The Passenger ⋆ Page 12 of 297 ⋆ Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.

July 7, 2024July 27, 2024

Adara

The city of Whistler reminded me much of the beautiful towns of the Swiss Alps, but it is also a bit Disneylandish. It has it’s unique style, a car-free city center, lots of water in different colors passing the city center and the highest density of gondolas and lifts for winter and summer sports I’ve ever seen. Close to the pedestrian zone and the Whistler Conference Center you can find the Adara Hotel – a good hotel with nice rooms including terraces, a rooftop pool and a connected restaurant.

July 7, 2024July 15, 2024

Adventure

‘You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.’
– Dr. Seuss

July 7, 2024January 30, 2025

Sea to sky

When being close to Squamish, British Columbia, you can’t leave out a tour with the Sea to Sky Gondola (named after the road it can be found next to). The gondola offers breathtaking views of the Howe Sound fjord, towering coastal mountains, and lush forests. This scenic gondola ride takes visitors 885 meters above sea level, providing access to a stunning alpine landscape with a variety of outdoor activities.

July 7, 2024January 30, 2025

Cathedral grove

Cathedral Grove is a nice stop next to the road passing the MacMillan Provincial Park near Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. It is a wonderful old-growth forest that showcases some of the most majestic Douglas fir and red cedar trees in British Columbia. Some of these ancient giants are over 800 years old, reaching heights of 75 meters and diameters of nearly nine meters. The grove features a network of well-maintained (often wooden) walking trails that wind through the towering trees, allowing visitors to experience the serene beauty of the temperate rainforest up close.

July 6, 2024January 31, 2025

Beach hopping

The Pacific Rim National Park is a wonderful place on Vancouver Island with many different beaches you can try out. A road and cyclist path connect them from Ucluelet until Tofino and thereby make them easily accessible. You’ll find paid parking areas in all these places, but there is one pain: you can only pay by app and connectivity via the mobile network is sometimes bad. The best beach in my opinion is Tonquin beach near Tofino.

July 6, 2024January 30, 2025

Pacific rim

On the west coast of Vancouver Island you can discover the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, a stunning natural destination known for its rugged coastline, lush temperate rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. The park is divided into three main areas: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. Long Beach, the most accessible and popular section, boasts expansive sandy shores, powerful waves ideal for surfing, and scenic trails through old-growth forests.

July 6, 2024January 30, 2025

Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Loop is a stunning section of the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, British Columbia, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the open Pacific Ocean. This 2.6-kilometer loop winds through windswept forests and rocky bluffs, leading to the historic Amphitrite Lighthouse, which has guided mariners since 1915. Doing the full round takes 45 to 60 minutes. The loop is easy to do, sometimes there is some inclination but everywhere you’ll find benches to sit down and relax.

July 6, 2024January 30, 2025

Rainforest

The Rainforest Trail near Ucluelet offers an immersive experience in the lush, temperate rainforests of Vancouver Island. Located within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this scenic trail consists of two looped boardwalk paths winding through towering old-growth cedars and western hemlocks, draped in moss and surrounded by dense ferns. The trail provides a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere, with interpretive signs along the way that highlight the region’s rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

July 5, 2024July 27, 2024

Black Rock

The best hotel on my trip to Western Canada was the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort at the tiny little town of Ucluelet on Vancouver Island. Its main building is located directly at the shore of the Pacific Ocean (remember, the next country on the other side is Japan) and you’ve got great views from your balcony to the rocks and the sea. The hotel contains a nice bar and a very good restaurant (a reservation upfront is needed) which also serves high-class breakfast in the morning: on a terrace with views on the sea.

July 5, 2024January 30, 2025

Canadian Kölsch

Ucluelet is a picturesque coastal town on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Known for its rugged shoreline, rich Indigenous heritage, and proximity to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet attracts visitors seeking outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenery. The town offers world-class hiking along the Wild Pacific Trail, storm watching in the winter, and excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. With a thriving arts community, cozy accommodations, and fresh seafood, Ucluelet provides a more tranquil alternative to its popular neighbor, Tofino, while still offering an authentic West Coast experience.