islands to visit bc

7 British Columbia Islands You Need To Visit

Want to discover which are the best British Columbia islands to visit for your next holiday?

British Columbia , with its stunning coastline and myriad of islands, offers a treasure trove of exploration opportunities for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure.

From the rugged shores of Vancouver Island to the tranquil landscapes of Salt Spring Island, each destination boasts its own unique charm and allure.

British Columbia is home to a diverse array of islands, each offering a distinct experience for visitors.

From the sprawling expanse of Vancouver Island to the quaint charm of Mayne Island, these destinations showcase the rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures that define the region.

Exploring the islands of British Columbia offers more than just scenic vistas and outdoor adventures.

It provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, discover artisanal markets brimming with local craftsmanship, and indulge in the flavors of farm-to-table cuisine.

Moreover, it allows travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature in its purest form.

In this article, we will embark on a journey through seven captivating British Columbia islands that beckon travelers with their beauty and charm.

From the rugged wilderness of Quadra Island to the artistic enclave of Gabriola Island, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the region.

So, pack your bags and join us as we explore these hidden gems nestled along the picturesque coastline of British Columbia.

Now let’s take a closer look at the 7 British Columbia islands you need to visit:

1. Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island stands as a testament to the raw beauty and diverse landscapes that define British Columbia’s island destinations.

Stretching along the southwestern coast, this expansive island offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural wonders.

Attractions and Activities

Vancouver Island boasts a plethora of activities to suit every taste and interest.

From exhilarating outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Visitors can embark on whale-watching excursions off the coast of Victoria, hike through ancient rainforests in Cathedral Grove, or surf the world-class waves of Tofino’s Long Beach.

Notable Places to Visit

• Victoria : The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria exudes old-world charm with its historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and vibrant waterfront. Highlights include the iconic Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, and the picturesque Inner Harbour.
• Tofino : Nestled on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and thriving surf culture. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, relax on the pristine shores of Chesterman Beach, or indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries.
• Pacific Rim National Park : Encompassing a vast expanse of coastal rainforest, rocky shorelines, and sandy beaches, Pacific Rim National Park offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Hike the scenic trails of the West Coast Trail, paddle through the tranquil waters of the Broken Group Islands, or marvel at the dramatic vistas from the Wild Pacific Trail.

Unique Features and Landscapes

One of the most remarkable aspects of Vancouver Island is its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush temperate rainforests to windswept beaches and rugged mountain peaks.

Visitors can witness the powerful forces of nature at work at the rugged cliffs of the Wild Pacific Trail, marvel at the towering old-growth trees of Cathedral Grove, or soak in the natural hot springs of Hot Springs Cove.

2. Salt Spring Island

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island beckons visitors with its laid-back charm, stunning landscapes, and vibrant arts scene.

Known for its bohemian spirit and welcoming community, Salt Spring Island offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Artisanal Community and Markets

Salt Spring Island is renowned for its thriving artisanal community and bustling markets.

Visitors can explore the eclectic array of galleries, studios, and workshops scattered across the island, showcasing the work of local artists, craftsmen, and artisans.

The famous Salt Spring Island Saturday Market is a must-visit, offering a treasure trove of handcrafted goods, gourmet delights, and live music.

Outdoor Activities and Nature Spots

For outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Spring Island boasts an abundance of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

From scenic hikes along forested trails to kayaking adventures in pristine waters, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the island’s diverse landscapes.

Ruckle Provincial Park, with its rugged coastline and panoramic views, is a favorite among hikers and nature lovers.

Cultural Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Salt Spring Island comes alive with a vibrant calendar of cultural events and festivals.

From the Salt Spring Film Festival to the Salt Spring National Art Prize, there’s always something happening to celebrate the island’s artistic spirit and creative community.

The annual Salt Spring Island Fall Fair is a highlight, featuring agricultural displays, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

3. Mayne Island

Tucked away in the Southern Gulf Islands, Mayne Island welcomes travelers with its tranquil shores, pristine landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere.

With its rich history, diverse wildlife, and scenic vistas, Mayne Island offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers, artists, and adventurers alike.

Overview of the Island’s Characteristics

Mayne Island is characterized by its rugged coastline, lush forests, and rolling farmland.

The island’s diverse ecosystems provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, seals, and otters.

Visitors can explore the island’s many parks and trails, each offering a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

Recreational Activities

For outdoor enthusiasts, Mayne Island offers an array of recreational activities to suit every interest.

Hikers can traverse the network of scenic trails that wind through forests, meadows, and rocky shores, while kayakers can paddle along the island’s pristine coastline, exploring hidden coves and sheltered bays.

Beachcombers will delight in the island’s sandy shores, where treasures abound amidst driftwood and seashells.

Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences

Mayne Island boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and farm-to-table cuisine.

Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, organic produce, and artisanal cheeses at the island’s quaint cafes, bistros, and restaurants.

From waterfront eateries with panoramic views to cozy farm stands and bakeries, there’s something to satisfy every palate on Mayne Island.

4. Quadra Island

Nestled in the Discovery Islands archipelago, Quadra Island captivates visitors with its rugged landscapes, pristine wilderness, and rich Indigenous heritage.

Named after the Spanish navigator Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, the island offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration.

Outdoor Adventures and Exploration

Quadra Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of activities amidst its stunning natural surroundings.

Visitors can explore the island’s network of hiking trails, winding through lush forests and rocky coastline, or embark on kayaking adventures along sheltered coves and hidden inlets.

The island’s calm waters also provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing.

Scenic Viewpoints and Natural Attractions

From breathtaking vistas to hidden gems, Quadra Island boasts an abundance of scenic viewpoints and natural attractions.

Cape Mudge Lighthouse, perched on the island’s northern tip, offers panoramic views of Discovery Passage and the rugged coastlines beyond.

Chinese Mountains and Heriot Bay Bluffs are popular hiking destinations, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding islands and Strait of Georgia.

Indigenous Culture and History

Quadra Island is steeped in Indigenous culture and history, with a rich heritage that spans thousands of years.

The island is home to the Laichwiltach people, who have inhabited the region for countless generations.

Visitors can explore ancient village sites, visit the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre to learn about traditional Indigenous art and culture, or embark on guided tours to discover the island’s rich cultural heritage.

5. Galiano Island

Galiano Island, nestled in the heart of the Southern Gulf Islands, beckons travelers with its serene beauty, lush landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere.

As one of the gems of British Columbia’s island archipelago, Galiano Island offers a perfect blend of natural splendor, outdoor adventure, and cultural exploration.

Rich Indigenous Culture and Heritage

Galiano Island has a rich Indigenous history, with ancestral ties to the Coast Salish people.

Visitors to the island can explore ancient village sites, learn about traditional Coast Salish art and culture, and experience the deep connection between the land and its Indigenous inhabitants.

The island’s cultural heritage is celebrated through art galleries, cultural events, and guided tours led by local Indigenous guides.

Ecotourism and Outdoor Adventures

Galiano Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wealth of activities to suit every interest.

Visitors can hike through lush forests, kayak along sheltered coves, or cycle along scenic coastal roads.

The island’s diverse ecosystems provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, and otters, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Preservation Efforts and Protected Areas

Galiano Island is committed to preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage through conservation efforts and protected areas.

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park, located on the island’s eastern shore, offers pristine beaches, tranquil anchorages, and scenic hiking trails.

Visitors can explore the park’s marine ecosystems, observe marine life, or simply relax and unwind amidst the stunning coastal scenery.

6. Bowen Island

Situated just a short ferry ride from Vancouver, Bowen Island offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

With its breathtaking vistas, rugged coastline, and charming village atmosphere, Bowen Island is a favorite destination for day trippers and weekend adventurers alike.

Accessible from Vancouver

Accessible via a scenic ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island is a convenient getaway for visitors from Vancouver.

The ferry journey offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding coastal mountains, setting the stage for a memorable island adventure.

Bowen Island boasts a wealth of recreational activities to suit every interest and fitness level.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the island’s network of hiking trails, winding through lush forests and rocky shorelines, or paddle along tranquil bays and inlets on a kayak or paddleboard.

Visitors can also enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and picnicking at one of the island’s many parks and beaches.

Artisanal Shops and Local Eateries

Bowen Island is home to a vibrant arts community and a thriving culinary scene.

Visitors can browse the island’s eclectic array of artisanal shops, galleries, and studios, showcasing locally made crafts, jewelry, and artwork.

From cozy cafes and bakeries to waterfront bistros and fine dining establishments, Bowen Island offers a diverse array of dining options, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Pacific Northwest cuisine.

7. Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island, also known as “The Isle of the Arts,” is a picturesque gem nestled in the Strait of Georgia.

With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and laid-back island charm, Gabriola Island offers a captivating retreat for artists, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking inspiration and relaxation.

Overview of the Island’s Landscapes and Attractions

Gabriola Island boasts an array of landscapes and attractions that appeal to visitors of all interests.

From rugged coastline and sandy beaches to lush forests and rocky bluffs, the island’s diverse terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Visitors can marvel at the sandstone formations of Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, stroll through the enchanting Drumbeg Park, or relax on the tranquil shores of Silva Bay.

Outdoor Activities and Exploration Opportunities

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities to enjoy on Gabriola Island.

Hikers can traverse the island’s network of scenic trails, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Gulf Islands and Strait of Georgia.

Kayakers can paddle along the island’s pristine coastline, exploring hidden coves and sheltered bays, while cyclists can cruise along scenic coastal roads and forested pathways.

Artistic Community and Cultural Events

Gabriola Island is renowned for its thriving artistic community and vibrant cultural scene.

Visitors can explore the island’s numerous galleries, studios, and workshops, showcasing a diverse range of artistic mediums and styles.

Throughout the year, Gabriola Island hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, including the Gabriola Theatre Festival, Isle of the Arts Festival, and Thanksgiving Studio Tour, celebrating the island’s creative spirit and cultural heritage.

Throughout this journey, we’ve explored seven captivating British Columbia islands, each offering its own unique charm and allure.

From the rugged shores of Vancouver Island to the artistic enclave of Gabriola Island, these destinations showcase the rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that define the region.

