The first stop when heading north should be Cowichan Bay, situated 55 km north of Victoria. Many houses have been built on stilts because their owners needed more room.

A worthwile stop on your way to Parksville is the city of Duncan, 60 km north of Victoria, also known as The City Of Totem Poles. Here, you can take a trail explaining the historic background of totem poles.

One of the totem poles presented in Duncan.

You will also want to stop by in Chemainus, north of Duncan. The small village is best known for its murals. But there are supermarkets and restaurants as well.

You can learn everything about Chemainus during a tour with a horse-drawn carriage.

We asked one of the locals to take a photo in front of this historic scene. :-)

Evening sky at Parksville, close to our motel.

The Paradise Sea Shell Motel.

There is a campground next to the Oaradise Sea Shell Motel. It is situated directly at the shore and has a fantastic view.

Coombs is situated 9 km west of Parksville. You will find goats chewing up sod on the old country market hall. The market hall is definitely worth a visit!

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park invites for a fantastic walk. Here, you get an impression of how the woods of Vancouver Island used to look in the past. You will find it on the your way from Parksville to Port Alberni.

Cameron Lake, between Parksville and Port Alberni.