Vancouver Island, British Columbia?

This summer my family and I are going on a vacation and doing Washington state (Seattle, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Saint Helens) and driving up into Canada to do Vancouver and Whistler. On Vancouver Island, we plan to visit Victoria and Campbell River (where we will be going on a 'wildlife adventure'). Is there anything else on Vancouver Island that we are REALLY missing out on? We don't have much time left in the trip schedule to stay longer there, but there is a possibility we might be able to arrange things. Let me know based on what you think the priorities are.Vancouver Island, British Columbia?
You could stop at Cathedral Grove. it's a short detour off the Island Highway from Victoria to Campbell River. Faboulous area of old growth timber. The tallest tree in Canada along with many others that come very close. If you want to venture to the island's west coast go to Tofino/Ucluelet area. Wonderful pacific natural beauty. If you're brave enough you could try surfing at long beach in the Tofino area. (Wetsuit required). The Parksville/Qualicum Beach area (on your way to Campbell River) is a very nice area to visit as well.
I live in Washington. I'm surprised you're not visiting Forks!



Vancouver is awesome, leagues better than Victoria (where I'm headed in a week).



I can't remember specific places we went in Vancouver. I just liked the place. It is weird to be a minority born in America, go somewhere else where everyone looks exactly the same, but then find that they act and think 180 degrees differently from their neighboring country.Vancouver Island, British Columbia?
If you go to Cathedral Grove, go to Coombs along the way. It has the famous "goats on the roof" store which has excellent food with a really good grocery store, cafe, ice cream cones, oriental imports of all kinds, and beside it is a funky mini-mall with good local crafts and tourist stuff. On your way to Campbell River, if you want a break, stop at Miracle Beach Park for a nice woods walk or Saratoga Beach for a nice sandy beach to hang out on. Miracle Beach has pit toilets, Saratoga has nothing but sand and shallow water. Going north of Nanaimo, take hwy 19A rather than 19 unless you're in a huge hurry. 19A passes through the small towns and along the water much of the way and is much more interesting, doesn't take a whole lot longer. If you plan on a whole day from Victoria to CR you'll have lots of time for side trips since blasting straight through on 19 will only take 4 hours or so. You might also consider going west of Victoria to Botanical Beach.
My friend and I did the Cathedral Grove / Coombs trip last year. We also squeezed in Little Qualicum Falls to make a day of it. To be honest, while the size of the trees in Cathedral Grove were nice, the larger trails have been closed for some time making it a quick stop. And the goats on the roofs in Coombs were kind of neat, but you see them as you drive by, the rest of Coombs is a tourist shop with little else to offer (in my opinion).



Now, if you're looking for something interesting to do on your trip from Victoria to Campbell River. There's Wildplay Adventures in Nanaimo with the Zip Lining and Bungee Jumping. A great stop for the family if kids are involved as they have a whole child-friendly climbing course through the trees.



If the weather is nice, Parksville has one of the nicest beaches on the island. Get there as the tide is rolling in and the hot sand makes for beautiful swimming.



There are many groups out there which offer whale watching. I lucked out and got to see the killer whales while out Salmon fishing with a buddy, but I personally would love to go Kayaking with the Whales.



What else...



I just met a man today who offers Hang Gliding and Tandem Hang Gliding out of Duncan, BC. Also along the trip.



If you're looking for something a little less dramatic, a show at the Chemainus Theatre Festival might be an option. Or a live performance at one of the many local locations such as Chemainus' dancing bean or Ladysmith's In the bean time, if there's a show on a convenient date. There's also the Duncan Garage Showroom which has regular performances from very talented local artists.



Also, not so on your way, but a good day trip from Victoria may be to head up to Botanical Beach. It's a nice hike and some of the most amazing west coast views. Beautifully rugged country with the waves crashing along the rocks. Famous for it's 'tidal pools', there are little pockets that collect water, and when the tide rolls out you can walk along and see the sea life that forms within them. Like 100 little natural aquariums along the beach.



Many people passing through the Cowichan Valley are also fond of Cowichan Bay. Again, similar to Coombs with a unique setting loaded with tourist shops.



You can find out about all these and more from a new Vancouver Island website - http://www.knowyourisland.ca where you can find tourist attractions etc... all up and down the island. And being that you're traveling from Victoria to Campbell River, you have many options to choose from.