• Vancouver Island : Known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and outdoor adventures.
• Salt Spring Island : Renowned for its artisanal community, outdoor activities, and cultural events.
• Mayne Island : A tranquil retreat boasting lush landscapes, recreational opportunities, and farm-to-table cuisine.
• Quadra Island : A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its rugged terrain, scenic viewpoints, and Indigenous heritage.
• Galiano Island: Renowned for its stunning vistas, vibrant arts scene, and tranquil atmosphere.
• Bowen Island : A convenient escape from Vancouver offering outdoor activities, scenic views, and artisanal shops.
• Gabriola Island : Known as “The Isle of the Arts,” celebrated for its stunning landscapes, artistic community, and cultural events.

As we’ve seen, British Columbia’s islands offer a wealth of experiences for travelers of all interests and preferences.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone to discover amidst the beauty and tranquility of these island destinations.

From the rugged coastlines of the west coast to the serene shores of the Gulf Islands, British Columbia’s islands captivate the imagination and inspire the soul.

With their breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, these islands offer a glimpse into the natural wonders and cultural diversity that define the region.

Whether you’re exploring ancient rainforests, indulging in farm-fresh cuisine, or immersing yourself in Indigenous traditions, each island offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

So, come discover the beauty and uniqueness of British Columbia’s islands and create memories that will last a lifetime.

FAQ’s About the British Columbia Islands:

How many islands are in british columbia.

British Columbia is home to over 40,000 islands, making it one of the most island-rich regions in the world.

What is the name of the two popular islands in British Columbia?

Two popular islands in British Columbia are Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island.

Which BC Island is the best to visit?

The best BC island to visit depends on individual preferences.

Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island, and Galiano Island are among the top choices for their scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.

What Island is off the coast of British Columbia?

Numerous islands are off the coast of British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands).

Is Vancouver Island and Victoria Island the same island?

No, Vancouver Island and Victoria Island are not the same.

Vancouver Island is located off the southwest coast of British Columbia and encompasses cities like Victoria, while Victoria Island is in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

What are the islands around Vancouver called?

The islands around Vancouver are collectively known as the Gulf Islands.

These islands are situated between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia.

What are the islands between Seattle and Vancouver?

The islands between Seattle and Vancouver are the San Juan Islands, which are located in the Salish Sea between Washington State, USA, and British Columbia, Canada.

What is the closest island to Vancouver by ferry?

Bowen Island is the closest island to Vancouver by ferry.

It is located just a short ferry ride away from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.

What is the easiest island to get to from Vancouver?

Bowen Island is one of the easiest islands to get to from Vancouver.

The ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island is relatively short and accessible, making it a popular day trip destination for Vancouverites.

(Island Expert)

Christian is a dynamic serial entrepreneur and a licensed real estate agent with a relentless passion for unlocking the potential of island real estate.Christian's expertise extends beyond entrepreneurship and property transactions.He possesses a profound expertise in crafting captivating content and persuasive copywriting tailored exclusively to the enchanting realm of island real estate.

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THE 10 BEST British Columbia Islands

Islands in british columbia.

• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Hiking Trails
• Bodies of Water
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• False Creek
• Granville Island
• Granville Island & Fairview
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Granville Island

2. Protection Island

3. Island View Beach Regional Park

4. Discovery Islands

5. Barnston Island

6. Skidegate

7. Meares Island

8. Octopus Islands Marine Provincial Park

9. Lucy Islands Conservancy

10. Langara Island

11. Bear Island Conservancy

12. Calvert Island Conservancy

13. kitkatla conservancy, 14. ethelda bay - tennant island conservancy, 15. pooley conservancy, what travellers are saying.

• Protection Island
• Meares Island
• Barnston Island
• Island View Beach Regional Park
• Discovery Islands

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Located just off the coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is a gorgeous getaway location that’s become immensely popular in recent years.

Home to just under 1 million people and spanning a whopping 456 kilometers (283 miles), this former retirement hotspot is one of the biggest islands in Canada . In recent years, it’s developed a much younger edge thanks to a university, burgeoning arts scene, and the younger crowd of people fleeing Vancouver’s astronomical housing prices. It also has the mildest climate in all of Canada, which certainly adds to its appeal.

You’ll find a flourishing natural food and beer scene here in addition to the island’s beautiful beaches, hiking trails, lakes, rivers, mountains, and scenic farmland. It’s a picturesque island, especially in the fall and spring when the temperature is perfect and there are fewer crowds. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of person, Vancouver Island is not to be missed!

This Vancouver Island travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Vancouver Island

Top 5 Things to See and Do on Vancouver Island

1. Visit Cathedral Grove

This forest on the southwest part of the island, officially known as MacMillan Provincial Park, has some of the oldest cedar trees in the world (many are over 1,000 years old). The canopy is 80 meters high (262 feet) in some places, making it a great place to hike, go birdwatching, and just get away from it all. While this gorgeous area is hardly ‘undiscovered,’ this pristine protected natural park offers a glimpse of Canada’s unique temperate rainforests with lush ferns, moss, and towering ancient trees. Admission is free. Just be mindful to stay on designated paths and ‘leave no trace’ as you enjoy the area.

2. Go whale watching

Vancouver Island is one of the most active areas for whales in the world, including orcas and humpbacks. There are three pods of about 80 killer whales that live around the island’s southern tip, so you have a high chance of seeing a whale on your trip but the best time to see them is from May to October. Check the weather before you go and make sure to wear comfortable layers and bring sunscreen. Tickets cost around 90-150 CAD for a 3-hour tour.

3. Visit Butchart Gardens

This nearly 120-year-old garden is host to a spectacular flower exhibit with 900 plant varieties and colorful flowers. The Butchart Gardens were started in 1904 when Jennie Butchart set out to create a lush garden on the empty space left by a cleared limestone quarry. Today, the Gardens are still family owned and a National Historic Site of Canada. There are many peaceful walking paths and areas to just sit and enjoy nature, and the Japanese maples turn brilliant shades of reds and oranges in the fall. Admission ranges from 21-38 CAD. Note that prices are higher around December when there is a special Christmas exhibition with twinkling light shows and carols.

4. Hike the rainforest

If you don’t do some hiking while you’re here, you’re missing out on the best of the island. East Sooke Regional Park boasts 50 kilometers (31 miles) of rainforest hiking trails with sheltered coves and a rocky 10-kilometer (6-mile) coastal hike that’s challenging but promises spectacular views. If you want something more leisurely, check out Aylard Farm if picnicking is your main priority. You can get to the park by bus but just note the bus only runs during the week so check schedules before going. Admission is free.

5. Hang out in Victoria

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and being here is like stepping into a British city where double-decker buses navigate the streets, the houses look like Victorian mansions, and cricket is all the rage. Victoria has a much more laid back vibe than Vancouver too. There are activities for any taste, from bike tours, nature and parks, street art, and craft beer. A free walking tour is a great place to start. Toonie Tours run a 2.5-hour free Victoria Walking Tour on weekends at 10am. Just be sure to tip your guide!

Other Things to See and Do on Vancouver Island

1. see the “goats on the roof”.

For a fun experience, visit the Old Country Market in Coombs which has actual goats living on the roof. Don’t feel too bad for them as the roof has plenty of grass and room for them to roam around! While you’re there, grab a handmade donut or some tacos from the market. There are also several gift shops, produce stalls, a deli, and restaurants located in and around the market. Bring an appetite!

2. Relax in Beacon Hill Park

This scenic park in Victoria covers over 200 acres and is a tranquil place to relax and take a stroll. There are tennis courts, a golf green, lawn bowling, flower beds, a petting zoo, and a hawthorn tree planted by Winston Churchill in 1929. Bring a book and lounge the day away.

3. Visit a winery

Vancouver Island has over 20 different wineries, most of which are located in the Cowichan Valley. I highly recommend going on a wine tour. Not only is the wine delicious, but the scenic valley surrounded by rolling green mountains provides a stunning backdrop to your visit. A full-day tour including lunch starts around 125 CAD, or you can rent a car and drive around yourself (but don’t drink and drive — find a sober friend to tag along with).

4. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Center

This center protects the heritage of First Nations peoples and offers visitors a look at indigenous life on the island. You’ll learn about the potlatch ceremonies (a huge shared feast where gifts are exchanged and wealth is redistributed) of the Kwakwaka’wakw people in Alert Bay who have been living on this island for thousands of years, and discover the unique history and challenges of the region’s indigenous peoples. Tickets are 15 CAD.

5. Take a ghost tour

Europeans arrived in the region in the late 1700s so it should come as no surprise that Victoria has a long (and spooky) past. Discover the Past offers one of the best tours for combining interesting city history with tales of gruesome crimes and ghostly encounters. The guides are knowledgeable and always have entertaining stories to share. Tickets start at 21 CAD for a one-hour tour. At Christmas, they have a special Ghosts of Christmas Past tour with haunted stories. Schedules are seasonal so check their website to book tickets online.

6. Admire Abkhazi Garden

Spanning just over an acre, this garden in Victoria was created by a former Russian prince and his wife in 1946. Today, the garden features Japanese Maples, native Garry oaks, and hundreds of rhododendrons. There is also a tranquil tea house offering a traditional tea service from 11am-5pm. The suggested donation is 10 CAD.

7. Day-trip to the smaller islands

Vancouver Island is the only island that brings in tons of tourists here, but the Gulf Islands archipelago consists of hundreds of smaller islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait, many of which make for a pleasant day trip. Consider renting a boat or arranging a tour to Gabriola, Saltspring, or Thetis, three of the most popular islands (or take the ferry and save money). You can hike, explore the bays and beaches, or visit local artisans and eateries there. Ferry rates start at 10 CAD.

8. See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

This indoor tropical rainforest in Victoria is filled with thousands of butterflies (there are over 70 species here). The gardens also have koi, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and tropical flowers. It’s a fun place to visit if you’re traveling with kids. Admission is 18 CAD.

9. Chill out in Tofino

Tofino is a fishing village on the Esowista Peninsula that has become a major surfing hub. Hang out at Wickaninnish Beach, take a surfing lesson in Cox Bay, soak in the hot springs at Hot Springs Cove, or enjoy Tofino’s cafe and restaurant scene. It’s the “hip” part of the island. Surfboard rentals start at 35 CAD for a day while 2.5-hour group lessons cost around 90 CAD.

10. Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

This national park is full of beaches, misty forests, and dramatic coastlines. Some of the island’s most popular beaches are here, including Long Beach, Combers Beach, and Wickaninnish Beach. The park is also home to the West Coast Trail Unit, a network of hiking trails covering 193 square kilometers (75 square miles), including the 75-kilometer (47-mile) trek between Bamfield and Port Renfrew (reservations required). Hit the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, rent a kayak to paddle around Broken Group Islands, or storm watch at Kwisitis Visitor Centre (it’s a pastime here!).

