Exploring Cowichan Bay in 2017 Ford F-150 #GoFurther150
Check out Day 1 of our Ford #GoFurther150 adventure.
This was our first time in Cowichan Bay and Duncan. With Ford SYNC 3, it was easy to find local attractions or near by Starbucks. You can control the infotainment system via the 8″ touch screen or voice command. You can simply say “I’m Hungry”, it will search for the nearest restaurants. It’s pretty cool.
SYNC 3 also support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With Android Auto, it brings the Android experience into the vehicle infotainment system. You can navigate with Google Maps, listen to Google Play Music and received messages through the vehicle built-in display or Google voice search. It is designed to work seamlessly and minimize distraction while driving.
Hockey is an integral part of Canadian identity and heritage. It was awesome to see the world’s largest hockey stick and puck at Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan.
Built in 1985, the hockey stick was commissioned by the Canadian Federal Government for the Canadian Pavilion in Expo 1986. It measured 62.48 metres (205 feet) long and weighs 28.12 tonnes (62,000 lbs). It is built from Douglas Fir wooden beams and reinforced with steel. The Guinness Book of World Records officially declared it as the world’s largest hockey stick on July 14, 2008.
The Salish Sea is home to 220 species of birds and 37 mammals. May to October are the best time to spot orcas, or killer whales, along Vancouver Island.
An adult orca can weight up to 6 tonnes (5,443 kilograms) and grow to 23 to 32 feet (7 to 9.7 metres).
You can identify each whale by their unique dorsal fin shape, size and position.
Orcas are highly social and intelligent species that live in pods and hunt cooperatively for prey. Orcas have the second biggest brains among all ocean mammals.
It was our lucky day. We spotted a pod of orcas hunting for harbour seals.
An adult orca consumes 100 to 300 pounds of food a day.
Harbour seals chilling by the rocks.
A pod of orcas approaching our boat.
Bald eagle scouting for food.
There are more than 220 bird species in Vancouver Island.
On our way to Duke Point ferry terminal, we’ve stumbled upon this park. Sometimes getting lost can lead to unexpected adventure. At least, it was a good photo opp. of the 2017 Ford F-150.
When boarding the ferry back to Vancouver, the 360 degree camera with split-view display was helpful in avoiding obstacles. The system uses 4 cameras to create a virtual realty aerial view around the vehicle. You are able to see up to seven feet around the F-150 to see blind spots and maneuver through tight spaces. It’s pretty impressive technology.
Overall, the 2017 Ford F-150 was fun to drive with plenty of power, the latest driver assistance systems and a luxurious interior cabin.
We had an amazing time exploring Nanaimo, Duncan & Cowichan Bay. Thanks Ford of Canada!
