A premier vacation spot for unparalleled outside adventures, Vancouver Island is a playground of considerable nature providing some unimaginable experiences. From sprawling seashores to snow-capped mountains surrounded by lush rainforests, the island has a singular panorama not like wherever else. It’s a preferred vacation spot for mountain climbing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and even browsing.
Over the previous couple of years, we’ve grown very keen on Vancouver Island after spending a while uncovering the mystic magnificence the world is thought for. The Island is full of vibrant communities and a powerful roster of eating places and outlets thriving on a hyper-local spirit.
With a wealthy First Nations heritage, Vancouver Island is a vacation spot with a robust respect for the land and a singular alternative to find out about indigenous tradition from a variety of Indigenous communities that decision the island residence.
If you’re planning a go to to this lovely area, listed here are a number of the finest issues to do on Vancouver Island.
Crystal Cowl Seaside, Tofino, Vancouver Island
About Vancouver Island, BC
Vancouver Island is situated on the west coast of Canada simply off the coast of Vancouver in British Columbia. It truly dips beneath the Canada-US border and shares many similarities with America’s Pacific Northwest. The island is the largest on North America’s west coast and is surrounded by over 200 smaller Gulf Islands.
Characterised by temperate rainforest and rugged seashores, Vancouver Island is a haven for nature and wildlife. It’s residence to a wealth of marine creatures like orcas, sea otters, humpbacks, sea lions, and grey whales. Again on land, black bears, bald eagles, deer, elk, cougars, and hoards of different wildlife will be discovered throughout the island. The rugged shoreline makes Vancouver Island a preferred vacationer vacation spot for mountain climbing, kayaking, browsing, and even snowboarding within the wintertime.
Greatest Time to Go to Vancouver Island
Like many Canadian locations, Vancouver Island’s excessive season is through the summer time from June to August. With the nice and cozy climate and lack of rain, the Island sees hundreds of vacationers throughout this quick time. To keep away from the crowds, we suggest visiting within the shoulder season, both in Might or September.
Not like the remainder of Canada, winters on Vancouver Island are gentle with temperatures hovering round 5-10°C. What it lacks in snow, it makes up for in rain with many days of gray, wet drizzle.
Even throughout winter, many outside actions are nonetheless accessible and the campgrounds that stay open normally have a diminished price. Some parks, like Pacific Rim Nationwide Park, shut their campgrounds for the winter whereas others, like Strathcona Provincial Park, provide nice winter actions.
Lengthy Seaside, Pacific Rim Nationwide Park, Vancouver Island
The best way to Get to Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island is definitely accessible by air or ferry. The one worldwide airport is within the capital metropolis of Victoria, whereas Nanaimo and different smaller cities in Vancouver Island provide home flights from throughout Canada. You’ll normally have a short layover in Vancouver earlier than having fun with a brief scenic flight throughout the Strait.
Vancouver Island has a number of ferry ports with the principle hubs in Nanaimo and Victoria. Hop on the beautiful 1 hour 40 min boat experience from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay to succeed in the island from Vancouver. The BC Ferries terminals are serviced by public transit, taxis, and personal shuttle buses for straightforward transfers.
The best way to Get Round Vancouver Island
Freeway 19 is the principle freeway connecting Victoria within the South to Port Hardy within the north. It begins because the Trans-Canada Freeway and spans some 500kms. It takes about 5.5 hours to get from one finish of the island to the opposite. Because of this, Vancouver Island is simply drivable by automobile with nearly all main points of interest reachable by paved street.
In case you don’t have your personal wheels, there’s public transport connecting a lot of the japanese coast by means of BC Transit. However, schedules will be sparse and transfers are restricted outdoors of Victoria. So should you’re planning a day journey, we suggest a bus service just like the Vancouver Island Connector. You’ll be able to journey to most main centres for CAD $40-90 and join with the Tofino Bus for CAD $70-105.
Driving on Vancouver Island
Greatest Issues to do on Vancouver Island, BC
Although a Vancouver Island map might look small, the Island is bustling with unimaginable points of interest and outside adventures. Listed here are a few of our high Vancouver Island points of interest and ideas for issues to do in Vancouver Island.