  For more information on other destinations in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide

Vancouver Island Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-8-bed dorm costs around 35-45 CAD per night. Private rooms cost 65-85 CAD per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available starting at 18 CAD per night. This gets you a basic tent plot without electricity for two people.

Budget hotel prices – A room in a budget hotel starts at about 110 CAD. This includes basic amenities like AC, TV, a coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available everywhere on Vancouver Island. Private rooms start at 75 CAD per night but average double that. An entire home/apartment starts around 100 CAD per night, though most are 150-250 CAD.

Food – On Vancouver Island, which is fast becoming a foodie hub, seafood is king. Oysters, crabs, and fresh fish are all common staples. Sushi is super popular, owing to the region’s Asian influence, as are fish and chips. Also, be sure to sample more general Canadian staples like poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), beaver tails (fried dough with maple syrup), Canadian bacon, and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

There are lots of places to grab food on the go on Vancouver Island. You can find sandwiches for about 10 CAD, or you can get soup and salad for lunch for less than 20 CAD.

A fast-food combo (think McDonald’s) costs about 12 CAD. Fish and chips or a burger with fries is around 20 CAD with a drink. A beer costs about 6 CAD. A meal at a higher-end restaurant (like lobster or fresh game) costs about 40 CAD for an entree and a drink.

Pizza costs around 15 CAD for a large while Chinese food is 11-15 CAD for a main dish. For cheap eats, check out Warehouse Group restaurants that have items like tacos, burgers, salads, and sandwiches for 10 CAD or less in a bar-like atmosphere.

If you cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 65 CAD. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Vancouver Island Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Vancouver Island, expect to spend about 70 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add another 10-15 CAD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 195 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, cook most of your meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do some paid tours and activities like wine tours or whale watching.

On a “luxury” budget of 310 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car, and do whatever paid tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Vancouver Island Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor activities are free so if you stick to those and cook your own food you can keep your costs low. Here are some ways to save money when you visit Vancouver Island:

• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host on Vancouver Island. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp – If you want to camp, use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find available campsites on Vancouver Island. A two-person site starts about 20-25 CAD.
• Check for deals – HelloBC.com (the official tourism website) often lists seasonal travel deals and discounts in its “Plan Your Trip” section. Check it out for money-saving tips and deals.
• Gas up on the mainland – If you’re coming from Vancouver by car, make sure you gas up before boarding the ferry. Gas prices are always higher on the island, as are most grocery prices. Stock up on everything before you arrive!
• Look for the happy hours – The Ultimate Happy Hours website lists all the happy hour drink and food specials around Victoria. They update with new info frequently.
• Take the ferry as a walk-on passenger – Ferry prices for vehicles aren’t cheap. If you’re just making a short trip and staying in one destination on the island (like Victoria or Nanaimo), consider ditching the vehicle and traveling as a walk-on passenger.
• Explore the island by bike – British Columbia was made for mountain biking, and Vancouver Island is no exception. There are tons of bike paths, both inside the cities and in the provincial parks. Pack a picnic lunch, bring lots of water, and make a day of it.
• Hitchhike – Since the island sees a huge boost in population during the summer, you can try your hand at hitchhiking between cities if you’re on a budget. It isn’t super common, but it can save you the cost of renting a car or taking the bus. Just don’t get off the beaten trail as you may end up waiting some time for a ride!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island has a few hostels that make budget-friendly travel here possible. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• HI Nanaimo Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Nanaimo)
• Riding Fool Hostel (Cumberland)
• Earth Club Factory (Denman Island)

How to Get Around Vancouver Island

Public transportation – Victoria is the only major urban center on the island. Downtown is very walkable and the bus can get you everywhere else on the island you need to go. Fares cost 2.50 CAD, or you can get a 10-ride pass for 22.50 CAD. A one-day pass is 5 CAD and is only available on the bus.

Bike rental – You can rent a bicycle in Victoria for about 40 CAD per day from Cycle BC. An e-bike costs 75 CAD per day.

Ferry – You can use BC Ferries to get to several places around the island. The route between Swartz Bay (Victoria) and Fulford Harbour is 11.60 CAD for a return ticket, while Swartz Bay to the Gulf Islands is 11.90 CAD. Nanaimo to Gabriola Island is 10.15 CAD for a return ticket.

Bus – The bus goes just about everywhere on Vancouver Island, although it isn’t cheap. A seven-hour journey from Victoria to Tofino is 105 CAD, while a one-hour trip from Victoria to Cowichan Bay is 20 CAD. A 3.5-hour trip from Nanaimo to Ucluelet is 50 CAD.

Taxi – Taxis are not cheap here. Their base rate is 3.67 CAD, and it’s an additional 2 CAD per kilometer afterward. Skip the taxis if you can as they add up fast and will destroy your budget!

Car Rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 35 CAD per day. If you’d like to take advantage of all the outdoor attractions that Vancouver Island has to offer, it’s a great option, especially considering how expensive buses are. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is busiest during the summer since its biggest draw is the great outdoors. Temperatures are usually in the mid-20s°C (high 60s°F) with little rainfall, making this time of year the best for hiking, cycling, whale watching, and other outdoor activities. Prepare for more expensive accommodations and bigger tourist crowds during this time (whale-watching season starts in August and ends in December).

Fall and spring are both excellent times to visit for sunny weather, as temperatures hover around 10-16°C (50-60°F). That means it’s still warm enough to hike and enjoy the outdoors. In the spring, the cherry blossoms start blooming, and the island comes alive. There are fewer tourists during the spring and fall as well.

Winter (December-March) is surprisingly mild here, with average daily highs just under 10°C (low 40s°F). It can be rainy during these months, so bring waterproof clothing. Room rates are cheaper in the winter as well. While this isn’t the best time to visit, if you have to spend winter in Canada, this is as warm as it gets!

How to Stay Safe on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is very safe. You’re unlikely to experience any crime here. Even petty crime like pickpocketing and theft is rare. That said, always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Always check the weather before you go out hiking or swimming and make sure you avoid getting up close and personal with any wildlife (there are over 7,000 bears on the island, for example).

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more information, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs in the city.

Scams here are virtually non-existent here, but if you want to play it extra safe, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right with this article.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Vancouver Island Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Vancouver Island Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Canada and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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17 Top-Rated Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Off Canada's West Coast, Vancouver Island is the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. Old-growth forests, beautiful rugged shorelines, and beaches offer an endless repertoire of things to do, from hiking and camping to surfing and whale watching. The capital of British Columbia, Victoria delivers cultural attractions , nightlife, dining, and shopping.

Small towns spread around Vancouver Island are some of the best places to visit, where you'll find a slower pace of life and discover remote lodges in the rainforest, where you can relax and soak up nature.

The mild coastal climate draws visitors here year-round. Vancouver Island is one of the warmest places in Canada in winter . Although summer is the busy season, in winter, it's not uncommon to find surfers riding the waves on the western shore, while skiers head to the slopes in the interior of the island. The landscape is one of mountains, lakes, rainforest, and dramatic coastline dotted with small towns and villages.

Most visitors begin their trip to Vancouver Island in Victoria , at the sound end of the island. Arrival is usually by air or by ferry from Vancouver or Seattle. Ferries also run regularly from Vancouver to Nanaimo.

On the west side of Vancouver Island are towns like Tofino and Port Renfrew, and the famous West Coast Trail. On the east side of the island, looking out over the Salish Sea, are the towns of Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtney, and Comox.

To help plan your trip, see our list of the top things to see and do on Vancouver Island.

See also: Where to Stay on Vancouver Island

1. Visit Victoria

2. see vancouver island's old-growth forests, 3. enjoy a getaway to tofino, 4. walk, surf, or relax at pacific rim national park & long beach, 5. tour butchart gardens, 6. see goats on the roof at the old country market, coombs, 7. hike the trails on vancouver island, 8. hike the west coast trail for an epic adventure, 9. take in the views from the wild pacific trail, ucluelet, 10. explore clayoquot sound, 11. go on a whale watching tour, 12. hit the slopes at mount washington alpine ski resort, 13. go camping on vancouver island, 14. experience nature and serenity in port renfrew, 15. chemainus wall murals, 16. royal british columbia museum, 17. british columbia legislature, where to stay on vancouver island, map of things to do on vancouver island.

As the main gateway to Vancouver Island, Victoria is where most visitors will begin their trip, and it is a great starting place. Looking out over the Juan de Fuca Strait to the mountains on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, British Columbia's capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada.

The scenic Inner Harbour is where much of the action is centered and where many of the tourist attractions are located. The historic Fairmont Empress , one of Victoria's landmark buildings, looks over the Inner Harbour. Built in 1908, this hotel has hosted visiting royalty throughout the decades. High Tea at the Empress has become a popular thing to do in Victoria, where visitors can sip tea and enjoy sandwiches, scones, and desserts in a lovely old room filled with antique furnishings.

Also unmissable on the Inner Harbour are the Parliament Buildings . Lit up at night, they are impressive no matter what time you visit. Another major attraction, located between the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel, is the Royal BC Museum , offering insight into the natural and human history of British Columbia.

Victoria is a small city, and the compact downtown makes visiting the sites incredibly easy. It's also filled with stores and restaurants that range from casual to fine dining.

If you are spending a few days in Victoria and want to expand your sightseeing to include parks and outdoors activities, beautiful hiking trails are scattered around the city and nearby areas.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Victoria

Vancouver Island's old-growth forests are truly a national treasure and an absolute must-see for anyone with an appreciation for nature. Found in a few small pockets around the island are some remaining virgin forests, home to enormous trees up to 800 years old. Some of the best places to see these giants are around Tofino, Port Renfrew, and an area known as Cathedral Grove.

Cathedral Grove

Near Port Alberni, in MacMillan Provincial Park , is Cathedral Grove. This is one of the most popular places to see ancient trees. It's an easy stop on the way to Tofino. Cathedral Grove is a stand of towering Douglas firs , with some trees between 600 and 800 years old, reaching 75 meters tall and as much as nine meters in circumference.

You can park at a roadside pullout on the Alberni Highway (Hwy 4) and follow an easy and relatively level walking trail through the grove. Also in the park are old western red cedar .

Cathedral Grove was hit by a major wind storm in 1997, which took down many old trees. You can see the huge trunks that are now on the ground and still an impressive site.

