Every year Vancouver Island sees millions of tourists arrive by boat and by plane. These tourists come from all over the province of British Columbia; they come from all over Canada. In fact, people flock to this magnificent island on the Pacific from all over the world. In this article, we are going to take a look at just a few of the reasons why so many think the Island is such a great place to be.

• Pacific playground: Vancouver Island is located just a few miles off the coast of BC, but it is a world unto itself. A land of dense rain forest as well as more arid areas, the scenery is truly unbeatable. And of course there is the Pacific Ocean all around, with opportunities for fishing, sailing, water skiing, wildlife viewing, and dozens of other opportunities you just can't find anywhere else.

• History: A few of the settlements on the Island are some of the oldest to be found on North America's West Coast. The Native cultures that make their home on the Island have done so for centuries, and are some of the most socially rich histories among the First Peoples of North America. Even "newer" cities and towns have quite a long history in the area, and that means you can find any number of things to satisfy your inner history buff.

• Pacific Rim National Park: Vancouver Island has one of the world's finest natural preserves in Pacific Rim National Park. Relatively unknown off of the Island just a couple of decades ago, the area from Tofino to Ucluelet on the West Coast of the Island is now a major real estate concern as well as a popular site for hiking, biking, surfing, and general ocean fun amongst a stunning natural backdrop.

Vancouver Island offers all of these benefits and so much more. It's a place where nature and civilization combine perfectly, and on top of that it is affordable and easy to get to. No wonder so many people from around the world love travelling to this BC gem! Keep in mind that Nanaimo is centrally located on Vancouver Island and the Painted Turtle Guesthouse can be your headquarters (and sleeping quarters) for experiencing all that Van Isle has to offer!