Go to Victoria
Flanked by historic buildings and charming winding streets, Victoria is a ravishing metropolis on Vancouver Island’s south coast. The capital metropolis of British Columbia, Victoria really presents one thing for everybody—nature, procuring, eating, and journey. It’s identified for its picturesque internal harbour and historic Chinatown.
Do you know that Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada?
Take a look at the Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria for a glimpse of the pure and human historical past that make Vancouver Island so particular. Later, cease by the Fisherman’s Wharf on the tip of James Bay to get pleasure from contemporary seafood proper off the boat. You’ll need to browse the numerous outside markets earlier than selecting from the ever-growing choice of superb eating places for dinner.
You should definitely discover Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest road in Canada, and benefit from the countless great thing about Dallas Street. If you’re seeking to get out on the water, hop right into a zodiac boat for an exhilarating Whale Watching tour.
Victoria Harbour
Butchart Gardens
One of many high issues to do on Vancouver Island, The Butchart Gardens are a vacation spot to not miss. Deemed a Nationwide Historic Web site of Canada, the gardens are set on 55 acres simply 20km outdoors of Victoria and are residence to over 900 plant varieties.
There’s a lot to find at Butchart Gardens: from the Sunken Backyard to the serene Japanese Backyard, the grounds are completely beautiful and completely tranquil. Spend a day after arriving on the Swartz Bay ferry and revel in excessive tea at The Eating Room.
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Positioned lower than an hour from Victoria, Sooke presents a straightforward getaway into nature. Sooke Potholes Provincial Park options water-carved potholes full of flowing water from the Sooke River. It’s a well-liked swimming spot due to the refreshing waters that fill the glacier-created rock formations.
The park is a good day journey from Victoria and is worthy of a cease for anybody spending time on Vancouver Island in the summertime.
Sheringham Level Lighthouse
Journey alongside the Lighthouse View Path for a surprising loop across the historic Sheringham Level Lighthouse. Since 1912, the lighthouse has been guiding vessels into Victoria and Vancouver and is likely one of the solely Vancouver Island lighthouses accessible by land.
Waterfalls at Sandcut Seaside
Cascading onto the pebbled seaside, the waterfalls at Sandcut Seaside are a native favorite. The seaside spans 3.5 km and boasts beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains. It’s reached after a brief stroll beneath towering spruce and cedar timber and is a excellent spot for a picnic.
Port Renfrew
On the southern portion of Vancouver Island’s west coast, the seashores are teeming with marine life and flora. Port Renfrew is a good launch level for exploring a number of the most lovely locations on Vancouver Island. Begin at Botanical Seaside and make your method round Port San Juan. Port Renfrew additionally marks the beginning (or finish) of the Juan de Fuca Path, a multi-day hike alongside the coast. After a day watching the waves, settle into the Renfrew Pub for a seaside dinner on their cozy patio.
Cowichan Bay
The charming boat-lined marina of Cowichan Bay is sort of a real-life postcard. Full of artisan creations and native fare, the streets are an idyllic place to roam on a sunny afternoon. Seize a chew of fish and chips whereas admiring the numerous houseboats floating within the harbour. Cowichan Bay additionally presents unbelievable birdwatching with alternatives for whale watching excursions and fishing charters.
Cowichan Bay
Totems in Duncan
Positioned simply south of Nanaimo, Duncan is the gateway to the Cowichan Valley. Coined the “Metropolis of Totems,” Duncan’s downtown streets are lined with 38 First Nations’ totems. Discover the colorful artistic endeavors on a self-guided Totem Tour Stroll earlier than a scrumptious meal at Brunch on third.
Nanaimo
One of many larger cities on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo presents a variety of actions with a blossoming area people. Nanaimo points of interest vary from mountain climbing to waterfalls to hovering by means of the forest on a ziplining thrill experience. And on the town, the winding streets of Nanaimo are full of bustling boutiques, cafés, and artwork galleries.
