Vancouver Island Reviews and Information

We are living in the most beautiful place on earth, yet the current economy is making us very weary. Where does Vancouver Island stand in the big scheme of things? You'll be happy to know - not too shabby! Here are some stats and facts on the economy here on this lovely rock. Average Household Income in Victoria -$67,000 Average cost of a home in Victoria -$588,826 Average monthly rent in Victoria (based on a 2 bedroom) -$900 Average vacancy rate in Victoria -0.5% Victoria has the highest homelessness rate with approximately 1500 homeless residing in the city, Nanaimo is in second with about 300. Unemployment rate on Vancouver Island is 4.5%, which is lower than the national average of %6. Employment by Sector: Retail/Wholesale trade: 17% Health Care/Social Assistance: 14% Construction: 9.5% Accommodation/Food Service: 8.4% Educational Services: 6.8% Public Services: 6.6% Finance, Real Estate, Insurance and Leasing: 6.1% Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 5.8%

Nanaimo's Future Cruise Ship Dock. NANAIMO – The Province will invest $5 million to further develop a cruise ship facility in Nanaimo’s inner harbour that is expected to draw up to 50 cruise ship visits annually, Premier Gordon Campbell and Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon announced today. NANAIMO – The Province will invest $5 million to further develop a cruise ship facility in Nanaimo’s inner harbour that is expected to draw up to 50 cruise ship visits annually, Premier Gordon Campbell and Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon announced today. “There are tremendous opportunities for Nanaimo to tap into the cruise ship tourism market and create jobs and economic growth in the region,” said Campbell. “Right now cruise ships have to anchor in the harbour and tender passengers ashore. This investment brings Nanaimo closer to realizing the goal of converting the Assembly Wharf into a facility that will make the community an even more attractive destination for cr

The pub culture is alive and well on Vancouver Island! Here are some local favourites..... 1. Irish Times Pub (Victoria) This pub has awesome celtic music (if you're into that) and kilt wearing servers! The menu is island inspired with lots of delicious fresh seafood, wings, nachos and the usual pub fare. There is also an extensive menu with salads, main entrees and dessert. Mondays are 2 for 1 fish and chips. Daniel Lapp hosts a traditional celtic session every Sunday at 7:30pm. There is also live music every Friday afternoon between 5:30 and 7:30pm. All Canucks games are televised including Pay-Per-View. 2. Shady Rest Pub (Qualicum Beach) The Shady Rest Pub is a magnificent beachfront pub on the shore of Qualicum Beach. It boasts 75 years in service! This pub serves everything - breakfast, brunch and dinner! For breakfast there is ample egg dishes avaliable - everything from Eggs bennie to omelettes. Dinner is a delicious array of seafood, there favourites are the teriyaki sti

If you live in Nanaimo (like moi) you will soon have an opportunity to have your voice heard about who should have the position of mayor and council in our fair city. Four candidates are running for mayor, those include: Diane Brennan Larry Iwaskow Gary Korpan (current mayor) John Ruttan Running for council are: Jack Arnold, Bill Bestwick, Ron Bolin, Brunie Brunie, Rob Campbell, Janet Cowling, Bill Forbes, Gord Fuller, Ted Greves, Bill Holdom, Diana Johnstone, Jim Kipp, Tim Lander, Mark MacDonald, Blake McGuffie, Larry McNabb, Angela Negrin, Fred Pattje, Troy Pearson, Terry Lynn Saunders, Mark Sadhra, Simon Schachner, Loyd Sherry, Pat Squire, Merv Unger and James Younger. Do your research, check out the candidates and DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

Canadian Princess Resort The Canadian Princess Resort is located in Ucluelet - near Tofino. With accomodations you can choose from hotel style on shore rooms or stay in a cabin on-board a ship! Ucluelet boasts excellent salmon, halibut and bottom fish fishing. There are nature cruises avaliable. The Broken Group Islands Cruise tours operate each afternoon and are 3 hours of magnificent West Coast nature viewing. There are fly-in and drive-in packages starting at $475 for on shore accomodation and 3 days 2 nights - 2 fishing trips.The classy Wickaninnish restaurant is nearby for an amazing dining experience Kingfisher Spa and Resort The Kingfisher resort is located in Courtenay. Kingfisher has 64 beachfront or oceanview rooms to choose from. This resort is well-known for it's extensive spa, you can choose from various spa packages that also include dining. There is also a fitness room avaliable for all guests, as well as a pool, hot tub, cedar sauna and a west coast steam cave! Woo!