For those of you searching for a holiday that involves lying on a beach and sipping a margarita, do not read any further, the information ahead will be of no interest to you. For those of you looking for a trip that involves non-stop action, read on and learn about an island, which in my opinion has been overlooked by adventure travellers for far too long.



Vancouver Island, located off the west coast of British Columbia is home to well over 700,000 Canadians. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, the island's mild climate, which is steady throughout the year, makes it an ideal place to visit and retire for older age groups.

For decades Vancouver Island has been a choice destination for singles, couples and groups of people in the 'over-50' age category. They come from countries around the world to visit the island; attracted to the relaxed tours that cater to suit their individual needs, the friendly people they meet, which prompt them to return for a second time, and most importantly the beauty of the oceans, rivers, lakes and mountains ? all of which secure Vancouver Island's uniqueness and separate it from the competition.

My issue lies in the fact that only a portion of the international travelling community recognizes Vancouver Island (V.I.) as a place to be visited in their lifetime. I feel this is happening because it has been popular with a particular age group for a long period of time and younger travellers are failing to notice V.I., not realizing all that it has to offer younger generations.

I am really quite shocked that for so many years the island has appealed more to older generations when in fact there are far more activities appealing to those seeking wild adventures than there are activities intended for a slower paced crowd. V.I. alone has well over 300 operators who cater to the recreation and adventure industry. Whether you're looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush of diving off the first legal bungy jumping bridge in North America or swimming 100's of meters below the surface of the "emerald sea", in what has been named one of the best cold-diving destinations in the world, V.I. can guarantee you an unforgettable adventure if that is what you are looking for.

The website www.viadventures.net is a perfect example to the plethora of recreational and adventure activities that V.I. has to offer, but for so many years have gone relatively unnoticed. The website operates as an adventure directory to every type of activity offered on the island. Every traveller who visits this site will be overwhelmed by selection. Fishing, hiking, surfing, kayaking, sailing, diving, surfing, skiing, paragliding, horseback riding, wake boarding, caving, mountain biking, rock climbing, you name it, Vancouver Island probably offers it! If you don't believe me, check out VI Adventures for your self, you will not be disappointed.

Don't be afraid to get wet, get dirty and experience the ultimate adventure. When booking your next trip consider adding V.I. to your itinerary and allow yourself to experience the wilder side of Canada's west coast. It is an island like no other you will have visited before!

Lauren Johnson