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 10% WestJet Discount for Conference Participants
October 20-22, 2009 Victoria, British Columbia Canada

Vancouver Island

Pacific Time 5:48 AM
Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is the largest island on the west coast of the Americas. Named after British naval officer George Vancouver, Vancouver Island is approximately 460 kilometres (290 miles) long and 80 kilometres (50 miles) wide. With an area of over 32,000 km2 (12,000 sqmi) it ranks 43rd among the world's largest islands. It rises to 2,195 metre above sea level (Golden Hind).

Vancouver Island is home to almost 1 million people, one third of which live in the Southern portion, in particular the Greater Victoria area. The southern tip of Vancouver Island ranges below the 49th parallel, which forms the boundary between Canada and the United States for much across the continent.

The Strait of Juan de Fuca forms the boundary between Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula and Washington State, while the Strait of Georgia separates the Island from Mainland British Columbia and the City of Vancouver.

The area is famous for its temperate rainforest and monumental trees as well as whale-watching, sea kayaking and other outdoors activities.