Official site: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/macmillan/

Port Renfrew: Eden Grove, Big Lonely Doug & Avatar Grove

From Victoria, another fantastic day trip to see old-growth rainforest is to take a drive up to Port Renfrew, about two hours from the city, and just beyond to the big trees. This scenic trip takes you up Highway 14, past Sooke and Jordan River, along a curvy road.

The most famous sites in this area are Eden Grove, Big Lonely Doug, and Avatar Grove, all of which are free to the public. All of these are found just north of Port Renfrew, with Big Lonely Doug and Eden Grove at the farthest end, 18 kilometers from town.

Eden Grove is arguably the most impressive area to see old-growth forest on Vancouver Island that visitors can access on their own. It is a much less visited area than places like Cathedral Grove or Tofino, but much more worthwhile. There is a tranquility here you won't find at the more popular sites and a feeling of truly being in the forest.

Home to Douglas fir and western red cedars, the trees are enormous! One cedar is more than 12 feet wide. Volunteers have built a rough boardwalk through the stand of trees that allows you quick easy access to the forest.

Just a few hundred meters before you reach Eden Grove is a clearing that has been logged. One huge 1,000-year-old Douglas fir stands alone in the cutover. This is Big Lonely Doug . He was the one tree not logged here, and stands now as a stark reminder of what has been lost by logging and what future logging may destroy.

About 1.8 kilometers before you reach Big Lonely Doug and Eden Grove, the road becomes very rough in a couple of spots. If you don't have a 4WD vehicle, you can park here and walk in, and many people do. At this point, you will also likely see people who have come here in an effort to protect the forest from logging. They are an extremely helpful and friendly bunch who are happy to see you, point you in the right direction, and answer questions. Eden Grove is in a logging area and at extreme risk of being destroyed.

Also worth seeing is Avatar Grove , which you will pass on your way back to Port Renfrew. Here, trails run through the forest on both sides of the road, and also lead past several giants.

Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino

Pacific Rim National Park, just outside the resort town of Tofino, is another excellent area to see the giant trees of Vancouver Island's rainforest. One of the best hikes in Pacific Rim National Park is the Rainforest Trail . Two one-kilometer loops lead past hundreds-of-years-old trees. You can even settle in on a park-provided Adirondack Chair for a while and gaze up at one of these beauties while you listen to the sounds of nature.

The little town of Tofino is the jewel of Vancouver Island's western shore. Looking out over Claoquot Sound and surrounded by old-growth forest and seemingly endless beaches, this little fishing village is a popular tourist destination on Vancouver Island, but rarely feels busy. It's also known for being Canada's hottest surf destination , with people coming here to surf year-round.

If you aren't into surfing, storm watching from November to February, when huge waves roll in off the Pacific Ocean, is another reason people like to visit Tofino in the quiet of the off-season.

Just outside of town is Pacific Rim National Park , an incredible natural area with some of Tofino's best hikes and campgrounds . This area is home to ancient cedars, which are some of the oldest trees in Canada. It's also where you'll find Tofino's famous Long Beach , stretching along the coast for 16 kilometers.

Approximately 42 kilometers north of the small town of Ucluelet , Tofino is one of the oldest settlements on the West Coast, and it has a very remote feel. Despite its popularity, it has remained small. The town has surf shops, tourist stores, restaurants, and hotels. Nearby are a number of outstanding lodges and resorts with great views out over the ocean. The Wild Pacific Trail, one of the best on the island, is located just south of town.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Tofino

Pacific Rim National Park covers a lush stretch of coast between Tofino and Ucluelet. The rainforest of ancient cedars and shoreline of beaches and rocky headlands reveals the wild and rugged natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

Long soft-sand beaches are found all along Pacific Rim National Park. The 16-kilometer-long Long Beach is a vast expanse of sand where people come to walk, beachcomb, surf in the big waves, or simply enjoy a sunset. Whales can sometimes be spotted offshore, especially in spring and autumn.

Storm watching has become a popular activity in fall and winter, when photographers and visitors come to the park to watch the huge waves crash against the shore. Massive piles of driftwood along some of the beaches testify to the violence of the ocean waves.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index.aspx

For those with a love of gardening, a visit to Butchart Gardens will be one of the highlights of Vancouver Island. Set in an old quarry outside Victoria, these fabulous gardens provide a year-round opportunity to step into a peaceful natural setting with flowers, trees, pathways, and places to relax.

Begun in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, the grounds have been over a century in the making. In the evening, the gardens are illuminated with creative lighting and on Saturday nights you can enjoy a firework display set to music. Every evening in July and August live music performances take place at Butchart Gardens.

Botanical displays change seasonally and are particularly lovely between spring and fall. At Christmas, the gardens are lit with a display of Christmas lights and decorations , and various festivities and activities are on offer, including ice skating in an outdoor rink.

Official site: http://www.butchartgardens.com/

One of the more unique and long-standing attractions on Vancouver Island is the Old Country Market, complete with resident goats on the roof. For over 30 years, goats have been happily posing for pictures as they munch contentedly away on the sod roof. The goats are only out in summer, but the area is a popular place to visit year-round.

Located a short drive from the cities of Parksville and Qualicum, the Old Country Market is a fully-fledged tourist attraction and perfect family outing. Not only will you find the goats, you'll also find an assortment of restaurants, an ice cream stand, gift shops, a vegetable and fruit market, a garden center, and a surf shop.

Official site: https://oldcountrymarket.com/

Vancouver Island is a dream destination for hikers. Remote, yet well-maintained, the trails here offer outstanding scenery, a chance to see wildlife, and a solitude rarely found in popular national parks and more well-known hiking areas. The most famous hike is the West Coast Trail , although this is often much more than a typical hiker is looking for.

Much more reasonable and open year-round is the Wild Pacific Trail . But you can find interesting hikes from one end of Vancouver Island to the other.

One popular hiking area on Vancouver Island is Port Renfrew. This is where you'll find the start of the 47-kilomter Juan de Fuca Marine Trail , but also shorter hikes, like a walk out to Botany Bay or Botanical Beach that can be completed in a day or even an hour or two. From China Beach, on the road to Port Renfrew from Victoria, not far beyond the town of Sooke, is the other end of the Juan de Fuca Trail. From here, you can walk a couple of kilometers along the trail to the waterfalls on Mystic Beach . This is an easy day hike that can be done on a day trip from Victoria.

There are several popular day hikes around Victoria . You won't exactly find solitude on these hikes but they will take you through beautiful scenery and to high lookouts, waterfalls, or old train trestles.

You can find dozens of great hiking trails around Tofino , many of which can be completed in a half-day or less. You can even combine a kayaking trip with a hike here. Hiking around Tofino involves a mix of forests and coastal trails, and time spent walking along the beaches.

Other areas for hiking on Vancouver Island include the remote regions to the north. Not far from Campbell River is Strathcona Provincial Park , and at the far northern end of Vancouver Island is Cape Scott Provincial Park . Both of these have interesting hikes to explore. For more details on these trails and other hiking areas, see our article on the best hikes on Vancouver Island .

The almost 75-kilometer-long West Coast Trail is one of Canada's most famous hiking trails. Known for fabulous coastal scenery and treacherous conditions, it's a bucket-list hike .

Until the beginning of this century, Canada's stormy Pacific coast with its deceptive shallows and rocky headlands was known to sailors as the "graveyard of the Pacific." A great many ships were lost in storms and fog. To give survivors a means of escape from this otherwise impassably rocky coastline backed by impenetrable rain forest, a primitive trail was opened in 1906, following the route of the telegraph lines laid in 1890 between the various lighthouses.

The trail eventually became obsolete but was discovered by backpackers in the 1960s. Now managed by Pacific Rim National Park , the West Coast Trail is an extremely popular, although arduous hike across challenging terrain.

The hike is open from May 1 to September 30 , and the numbers of hikers is limited from June 14 to September 15. Hikers must make a reservation and should book well in advance. The trail has very basic campsites, and hikers must carry all their supplies with them. The park offers detailed information for hikers who want to undertake this adventure.

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/SCO-WCT

A wonderful way to experience some of Vancouver Island's most beautiful scenery without the treacherous ordeal of hiking the West Coast Trail, is to spend some time on the Wild Pacific Trail at Ucluelet . This trail system offers easy access to beautiful coastal areas with views of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands .

The trail has different sections that can be done independently of each other and vary from roughly 2.5 to eight kilometers. Sections include Lighthouse Loop , Big Beach , and Brown's Beach to Ancient Cedars . Scenery ranges from waves crashing on rugged rocky shoreline to sheltered coves, and of course, giant trees.

Many consider the Lighthouse Loop to be the best route, particularly the section from the parking area to the lighthouse. The trail winds its way along an incredibly rugged coastline with huge views to the south, eventually leading to the scenic Amphitrite Point . It's here, you'll find a lighthouse and good views up and down the coast. While here, listen for the eerie sound of a foghorn just offshore.

It should be noted that visitors do not even need to complete these hikes to find beautiful views along the shoreline, and there are benches for resting and soaking up the scenery.

Official site: http://www.wildpacifictrail.com/

Clayoquot Sound is a remote area on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Much of it lies north-west of Tofino, with beautiful deep fiords, countless little islands, and one of the last surviving areas of temperate rainforest. It is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve .

A decision by the provincial government to allow clearance of half the remaining 3,500 square kilometers of virgin wilderness met with much resistance and protests, and led to the preservation of this special place.

You can arrange trips to remote sections of this area from Tofino, which may involve a float plane, boat, or kayak, depending on the type of experience you're looking for. Wildlife tours, often to see black bears, as well as other animals, are popular.

Whale watching tours are one of the top things to do on Vancouver Island. Two popular places for these tours are in Nanaimo and Tofino.

In Nanaimo , boats take visitors out on the Salish Sea, between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. Commonly spotted here are orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises, and other marine life. Tour operators avoid viewing endangered southern resident orcas. Tours are in zodiacs or larger semi-covered tour boats.

In Tofino , you can spot orcas and humpback whales, but the main species is gray whales, which can be seen regularly between March and November. Depending on the tour and the operator, boats range from a covered cabin cruiser to open Boston Whaler boats or Zodiacs.

Mount Washington is Vancouver Island's most popular family ski resort with year-round activities. In winter, the mountain offers a variety of ski runs and a terrain park. The resort has more than 500 meters of elevation from base to top.

