Looking for a mix of ocean, rainforest, and small-town charm? Head to Vancouver Island! Just off Canada’s west coast, this diverse island offers rugged coastline, whale watching, ancient forests, surfing beaches, and rich Indigenous and colonial heritage. Whether you're kayaking with orcas or wandering seaside gardens, Vancouver Island is pure Pacific magic.
Vancouver Island Highlights:
- For Outdoor Adventurers: Hike Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Rainforests, boardwalks, and wild beaches near Tofino and Ucluelet await exploration.
- For Garden Lovers: Wander Butchart Gardens – World-famous floral displays and landscaped beauty near Victoria.
- For Whale Watchers: Cruise from Telegraph Cove or Tofino – Spot orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and more in wild coastal waters.
- For Surfers: Ride waves in Tofino – Canada's premier surf town offers cold water waves, storm watching, and boho vibes.
- For History Fans: Explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour – Stroll past the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, and historic Empress Hotel.
When I like to visit Vancouver Island
The best time to visit is from May to September for outdoor adventures, wildlife viewing, and pleasant weather. Spring and summer offer blooming gardens, hiking, and festivals. Fall and winter are quieter but perfect for storm watching, cozy escapes, and rainforest hikes.
Tips for getting to Vancouver Island
- By Ferry: BC Ferries offers service from Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo, Victoria (Swartz Bay), or other island ports.
- By Plane: Fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Nanaimo Airport (YCD), or smaller regional airports like Tofino-Long Beach (YAZ).
- By Floatplane: Harbour Air and other carriers offer scenic flights from downtown Vancouver to Victoria or Nanaimo.
Where I like to stay on Vancouver Island
- Recommended for Families: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort (Parksville) – Beachfront cottages with spa, pools, and family fun.
- For Couples: Wickaninnish Inn (Tofino) – Luxury oceanfront lodge perfect for romantic getaways and storm watching.
- For Urban Comfort: Magnolia Hotel & Spa (Victoria) – Boutique downtown hotel near Victoria’s harbor and museums.
Best Things to Do on Vancouver Island
1. Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle, built in 1887, has all the romance of a castle in a fairytale and the history to go with it. Built by a Scottish immigrant who made a fortune in the coal industry, the castle was built at the top of a hill overlooking Victoria, and the four-story building is full of incredible stained glass windows and masterfully ornate woodwork. Today, the castle is open for tours, and visitors can explore the 200,000-square-foot castle, see the exquisite Victorian-era furniture, and learn about the Dunsmuir family, who once lived there.
1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC V8S 3L5, Canada, Phone: +1-250-592-5323
2. Pacific Northwest Raptors
The call of a hawk and the swooping dive of an eagle are both instantly recognizable in the vast, open skies. Birds of prey are huge and intelligent, and many of them are also very endangered. At The Raptors on Vancouver Island, a group of scientists and falconers have created a haven for these birds of prey, where they can fly away whenever and wherever they please, but always have a home to which they can return. Visitors to The Pacific Northwest Raptors can observe these beautiful birds in flight and on the ground through once in a lifetime personal encounters with hawks, owls, falcons, and more. From a half-hour Hawk Walk all the way to a week-long Falconry Training Course, where students will learn how to handle and hunt with falcons, The Raptors offers a number of educational experiences designed to teach and delight its guests.
1877 Herd Rd, Duncan, BC V9L 5W4, Canada, Phone: +1 250-746-0372
3. Abkhazi Garden
Abkhazi Garden was first planted in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi shortly after their marriage. The garden has flourished in the decades since, with sloping rocky landscapes, native trees and, of course, many beautiful flowers. The garden is close to the road, although visitors would never believe it, since it feels incredibly secluded and peaceful. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil area and the masterful landscaping, and then indulge in a cup of hot tea, an array of traditional scones and pastries, or a light lunch at the Abkhazi Teahouse, which is renowned for its classic and traditional tea services.
1964 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC V8S 1H2, Canada, Phone: +1 778-265-6466
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
4. Beacon Hill Park
The area that is now Beacon Hill Park was once called Meeacan, which means "belly", because the protrusion of the hill from the surrounding area looked like the large, extended stomach of a man lying down on his back. This park, containing almost 200 acres of greenery and gardens, has been a park since 1882. It is located in downtown Victoria and is home to walking trails, playgrounds, sports courts, ponds, and a petting zoo. The park is also home to the world's largest totem pole, which stands at 160 feet tall and was erected in 1956 to honor the First Nations people.
100 Cook St, Victoria, BC V8V, Canada, Phone: +1 250-361-0600
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Comox Air Force Museum
At the Comox Air Force Museum, visitors can take a self-guided tour through the history of aviation in Canada. Inside the museum there are artifacts dating back to World War I, such as uniforms, medals, a pilot ejection seat, and an aircraft engine. There are short documentaries on a number of subjects, with historical footage, interviews with pilots, and more. Outside, guests to the museum can explore the Heritage Air Park, which is home to a number of old aircraft as well as heritage vehicles that were once used by the Canadian Air Force.
