Hi: You said 8-weight, but didn't specify single or double-hand rod, or budget. I'm not selling anything so here are my thoughts. The St. John is a very nice reel for an 8-weight single-hander. The Marquis Salmon 2 has more capacity and is superb if you are trying to put a reel on an 8-weight double-hander, but might be more reel than you need for a single hand rod (IMO). Either would be an excellent choice for Vancouver Island.
Bottom line, consider the line and amount of backing you are going to use and purchase a reel with the capacity that will comfortably hold it.
Lots of other nice stuff out there. Orvis, Ross, Islander, etc., etc.