There are also opportunities for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and tobogganing. In summer, visitors can enjoy alpine hiking, with the help of the Scenic Chairlift Ride to the top of Mount Washington, or on the trails at the base.

Official site: http://www.mountwashington.ca/

Given the incredibly scenic nature of Vancouver Island, it's not surprising that camping is a popular pastime. You can set up a tent at a walk-in site tucked among the tall pines, with views out over the Pacific Ocean, or park your RV at a manicured campground. Either way, it's hard to beat waking up in the fresh air on a still morning, looking out over glass-calm water, or watching the smoke rise up from your campfire.

Along the west side of the island, just a short drive northwest of Victoria, you can find a number of very nice campgrounds at places like French Beach Provincial Park and China Beach . Kitesurfers camp at Jordan River Regional Park Campground .

Families looking for something a little less wild can find some good campgrounds around Nanaimo, like Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Resort . You'll find numerous campgrounds around Tofino, catering to tenters or RVers. Several of the other provincial parks farther north also offer good campgrounds. For details on these and more, see our article on the best campgrounds on Vancouver Island .

Just two hours northwest of Victoria, Port Renfrew feels far more remote than you might expect. You won't find the cute tourist town atmosphere here like you do in Tofino. In fact, you may wonder if you've missed the town as you drive through. The real attraction is the feeling of isolation and relaxation that comes with being surrounded by mountains, forest, and ocean.

Rugged wilderness, beautiful views, and perhaps a relaxing stay at a lodge are what you can expect to find here. Spend a day exploring the area. Head out on a short hiking trail to see ancient trees in the old-growth forest at Eden Grove and Avatar Grove . Walk along the oceanfront to Botany Bay and Botanical Beach , where you can see small sealife in the tidal pools, or gaze out at the waves.

Port Renfrew offers some unique accommodation options, many of which truly offer a sense of place and a West Coast experience. At the Soule Creek Lodge , you can book a lodge room or a freestanding luxury yurt, and gaze out over the ocean from the hillside location. The lodge's restaurant serves set meals, and you can opt in or out after hearing about the meal being planned for that night, but one of the owners is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

About an hour north of Victoria, Chemainus is known for its larger-than-life size murals that decorate the sides of buildings throughout the town. The images illustrate the history of the town and are painted by well-known artists. A walking path leads visitors on a trail to see the murals.

This is a big tourist draw for the community, but the Chemainus Theatre and the Chemainus Theatre Festival are also of interest, showcasing talent from across the province and Canada.

The one thing about Vancouver Island you can be assured of, outside of the summer months, is that it will likely rain at some point. One of the best things to do on a rainy day is visit the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria and soak up a bit of British Columbia's natural and manmade history.

In operation since 1886, this museum, one of Canada's best, showcases a wealth of interesting displays, exhibits, and artifacts spanning the history of British Columbia. One of the best and not-to-be-missed things to see in the museum is the Natural History Gallery, with its six different rooms including: Coastal Forest, Fraser River Delta, Climate Rules!, Seashore, Ocean Station, and Ice Age.

Official site: http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/

As you stroll around Victoria's immaculate and beautiful harbor, one of the most impressive buildings is the British Columbia Legislature. Built in 1893 and expanded over the years, the legislative buildings are open to the public. Daily tours, both self-guided and guided, are an excellent way to see some of the highlights, and if you are lucky, even see the politicians in action.

Two of the most impressive things to see are the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee stained-glass windows. As you stroll about, look up to the Memorial Rotunda, with its wonderfully painted walls and dome.

For a fine lunch, stop in at the Parliamentary Dining Room. This casual, yet refined, dining establishment offers fine cuisine miles above what you'll get at the tourist-oriented restaurants lining the harbor.

Official site: https://www.leg.bc.ca/learn-about-us/visiting-the-legislature

The main tourist destinations around Vancouver Island are Victoria, Tofino, and to a lesser extent, Nanaimo. Below are some quality hotels and resorts in these areas.

• Victoria: Set in a Tudor mansion from the 1930s, Abigail's Hotel is an adult-only property. It offers affordable luxury, old-world charm, sumptuous four-poster beds, clawfoot tubs, and complimentary breakfast and appetizers. For more of a mid-range option, try the Best Western Plus Inner Harbour . This hotel is within walking distance of Victoria attractions, features an outdoor pool, and provides complimentary hot breakfast.
• Tofino: The Wickaninnish Inn has been one of Tofino's top luxury resorts since the 1950s. Its beautiful beachfront location, adjacent to a dramatic rocky headland, provides a stunning setting for the resort, with beautiful views from the rooms and restaurants, which overlook the ocean. Set on a beautiful stretch of beach, the Pacific Sands Beach Resort offers a variety of rooms and cabins in a range of prices, from luxury oceanfront multi-room townhomes to new condo-style units featuring modern décor, fireplaces, kitchens, and balconies.
• Nanaimo: Overlooking Nanaimo's harbor, the Coast Bastion Hotel is one of Nanaimo's most posh hotels, offering luxury rooms and suites, and fantastic views. The Best Western Northgate Inn is a budget-friendly property, conveniently located near shops and restaurants. It features an on-site sauna and fitness center, and comes with a continental breakfast.

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Visiting British Columbia: Vancouver Island is just one small area of British Columbia, a province that has much to explore. Many people add a trip to the island on to their overall BC or Canada itinerary . Other popular stops in BC include Vancouver and the resort town of Whistler . In the interior, many people head to Kelowna and the Okanagan to relax around Lake Okanagan in summer, or ski at the nearby ski resorts of Silver Star or Big White. These are two of Canada's top ski resorts .

More on Canada

Vancouver Island's 14 best things to do will make you want to book a trip right now

Dec 26, 2021 • 9 min read

Vancouver Island is a paradise for outdoor lovers, whatever the weather © Pamela Joe McFarlane/Getty Images

Lightly populated and synced to a slower rhythm than mainland British Columbia , Vancouver Island is Canada’s province within a province.

For the first 17 years of its colonial history, it was an independent entity, and an element of this apartness still resounds in its community-focused towns where islanders are more likely to greet you with a conversation than a nod. A million metaphoric miles from the slick skyscrapers of nearby Vancouver , this is a place to lower your stress levels, commune with nature and get back to the land with home-brewed beverages, Indigenous legends and superb biking and hiking trails.

The island was also a top pick for Best in Travel 2022.  With these incredible experiences, it's easy to see why,

Go mountain biking in Cumberland

A once industrious coal-mining settlement, Cumberland was in danger of becoming a ghost town in the 1960s when the mines closed, and its population almost evaporated. Reclassifying itself as a village, it was rejuvenated in the early 21st century by a group of entrepreneurial mountain bikers.

Under the umbrella of a registered non-profit organization, they created a network of 170 trails in an adjacent community forest. Cumberland’s once downbeat main street of mining-era buildings has sprouted a cool array of independent shops and restaurants to support the influx of two-wheeled tourists. Procure bike rentals and trail information from Dodge City Cycles .

Take afternoon tea in Victoria

While provincial capital Victoria supports a trendy consortium of craft-brewers, wine sommeliers and third-wave coffee baristas, it also harbors a religious devotion to afternoon tea, a custom bequeathed by caffeine-fuelled British colonists. The tradition prevails in an array of refined tearooms where dainty cakes mounted on three-tier silver trays are washed down with orange pekoe sipped from delicate china cups.

The high temple of afternoon tea is the Fairmont Empress Hotel , where the "full spread" (finger sandwiches, homemade pastries, and fresh scones) is served in an elegant lobby-lounge to a tinkling piano accompaniment.

Discover the Malahat Skywalk

Vancouver Island’s newest and most novel attraction is a multi-tiered spiral tower with a lofty lookout and – we kid you not – a giant trampoline on top. Located 30km (18.6 miles) northwest of Victoria by road it offers 360-degree views over forest, sea, islands, and the glaciated hump of Mount Baker in the US.

A 600m (1969ft) elevated walkway leads through a rust-hued arbutus forest to the 32m-high (105ft) tower which is rendered entirely in wood and was made in collaboration with the Malahat Nation. The icing on the cake? There’s a winding slide that gets you back to the bottom in 15 seconds. A special shuttle links the Skywalk with Victoria, Wednesday to Sunday.

Cycle the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii

Earmarked to be fully operational by 2022, this newly built cycling path stretches for 25km (15.5 miles) along the Pacific coast linking the two diminutive surfing towns of Tofino and Ucluelet. Its name (pronounced: ups-cheek ta-shee) means "going in the right direction on the trail" in the local Indigenous language. The unchallenging paved path cuts through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve granting easy access to trailheads, waterfront accommodations and a sweep of broad beaches ideal for surfing, cycling, and watching the latest storm roll in. Bikes, including robust beach-worthy models with no gears, can be rented from Tofino Bike Co , near the trail’s northern terminus.

Surf in Tofino

Canada’s surfing capital meets the tempestuous waves of the Pacific Ocean with a jagged spectrum of stormy beaches. There are sheltered Mackenzie Beach (good for beginners); two-pronged Chesterman Beach, separated by a wave-breaking sandbar and islet; legendary Cox Bay, host of numerous surfing competitions; and the expansive sands of 16km (10-mile) Long Beach which lies within Pacific Rim National Park.

Despite its all-pervading surf culture, tiny Tofino (population 2000-ish) retains a rugged, elemental feel thanks to its isolated location on Vancouver Island’s west coast surrounded by temperate rainforest. If you’re hitting the waves, bring (or rent) a wetsuit. The water’s cold – even in summer.

Ski Mount Washington

In BC, all winter roads lead to Whistler , one of the largest and most comprehensive ski resorts in the world. But savvy islanders, wary of slow-moving lift lines and bulging apres-ski bars, often prefer to stick to the cheaper, less crowded runs of Mt Washington near Courtenay.

Inhabiting the mountain’s southwestern slopes adjacent to the craggy wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park, Mt Washington is Vancouver Island’s only major ski area coupling 500 vertical meters (1640ft) of downhill action with an attractive Nordic park that makes use of the extensive summer trail system on the so-called Forbidden Plateau. Though less than one-third the size of Whistler, the resort logs a higher snowfall (up to 10m/33ft in a season) and significantly lower prices.

