[font color=\'#000000\']Much of Vancouver Island is remote and inaccessible. It takes time, knowledge and a helicopter to get to the really good places. Avoid the area north of Campbell River for this reason. That said, there are many, many places that will exceed your expectations and aren't inaccessible at all.
The trip to Prince Rupert would cost you substantially in both time and money. The boat ride itself is good, a pleasant ride through endless green forested valleys that happen to have ocean for bottoms. Unfortunately, they all look the same. The real way to see the coast of BC (or Alaska) is by air. Charter a float plane out of Campbell River for two hours and you will be amazed. Probably the best money you'll spend in BC.
As for the Island, I'd suggest Tofino, about halfway up, on the west coast. If you don't live on an ocean coast, the experience there is worth however long it takes you to drive there. Tofino has ocean beaches to die for, including excellent offshore islands to add to the effect. It's a spectacular location with lots of tourism facilities.
In Tofino, the Mears Island walk is worth the trip if you've not seen a real rainforest. Tropical jungles don't compare. Ever seen a 300 foot tree? Eight feet through?
There are a many opportunities for wildlife photography in Tofino, including whales. Seals, Sea Lions, birds galore, forest dwellers. Note that some whale watching is seasonal. I'm not sure when they migrate past Tofino on their way back from the Bering Sea to Baja. Late fall, I believe.
Another excellent adventure is the ferry boat "Lady Rose". Google it. It's a great trip with good stuff at both ends.
Bamfield, on the west coast is a tiny version of Tofino. No sandy beaches, but you can visit the Broken Group, an archipelago of dozens of tiny, uninhabited islands seemingly laid out by Japanese gardeners. You'll need to pay for a tour there, but it's a world class location.
West of Victoria are Sooke, Jordan River and Port Renfrew, all not quite in Tofino's league, but easy to access. The drive is nice, but slow, windey. Victoria is an excellent little city to visit if you have a day or so to spare.
Travelling south from Campbell River, avoid the new "parkway" and find the old highway. Less traffic, better scenery. Qualicum Beach, for instance.
Have fun!
Peter[/font]