Most folks who think of Vancouver Island think of our beautiful beaches and shores. You’re never far from the Pacific Ocean here wherever you may be on the island. Even so, this is hardly the sole feature of the island. With an adventurous spirit you can also find some of the most incredible forests with trees that reach for the skies and mountains that look like they go on forever.
High Atop The Malahat – Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
One evening at the end of June in 2013, Mrs. Toad and I found ourselves at the very tippy top of the world. One of our key highways winds its way up and down the island, taking you from the very southern point in the city of Victoria all the way north. This route crosses 500km of rugged and naturally beautiful terrain, and according to the good folks at Google Maps takes up to 6 hours to complete. I would imagine that would be the case only if you’re not traveling with a photographer because I can honestly say that there’s no way you could drive the entire distance without stopping to take pictures. This trip would likely take Mrs. Toad and I three weeks to accomplish with all the side trips. Best be packing a lunch, I say!
One of the best spots for a view and a photo is at the top of the Malahat section of the main highway. Rising upwards to a level of 300m, you’d think you were high atop the world, reaching for the heavens. In truth, you are already there.
This picture looks way better in full screen, so please go ahead and click on it. In the far distance as the eye makes its way across rolling mountain after rolling mountain, all covered in the finest green carpet thanks to our wonderful forests, you can see the Olympic Mountains. The Olympics are located in Washington State, across the water from Vancouver Island. And boy, are they tall! It’s really hard to truly appreciate the scale and context of a shot like this, but rest assured my good friends, we are looking here across miles and miles of landscape…
So, next time you’re planning a trip, come and travel Vancouver Island! There’s truly something here for everyone, pop on over and see for yourself! We promise that you’ll be completely delighted and amazed at what awaits you here.
Photo Credit
Photo is © Scott Johnson – All Rights Reserved
First published at Toad Hollow Photography
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