Top 10 Things to Do on Vancouver Island
Welcome to Vancouver Island, one of the most beautiful and vibrant places in Canada! This is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of Canada's West Coast.
With breathtaking scenery, rugged wilderness, diverse wildlife, a rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city centres, Vancouver Island has something to offer everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, the island's diverse attractions and activities are sure to leave you in awe. From exploring ancient old-growth forests and hiking scenic trails to soaking in natural hot springs and dining on fresh seafood, Vancouver Island offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Here is a list of the top 10 things to do and places to discover on Vancouver Island:
Visit Victoria
As the capital of British Columbia, the beautiful city of Victoria is a must-see destination on Vancouver Island. With its charming downtown, beautiful parks, and historic architecture, Victoria is a city that's steeped in history and culture. The downtown area is filled with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, and the Inner Harbour is home to the famous Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings.
Take a stroll through Beacon Hill Park, visit the Royal BC Museum to learn more about the history of the island, or grab a delectable take-away sandwich from The Hot and Cold Café in Cook Street Village and head down to the beach to enjoy the sun and stunning views of the Olympic Mountain Range across the water.
Visit Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is a world-famous garden located just outside of Victoria. With its stunning floral displays, horticultural lovers will be in paradise! The gardens feature over 900 different plant species spread over 55 acres. Explore the gardens' many themed areas, including the Japanese, the Italian, and the Rose Garden. The gardens are open year-round and offer seasonal displays, including a stunning Christmas light display during the holiday season.
Explore the History of the Island
Vancouver Island has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums and historical sites to explore. The Royal BC Museum in Victoria is a must for anyone interested in the history of the island. The museum offers a fascinating look at the island's rich cultural heritage, with exhibits that cover everything from First Nations history to the gold rush era and beyond. The museum also features interactive displays and immersive experiences that bring the island's past to life.
Additionally, taking a guided tour or visiting historical sites like Fort Rodd Hill, a 19th-century west coast artillery fortress, and Craigdarroch Castle can offer a more in-depth understanding of the island's history.
Take a Whale Watching Tour
Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild. It’s home to a diverse range of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and dolphins. Take a tour from Tofino, Victoria, or Campbell River to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. During peak season (May-October), you're almost guaranteed to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals in their natural habitat.
If you’re feeling adventurous, do a multi-day kayaking tour, where you will spend the days keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife, and spend the night camping amongst ancient rainforest along the coast. I did a tour like this many years ago out of Telegraph Cove at the north end of the island. We were lucky enough to be surrounded by a pod of orcas, a humpback whale, and escorted by a curious sea lion almost all the way back to Telegraph Cove on our last day! It was truly an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone who has the desire to do it.
Explore the Rugged Coastline
With more than 3,400 kilometres of incredible coastline, Vancouver Island boasts some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery in Canada with endless bays, coves, and inlets to explore. Some of the most beautiful places to visit along the coast include the beaches of the West Coast Trail and the picturesque town of Tofino, surrounded by wild natural beauty and ancient rainforest.
Take a boat tour to experience the stunning scenery from a different perspective or hike one of the many coastal trails to get up close and personal with the rugged terrain. From the sandy beaches of Tofino to the rugged cliffs of Cape Scott Provincial Park on the island’s northwestern tip, there's no shortage of staggering vistas to explore.
Explore the Rainforest
Vancouver Island is home to one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the world. The rainforest is home to a variety of plants and animals, including giant old-growth trees, ferns, and mosses. Some of the best places to experience the rainforest include Pacific Rim National Park, Strathcona Provincial Park, and Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. If you’re interested in exploring the lush forests on foot by doing some challenging hikes, check out the West Coast Trail, or the Juan de Fuca Trail to experience the magic of this unique ecosystem.
Go Surfing
With it’s world-class surf breaks, Tofino is known as the surfing capital of Canada, attracting surfers from all over the world. This is THE place to learn how to surf or improve your skills! There are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons and equipment rentals. The best time to surf in Tofino is during the fall and winter months when the waves are at their biggest and most consistent. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, Tofino's beaches offer something for everyone.
Take a Dip in a Hot Spring
After a day of exploring, relax and unwind in the warm waters of one of the island’s natural hot springs, while taking in the breathtaking scenery around you.
One of the most popular and unique hot springs is Hot Springs Cove, which is located in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park near Tofino. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the hot springs are nestled in a remote cove surrounded by lush rainforest. The water is naturally heated to a temperature of around 50 degrees Celsius and contains natural minerals that are said to have healing properties.
Go Camping
Camping on Vancouver Island is an amazing way to experience the island's natural beauty up close. With countless parks and campgrounds to choose from, there's no shortage of options for every type of camper. Whether you prefer remote wilderness camping, comfortable RV camping, or a family-friendly campground with amenities, Vancouver Island has something every type of camper!
Goldstream Provincial Park, located just outside of Victoria, is a popular destination for both tent and RV campers, with stunning views of the surrounding forest and mountains. For a more rugged camping experience, the West Coast Trail offers a challenging multi-day hike through some of the island's most stunning wilderness areas.
No matter where you choose to camp on Vancouver Island, you're sure to be surrounded by natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure!
Eat Local
The cuisine on Vancouver Island is a food lover's paradise, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a strong emphasis on seafood. With its coastal location, the island offers a wealth of seafood options, including salmon, halibut, crab, and oysters, all of which can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes from casual fish and chips to upscale fine dining. Additionally, the island's fertile farmland produces a wide range of fresh produce, including berries, vegetables, and artisanal cheeses. Farm-to-table dining is a popular trend on Vancouver Island, with many restaurants highlighting the season's best offerings in their menus.
Be sure to visit one of the many farmer's markets on the island to savour some of the freshest and most creative culinary delights. And with an abundance of local wineries, breweries, and distilleries, there's no shortage of options to wash it all down with! Whether you're a foodie or simply looking to indulge in some delicious local fare, Vancouver Island's cuisine is sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
Vancouver Island is truly a gem of the Pacific Northwest, with so much to see and do. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, Vancouver Island has something for everyone. So come and explore this beautiful island paradise and discover all that it has to offer!
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