Page 107 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Canada

Fishing trawlers just off the
coast of the small harbor
town of Port Hardy

Between the town of Duncan For more wildlife viewing artifacts, and relics from early
and the lake lies the Valley opportunities, visit the nearby Danish settlers, as well as a
Demonstration Forest, North Island Wildlife Recovery gift shop that sells locally
which has scenic lookouts Centre, where you can see crafted wooden carvings.
and signs explaining forest rescued black bears, owls, Another worthy stopover
management. Duncan is turtles, and other animals is the Quatse River Salmon
known as the City of Totems, being rehabilitated. Stewardship Centre, where
as it displays more than 40 Foodies shouldn’t miss a visitors can learn all about the
poles in the downtown area. stop at the Little Qualicum life cycle of salmon through
Yellow-painted footprints on Cheeseworks, making sure to fun interactive displays.
the sidewalks guide visitors sample their brie, fruit wine, Port Hardy makes a
along the “Totem Trail.” and other delicious goodies convenient gateway to further
produced at the on-site farm. rural adventures, including
The Coombs Old Country kayaking, scuba diving,
Market is also a great spot for fishing, and caving. It is also
6 = locally produced foods, with the starting point for the
Parksville freshly baked cinnamon buns unforgettable BC Ferries
and creamy homemade ice Inside Passage route to Prince
n 1275 Island Hwy E;
www.visitparksville cream included among the Rupert and Haida Gwaii,
qualicumbeach.com wares there – just be sure to and for thrilling floatplane
watch out for the goats on tours that head to the
The relaxed and laid-back the market rooftop. Great Bear Rainforest.
town of Parksville swells
during the summer months,
when both locals and visitors 7 INSIDER TIP
flock to Rathtrevor Beach Sweater
Provincial Park at the east Port Hardy Shopping
end of town, which boasts a n 7250 Market St; www. For an authentic
1-mile (1.5-km) sandy stretch visitporthardy.com sou venir from the
of natural splendor. At low island, seek out the
tide the little tidal pools The quaint harbor town of thick, wool Cowichan
are of interest for shell and Port Hardy is the largest sweaters traditionally
sand-dollar seekers, while community on the northern hand-knitted by the
bald eagles soar above part of Vancouver Island, and Cowichan First Nations
looking for a tasty meal has a good little museum of this region.
of crab or fish. filled with fossils, First Nations
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