Make your method alongside the peaceable east coast whereas seaside hopping at Pipers Lagoon and Departure Bay. After, stroll the charming streets of the Outdated Metropolis Quarter earlier than taking a stroll alongside the harbourfront with gelato in hand. Sit again and watch the float planes land as boats sail within the distance. Then, look out for sea lions frolicking at Dodd Narrows earlier than hopping on the ferry to Safety Island for a drink at a floating pub.
However Nanaimo sightseeing doesn’t cease on the coast—head inland for an exhilarating climb up Mount Benson. You’ll be rewarded with superb views of the coast and layers of close by islands. Or, enterprise all the way down to Ammonite Falls the place historical fossils envelop a cascading waterfall excellent for a cool dip on a scorching day.
Ammonite Falls, Nanaimo
Goats on the Roof in Coombs
In case you’ve ever regarded up what to do on Vancouver Island, you’ve in all probability heard the title “goats on the roof in Coombs.” To place it merely, it’s precisely what it feels like—there are goats dwelling on a roof in Coombs. It’s positively some of the well-liked points of interest on Vancouver Island price including to your itinerary.
The constructing in query is the Outdated Nation Market in Coombs. The roof is roofed in grass and through the summer time months, you’ll discover goats hanging out on its rooftop. Snap a pic with the goats after which pop into the marketplace for a big selection of native and worldwide meals and contemporary produce.
Don’t miss a cease at Billy G’s Dougnuts for probably the most scrumptious sugar hit on the island. Their donuts are funky and scrumptious and we wager you’ll be hard-pressed to choose only one.
Goat on the Roof at Coombs Outdated Market
Goat on the Roof at Coombs Outdated Market
Port Alberni
Positioned in the midst of the island, Port Alberni is a worthy cease alongside Freeway 4 en path to Tofino. This former logging city sits on the Alberni Inlet, and is a well-liked fishing vacation spot, notably through the salmon run.
Port Alberni is surrounded by thriving nature parks with huge timber and flowing waterfalls.
Begin the day at Little Qualicum Falls the place you may trek alongside the highly effective waterfall on the loop path. Then, do among the finest issues to do on Vancouver Island: discover the old-growth forests.
Head to MacMillan Provincial Park to stroll round towering cedar and fir timber at Cathedral Grove. After Cathedral Grove, deal with your self to a sweeping view of the Alberni Valley on the Alberni Valley Lookout Path. Recharge with a beer at Canine Mountain Brewing earlier than going for a dip within the glowing waters at Sproat Lake Provincial Park.
Port Alberni, Vancouver Island
Port Alberni, Vancouver Island
Tofino
Tofino is by far some of the beloved locations to go to in Vancouver Island. This rugged west coast city is a haven for outside actions from whale watching to browsing, mountain climbing and kayaking.
The village itself has a buzzing scene of retailers and eating places with a robust emphasis on native fare. Have lunch at Tacofino or settling in for a seaside dinner at 1909 Kitchen on the Tofino Resort & Marina
There isn’t any scarcity of browsing seashores in Tofino appropriate for surfers with any talent degree. So make a while to go to a number of the finest seashores on Vancouver Island dotted alongside the shoreline in Tofino. Our favorite, the sandy expanse of Lengthy Seaside is a good place to experience the waves or calm down with a seaside picnic.
Tofino additionally neighbours lovely Pacific Rim Nationwide Park, residence to nice hikes just like the Rainforest Path or the South Seaside Path.
The realm can also be a hotspot for wildlife excursions like whale watching, bear watching, and even a distant journey to Scorching Springs Cove. Operators like Distant Passages and Tofino Resort & Marina provide a variety of wildlife excursions all through the season.
Tofino Resort & Marina
Ucluelet
Away from the tourist-lined streets of Tofino, Ucluelet is a laid again nature-driven neighborhood. Whereas many know Ucluelet as a quiet different to the busy Tofino, it’s additionally a vacation spot in and of itself. The realm is internationally famend for its kayaking journeys to the Damaged Group Islands.
Majestic Ocean Kayaking is the highest clothing store within the space providing a wide range of journeys to the islands starting from a 4.5-hour introductory day journey to a 5-day off-grid kayaking and tenting journey.
