I may be biased, having lived here all of my life, but I truly believe that Vancouver Island is a special place. Whether it's because of the laid-back attitudes of the people that live here, the mild climate, or the beautiful wilderness, Vancouver Island seems to stand out. But there are some things about "the Rock" that even it's oldest residents may not be aware of. I've compiled a list of records set right here on Van Isle.
This is in part due to our large deer population, coupled with our mountain ranges and lack of brown and grizzly bears. Only recently has the cougar population began to decline, in part due to human development, and in part due to the growing wolf population.
While it's extremely rare, wolves and cougars have both been known attack humans and their pets when spooked, but I have to say in the 30 years I've lived here I've never seen either in person. I did spot a chunky black bear digging for clams on Sombrio Beach once! But just to be safe, it is a good rule of thumb to keep your pets on a leash when travelling to the west coast.
Wettest place in North America
This isn't particularly surprising to anyone who's spent any significant amount of time on the Island, as Vancouver Island is covered almost entirely in temperate rainforest. Henderson Lake (recently renamed Hucuktlis) is located in Central VI and considered to be the wettest place in North America, with an average annual precipitation of 271.8 inches. It's also considered to be a place of cultural and spiritual significance, which is why the Uchucklesaht First Nation submitted the request for the renaming of the site.
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| Source: West Coast Edge ATV Adventures |
Highest concentration of cougars in North America
Vancouver Island is home to a host of large predators, including cougars, black bears, marine wolves, and the occasional grizzly that's managed to swim over. When it comes to cougars, however, Vancouver Island is home to the highest concentration in North America.This is in part due to our large deer population, coupled with our mountain ranges and lack of brown and grizzly bears. Only recently has the cougar population began to decline, in part due to human development, and in part due to the growing wolf population.
While it's extremely rare, wolves and cougars have both been known attack humans and their pets when spooked, but I have to say in the 30 years I've lived here I've never seen either in person. I did spot a chunky black bear digging for clams on Sombrio Beach once! But just to be safe, it is a good rule of thumb to keep your pets on a leash when travelling to the west coast.
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| Source: CJFC Today |
Highest concentration of limestone caves in North America
Mostly credited to our heavy rainfall and mountainous topography, Vancouver Island has a wealth of limestone caves. While many require hiking through forest in order to access them, a few are relatively accessible. The Horne Lake Caves, for example, are located within the Horne Lake Provincial Park and privately managed to minimize the threat of vandalism. The caves have become a popular day trip for families and school groups as an adventurous and educational outing.
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| Source: Horne Lake Caves |
World's biggest hockey stick (and puck)
Built in 1985, this hockey stick and puck combo was originally commissioned by the Government of Canada as part of Expo '86 in Vancouver. Now adorning the front of the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan, the 61,000 pound 205 foot hockey stick was built with douglas fir beams (you'll see why in a moment) and reinforced with steel beams. |
| Source: Travellingcanucks.com |
World's largest street hockey tournament
Another hotly contested title, partly due to a love of the game, and partly because street hockey is just plain fun. Way back in June of 2007, Ladysmith managed to set the world record for largest street hockey tournament, raising $10,000 for community youth sports in the process.Only six months later, however, the title was taken and now rests squarely with Brantford, Ontario, hometown of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. In 2014, another street hockey record was attempted in Nanaimo, where 40 players played a street hockey game for an uninterrupted 105 hours and 44 minutes!
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| Source: Cowichan Valley Citizen |
Second Largest Douglas Fir Tree in Canada
Big Lonely Doug is known for being big, and, well, lonely. He stands solitary in a clear cut area of the forests near Port Renfrew, on the west coast of the Island. In 2014 he was confirmed to be the second-largest Douglas Fir tree in Canada and is estimated to be around 1000 years old.
His discovery by experienced loggers and the subsequent efforts to save him make for quite the tale! Located in the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation. Visitors to the area will often stop to visit Doug before turning their attention to Avatar Grove.
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| Source: The Walrus |
Canada's Gnarliest Tree
In an area near Port Renfrew, down a gravel and dirt road, across a high bridge, lies a popular hiking area called Avatar Grove. Within the grove is a number of old growth trees, including this spectacular redwood cedar. It features a a knot, or burl, 10ft in diameter. Is it truly the world's gnarliest tree? It's difficult to say, but the title was created in an attempt to raise awareness of the forest and reduce logging in the area.
I recently made an attempt to reach the tree with my fiancé. Unfortunately, as it was peak rainy season in January, the trail had been washed out. Our efforts to climb around to the remaining trail just ended in us getting soaked by the damp underbrush. Needless to say, we recommend making the trip between April and October.
Canada's Tallest Waterfall
It may be more accurate to say "tallest vertical drop" rather than simply tallest waterfall. Semantics aside, what can't be argued is the breath-taking beauty Della Falls nestled in Strathcona Provincial Park. This waterfall may not be the easiest to get to, but for those who enjoy hiking and some back-country camping it's certainly worth the trip.
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