Tag: vancouver island

Joy Journal: Juan de Fuca Trail

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The Juan de Fuca Trail traces 47 kilometres of Vancouver Island’s west coast, where expansive shorelines meet old‑growth rainforest and remote, tide‑shaped beaches. Hikers can take on the full multi‑day route or choose a day hike.

Inland, the trail moves through ancient and second‑growth stands of western red cedar, western hemlock, and Douglas fir. The air carries cedar and salt, and the forest floor is softened by moss and decades of fallen needles.

My favourite section runs from Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew to Parkinson Creek—a comfortable day hike when you shuttle a car between trailheads. Botanical Beach’s sandstone tide pools are alive with anemones, sea stars, and the intricate life of the intertidal zone. From there, the trail rises and falls through shaded corridors, opening to sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The route offers an ideal balance of rugged coastline and quiet forest. By the time I reached Parkinson Creek, I was ready for a well‑earned meal at Stoked, the island’s best pizza spot.

The Juan de Fuca Trail is suitable for both seasoned backpackers and day hikers seeking immersion. It is wild, accessible, and deeply restorative—offering not only scenery, but a true forest‑and‑sea bathing experience.

#JoyBlogging

Local Explorer

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I just returned from a local adventure with my daughter. We live on Vancouver Island and we spent a week on the road, stopping in three different destinations along the way. All of the locations were within a few hours of our home. During our journey, we enjoyed music, hopped ferries, savoured good meals, hiked, paddle boarded, swam in the ocean and played in the sun. The best part was visiting with friends and family at each stop; and there was a lot of laughter along the way.

It was wonderful to discover all kinds of local treasures, as shared by our hosts. There were lake trails, mountain views, hidden beaches and ocean spits to be explored. Our friends shared their favourite places, which we would never have discovered without their local knowledge and insight. My daughter and I came home feeling full, refreshed and happy. All of this took place within a few hours of home, which proves that you do not have to travel very far to discover adventure.

In recent years, I have also tried out a “staycation”, which entails staying home for your break. There is something really nice about exploring familiar surroundings. The key is not to let chores around the house take over your time. Staying close to home can be quite relaxing, as it offers you the opportunity to be a tourist in your own town, and spend quality time in your community. There is an additional element of mindfulness and intention that is required to ensure you maximize the experience; but it is well worth the effort.

I am always grateful for the opportunity to travel to other countries, explore other cultures and experience the world but a local experience can often be as equally fun and fulfilling. It is wonderful to have an economical option for spending time with your friends and family in a unique and meaningful way. There is so much to discover close to home. It just requires a little curiosity, openness and effort.

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