Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau and the experts at National Geographic magazine have proclaimed the northeast coast of Vancouver Island as one of the finest cold-water scuba diving destinations in the world. Cabin cruisers depart from Port Hardy to God’s Pocket Marine Provincial Park and such favorite dive locations as Browning Wall and Hunt Rock. Likely sightings include king crabs, wolf eels and all kinds of marine lifeforms, while there’s always a chance that a giant red octopus will slide into view. Closer to town in Hardy Bay, 5 Fathom Rock is known for its vividly coloured rockfish. Base a holiday out of a local accommodation option or book a room at one of the offshore ecolodges and resorts situated close to the best diving spots.
