Vancouver Island is a large and beautiful island that is part of the country of Canada. It is part of the province of British Columbia and is located just off the west coast and sits on the Pacific Ocean. But, here are 7 Things You Don’t Know About: Vancouver Island.

1. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 gives all land on North America above the 49th parallel to Canada, and below the 49th parallel to the United States. Vancouver Island is the only part of Canada that extends below the 49th parallel that remains part of Canada.

2. The largest of the two glaciers on the island is the Comox Glacier

3. For 17 years, from 1849 to 1866, Vancouver Island was its own colony before finally being added to the colony of British Columbia.

4. The mildest temperatures in all of Canada are found on Vancouver Island.

5. Though colonized extensively by the British, Vancouver Island was home to the only Spanish settlement ever within the current boundaries of Canada. This settlement was Fort San Miguel near Yorquot.

6. Vancouver Island is accessible from the United State by ferry from four different port cities: Seattle, Bellingham, Anacortes, and Port Angeles.

7. Due to floatplane and helicopter activity, the harbor in the city of Victoria is officially Vancouver Island’s second busiest airport.

Vancouver Island will remain one of the best destinations in the Pacific Northwest area; it is filled with history, natural beauty and tons of recreational opportunities.