What is a UNESCO Global Geopark,
And Why You Should Visit This One?
Learn about Tumbler Ridge, one of five Global Geoparks in North America and the only one in western Canada.
There are few things in life that are as fun as a road trip and few places that offer as much diversity as BC. Travel between the small mountain towns of the Kootenay Rockies, the pristine wilderness of Northern BC or the vineyards of the Thompson Okanagan. This week, photographer @therichardkelly is sharing some of his favourite spots that are sure to inspire a Vancouver Island road trip.
“Sunrises: one of the best motivators to waking up early. I’m always finding new places to watch the sunrise. One of my favourite spots is Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. It’s so easily accessible and close to town, yet has such a calming disconnect from the city.”
“From surfing to rainforests to whale watching, Tofino has it all. Definitely some of my most enjoyable island road trips have been to this magical place.”
“Springtime in Nanaimo brings some of the coolest fog patches I’ve ever seen. The forest at the base of Mount Benson provides some really great places to relax.”
“Experiencing Ammonite Falls in the spring or after a heavy rainfall shows off its sheer power! Make sure you use the safety ropes provided for climbing.”
“Gabriola Island has such a unique beauty to it, and it’s just a 20 minute ferry ride from the Nanaimo. It features a cozy little town, more than a dozen art studios and some resorts and B&Bs.”
“Flying over the Malaspina Galleries on the west side Gabriola Island reminded me of the east coast of Canada.”
“Little Mountain near Parksville is my favourite place to watch a sunrise, eat lunch or see a sunset. It offers incredible views that are easily accessible. I’ve watched countless sunsets here after a day of adventures. Sometimes I like to just set up a hammock and relax. Take in the beauty before me and appreciate the incredible opportunity I have to call Vancouver Island my home.
About @therichardkelly:
Richard Kelly is an adventure and lifestyle photographer based in Nanaimo, BC. He has a passion for getting people outdoors and into nature to explore and see its raw beauty. He travels as much as possible, but keeps coming back to British Columbia as there’s nowhere he’s been that quite compares to it’s diversity, beauty, and endless opportunities to see something new.
Featured image: Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. Photo: Graeme Owsianski