Places to Visit on Vancouver Island
An easy ferry or seaplane ride away from the mainland, Vancouver Island is the perfect pick for lovers of the great outdoors and a quiet contrast to the bustling streets of lively Vancouver. Whether you fancy kayaking through the wilderness at sunset or heading out on a boat trip for a spot of whale watching, Vancouver Island is a must-visit on any Canada holiday. The capital, Victoria, oozes with colonial history and is renowned for its botanical gardens and fresh cuisine (salmon, anyone?). Travelling independently with our specialist support, Vancouver Island is an ideal stop for your Canadian adventure.
Victoria – mixing history with nature
The picturesque capital of BC, Victoria sits on the south of Vancouver Island and boasts historical colonial architecture, botanical gardens and scenic mountain views. Have a whale of a time and hop aboard a zodiac boat in search of whales. Get botanical in Butchart Gardens with over 900 varieties of plants. Take to the skies on a seaplane for birds-eye views of this wild landscape!
Quadra Island – adventure at its best
One of the top destinations in British Columbia for adventure, this island is full to the brim with ways to get active. Whether you want to hike, mountain bike or dive, Quadra Island offers this and a lot more – and all backed by stunning mountainous scenery. What more could you want? One of our top-picks is a kayak outing on the calm sea, paddling past local wildlife as you go.
Tofino – bears galore
The Pacific Rim National Park, on the west coast, is home to Tofino. Spend hours hiking along rocky trails, surrounded by temperate rainforests and rugged beaches. This area is one of the best spots to watch bears in Canada, so head out along the waterline of the picturesque fjords on a boat trip for a chance to see these magnificent creatures, binoculars at the ready!
Telegraph Cove – a spot of water wildlife watching
Located on the north end of the island, the fishing village of Telegraph Cove is the perfect place for spotting some of our flippered friends. Go on an exciting boat tour for the chance to see the famous orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, dolphins and other marine life. What better way to experience life on the Canadian coast than seeing these animals in their natural habitat with a knowledgeable skipper at your side?
Port McNeill – for the extreme wildlife lover
Not far from Telegraph Cove lies Port McNeill, a great spot for whale watching. If you’re feeling adventurous, kayak out on the Johnston Strait, located on the east coast of the island, and spot some orcas up close and personal. An experienced guide will tell you everything you need to know about these great mammals as you paddle along the calm water. An experience not to be missed!
Our Top Trips on Vancouver Island
