Readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 'have ranked Vancouver Island as the "Top North American Island" eight consecutive years and this was accompanied by the readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine 'who have voted on this island in the Pacific North-West as "The World's Best Island in the Continental United States and Canada. "

These publications do not bestow their blessings lightly and without reason, so that is what has "captured" readers of these prestigious journals?

1. Vancouver Island is a traveler's dream.

The island is easily reached by ferry from the mainland or Seattle or plane at the international airport, about 20 km from downtown Victoria. Its mild climate it is easy for visitors throughout the year, and is conducive to lush vegetation, gardens and colorful flowers. It is pleasing to the eye and easy on the language: Canadian eh!

But what makes it so easy for the visitor is network of tourism offices throughout the country, attended by trained personnel, span, which can direct you to a world class accommodations and amenities. Camping in the wild or five stars, the choices are many, varied and quality. Driving is easy, the information available and the tourism industry is healthy and strong.

2. Vancouver Island has adventures for all.

Sailing and kayaking are world class, through the surrounding Gulf Islands and there is plenty to tie all vessel sizes. Diving, fishing and surfing are the first class shipping and there is skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. Washington.

The island is known for its caves and caving, is biking and hiking trails and wilderness camps. But that's not all. Some of the best salmon fishing in the world are available here and observation of whales and other marine life studies.

Mountaineering, guided tours to see the bears, black and brown, diving, canoeing, swimming, sailing or para-sport quieter see over 260 species of birds. Take your pick, there are adventures, organized or otherwise, for all forms of visiting travelers.

3. Vancouver Island is the landscape.

From the rocky coves of the west coast of the central mountains through Strathcona Provincial Park, this island has the ends on stage. The streams feeding crystalline lakes, melting of glaciers in the salmon rivers, which flow into the sea through gorges full of potholes. Sheer ropes, chains of small islands, meadows, valleys and long sandy beaches, all within an easy day's drive!

Within a period six hours you may experience a lively modern city with a European style, a riparian forest with trees 800 years old and miles of sandy beaches Full flat surfers, and if your quick, get in some night ski-ing, well!

4. Vancouver Island has all the familiar things.

Beaches and fairs for children, historical sites and golf for dad and glorious gardens and street markets for Mom. Throw in the old fairs, fairs the book, jazz and art festivals, sports equipment, bicycle rides, boating, swimming, craft fairs, warehouses, factories cideries beer and street performers and all you could imagine: there really is "something for everyone."

Vancouver Island is family, whether for camping, driving or bed and breakfast "which is probably one of the main reasons it is selected as a place so popular.

But the only thing that makes Vancouver Island a glorious place to visit is that there is much to discover, much to do, so many experiences to enjoy, and then you wait.

Be like John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon Hudson Bay Company, who helped negotiate the entry of British Columbia in Canada. Discover Vancouver Island, as made: you can visit his home for 150 years, which is BC's oldest, yet on the original site. He knew the importance of the island was long before that magazine readers voted on it, so much so he married the daughter of local governors.

See for yourself, check out his house and medical equipment if I do not think: you'll be glad you did.

About the Author:

Dave is a retired Canadian. Want to Discover more about Vancouver Island? Then make sure to visit

www.Discover-Vancouver-Island.com
a popular website that provides inside information for visitors to the island, including maps, pictures and videos. All you need, to make your visit a complete success: take it from someone who lives close by! Check out
Discover Vancouver Island
, now.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Four Reasons Why Vancouver Island Is Ranked #1

Hood River Bridge – Heading home in the rain

Comfort Inn & Suites-Columbia Gorge West $62.99 Gateway to National Scenic Columbia River Gorge

Best Western Columbia River Inn $70 Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Columbia River Gorge at this Cascade Locks hotel

Columbia Gorge Hotel $179.67 Columbia Gorge Hotel > PDX > 4000 Westcliff Drive > Hood River > OR > 97031>Location. This business friendly property is located on a river, in Hood River. Features. Columbia Gorge Hotel has a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Business amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, meeting rooms for small groups, and business services. Event facilities consist of a ballroom, conference rooms, and banquet facilities. The staff can arrange tour/ticket assistance, wedding services, event catering, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Additional amenities include a concierge desk, a garden, and a picnic area. This is a smoke free property (fines may apply for violations). Guestrooms. Amenities featured in guestrooms include clock radios. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations. All guestrooms at Columbia Gorge Hotel are non smoking. Notifications:Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. >

Comfort Inn Columbia Gorge $70 In the heart of Columbia Gorge, short distance to Historical Downtown, shopping, walking tours baske in the sun at Riverfront Park, suites available, heated indoor pool, whirlpool

Winter Wonderland (Columbia River) $5.49 Columbia River Entertainment:160004

Columbia Gorge Inn $65 Columbia Gorge Inn > CZK > 404 SW Wanapa Street > Cascade Locks > OR > 97014>Location. This Cascade Locks property is situated in the historical district. Area attractions include Bonneville Lock and Dam. Features. In addition to multilingual staff and air conditioning in public areas, Columbia Gorge Inn features self parking. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Guestrooms. Amenities featured in guestrooms include air conditioning, coffee/tea makers, and free local calls. Business friendly amenities include complimentary high speed (wired) Internet access, complimentary wireless Internet access, and desks. All guestrooms provide microwaves and refrigerators. Bathrooms feature hair dryers, showers only, and complimentary toiletries. Rollaway beds are available on request. All guestrooms at Columbia Gorge Inn are non smoking. Notifications and Fees:Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pets: US$ 10 per pet, per stay>The preferred airport for Columbia Gorge Inn is Portland, OR (PDX Portland Intl.) 54.6 km / 33.9 mi. Distances are calculated in a straight line from the property’s location to the point of interest or airport and may not reflect actual travel distance. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometre.

Holiday Inn New River Gorge $87 Holiday Inn New River Gorge > BKW > 340 Oyler Ave > Oak Hill > WV > 25901>Location. This Oak Hill property is situated in a rural location. Features. Holiday Inn New River Gorge has a health club, an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness facility. This 3.0 star Oak Hill property features a hair salon and beauty services. Business amenities include high speed Internet access, meeting rooms for small groups, and business services. Holiday Inn New River Gorge has a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Event facilities at this 3.0 star property consist of conference rooms and banquet facilities. Guestrooms. Amenities featured in guestrooms include air conditioning, coffee/tea makers, and free local calls. Business friendly amenities include direct dial phones and voice mail. Bathrooms provide hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. >Charleston Yeager Airport (CRW): Holiday Inn Oak Hill is about 60 miles from the airport.

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