VANCOUVER ISLAND FACTS - Land

• Stretching from north to south, the center of the island is dominated by high mountains. (The Beaufort Range)

• The west coast is very rugged and mountainous with several very long inlets. Winter months are characterized by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and wind. Summer months are usually calm and warm which gives everyone a chance to enjoy the many natural wonders the area has to offer.

• The west coast of Vancouver Island, where more than 1,100 ships were lost in past years, was known as "The Graveyard of the Pacific". Now a diver's paradise!

• The east coast has some of the most sheltered and moderate weather in British Columbia. Climate ranges from Mediterranean to Semi-Arid desert.

• Della Falls in Strathcona Park is the highest waterfall in North America. (440 metres high or 1,443 feet)

• An ancient sea once covered part of Vancouver Island and fossils that are millions of years old are numerous. The Comox Valley is the first stop on the "Dinosaur Trail" and is an important centre of Paleontology.

• One of the best Caving areas in the world with over 1,050 known caves. (Little Hustans Thanksgiving Cave is 5.5 km long)