Ukee’s outside expeditions aren’t restricted to a kayaking tour or two. The city is residence to the Wild Pacific Path, a 9 km journey with beautiful panoramic views from each flip. In the meantime, the city hosts artisan markets, surf outlets, and an expansive aquarium excellent for wet afternoons.
Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
Kayaking in Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
Fanny Bay Oysters
Serving the freshest seafood round, Fanny Bay Oysters is an environmentally-conscious oyster farm on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Go to the Seafood Store for a wide range of clams, mussels, crab, and also you guessed it, oysters!
Seize a dozen or 3, take it again to your campground and pop them on the grill for a straightforward solution to get pleasure from Pacific Oysters with out the effort of shucking!
Fanny Bay oysters on the grill in Vancouver Island
Campbell River
A real launch level to nature, Campbell River celebrates what tourism Vancouver Island is all about. Campbell River points of interest deal with beautiful surroundings, cultural experiences and the wild animals that decision the Island residence. It’s a unbelievable place to affix whale and bear watching excursions, together with immersive cultural excursions with Homalco Excursions. And if you’re visiting through the salmon run, that is by far THE BEST place to go salmon fishing on Vancouver Island.
Finish the day strolling the city and visiting the outlets and eating places. Pop into the Carving Shack earlier than settling in for a seaside hearth at Dick Murphy Park.
Or, stroll alongside the ocean stroll and look out for superb driftwood artwork from native artist Alex Whitcombe of Drifted Creations. No matter you do, make sure you catch the sundown on the Discovery Fishing Pier because the solar blankets the Discovery Islands.
Campbell River, Vancouver Island
Campbell River Discovery Pier
Campbell River Harbour
Strathcona Provincial Park
Full of mountain climbing trails, Strathcona Park was the first Provincial Park in British Columbia. It’s residence to a number of the largest mountains on Vancouver Island and is a world of pure wonders. Drive 1 hour from Campbell River for the 1km hike to spectacular Girl Falls and prolong your keep by visiting Lupin Falls and Decrease Myra Falls.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Enterprise throughout the suspension bridge for beautiful views of the roaring Elk Falls. The park is only a 5-minute drive from Campbell River and has nice wildlife viewing and mountain climbing trails.
Marine Life in Telegraph Cove
Northern Vancouver Island is the last word vacation spot for rugged unspoiled nature. Telegraph Cove is a sleepy fishing village with cute and vibrant historic homes dotting the coast. It’s a unbelievable place to go to if you wish to see the resident orcas (killer whales) that reside within the North Coast waters.
Go on an eco-certified whale watching tour with Prince of Whales or hop in a kayak with their sister firm, North Island Kayak, to paddle by means of the Johnstone Strait. In spite of everything, it’s among the finest locations on the whole island to see whales!
Finish the day on the Telegraph Cove Resort the place you may dine on native seafood and wines or spend the night time on the Forest Campground, tucked away simply 1 km away from the resort.
Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island
Alert Bay
Positioned on the close by Cormorant Island, Alert Bay is a harbourside neighborhood simply 45 minutes from Port McNeill. It’s residence to the world’s tallest totem pole the place the ‘Namgis folks welcome guests on the U’mista Cultural Centre. It’s surrounded by pristine wilderness and is a superb place to dive into Vancouver Island’s cultural historical past.
Port Hardy
The freeway ends in Port Hardy, a small city that acts as a launch level to North Island nature. It’s referred to as a gateway to BC Ferries that enterprise up the coast to Bella Coola and Prince Rupert.
There are a selection of issues to do in Port Hardy starting from wildlife excursions to diving. The city can also be residence to artwork boutiques and outlets. And naturally, you may’t go to Port Hardy with out grabbing a chew of candied smoked salmon—a famed native favorite.
Cape Scott Provincial Park
Cape Scott is likely one of the finest locations to go to on Vancouver Island for rugged, untouched nature. The windy northern coast boasts mushy, sandy seashores lined with jagged cliffs and dense forest. The park is legendary for the difficult North Coast Path and backcountry tenting at spectacular San Josef Bay.
A sandy seaside at Cape Scott Provincial Park
Well-liked Actions on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Whale Watching on Vancouver Island
Happening a whale watching tour is a Vancouver Island must-see! The cities beneath are one of the best locations for an unforgettable whale-watching journey.
