Probably the most paradisiacal locations on this planet, there isn’t any scarcity of matters to do on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Vancouver Island is totally loaded with prehistoric websites, oceanside villages, dreamlike parks, and outside actions.
I’ve had the privilege of exploring the various distinctive nooks and crannies that Vancouver Island has to supply, and I can’t wait to share one of the best actions with you! The island is a should go to on any British Columbia Highway Journey Itinerary, or a fantastic day journey from Vancouver. The one drawback is that leaving Vancouver Island is rather a lot more durable than getting there.
21 Finest Matters to Do on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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#1 – Discover Victoria’s Historic Middle
The capital metropolis of British Columbia, Victoria was based in 1843 and is a hub of Canadian historical past. Whereas within the coronary heart of town, discover Bastion Sq. (outlets, eating places, and bars galore), take a stroll by way of Fan Tan Alley (it lays declare to being Canada’s narrowest avenue), or take a tour!
Particularly, this guided meals and historical past tour in Victoria provides you with a crash course on town’s historical past and culinary scene.
#2 – Have Excessive Tea on the Fairmont Empress
Whether or not you’re a tea lover or want to stay to the pastries, reserving a reservation for Excessive Tea on the Fairmont Empress in Victoria is without doubt one of the most memorable matters to do on Vancouver Island. The Fairmont Empress resort opened its doorways in 1908 and has been a sublime staple within the downtown core since day one.
That stated, this exercise isn’t precisely budget-friendly, so should you’d want to skip the tea and simply cease in to the resort for a drink one other time of day, that’s welcome too!
#3 – Try the Castles
Wait… castles? On Vancouver Island?
Yep! And those in Victoria are fairly cool.
Craigdarroch Fort was in-built 1890 by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. The gorgeous Victorian construct options stained-glass home windows, lovely woodwork, and nice views of the world.
One other fortress on Vancouver Island is Hatley Fort. Constructed by Robert Dunsmuir’s son, James Dunsmuir, Hatley Fort was in-built 1908 and the grounds characteristic over 15 kilometers of strolling trails, a First Nations historic website, and a chook sanctuary.
#4 – Wander By way of Butchart Gardens
With over 100 years of historical past, the Butchart Gardens is a meticulously-designed botanical area and is without doubt one of the most unusual matters to do on Vancouver Island.
Situated simply north of Victoria, the Butchart Gardens cowl 55 acres of gardens, make use of over 50 gardeners, and are residence to over 900 bedding plant species.
The gardens are open year-round, however I like to recommend visiting them any time from spring by way of fall for probably the most colourful, numerous blooms.
#5 – Take a Whale Watching Tour
Do you know that many various whale species move by way of the waters of Vancouver Island annually?
It’s true! Relying on the season, you possibly can anticipate to see Humpbacks, Gray Whales, Orcas, and Minke Whales.
For that reason, taking a whale watching tour is without doubt one of the high matters to do on Vancouver Island. For one of the best probability of seeing whales on Vancouver Island, time your go to to be between April and October — that is when probably the most sightings of Orcas and Humpbacks are nearly assured.
This 3-hour whale watching tour from Victoria will take you out on the water through zodiacs and present you an abundance of marine life within the space.
#6 – Go to the Royal BC Museum
Situated in downtown Victoria, the Royal British Columbia Museum was based in 1886 and options displays on pure, human, and native historical past. The museum is residence to over 7 million objects, they usually typically characteristic particular touring exhibitions on artwork and tradition.
This is without doubt one of the high matters to do on Vancouver Island should you’re trying to take in native historical past from a extra conventional standpoint.
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#7 – Go to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Really feel like taking a load off in crystal-clear water whereas surrounded by lush nature? Then head to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, situated simply an hour west of Victoria.
Very a lot not like the potholes you’ll discover down your native roads, Sooke Potholes Provincial Park on Vancouver Island is residence to deep swimming pools of crystal-clear water carved into the sandstone by ice-age glaciers. Swimming within the swimming pools is allowed, however control the water ranges whilst you’re there. Spring rainfall means the water can get fairly deep.
Along with the potholes, the Sooke space on Vancouver Island can be residence to lovely waterfalls and nice hikes. So, should you head out this fashion, undoubtedly make a day of it!
#8 – Take a Harbor Ferry Cruise
Need to see Vancouver Island from an entire new vantage level? Then take a cruise!
That is a straightforward, laid-back method to sightseeing that may get you out on the water and offer you an area lesson all on the similar time. There are many cruises you possibly can take within the space, together with ones that depart from Victoria, Comox Valley, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.
This 3-hour coastal cruise from Campbell River will take you thru Vancouver Island’s Discovery Passage and Seymour Narrows. Anticipate numerous wildlife viewing!
