From the eastern shores of Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island to the western expanse of Vancouver Island, combined with an incredible interior, Canada offers some of the most awe-inspiring adventures. Spanning over 12,000 square miles, Vancouver Island begins at its southern tip in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Known for its enchanting gardens, scenic inner harbor, and top-notch dining, Victoria is a city steeped in old-world charm, a true reflection of the island’s character. Vancouver Island is separated from the mainland by the Campbell River, marking the entry point to breathtaking vistas, pristine wilderness, and world-class fishing.

The interior of the island is a lush rainforest, home to towering old-growth forests filled with western red cedar, Douglas fir, and a vibrant forest floor covered with ferns. Heading westward, leads to quaint coastal towns brimming with charm, the natural beauty of Pacific Rim National Park, and truly unforgettable sunsets. The island’s cold waters teem with thriving marine life, making it a prime fishing destination.

Vancouver Island is truly the jewel of Canada’s western coastline. With the highest concentrations of black bears and cougars on Earth, and home to Roosevelt elk, seals, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, and an array of whale species – including orcas, humpbacks, and Pacific gray whales – the island shares her unmatched wildlife experience at every turn.

Our return to this breathtaking landscape was paired with an exciting fishing goal: to jig for and target wild North Pacific halibut, lingcod, and chinook salmon. The deep waters off the coast of the Vancouver Island are renowned halibut grounds. With strong winds in the forecast, we set out from Ucluelet before dawn, hoping to target halibut first and then work our way back toward shore to fish for lingcod and chinook. Our plan proved successful – by day’s end, we had reached our ‘hali’ limit, caught nine lingcod, and four beautiful chinook salmon. We outran the offshore winds and made our way safely back to harbor, escorted by playful sea lions and soaring bald eagles.

It was a trip we’ll never forget. After processing, our vacuum-sealed fillets totaled an impressive 78 pounds – a true gift from Vancouver Island’s west coast. Exploring the island’s lush, ancient forests, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife was nothing short of an adventure through one of Canada’s most pristine and untamed regions.

We’re thrilled to share more of these adventures with you – experiences that have inspired us, strengthened our faith, and shown us the awe-inspiring beauty of the world around us.

Our hope is that these journeys will inspire and uplift you, and maybe even spark a few adventures of your own!

– Buffalo Hydraulic