Whale watching on Vancouver Island
Victoria
Recognized for its Southern resident Orcas, Victoria presents year-round whale watching. Throughout March-November, additionally, you will see grey whales and humpback whales as they migrate up the coast. It’s one of many busier whale watching locations in Vancouver Island, however we’re glad to report that operators in Victoria nonetheless adhere to accountable wildlife viewing practices.
Be a part of a 3-hour whale watching journey on a zodiac with Orca Spirit for CAD $129 per particular person or hop on one of many excursions supplied by Prince of Whales Whale Watching.
Tofino
The most typical whales to see on Vancouver Island’s West Coast are humpbacks and grey whales. You’ll discover humpbacks on this area all all through the summer time season and grey whales from March-November the place they arrive to feed throughout this time of the 12 months. It’s potential to see transient Orcas in Tofino, however they’re much extra widespread on the east coast.
We suggest a zodiac tour with Distant Passages. Their 3-hour whale watching tour prices CAD $129 per particular person. Boat excursions are additionally obtainable.
Gray whale in Tofino
Campbell River
Campbell River is a premier whale-watching vacation spot providing full-day excursions into distant passages. The realm sees year-round transient orcas, together with humpbacks from Might-November. Full-day excursions hunt down the Northern Resident Orcas that reside on the north coast.
We suggest a tour with Homalco Excursions, an Indigenous-run firm that gives wildlife in addition to cultural excursions. We notably loved their Whales, Wildlife and Tradition tour.
Whale watching in Campbell River
Telegraph Bay
Dwelling to the Northern resident Orcas, Telegraph Cove is likely one of the finest locations on Vancouver Island to see whales. Right here, you’ll see orcas year-round whereas humpbacks go to from Might-September.
Be a part of a 3-hour whale watching tour with Prince of Whales on a zodiac for CAD $152 per particular person.
Orca Whale close to Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island
Browsing on Vancouver Island
Simply some of the distinctive issues to do on Vancouver Island is browsing. There aren’t many different locations in Canada the place surf outlets and wetsuits fill the streets.
For learners, the Tofino space has you coated for sandy seashores and newbie breaks. Go to Chesterman Seaside or take part on surf classes at Lengthy Seaside.
For superior surfers, Cox Bay is likely one of the finest Vancouver Island browsing spots. It has constant swells and all the time sees good waves. One other spot nearer to Ucluelet is Wickaninnish Seaside or Sombrio Seaside close to Port Renfrew.
For specialists, try Jordan River with its distinct three breaks. This spot isn’t for learners, because it’s surrounded by jagged rocks and doesn’t all the time have constant swells.
Browsing in Tofino
Climbing on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island tourism is essentially centred on the outside. There are world-class hikes worthy of any traveller’s bucket checklist.
Greatest Multi-Day Treks
- The enduring West Coast Path is the principle motive many individuals discover Vancouver Island. It’s a gruelling 75 km from Bamfield to Port Renfrew full of ladders, river crossings, and waterfalls.
- The Juan de Fuca Path ventures from Botanical Seaside to China Seaside and spans 41 km. It’s just like the West Coast Path and winds by means of seashores, forests, and grottos.
Greatest Day Hikes
- An Alberni Valley favorite, 5040 Peak is an uphill climb alongside 9 km of mountain dotted with alpine lakes. It follows difficult terrain however guarantees stellar views from each angle.
- North of Campbell River, the 8 km Ripple Rock Path is a good choice for a average day hike. It opens as much as beautiful views of Seymour Narrows and the Discovery Islands.
Greatest Quick Hikes
- The Wild Pacific Path Lighthouse Loop is a ravishing 2.5 km loop simply executed in 45 minutes. It’s based mostly in Ucluelet and has beautiful views of the forest and close by islands.
- Close to Duncan, the Stoney Hill Path Loop is a straightforward 3.7 km loop with many nice lookouts. It boasts sweeping views over Sansum Narrows and the Gulf Islands.
Climbing on Vancouver Island
Biking/Mountain Biking on Vancouver Island
There are many alternatives for biking by means of the cities and mountain biking on trails in Vancouver Island.
