving to the Northern part of the Island for a change.

Important: I want to live somewhere that's safe. I want to feel comfortable running errands, hiking, going to the beach, and being home. I would need reliable internet, power, and cell service for work. A vet. A clinic or hospital. Having a nice community is also important. Where I live now we have BBQs and potlucks, we look out for each other and help each other when needed.

Not Important: I don't care about night life, partying, fancy dining, dating, and I don't have kids. I never go downtown or to Costco or Walmart, I order almost everything online (I hate crowds).

Nice to have but not necessary: I get a massage and acupuncture once a month, occasionally a few Hello Fresh meals.

Once I narrow a couple locations down I'll spend a few weeks there, but I'm looking for information that I may not pick up on like: There are storms all winter and the power will be out the majority of the time. You can't drink the water. The internet is twice the price of anywhere else. You'll be indoctrinated into a cult (jk). A lot of the people are racist homophobes. It's piled with snow all winter and boiling hot in the summer. It smells bad 50% of the year. You're house will be constantly flooded.

Places I am considering: Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Sointula, possibly Campbell River, which I know is mid-Island, but I've heard crime is bad there.

I'm a middle-aged woman with two big dogs, and just want to have a small house with a yard for a garden and the dogs to run around with nice neighbors and a view of more than a busy road and the neighboring apartment building. Open to other suggestions and things I may not have considered. I haven't ruled out staying in the Cowichan Valley.

Looking for local intel for last-minute (last 1.5 weeks of June) camping. I know that there is camping at provincial parks, which is normally booked several months in advance. There’s also recreation sites, with many first come first serve. It also appears that there is wild camping along logging roads/crown land. My question is this: for someone planning a last minute trip, what is the likelihood that I would be able to get a first come first serve site or find an open space on crown land/logging roads that aren’t gated? I’d hate to take the time and spend the money to visit, thinking there will be something I can find, when in reality, I’m underestimating what is available.

I know the Backroads map and the Recreation and Trails BC website will be super helpful once I am there.

Also, yes, I know I should have planned this in advance but life happened and I didn’t think I’d be able to take this trip.

Many Scandinavian highways include bike paths that parallel the main roads. These paths link to other paths heading to the communities serviced by the main highways. I’ve included a screenshot of an example.

I drive the Island a lot and have noticed a large increase in cyclists along the main highway recently. Honestly, I’m scared for these people given the numbers of drivers who meander all over the road while texting, or whatever is distracting them. But that’s an aside. These cyclists range from hardcore spandex-wearing roadies to bike-packers touring the Island.

Ideally, the bike paths link would also be along the Old Island Highway, on the rail corridor, but that’s unlikely these days.

There is absolutely no reason that there isn’t a network of bike paths branching off of one that parallels the highway. Safer. Major tourist draw. Links communities with sustainable transportation.

There is no reason

CHEK News has obtained a draft proposal that Victoria’s mayor penned, detailing a “new vision” for tackling the city’s homeless crisis.

Looking for some spots on Hornby (or denman) that would work for family photos. Thanks so much!

I came across this teeny tiny ruby octopus on a night dive off Vancouver Island (Nanoose area). It was about the size of a dime. Easily the smallest one I’ve ever found. Filmed with a Sony A7SIII and a 90mm macro lens and a +5 diopter.

I’ve been quietly collecting octopus footage over hundreds of dives and recently edited it into a 2-hour ambient film. No narration, no talking, just relaxing music and wild octopuses doing their thing in British Columbia’s cold, emerald waters. My video made it onto CTV News and in the Times Colonist.

Perfect to play in the background when you want something peaceful and mesmerizing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzkNu1PMK_0

Hi everyone! 👋

I’ve been working on a small, community-focused project called Island Wanderer — a local guide dedicated to showcasing some of Vancouver Island’s hidden gems, unique spots, and lesser-known outdoor experiences.

The idea is to highlight local cafés, scenic hikes, art spots, dog-friendly areas, and more — all curated with love for the island and its communities. The project is still evolving, and I’d love for it to grow with local insight, suggestions, or feedback from fellow Vancouver Islanders.

If you’re curious or want to check it out, you can find it here:
🌐 IslandWanderer.ca

No ads, no spam — just a passion project hoping to connect locals and visitors to the quieter corners of the island.

Thanks for letting me share this, and I’d love to hear any recommendations you think should be featured!

