Gowlland Tod’s, Holmes Peak Trail

On the way to our next Vancouver Island hike, we spotted a deer feeding beside the road and another along the hiking trail. This short 1.2 kilometre up hill hike was mostly under the shade of overhanging trees. Once we passed a garter snake, we were almost to the top.

Sidney Street Sculpture

Centaur — Philip Organ (above photo)

North of Victoria on Vancouver Island, was the relaxed town of Sidney. Situated right on the sea on the eastern side of the island, I couldn’t help notice some of the unique art that dotted the landscape.

Along Sidney’s Coast

As I turned into a curve along Lockside Walkway on Vancouver Island, I spotted two playful seals off shore, but it wasn’t until I arrived at Sidney’s fish markets, that I came close to one. The seal was probably waiting for scraps from the markets as it kept popping its head out of the water.

Lockside Waterfront Park Walkway

From the southern entrance of Sidney’s walkway by the Salish Sea, it was a mere two and a half kilometre hike one way.

Ferry Ride

It’s been a long time since I last took a trip across to Vancouver Island.

The ferry slipped between Galiano and Mayne islands, then Prevost, North Pender and Saltspring Islands, yet still there were more Gulf Islands to encounter over glistening smooth waters until we reached our destination — Swatz Bay.

Reifel Bird Sanctuary

Even though this reserve on Westham Island was about birds, I couldn’t help be in wonder at the vegetation.

Vancouver’s hidden treasure

During my daughter’s short visit, she wanted to visit UBC’s rose garden. The university sits on a snout that overlooks the Salish Sea, and while it was too early in the season to find the garden at its best, the view was spectacular.

Westham Island’s George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

South the Vancouver lies a bird sanctuary with the Fraser River on one side and the Salish Sea on the other. In the distance lies the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands where the salty sea air washes over the exposed landscape. This is a bird watcher’s haven and although I’m not one of them, it’s still a pleasure to visit the island and come into contact with thousands of birds.