Escapees May June 2015 Demo

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May/June 2015 |ESCAPEES .27
couver Island
Continued ›››
far-away destinations painted on the
sides of the visiting luxury yachts and
sailboats tied up here. Riding the little
passenger ferry across the harbor for
a tasty feast of fresh seafood at the
Dingy Dock Pub on Protection Island
is a treat.
It’s all about the outdoors on Van-
couver Island, and Nanaimo’s walking
and cycling trails throughout the city
the viewpoints along the way create
some memorable photo opportunities.
The fresh local produce found in
the farmers’ markets, glass-blowing
artisans and the perfect greens on the
golf courses along the way will defi-
nitely entice you off the highway.
Sample the latest vintage from one
of the many wineries found on the
Saanich Peninsula and along the wine
route towards the Cowichan area. Tour
one of the farm wineries and learn
more about the growing of grapes
and winemaking before you reach the
home of the murals, Chemainus.
Chemainus (Sha-main-us)
Chemainus is north of Victoria along
the Trans Canada Highway (Highway
1), and the drive takes approximate-
ly one-and-a-half hours. Walking is
the best way to see everything in the
friendly seaside village of Chemainus.
Get out of your vehicle and let the
painted footsteps guide you on a
journey through time as you tour the
historical murals covering many of
the downtown buildings. Or hop on
a horse-drawn trolley or carriage and
watch as the stories of the village’s
history and heritage of forestry, fishing
and mining unfold in front of you.
Nanaimo (Nan-i-mo)
Further north, about a half-hour from
Chemainus, is Nanaimo, where its
scenic harbor is a continuous bustle
of activity. Pedestrians enjoy strolling
along the waterfront promenade over-
looking the harbor where commercial
fishing boats, kayakers and canoeists
share the waters with the float planes
landing and departing regularly. Walk
along the wooden docks and read the
Searching for crab on the
Vancouver Island coastline. Ferries from Horseshoe Bay Park.