Military Row, Lazo, BC V0R 2K0, Canada, Phone: +1 250-339-8162
6. Elk Falls Provincial Park and Protected Area
This British Columbia Provincial Park is named for the scenic, thundering waterfall that is its centerpiece. Elk Falls is almost 85 feet high, with steep cliff walls and a pool at the bottom where the river collects and continues after the drop. Visitors to Elk Falls Provincial Park and Protected Area can hike through an old growth Douglas fir forest, go fishing in the lakes for trout, chinook, or salmon, or spend a night camping surrounded by stars and nature. The park contains informational signs, so guests can learn about the local flora and fauna, while the campgrounds are equipped with picnic areas, drinking water, and toilets.
Hwy 28, Campbell River, BC V9H 1P1, Canada, Phone: +1 800-689-9025
7. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park contains two notable cascades, both situated along the Englishman River, which runs through the park. This 240-acre park contains old-growth forests full of cedar, hemlock, Douglas fir, and maple trees, among others, and is home to several hiking trails where visitors can take an easy hike through beautiful nature, where they will find canyons, waterfalls, and lush green forests. Vehicle-accessible campsites are equipped with drinking water, pit toilets, picnic areas, and campfire rings. Swimming is also permitted within the park, just below the lower falls.
2245 Errington Rd, Errington, BC V0R 1V0, Canada, Phone: +1 250-474-1336
8. Fisherman's Wharf (with Vancouver Island Map)
Located in the city of Victoria, just a short walk from the Inner Harbor, Fisherman's Wharf is a fun destination for visitors and locals alike. The floating dock is a great place to see the wide variety of watercraft moored there, including float houses, commercial vessels, and tour boats. The docks are lined with shops and kiosks, selling everything from souvenir toys to clothes and accessories. There is also a wide variety of food offered, and visitors to Fisherman's Wharf can indulge in delicious crispy fish and chips, fresh crab, a cup of hot coffee, or a sweet and refreshing ice cream cone.
12 Erie St, Victoria, BC V8V 4X5, Canada, Phone: +1 250-383-8326
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
9. Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
The gorgeous Fisgard Lighthouse is located at Fort Rodd Hill on a rocky patch of land that rises up, surrounded on all sides by the ocean except for a thin strip of land. Visitors to the site will see gorgeous views of the ocean and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains as they tour the grounds of this historic site. The buildings on the property bear a lot of history, and visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the grounds to learn about the area, historic events, and each of the buildings at the site. There are also guided tours available through the rare Garry oak ecosystem, and guests have the option to spend a night camping under the stars in a heated oTENTik.
603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria, BC V9C 2W8, Canada, Phone: +1 250-478-5849
10. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park encompasses a portion of the Little Qualicum River as well as the southern edge of Cameron Lake. The landscape here is deeply forested, with the steep slopes of mountains rising up from the park's edge. The lake is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming, and the river is a scenic companion to many of the park's walking and hiking trails. The lake can get quite windy due to the surrounding mountains, so many visitors like to try their hand at sailboarding while out on the water.
4001 Alberni Hwy, Qualicum Beach, BC B9K 1X7, Canada, Phone: +1 250-474-1336
Where I Like to Eat on Vancouver Island
- Recommended for Families: Red Fish Blue Fish (Victoria) – Waterfront shipping container eatery serving sustainable fish and chips.
- For Upscale Dining: The Pointe Restaurant at Wickaninnish Inn (Tofino) – Fine dining with sweeping ocean views and locally inspired menus.
- For Casual Fare: Tacofino (Tofino) – Famous taco truck offering bold flavors and beachside bites.
My favorite local events:
- For Foodies: Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria (January–February) – Enjoy prix fixe menus at top restaurants around the capital.
- For Surfers: Rip Curl Pro Tofino (May–June) – Canada’s top surf competition, drawing pros and fans to Cox Bay.
- For Music Fans: Filberg Festival (Comox) (August) – Artisans, music, and food on a scenic oceanfront estate.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes on Vancouver Island:
- For Waterfalls: Englishman River Falls (45–60 min from Parksville/Nanaimo) – Hike to bridges, waterfalls, and forested canyons.
- For History & Views: Craigdarroch Castle (Victoria) (10–15 min) – Tour this Victorian mansion for a glimpse into 1890s aristocracy.
- For Wine and Scenery: Cowichan Valley (60–75 min from Victoria) – Explore wineries, cideries, and countryside charm.
- For Beach Lovers: Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park (15–20 min from Parksville) – Warm shallows and expansive sandy beach at low tide.
- For Rainforest Walks: Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park) (90 min from Nanaimo) – Walk among 800-year-old Douglas fir giants.
Plan Your Trip