Vancouver Island's Roadside Attraction Finalists Vie for Top Spot

Cathedral Grove, a stand of old-growth Douglas firs on Vancouver Island, has advanced to the finals of the Search for B.C.'s Best Roadside Attraction. This natural wonder offers visitors a humbling experience of ancient forest majesty, drawing approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Geography professor Matthew Bowes highlights its significance as a symbol of British Columbia, representing a complex interplay of conservation, tourism, and activism.

Competing against Cathedral Grove is the Goats on the Roof attraction at the Old Country Market. This private enterprise features goats grazing on a sod roof, a unique spectacle inspired by Norwegian traditions. The attraction has been a fixture for half a century, offering a whimsical and engaging experience that adapts to public interaction and commerce.

These two finalists represent contrasting approaches to roadside attractions. Cathedral Grove is a publicly managed park emphasizing natural grandeur and accessibility, while Goats on the Roof is a privately run business known for its quirky charm and adaptability.

The Search for B.C.'s Best Roadside Attraction is an annual event where residents vote on various aspects of the province's identity. This year's competition has already determined winners for best small town, lake, and symbol, with the roadside attraction champion to be crowned before Labour Day.

Voting for the Vancouver Island finals is open until Wednesday evening. The outcome will determine whether the enduring power of nature or the novel charm of a commercial enterprise will represent the region in the final four.