Huddled along the south-western coast of British Columbia and across the Georgia Strait from Vancouver, Vancouver Island is a land of great contrast and even greater beauty. British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, is located here and boasts historical architecture, blooming gardens and a busy harbor. Outside of cities like Victoria and Nanaimo, the island's bold wilderness presents numerous natural wonders, including three provincial parks and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Clayoquot Sound.