#9 – {Photograph} Sheringham Level Lighthouse
Situated on the south-western coast of Vancouver Island, midway between Victoria and Port Renfrew, the Sheringham Level Lighthouse is a surprising distinction to the crashing waves under and is without doubt one of the finest matters to see within the space. The lighthouse was in-built 1912 and is a historic website within the space — a lot in order that there are even digital historic excursions you possibly can take.
Additionally discovered at this Vancouver Island website is the Lighthouse View Path. It is a 3.4km loop that goes from the car parking zone and into the encircling nature space.
#10 – Take a Kayaking Tour
Whether or not you’d like a fast journey or a multi-day tour, taking a kayaking tour on Vancouver Island is an effective way to get up-close-and-personal with the water.
This Ucluelet Harbour Kayaking Tour is Three hours and is an effective way to see each marine and land animals from a secure distance. Or, should you actually need to dedicate a while to getting away, this Pacific Rim kayaking tour is three full days of journey. Extra on Pacific Rim Nationwide Park under!
#11 – Go Browsing in Tofino
Situated on the west shore of Vancouver Island, simply north of Pacific Rim Nationwide Park, Tofino has been just lately making waves as a top-tier browsing vacation spot. Among the finest seashores for browsing in Tofino are Wickaninnish Seaside, Lengthy Seaside, Cox Bay, and Mackenzie Seaside. Plan your browsing journey from September by way of November when the water isn’t tremendous chilly and the wave measurement is good.
Until you’re a browsing professional, I like to recommend taking browsing classes in Tofino — this lesson is 2 hours and you may choose the time of day. All this stated, if browsing isn’t your matter then I nonetheless advocate visiting Tofino. A west-coast bohemian hub, this Vancouver Island city is filled with artwork, cafes, and outlets, and is value an discover.
#12 – Go to Pacific Rim Nationwide Park
A park situated on the western fringe of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim Nationwide Park is comprised of three areas: Lengthy Seaside (lovely sandy seashores), the West Coast Path (75km, multi-day path), and The Damaged Group Islands (over 100 sheltered islets).
Stretching from Tofino to Port Renfew, this park is thought for its temperate rainforests, an abundance of marine life, and craggy shoreline. I like to recommend boating out to the islands, mountain climbing a portion of the West Coast Path, or browsing on Lengthy Seaside.
#13 – Go Mountaineering on the Botanical Seaside and Botany Bay Loop
A well-maintained 3.5km path, the Botanical Seaside and Botany Bay Loop on Vancouver Island is a reasonably straightforward stroll that’s nice for all ability ranges. The hike is situated close to Port Renfrew on the west coast and provides you with unimaginable ocean and shoreline views. It’s extraordinarily photogenic!
When you’re in search of a hike that’s just a little extra concerned, then spend a day on the close by Juan De Fuca Coast Path — that is an out-and-back trek that might simply add as much as 20km to your hike (however it may be as lengthy or brief as you’d like!)
#14 – Go to Avatar Grove
Situated about 10km from Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island’s Avatar Grove is a protected space stuffed with a number of the greatest, oldest, most gorgeous spruce and fir timber on the island.
Most notably, the world is residence to Huge Lonely Doug, a huge Douglas fir that stands alone in a clearing, the San Juan Spruce, the Purple Creek Fir, and the Harris Creek Spruce.
To get to the well-known timber, you’ll should drive down some logging roads after which do some mountain climbing. The timber are all situated in separate areas, so I like to recommend downloading a Vancouver Island map onto your cellphone earlier than you head out (service could be spotty on this space).
#15 – Wander the Previous Metropolis of Nanaimo
With probably the most colourful metropolis middle’s in all of Canada, Nanaimo is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to on Vancouver Island.
The town is situated on the island’s east shore and is filled with historic buildings (lots of which date again to the 1800s), boutiques, cafes, and eating places. For one thing just a little totally different, try a Nanaimo Seaplane Tour — it’s 40 minutes lengthy and can take you across the Strait of Georgia.
Whereas right here, you possibly can’t go away with out having a Nanaimo Bar — a layered bar that’s Nanaimo’s signature dessert (pictured under). Made up of a coconut-graham backside, a custard middle, and a chocolatey high, these bars are notoriously candy, however by studying a number of critiques, you’ll find one of the best Nanaimo Bar on the town (I like to recommend Bocca cafe).
Belief me, as somebody who grew up in Canada and had entry to Nanaimo bars at nearly each neighborhood operate, go straightforward on the matters. A nibble right here and there’ll preserve you from a sugar overload.
#16 – Go to the Goats at Previous Nation Market
Situated within the small city of Coombs, the Previous Nation Market is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to on Vancouver Island.
Situated an hour south of Campbell River, the market is thought for having a ton of locally-crafted artwork, do-it-yourself meals, souvenirs, groceries, and different items on provide, however its prize attraction is, you guessed it, goats.
Being that the roof of the market is made up of munchable grass, a number of native goats can typically be discovered grazing up there, between classes of hanging out of their pens after all.