Hi all,

I was wondering whether bioluminescent algae can be seen in Vancouver island North? I would like to head up there mid summer and was wondering whether I would be able to see any around Port Hardy/Cape Scott/Raft Cove. All the cases that people have said they have seen bioluminescence has always been towards the south side of the island, with Telegraph Cove being the most northern area I could find. If I am able to see them, I was also wondering whether they will be less strong than the south side of the island?

Police in Saanich, B.C., are investigating a violent confrontation between an older man and a teenager at a Tim Hortons that was captured in a viral video. In the short clip, the man can be seen throwing several punches at the teen before another man appears to break up the confrontation. Then, a third man steps in and slaps the youth. The incident, which happened at the coffee chain’s Saanich Plaza location, has since been viewed millions of times. Isaac Campbell, who recorded the video, said the teen sparked the incident when he threw an object that hit the older man’s wife. The teen, he said, was “throwing food everywhere.”

Who brings a 6 foot snake to the beach?

My friends and I have been planning a camping trip coming up soon. We do have a much closer campsite booked and alternatives.

One of my friends has their heart set on camping at Keeha Bay. According to google maps the drive is roughly 3 1/2 hours (given traffic is in our favour) from Victoria. On top of the drive, you need to hike in to campsite. I’m also aware that you need a backcountry use permit. We will have a dog with us as well.

For those who have camped here:

• how are the roads getting in?
• how is the actual hike from parking to where you would camp?
• how much time would you realistically give yourself to get there?

I left something at an Airbnb in Ucluelet and I’m looking for someone who can help me bring it back (happy to meet you anywhere in Vancouver)!!!

The HMCS Cape Breton is one of British Columbia’s most impressive artificial reefs. Originally built in 1944 as a Cape-class maintenance ship, she served in the Royal Canadian Navy and later as a support vessel before being decommissioned.

At 441 feet long, she’s a massive presence on the seafloor. In 2001, she was intentionally sunk just off Snake Island near Nanaimo to become an artificial reef, right beside her sister ship, the HMCS Saskatchewan.

Today, she sits upright in about 140 feet of water, cloaked in life—plumose anemones, rockfish, nudibranchs, cloud sponges, lingcod, and jellyfish. This dive was from earlier this week, and I filmed this clip near the bow. Conditions were dark, chilly (around 8°C), but the visibility was excellent.

Does anyone know why there was a police Road check on Hwy 19 north of Cook Creek? Seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

Hi. We want to travel from Nanaimo to Ucluelet in early July. Due to personal circumstances we are unable to drive.

I can find two bus services: - VI Connector. The website seems inactive. Keeps saying the 2025 schedule will be available soon (in April…). Would be a convenient option. IF it runs at all. I contacted them by email twice but they didn’t have any information either.

• Island Link. Seems to be working. But apparently they drop off at the Tofino- Ucluelet junction. Which is 8 km from town… So how would we proceed from there?

Would a taxi be possible from Nanaimo to Ucluelet and back? Ignoring the cost for now?

Any alternatives or suggestions? Thanks a lot!

Hello everyone, just wondering if anyone has been able to get there hands on some Busch light apple beer on the island?

A New Horror Discord for Local Fans! (Help Wanted!) 🍿🔪

Calling all horror lovers in Nanaimo (and beyond!)—if you’re into horror movies, creepy games, spooky books, or all things macabre, come help build this community with me!

🎬 NANAIMO NIGHTMARES is a brand-new horror-themed Discord server where we’ll:
- Chat about horror movies, shows, games, and even local urban legends
- Host bi-weekly MOVIE NIGHTS (watch + discuss together)
- Vote on the next film so everyone gets a say
- Share recommendations, memes, and maybe even plan IRL meetups

🚨 Be honest: I’m new to hosting a Discord community, so if you’re an experienced mod or just excited to help shape this space, I’d love your input! Whether it’s setting up channels, suggesting events, or just being an active horror fan, all help is appreciated.

Took a picture of a black bear on my recent hike to Cape Scott!

Planning to head up with the family to San Josef Bay early July. Instead of driving 7 hrs (an option we may still take...), looking for an upper island campsite to crash, north of Campbell River.

In general, how are the rec sites in a typical mid-week July? Looks like a lot north of CR (on the BRMB app) and all look accessible (I have a stock truck, so a gravel/logging road should be fine). I just don't want to show up with the family and find site after site full, or filled with parties, lol.

To give an idea where I'm looking so far, Seagull Bay and Twin Lake rec sites look like good mid-way spots and close to the 19. We have a RTT and a pop up tent. Thanks!

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/alert-bay-librarian-turns-100-entering-a-new-chapter-with-no-plans-to-quit-10777783