I have heard countless accounts of a herd of Roosevelt Elk around Nanaimo Lakes in the winter. The herds apparently graze in the lowlands clear cut forsts until the snow melts in the alpine area. It takes about an hour and a half to get there. However, the two times I visited I only saw elk poop. I visited at around 10:00 a.m. and another time at around 1:00 p.m. There is a park supervisor at the main gates who can give you a map of the area and tell you about sightings - avoid my mistake and go in the early morning when they're more active. I have also been told that the cottages around Youbo near Cowichan Lake has a healthy herd of elk that come right into the human settlements. I am also told that there is a very large herd in and around the lowlands in the Stratchona in the winter; however, I've never visited at that time of the year.

Directions to TimberWest at Nanaimo Lakes: About 2 km north of the Nanaimo Airport, take the Nanaimo River Road. The 20-km pave road ends at the security gate to TW's Nanaimo Lakes Operation; the campgrounds are about 3 km past the gate and beyond.

The Vancouver Zoo has a closed off area where there is a herd of elk, bison and deer. They have quite a few acres to roam around. You enter the area via a Jurassic Park style bus and you can open the window and take photographs.

I invite you to leave feedback about the best places and times to spot elk on the island.