👉 Professional tip: The goats can normally be discovered on the roof when the climate is good, so attempt to time your go to for sunshine.
#17 – Hike Tsolum Spirit Regional Park
Situated simply north of Courtenay on Vancouver Island’s east facet, Tsolum Spirit Regional Park rests the place the Tsolum River and Dove Creek meet.
There is probably not any towering Douglas firs on this space, nevertheless it’s stuffed with straightforward hikes that may take you thru the timber and proper to the river. Particularly, I hiked the Tsolum Spirit River Loop (1.3km) and located it to be a peaceable, straightforward stroll.
#18 – Hike Cathedral Grove
A slight distinction to Tsolum River, Cathedral Grove is situated in MacMillan Provincial Park, simply down the highway from Coombs.
A lush protected space, Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island is filled with towering Douglas fir timber (some greater than 800 years previous) and an ecosystem of draping moss and ferns. Top-of-the-line matters to see on Vancouver Island, the mountain climbing trails at Cathedral Grove are pretty straightforward and partly coated with a boardwalk, so it’s nice for all mountain climbing ranges.
As this Vancouver Island space is an endangered ecosystem, keep in mind to remain on the paths and observe go away no hint rules.
#19 – Stroll the Alberni Harbor Quay
Situated a half-hour inland from Coombs you’ll discover Port Alberni, Vancouver Island — a city of roughly 17,000 and a world-renowned fishing hub. Whereas there are numerous matters to do right here, for my part, the Alberni Harbor Quay is the shining star of the city.
The marina is residence to a ton of colourful properties, outlets, eating places, and a clock tower which you could climb for nice views of the harbor. I like to recommend coming right here in the summertime — the world places on some nice festivals.
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#20 – See the Petroglyphs at Sproat Lake Provincial Park
Simply down the highway from Port Alberni is Sproat Lake Provincial Park, well-known for its prehistoric petroglyphs and delightful trails. The petroglyphs at Sproat Lake, referred to as Ok’ak’awin, had been carved onto seaside rocks and depict mythological creatures.
Whereas the precise origins of those petroglyphs are unknown, this space of Vancouver Island has been historically residence to the Hupacasath First Nation.
#21 – Hike By way of Elk Falls Provincial Park
Really feel like mountain climbing by way of a lush forest to a thundering waterfall and a suspension bridge? Then look no additional than Elk Falls Provincial Park, Vancouver Island. Elk Falls is situated simply 2km from Campbell River and options picnic areas, mountain climbing trails of all lengths and difficulties, and a few significantly lovely waterfalls.
I trekked to Elk Falls on my most up-to-date journey to Vancouver Island and located that whereas there have been fairly a number of folks additionally there, it was a mostly-tranquil hike.
👉 Professional tip: When you’re up for a tour by way of the area, then this Elk Falls guided nature stroll is for you!
Get to Vancouver Island
Attending to Vancouver Island could be accomplished a number of methods:
Choice #1 – Fly Direct
If Vancouver Island is your foremost attraction, then there are some direct flight choices into Victoria, Nanaimo, or Comox Valley.
Continuous flights can be found relying on the place you’re flying from, however likelihood is you’ll nonetheless should take a minimal layover in Vancouver earlier than your island aircraft departs.
Need to get monetary savings on journey? We now have an entire information on easy methods to get low-cost worldwide flights — test it out!
Choice #2 – Fly Into Vancouver
Vancouver, the closest main metropolis close to Victoria, is a global hub and an effective way to start your journey to British Columbia. There are direct flights right here from all around the world.
Then, to get to Vancouver Island, hop on the Tsawassen to Swartz Bay ferry, which can take you to Victoria.
Choice #3 – Take the Ferry
Whereas I already described above how one can take a ferry to Vancouver Island from Vancouver, it’s also possible to seize a ferry straight from Washington, USA. There are a number of ferry choices for this route, however typically, the journey will solely take about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
get round Vancouver Island
Whereas there are buses that may take you round Vancouver Island, I extremely advocate renting a automobile and driving.
Not solely will this offer you final flexibility with timing, however you’ll additionally have the ability to see a lot extra of Vancouver Island than you’d have in any other case.
For one of the best fee comparisons, try Uncover Automobiles. They’ll allow you to choose the best option and allow you to out with automobile insurance coverage — a should when on a Vancouver Island Highway Journey.
Can You do a day journey to Vancouver Island?
Completely! When you’re primarily based in Vancouver or elsewhere alongside the coast, then someday on Vancouver Island is completely an possibility.
That stated, since you’ll should take the ferry to the island, I like to recommend simply exploring both Victoria, Nanaimo, or Campbell River — the three foremost east port cities. This provides you with probably the most period of time to essentially dive right into a location.
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That’s it for my high matters to do on Vancouver Island, British Columbia!
Vancouver Island is one in all my favourite locations on this planet, and I hope this text gave you a ton of concepts for what to do there.
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Take pleasure in Vancouver Island!
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