Fanny Bay, Union Bay and Miracle Beach
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, May 13 - 15, 2006

FANNIE BAY
Fannie Bay has one of the largest oyster beds on the island. It spans for a few kilometers... BUT... it is leased out to a private company so there is no public oyster picking allowed. So just stop at the rest spot take a stroll on the bed and look at the oysters then head down to Union Bay.

UNION BAY
Wait for the tide to go out and you'll have all the oysters to pick and great spots to dig holes for calms at this public beach. The small oysters are the ones you want to pick. They are sweeter and faster to cook over the fire. Even though oysters are amazing good raw, the oysters on from both Fannie Bay and Union Bay need to be cooked due to pollutants in the water. Also, don't for get to purchase your fishing license. You don't want to get caught with out it.

MIRACLE BEACH
Miracle Beach Provincial Park is open all year and is one of the more popular locations on the east coast of the island.

Fees are collected for services from May 14 to September 30. There is a winter fee with nil services provided, which is charged from October 1 to April 30. Campers must be self-sufficient and user maintained. Come before the May long weekend and you are guaranteed a spot. There are full camping amenities (water, paid wood, washrooms, showers, outhouses), but they are only open from May 14 to September 30.

The beach is just a short walk away from the campground. It's great for making sandcastles, sun bathing, or just taking a walk in the ocean, which we did.