Parksville

There are plenty of beautiful hikes in the mountains on Vancouver Island, and today we had plans to climb either 5040 Peak or Mount Arrowsmith - both highly recommended peaks. But after experiencing the most magnificent mountain scenery on our hikes in Alaska (which are hard to beat), we agreed to fill the day with some other fun family experiences instead Instead, the day included mini golf, a trip to the island's answer to the Wadden Sea at Parksville, and an exciting visit to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Center. Here they care for wild animals that have been injured and can no longer fend for themselves in the wild. For example, we met an owl that had been hit by a car and now lives permanently at the center - and we got up close and personal with both black bears and eagles, all of which are in rehabilitation or permanent care.