Vancouver Island is very special indeed.
This is like a little continent: it is located ideally.
On the est coast you have the straight where the water is much warmer and you get a sort of mild atlantic climate.
Being used of our warm spanish seas, I could swim there with absolutly no problem.
On the west, it's cold and wild. Vegetation is more dramatic and humid.
There are high moutains with one of the best skiing conditions of all north america. Because of these moutains,
there is a foen effect. The east is much hotter and dryer.
The food is excellent, specially the mussels and shellfish.
If you want more urban activities, you go easily to Vancouver city or Seattle.
The native indian art is well present (although very tourist orientated but that's the way they have good incomes).
The animals like dears are eating in your hand and the wildlife is well preserved.
Okay, it sounds like Alice in wonderland but I had never seen before wild dear eating in your hand...
People are friendly, relaxed and easy to deal with.
Higly recommended if you don't know this place.
(found the prices cheeper than here by the way).