world-renowned waters of Campbell River to the tantaliz- ing wildemess of Nootka Sound in the west, North Central Island isa vacationer’s delight. Denman, Hornby Islands - Just a short ferry ride from Buckley Bay, Denman and Homby islands are peaceiul enclaves known for their natural :. splendour and high ratio of residenc artists and artisans. ~ Both islands are perfect for cycle touring: The main reads are paved, the traffic is light and rentals are available. On the southern tip of Denman Island, Boyle Point Provincial Park has hiking trails through old-growth forest ‘and, from Eagle Rock, an inspiring coastal view of the light- house on Chrome Island, red-trimmed clapboard houses, snow-capped mountains and ocean. .. Hornby Island’s natural attractions include the magnifi- cent, fine-sand beaches at Tribune Bay Provincial Park and Whaling Saation Bay. Comox Valley From thé s soaring peaks of Mount Washington and Strath- ‘cona Provincial Park all the way to the ocean, the Comex Valley, known as Vancouver Island's year-round playground, ‘offers a wonderful range of family activities. The golf courses are open. Hikers are tackling trails ging from easy to chailenging: Mountain bikers and yclists are traversing the network of divetse trails. And 1water anglers are cating their lines into Comox, Blue Grouse Maple, Regan, Willemar and Wolf takes, or trying : r steelhead in the local rivers and streams. Whe Comox Valley encompasses three distinct commu- ities: Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland. ctive, seaside Comox is a semi-rural area on the of the Courtenay Estuary. Comox highlights include ter pier and walkway, a marina and the Canadian a Wane us ‘Ait Force Museum. in the calm water of the Courtenay ee Atthe ay and District Museum re Palcontology Centre, i d where the | mountains meet the ‘pbal River overlooks the Inside Passage and ‘the east and is backed by the alpine thcona Provincial Park in the west. A year round mecca for outddor enthusiasts, this vibrant city vA rous Se tees sind | wilderness a areas sur- ¢ Campbell River present canocists, hikers, anglers wildlife watchers with a wealth of opportunities. Kilometre park.with mountains, a ; Idflower. meadows, alpine lakes, « oC NORTH CENTRAL A tstaND ‘For OMX Valley: ° Comox Valley Visitor info Centre. “2040 Cliffe Ave: Brot B.C: and hundreds of plant and animal species. Then there's the fantastic fishing! Campbell River has . been known as the Salmon Capital of the World for more than 100 years. From December through April, the fish of choice is chinook or spring salmon, best caught with the expert tutelage of a local guide on a chartered vessel. Beginning in June and continuing into the fall, other salmon species migrate into the Discovery Pas.2ge and area waters. Fishing for steelhead, considered the finest fresh- water game fish in North America, is at its best in winter and early spring. Guides, charters boat and equipment . rentals, fish care and licences are available in town. ; Queer Island A 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Campbell River, Quadra Island is famous for freshwater and salowater fishing. Trout fishermen can drop a line into several freshwater lakes located on the north end of the island, a predominantly wild area. Although salmon fishing is at its peak between _ June and September, chinook or spring salmon can be caught year-round with a knowledgeable guide. First Nations culture is strong on Quadra Island where ancient petroglyphs can be found at Wa Wa Kie Beach, © Francisco Point and in the small park across from the Kwag- iulth Museum and Cuiturai Centre. . Nootka Sound West of Campbell River, Hwy. 28 winds through the northern portion of Strathcona Provincial Park and on towards Gold River and Nootka Sound. Known as the birth- “ place of British Columbia, Nootka Sound is where, in 1778, Capt. James Cook and the HMS Resolution first reached on the shores of what later was named Vancouver Island, + and.claimed it for the. British throne. 25 4 ¢. ace wa A ed Information For information on Campbell River: Campbell River Tourism P.O. Box 402, Campbell River, B.C.,. VOW 5CI phone: [-800~-463-4FUN, fax: 250-286-8336 e-mail: - Web site: Bickle House Country Irn wm 2750 Dusisnuir Avenue, Sonny BO. Lone a th. &. cal ton , unique Scottish atmosphere, picturesque if recreation of beautiful Comox Lake and surrounding forest. Come and discover the . best kept secret on Vancouver Island, the Bickle House Courtry Inn. ge With tha choice of two luxurious period decorated suites and three rooms all ensuite, we oiler our quests the Perfect Bed and Breakfast, at very reasonable rates. ©” Stay N’ Ski the slopes of “Mt. Washington” or play one of Comox Valley's fine golf courses only minutes away and retum to the unique, romantic and quiet ambience of