The Galloping Goose Path spans 60 km however has many entry factors for shorter journeys. Equally, the Artful Butcher in Cumberland serves as a average problem by means of the winding forest. Lastly, the Doumont Trails in Nanaimo provide a community of trails ranging in issue on the foot of Mount Benson.
Fishing on Vancouver Island
A preferred pastime for vacationers and locals alike, Vancouver Island has a number of the finest fishing in all of BC. With over 10,000 lakes and expansive ocean entry, the chances are countless. Fish for freshwater gems like rainbow trout and steelhead within the lakes all 12 months spherical or fish for salmon and halibut within the ocean.
In late Summer time/early Fall, salmon run brings thousands and thousands of salmon into the fisheries and rivers throughout Vancouver Island, making it a very productive time to fish for salmon in non-tidal waters.
In case you’re questioning the place to go on Vancouver Island to fish, one of the best spots are close to Campbell River, Port Alberni, and Ucluelet. The salmon season runs from August – November when coho, chinook, and pink salmon are spawning in rivers. There’s year-round fishing on Vancouver Island however late summer time into fall is usually one of the best time to fish.
Salmon catch on Vancouver Island
The place to Keep on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Campgrounds on Vancouver Island
There are lots of of personal and provincial campgrounds throughout the Island. These are a number of of our favorite websites.
Qualicum Bay Campground
Our favorite RV park on Vancouver Island, Qualicum Bay Campground is a stunning oceanside retreat. There are 120 websites with electrical energy, water, and bogs beginning at CAD $42 per night time.
Qualicum Bay Campground
Pacific Rim Nationwide Park – Inexperienced Level Campground
Arguably the finest place to remain close to Tofino, Inexperienced Level Campground presents reasonably priced tenting among the many timber. There are 94 campsites for tents and campers with entry to Lengthy Seaside that begin at CAD $33/night time. Word that it is just open from Might-October.
Strathcona Provincial Park – Lake Campground
Amid the park’s snow-capped mountains, Buttle Lake Campground has 85 vehicle-accessible websites with picnic tables and pit bathrooms. Reservations are CAD $20 per night time and the campground has entry to lakes, mountain climbing trails, and fishing.
French Seaside Provincial Park
Only a quick drive from Victoria, French Seaside Campground is a gem on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It’s open year-round with pit bathrooms, water, and picnic tables appropriate for tents and RVs. Reservations are CAD $26/night time and $13/night time within the winter.
Distinctive Lodging on Vancouver Island
From north to south and east to west, Vancouver Island is spoiled with distinctive locations to remain.
Telegraph Cove Resort
Watch whales proper out of your bed room on the vibrant Telegraph Cove Resort. Set in a peaceable marina, these cabins begin at CAD $145 per night time.
Wickaninnish Inn
Set atop Tofino’s lovely Chesterman Seaside, this luxe lodge boasts postcard-worthy views of the rainforest and ocean. It’s a splurge at CAD $360 per night time however the expertise is certain to be unforgettable.
Tofino Resort & Marina
A fixture of Tofino, the Tofino Resort & Marina presents laid-back rooms overlooking the ocean. It’s strolling distance to Tofino’s nice outlets and eating places and rooms begin at CAD $209/night time.
Tofino Resort & Marina
Brown’s Bay Resort
Get up in nature at Brown’s Bay Resort close to Campbell River. The resort is oceanside, with a marina and floating restaurant with rooms beginning at CAD $175 per night time.
Haig-Brown Heritage Home Mattress & Breakfast
Keep in a peaceable farmhouse close to Campbell River with a ravishing backyard and river view. This charming historic mattress & breakfast begins at CAD $110 per night time, which features a tour.
Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages
Perched on the moody shores of Port Renfrew, these cozy cabins have beautiful ocean views with rugged, coastal luxurious. Hire a cabin on the wharf with a seaside hearth pit for CAD $249 per night time.
How Lengthy to Spend on Vancouver Island?
With so many unimaginable issues to do in Vancouver Island, you need to spend at the very least 3-4 days there. You’ll be able to simply spend many months exploring the distant coastlines and forests however a 7-10 day journey is right.