Not far away there's an island teeming with some of Earth's biggest natural beauty. Ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top islands in North America, Vancouver Island is a short ferry ride from mainland British Columbia. Plan your great Canadian escape in one of the world's most diverse ecosystems and get ready for big: Big rainforests. Big rivers. Big mountains. And big spaces to roam. This sparsely populated area has so much unspoiled wilderness that bears and bald eagles are more common than t-shirt shops. One hundred years ago the legendary West Coast Trail was a rescue route for shipwreck survivors; today it's a stunning coastal hike along the seashore and through old-growth rainforest; do the entire 75 kilometers on a backpacking trek or just dabble in its beauty by hiking a section. To see one of the coolest (literally) surf breaks, head to Tofino and one of its many beaches, where the swells are huge and the vibe is laid back. Long Beach is just down the road in Pacific Rim National Park where mist covered trees, wide sandy beaches, and untamed waves meet in spectacular fashion. For a kayaking paradise take to the turquoise waters of the Broken Islands and glide by otters, sea lions, shore birds and other wildlife.
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