Hike the North Coast trail  

Conceived as a muddier, swampier alternative to the island’s perennially popular West Coast Trail, this five- to eight-day wilderness extravaganza tracks the extreme north coast for 58km (36ft) between Shushartie Bay and Cape Scott. Along its course it dips into sandy coves, empty beaches and thick, wind-contorted rainforest following a rough, unkempt path that utilizes boardwalks and cable cars to cross creeks and rivers.

In such a remote and unsullied region, the wildlife is legion and inclement weather is practically guaranteed, so pack accordingly. There are several strategically placed backcountry campsites en route and a boat shuttle to ferry hikers to the trail’s off-the-road-grid starting point.

Read more: Vancouver Island's 7 best hikes

Admire Indigenous culture in Alert Bay

Ancestral home to the Namgis First Nation, tiny Cormorant Island and its affiliated village, Alert Bay, is one of the best places in BC to absorb Indigenous culture. The island is awash with totem poles, including the world's tallest, a 173m (568ft) carving depicting whales, wolves and two-headed serpents held up by taut cables. There is also a clan house, an original Namgis burial ground and the peerless U’mista Cultural Centre .

This unique facility, whose design was inspired by a wooden longhouse, eloquently displays a vast array of repatriated Kwakwaka'wakw artifacts confiscated when potlatch ceremonies were prohibited in Canada between 1884 and 1951. The center, which has been slowly negotiating the return of pieces from museums around the world, is adorned with a growing collection of masks, carvings, totems, stories and historical anecdotes.

Hit the Nanaimo bar trail

Named after the island’s so-called "Harbour City," the Nanaimo bar is one of Canada’s most iconic food products. Comprising a three-layered slab of wafer topped with cream and icing, it combines coconut, vanilla custard, and chocolate in a rich explosion of densely packed calories.

Despite its relatively recent invention, the Nanaimo bar’s history is foggy. There are at least 100 different recipes while its exact origins are hotly debated – indeed, some heretics claim the bar isn’t from Nanaimo at all. To strengthen its credentials, the city has come up with a 39-stop Nanaimo bar trail allowing sugar-lovers to surf a raft of local restaurants and cafes and enjoy the confection in a myriad of weird manifestations from deep-fried to liquified in a cocktail. 

Set sail from Port Hardy

Port Hardy is a small Alaskan look-alike town on Vancouver Island’s northeast shore and a primary embarkation point for car ferries navigating the narrow channels of the Inside Passage on BC’s fjord-indented west coast. Book a cabin for overnight excursions (winter) or day trips (summer) and wave goodbye to civilization until you reach the isolated fishing settlement of Prince Rupert just shy of the BC-Alaska border. Sailing on comfortable, medium-sized ferries equipped with good eating facilities and adorned with striking First Nations motifs, passengers get the same scenery as the big cruise ships, but at a significantly more economical price.  

Cross the Kinsol Trestle

This magnificent wooden trestle built in 1914 once carried a railroad across a deep ravine cut by the Koksilah River. After falling into disrepair when the line ceased operation in 1979, it was rescued by a vociferous community fundraising campaign that helped renovate and reopen the trestle to foot and two-wheeled travelers in 2011. Today it’s part of the long-distance Trans-Canada trail, Vancouver Island trail and Cowichan Valley trail, although it can just as easily be incorporated in a short half-hour stroll from a car park one kilometre from the Trestle’s southern end. Interpretive boards along the route explain the structure’s engineering background and railway history.

View wildlife from Telegraph Cove

A former telegraph station and fishing village that was turned into a picturesque boardwalk community in the 1970s, Telegraph Cove’s small ensemble of brightly painted wooden buildings perches on stilts around a sheltered marina.

Cute clapboard houses aside, the village is famed island-wide for its whale-watching and grizzly bear viewing. Humpback and orca whales can be seen breaching on seasonal boat trips or more athletic guided sea-kayaking excursions. The grizzlies, which are not resident on Vancouver Island, are visible (if you’re lucky) on a brief boat trip to Knight Inlet on the mainland.

Sip cider in the Cowichan Valley

The Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s gourmet garden where rolling hills and a balmy semi-Mediterranean climate has encouraged a blossoming of vineyards, tea plantations and an enthusiastic farm-to-table ethos. One of the region’s most all-encompassing micro-businesses is Merridale , a craft cider-maker in the farming community of Cobble Hill whose rustic-chic cidery is speckled with gnarled apple trees and gabled barn buildings. It hosts a tasting bar dispatching multi-sample flights of the fruity booze.

Beyond cider, Merridale also has a micro-distillery producing gin and vodka, a patio bistro serving crusty apple pie, and posh yurts offering visitors the opportunity to glamp overnight in the adjacent orchard.

Browse Sidney’s bookstores

Designated Canada’s only "booktown" in 1996, the small seaside community of Sidney, 6km (3.7 miles) south of the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, has an abundance of bookstores (five) for a town of its size (11,500). The literary quintet sits on or around the main drag of Beacon Avenue and ranges from the Dickensian Haunted Books to the cavernous Tanner’s Books. Once you’ve purchased your heavy tome, the town has an equally impressive range of cafes where you can devour it with a steaming cappuccino.    

Want more of Canada's bookish history? Here's a coast-to-coast itinerary to get you started.

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This article was first published September 2021 and updated December 2021

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Wandering Everywhere

GUIDE TO ISLAND-HOPPING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia is officially one of my favourite places in the whole world. It’s a massive province filled with gorgeous sights, stunning food, and exhaustingly fun activities – and the place which I would eventually like to settle in (in like 80 years). Having spent a good few weeks island-hopping between the most charismatic and beautiful places ever, I am more than ready to spill the secrets on the best hidden and unforgotten islands in the country.

Salt Spring Island

Famously known as the “hippie island” it is, unsurprisingly, extremely laid-back and full of vegan cafes and homemade clothing shops.

My favourite place to eat at is Penny’s Pantry on the Green at the Golf and Country Club, which does the BEST breakfast food and brunch. The cafe is super cute and the staff are the friendliest ever, and it’s simply just a nice way to start your morning. Another pretty sweet place to hang out is at Moby’s Pub , which is filled with locals and does events almost every single night. My favourite ones to attend are their open mic nights and their music bingo nights, with the latter recently offering a holiday to Jamaica as a prize (which was pretty disorientating due to the fact it’s such a tiny establishment).

Black Sheep Books is officially my favourite shop to hang out in, because I’m a massive book nerd and bibliophile and I just love  surrounding myself in a shroud of vintage novels. Everything is also decently priced, which is great until you end up with a stack of 40 different books you want to haul across Canada in your two-foot suitcase merely because they’re from the 1950’s and look pretty.

One of the best places to stay is at Oceanside Cottages , due to the fact that you can stay in an adorable little cottage where every spare corner of wall is filled with canvases or murals painted by the owner. Upon arrival, the vase in my own cabin was filled with fresh flowers, the bowl was filled with a plethora of fruit, and there was a large water dispenser to use because drinking straight from the tap may have upset our stomachs. Every little detail makes this place perfect for a weekend getaway, with a fireplace and fresh firewood (and an axe outside to chop down some more if need be) rendering it a real cosy feel. There’s a radio, vinyls, cassettes, and CDs – meaning that you never have to spend a second in silence. My favourite part about the place though? The telescope. I’d never used one before, and I think it’s such a lovely idea.

Outside, amongst views of ocean and woodland, is a little bathtub – a really cool concept. Around the front, there’s a deck with cushioned seats where you can kick back with food cooked on your barbecue. I think that Oceanside Cottages is the ideal place to spend one-on-one time with a friend or lover, or even just one-on-one time with yourself – perhaps taking time out of daily life to write or create your own artwork. It’s all beautiful, and I’m very thankful for the experience. One day I’d love to come back and see what other little finishes have been added.

If this adorable, quaint little cabin doesn’t quite get your engine going, then another absolutely stunning place to stay is the Harbour House Hotel . Made to cater to an entirely different demographic, with entirely different features and feel, the hotel is quite possibly the most chic place on the island. I stayed at the Salish Suite, which, frankly, is one of the most beautiful places I have ever slept in. It was equipped with absolutely anything that I could possibly need, with a very  comfortable three-piece suite, canvases of the most beautiful local areas, a complete chess set, a marble wet room with His and Her sinks, a coffee bar (with some gorgeous green tea), a 65″ HD Smart TV, and an exceedingly comfortable King-sized bed.

The view from the room was absolutely gorgeous, looking out over at the ocean and the tiny boats in the distance, and adjourned to the room are large glass doors opening out to a little patio – the place where we spent the majority of our time during our visit. Relaxing back on the plush sofa as the sun is setting, cracking open a bottle of wine as we share stories and look out to the horizon, each night ended perfectly at this haven right outside our door.

In the mornings, we would catch breakfast at Woodley’s , switching between waffles, eggs Benedict, and salad – all of which were gorgeous and a great way to start the day. The staff at the hotel are so friendly and helpful, I didn’t doubt that they would go to the ends of the earth for us.

Pender Island

This island felt a lot more cosmopolitan than the other islands, with a larger population (which, by the way, is 2,250 – over 1,000 more than the majority of the others) and more active construction. My favourite place on the whole island is Hope Bay , due to the fact that hidden down at the end of the beach is an old, slightly aesthetically pleasing, house. Looking out to the ocean and looking in to a slightly creepy interior (think, broken photo frames, ornaments, and cracked and missing floorboards), it’s a strange place to hang out – and yet, it’s perfect for reading in the shade, dangling your legs over the water.

Hope Bay is also home to Pender Chocolates , a gorgeous little Chocolateir featuring the creamiest, richest, and most delicious chocolates in BC. The place is gorgeous, and also offers an absolutely stunning view of the ocean.

Mayne Island

Mayne Island is perfect for a day trip by car, with my favourite place to visit being Dinner Bay Park , home to the Japanese Gardens. It’s an extremely beautiful garden, with small shinto shrines, cherry blossom trees, and a cute little river running through it, and doubles as a memorial to the Japanese Canadians who lived on the island until they were sent to internment camps during the second world war.

Mount Parke offers the best view out of all the islands, with the summit overlooking Victoria and the other gulf islands. It’s a perfect place to go on a long hike, stopping every now and then to spot hummingbirds and rogue tulips.

Galiano Island

Out of all of the islands, Galiano Island was the one which I spent the most time at. I found that there was so much more to do here in a much more condensed span of area than on the other islands.

For those of y’all that enjoy hiking and wandering the natural surroundings, Galiano Island is a haven. My favourite parks are Montague Harbour Provincial Park, Bodega Ridge Provincial Park, Bluffs Park , and Bellhouse Park – which all offer stunning views of the bay and forests, along with being relatively devoid of other people. Technically, everywhere on the island is accessible via walking, but if you don’t want to spend the majority of your day walking up and down cemented roads, then I highly recommend either taking a vehicle of your own or hitchhiking. I personally hitchhiked around seven or eight times (the island is very safe, and if someone doesn’t pick you up then they get shunned in the community) and met the coolest and loveliest people ever – and didn’t have to pay for gas. I was given life advice from a fella missing a good few teeth, met a farmer from Yorkshire on his gap year, and rode in the SUV of a woman whose daughter worked at the spa I would frequent. A pretty cool experience.

One of my favourite places on the island is Galiano Island Books , as it’s an absolute haven for bibliophiles. I spent a good few hours browsing the books in this small store and ended up leaving with a bag full of worthwhile purchases, and honestly it was such a cute little place filled with the loveliest staff members who treated me like family. Conveniently, located several stores down is also my favourite food establishment on the island, in the form of the Sturdies Bay Bakery – a place filled with cupcakes and pastries and other gorgeous, carb-filled deliciousnesses.

I stayed at several places on Galiano Island, with one of my favourites being Bodega Ridge . I stayed in a little cabin which was absolutely adorable, decorated with plants and tea lights and made almost entirely out of wood. The owners are the nicest people ever, driving us from the main house to our little cabin and giving us their number should we have any problems. In our living room, my travel companion and I spent our time here listening to the radio and telling each other childhood stories around the fireplace, and nipping out to watch the sunrises and sunsets. I also loved the interior design, with little wooden embellishments, a large white bathtub, sliding doors, colourful glass light shades, and heated flooring. I found this place absolutely perfect for giving myself a self-prescribed technology detox.

Another gorgeous place to stay is at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn + Spa , a luxe hotel which made me feel as though I was vacationing at a palazzo on the Mediterranean. I spent my time here drinking green tea and writing on my terrace in the sun, reading my Galiano Island Books in the bath-cum-jacuzzi on a balcony overlooking the ocean, and watching the stars as I listened to the crackling firewood from my fireplace. The shower has approximately a million little jets, which all vary in pressure and height. The food at the inn is all absolutely gorgeous – with portions appearing small but keeping you full for hours. I recommend the beef dip and the charcuterie board plate thing, as they showcase the best of the restaurant’s food. My travel partner and I spent a nice long lunch here and then headed down to the spa, where we went in the hot tub, and then for a eucalyptus steam which burnt our eyes, and then for a much needed cold shower. The whole place smells gorgeous, offers a patio which goes right down to the beach, and offers you free herbal tea on tap. Love it.

Out of the many things to do on Galiano Island, one of the highlights is going out with Gulf Island Kayaking . When I went, I was utterly unprepared and so had to borrow the staff’s hat and sunscreen, but I quickly got the hang of things. It was a lot of fun, and despite my worrying lack of balance, I didn’t actually capsize (although honestly I did get close a couple of times). We stopped at a beach to take in the views (where I had a clam spray water at me from the sand), and I dipped my hands in the water as we meandered on the water, leaning back and looking out for seals and bright purple starfish.

Port Alberni

Whilst most people overlook the charm of Port Alberni and only use it as a service stop, it is probably one of the cutest places on the whole of Vancouver Island. It is set out like every Sixties small town in every indie movie ever, and is super rustic and adorable. The whole place features these really laid back vibes, with everyone knowing everyone’s business and nothing having changed in the past five decades. The streets are full of old hunting shops and Riverdale-esque drive-ins and jade-painted wooden churches with shiny black spires – it’s a weird place, but it’s full of charisma and you can’t help but love it. One of my favourite places in the whole town is this sleepy little cafe called the Mountain View Bakery and Deli and Espresso Bar (it’s quite a mouthful!), because it is this warm, cosy little haven filled with locals reading the paper (which features ads for firearms and GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS ), and they do the most gorgeous coffees and Cornish Pasties (with the latter not being served in the entire rest of Canada). Love. It.

Tofino is part of Vancouver Island, and is one of the prettiest places in the world, full stop. I was fortunate enough to spend a significant amount of time there, surfing, boating, wildlife watching, hiking, and eating, and feel relatively qualified to call myself as least a third of a Local. I wrote a whole comprehensive guide on the area, and strongly recommend that y’all stalk it before you prepare for a fairytale week away.

The best way to travel between islands is with BC Ferries , which offers several routes to travel between islands each day. Taking a BC ferry is such a big part of any British Columbian’s life, that it almost feels like a right of passage (pun intended) to board one of their vessels. You can either go as a walk-on passenger or take a car (which is definitely recommended for  travelling around the more remote islands), and spend the whole trip kicking back with some ship food and looking out the window at the whales. I have taken well over 15 different ferries between Victoria, the islands, and the mainland, and my favourite bit is standing out on the deck at  sunset and having the wind whip my hair as I look out for seals and eagles.

And so, have you guys ever visited the BC islands or plan on travelling to this beautiful Canadian province? Let me know in the comments below!

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Everytime I read a guide to somewhere, I want to go on holiday lol. These island are beautiful and you seemed to have built a lot of great memories and met a lot of interesting people along the way. Salt Spring and Galiano Island looks real cosy, a place I could see myself at. Thanks for sharing Amy : ) xo

Wowww this all looks so gorgeous oh my word!!! One day I will finally go to Canada. Lovely post Hun x

I love this! You adventure like a pro! 🙂

Wow, this post has really made me want to visit. Everything looks so beautiful! I love how each of the islands ha their own little identity. That cabin in Galiano Island looks like an absolute dream x

I have never been to the bc islands. After reading this post and seeing the beautiful pictures, I really would love to see it in person.

Perfect to visit 💞 I would really like to go to Canada, and BC looks like a gorgeous place to start.

Yep, this is the greatest place. I live on an island, and love it here.

What beautiful pictures, those cabins look incredible and those baths, wow! Island hopping sounds so fun, I’d absolutely love to do it at some point- what an adventure!

Beautiful photos and great guide! Now, this posts makes me want to go on holiday! Haha

Have a lovely weekend! XO, Melissa

The islands in British Columbia look gorgeous! I don’t know which one is my favourite.

I’m always down to stay in a cabin, and this one is so adorable!! I think I’m most intrigued by Hope Bay; it sounds incredible. What a lovely guide to British Columbia!

Salt Spring Island sounds pretty cool, especially with it being known as the hippie island. I love the different places people can stay in, whether they’re in the mood to be more with nature or just want a more luxury place. Galiano Island looks really neat, especially with the amazing views with the trees surrounding you. Thanks for sharing all of these places!

I want to visit all of those little BC islands! They are all stunning thanks a lot for this amazing tour xoxo Cris

THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL. I have family that lives up in BC and I’m daydreaming about the day I get to visit. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

How dreamy… a wooden cottage in the middle of a forest. Adding it to my bucket list 🙂

This post makes me want to visit British Columbia SOO bad. Unfortunately I cannot visit right now but hopefully in the near future I do. These islands look too beautiful to miss. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for sharing these beautiful places! That cottage looks so cozy! xx Elisa

Cool place to stay there ❤ I’ve always wanted to go to British Columbia and your photographs have just cemented my desires to travel there.

Oceanside Cottages sounds like the ideal place to cosy up and enjoy the area from as a comfortable base; the sunset lighting you caught is SO gorgeous too – it makes the wood from your cabin look golden! This was such an unique travel post Amy; a really great read!

Wow, your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I have never been to British Columbia but it looks amazing! x

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CANADA: Exploring BC’s Islands

One of the biggest draws to British Columbia (aside from perhaps the Rockies) is its beautiful coastline and islands. BC is home to no fewer than 40,000 islands, from tiny rocks, to the large Vancouver island which covers over 31,000 square kilometers. 

BC’s islands are home to beautiful forests, lodges, hot springs, beaches, some of the best cold-water diving in the world, and are the perfect place to retreat to for a few days… Or longer. 

Best time to Visit the Islands of British Columbia

Along with the rest of coastal BC, high season runs from May – September each year. Peak season is July and August, where Canadians and visitors from around the world flock to the islands for their summer vacations. 

Outside of May – September, some Islands close down almost entirely for visitors (such as Haida Gwaii) while others (such as Vancouver Island, and especially the south of the Island) have plenty to do year-round. 

We recommend shoulder season (May, June, September & October) as a great option for visiting with fewer fellow tourists and better accommodation prices. 

Getting to BC’s Islands

BC Ferries run from near Vancouver (city) at Twassanen to Nanaimo and Swartz Bay (for Victoria) on Vancouver Island, which is the best way to get there, especially now that BC Ferries uses natural gas to power its crossings! There’s also a connector bus service that can be used in conjunction with the ferry and connects from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria. 

There are also BC Ferries between the Gulf Islands in summer, and ferries connect Haida Gwaii with Prince Rupert on the mainland and Port Hardy on Vancouver Island via the Inside Passage. A clipper service runs from downtown Victoria to Seattle.More details on all ferry routes can be found here . 

Alternatively, there are flights and seaplanes that operate between the mainland and islands, or you can charter your own yacht for the Gulf Islands. 

Visiting Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is the second largest island on the west coast of the Americas and spans 460 kilometers from north to south. Vancouver Island is home to the BC state capital, Victoria, and is known for its mild climate, wildlife and beaches. 

There are plenty of opportunities to support community tourism with many of the First Nations groups on the island, with activities such as fishing trips, wildlife tracking, camping and glamping and visits to hot springs, which provide a window into indigenous culture. Or, take to the waves at Canada’s best surfing spot, Tofino, on the west coast. 

Visiting the Gulf Islands

Lying in between the mainland and Vancouver to the east and Vancouver island to the west, the Gulf islands are a favourite destination for summer cottages, sailing trips, local organic markets and trendy bakeries, as well as quiet island life. Welcome to BC’s answer to the “Hamptons”. 

For alternative accommodation, you can stay in a converted airstream trailer at Woods on Pender (Pender island). 

Visiting Haida Gwaii

Formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands (before being changed to Haida Gwaii in the 1980’s in recognition of the Haida people and their culture), Haida Gwaii is one of the most remote and wild corners of British Columbia – perfect for natural born explorers. 

Haida Gwaii is home to dramatic landscapes, the warm Haida people, and UNESCO listed Gwaii Hanaas National Park, only accessible by seaplane or boat. Haida Gwaii has been referred to, by some, as “Canada’s Galapagos” thanks to the rich abundance of wildlife and flora here. 

We recommend a stay at the fully Haida owned Haida House Resort , the perfect place to learn about indigenous Haida culture. 

Our Other British Colombia Posts

British Colombia In The Winter

Best Forests In British Colombia

Best Lesser-Known National Parks In British Colombia

British Colombia Wildlife Experiences

The Great Bear Rainforest In British Colombia

Sustainable Train Travel In British Colombia

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Gulf Islands, BC – 9 Transformational Things to Do on the Southern Gulf Islands

Looking for things to do in the Gulf Islands in BC ? As a BC native, I’ve spent many fabulous weeks exploring these rocky islands off of British Columbia’s coast. In this post, I share my favourite places and activities for a transformational trip to the Gulf Islands.

Sleep at the World’s Best Campground

Commune with eagles, starfish, and seals, create your own artist’s retreat, get tipsy on local tipples, stretch your legs and wow your eyes, spy on seal society, support artists at work, listen to music in a tree house, don’t you forget about “me” time, how to get to the bc gulf islands, when is the best time to visit, where to stay on the gulf islands, more posts for your bc trip, a final note about the gulf islands in bc.

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The first time I set foot on British Columbia’s spectacular Gulf Islands, I was just a kid.

We had just moved to Canada’s west coast and my Dad’s first priority was to buy a sailboat. I spent my 16th summer aboard that boat, slowly traversing between picturesque anchorages on one pristine Gulf Island after another.

I learned how to furl a jib, coil a sheet, and tie a bowline. I watched from deck as pods of dolphins ducked and glided under our bow and sea otters held hands in shallow bays. By the end of that summer, I could use mystical-sounding phrases like “ready about” and “hard a-lee” with sheer abandon.

As a grumpy teenager, with only my parents and copies of Jane Magazine for company, I had no idea what a privilege it was to be sailing some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

Now, after having travelled full-time for years, coming back to the Gulf Islands always fills me with awe and a deep appreciation that this, of all places on earth, used to be my playground.

For me, this smattering of rocky islands on the coast of BC — a place where nature is overwhelming in her sheer abundance, where the air is so clean breathing gives you a natural high, and where the water is so clear and cold a leap of faith will take that breath away — will always be the answer to that perennial question:

Where’s your favourite place on Earth?

Returning late last summer for an all-to-brief visit, I got a chance to spend 5 days exploring, relaxing, and enjoying some of the wonders that BC’s Southern Gulf Islands have to offer.

If you’re curious about visiting, or are actively planning a trip, this post will help you find the most amazing experiences to make your trip absolutely transformational.

Read on to discover…

9 Transformational Things to Do on the Gulf Islands in BC

Our guide to where to stay in the Gulf Islands will help you plan your accommodation. Also don’t miss our guides to things to do on Vancouver Island and things to do in Vancouver . Also, don’t miss our series on transformational things to do on BC’s Sunshine Coast .

Just a few months after Stephen and I started dating (way back in the 90s!), we decided to take a weekend camping trip to the Gulf Islands. It was our first trip away together and the first real test of our budding relationship.

We can probably attribute Ruckle Point Provincial Park with creating a love of sleeping in the outdoors that has lasted 20 years.

This is the world’s most beautiful campground (according to us), set on a rocky shore overlooking Active Pass.

From your tent, you can wave to the iconic BC Ferries slowly floating by, wander the rocky shoreline searching for tidal pools full of baby crabs and sea urchins, or cook up a gourmet camp meal to share under the stars.

Spending time in nature anywhere can be a transformational experience but the perfect beauty of this magical point could change the course of your entire life — just like it did for us!

There’s no better way to explore the coastal waters of British Columbia than by kayak.

With clean sheltered waters, plenty of small bays and inlets to explore, and the drama of nature all around, the Gulf Islands really are a kayaker’s dream destination.

There are kayak tour operators on all five of the southern Gulf Islands, and most offer a variety of one-day and multi-day tours. If you’re an experienced paddler, you can easily rent a kayak to make your own adventure.

Gliding silently along the shore in your kayak, watching birds soar overhead and an abundance of sea life beneath you, will give you a new and deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Still on my bucket list for the Gulf Islands is the Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour on Galiano with Gulf Island Kayaking . It gives me a great reason to go back!

The Gulf Islands have been attracting artists, artisans, and writers for decades — there’s some magic in the air that supports and ignites creativity.

If you have a project you’ve been meaning to start, or one you want to finish, the Gulf Islands will give you the time and space to create.

Book a weekend (or a week) at one of the many cozy B&Bs, like Between the Covers on Salt Spring or Serenity by the Sea on Galiano, and give yourself permission to bring your ideas to life.

It’s not only artists who flock to the Gulf Islands. Makers of all kinds inhabit these fertile lands, including those who are passionate about beer, wine, cider, and spirits.

If you like a drink or two, you’ll find plenty of places to sample the wares of local producers on the Gulf Islands.

I especially love the vibe and the view at Salt Spring Wild Cider , while Stephen is a fan of the IPAs at Salt Spring Island Ales . On Mayne Island, I had a chance to sample some of the fun locally inspired micro-brews at tiny Mayne Island Brewing Company — whose beers can be found at restaurants around the island.

For wine-lovers, a bottle from Sea Star Vineyards , located on both Pender and Saturna, is a must. Also, don’t miss tastings at Garry Oaks and Salt Spring Vineyards while on Salt Spring.

It’s perfectly OK to visit the southern Gulf Islands if you’re not a hiker — but it’s so much better if you are! The islands are relatively small, so most hikes are short and sweet, lasting only an hour or two but delivering unforgettable views.

On Salt Spring, I recommend the climb up Mount Erskine, which starts amid a grove of striking red-barked Arbutus trees and eventually winds its way to a rocky outcrop overlooking Sansum Narrows, a narrow tongue of blue between Salt Spring and Vancouver Island.

If the climb to get there didn’t take your breath away, the view most certainly will.

For a less strenuous hike, drive up the the Bluffs Lookout Trail on Galiano.

I took my parents there recently and we took a leisurely walk, marvelling at the awesome height of the trees, startling grazing deer that bounded away into the forest, and watching BC Ferries come and go through Active Pass.

We also did a gentle walk on the beach trail at Montague Harbour, one of the most popular anchorages in the Gulf Islands.

Taking a hike, long or short, on one of the many trails on the islands is a great way to get some exercise, destress, and see some of the most beautiful locations on the islands.

Though I grew up on Canada’s West Coast and have seen hundreds of seals rolling and playing in the water, I never get tired of these fat furry fellows.

While taking a short hike on Mayne Island, I discovered a trail marker pointing to Seal Point. The narrow path lead along Mayne’s rocky shore to an outcrop where I spotted a pack of seals relaxing in a heap.

Each time I got a little too close, the younger seals barked and flopped into the water, while the older ones gave me the evil eye. So I stood back and watched the seal society from a comfortable distance.

Bring your telephoto lens or your binoculars for an up-close look at these friendly BC locals.

It’s amazing how the small population on the Gulf Islands manages to create so many beautiful things!

On the Gulf Islands you can spend long days seeking out artisanal, hand-made goods that range from bath bombs and soap to intricate carvings and extraordinary glass pieces.

On Mayne Island, visit Nomads Essentials and Happy Tides for hand-crafted bath and body products, plus a range of gift cards, and other crafts.

You can also visit dozens of artists in their home studios. You’ll get to learn more about their process, how they spend their time on the islands, and their life as a working artist.

Of course, you’ll want to leave a little room in your luggage to bring home a few one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

On Salt Spring and Galiano, follow the artist studio tour to see a huge range of ceramics, glass works, paintings, photographs and other artworks.

Along with artists, many musicians make their homes on the Gulf Islands, which means it’s usually easy to track down an evening of live music.

In the Ganges town centre, the Tree House Cafe is a casual favourite among locals and frequent visitors like me. One of the big draws, aside from their fresh, local food, is the nightly live music. Expect folk classics, covers, and originals by talented musicians who have chosen to make their lives on the islands.

Weekly or nightly live music can be found on most of the islands throughout the summer months.

No matter what time of year, rainy days do happen on the Gulf Islands.

That’s the perfect time to treat yourself to some serious “me” time!

Imagine soaking in a hot tub with incredible ocean views, immersing yourself in a eucalyptus steam cave, or succumbing to the deep relaxation of a hot stone massage. Many B&Bs and resorts around the islands have onsite spas where you can take your pick of treatments.

You’ll be so transformed at the end of your spa day that you’ll be wishing for more rain!

Where are the Gulf Islands?

First, we should explain a little about the geography of the Gulf Islands.

In total, there are 15 major islands plus lots of tiny islets that make up the Gulf Islands. The islands can be divided into two groups: the northern Gulf Islands and the southern Gulf Islands.

However, when British Columbians talk about the Gulf Islands in casual conversation, they are often referring to the southern islands.

This is a group of five major islands that sits off the coast of Vancouver Island, about half-way between Victoria and Nanaimo.

The major southern Gulf Islands are Salt Spring Island, Galiano Island, Pender Island, Mayne Island, and Saturna Island.

Though each island has its own personality, you can expect to find awe-inspiring views, funky gift shops and artisans, homey west-coast cooking, and friendly B&Bs on all of them.

Salt Spring is the biggest and busiest of the five, while Galiano draws smaller crowds but still has a good range of services. Mayne and Pender are a little more sleepy, perfect if you want to truly get away from it all.

Finally, Saturna is the quietest of them all, ideal for true adventurers who want a tranquil nature experience.

How to Get There

The Gulf Islands are easily accessible from Vancouver, Victoria, and Crofton (near Nanaimo), making them a perfect place to go for a weekend break, a week-long retreat, or even a spectacular day trip.

By BC Ferries

BC Ferries are by far the best way to access the Southern Gulf Islands.

The journey is part of the adventure, a mini cruise that will sail you past the outstanding land– and sea–scapes. I’ve taken countless ferry journeys in BC and never get tired of it. If you’re super lucky, you might even spot a pod of whales!

If you’re travelling by car in summer, on a holiday weekend, or to one of the less-visited islands, reservations are strongly recommended. Without them, you could face hours-long wait times at the ferry terminal. Walk-on and cycle-on passengers should have no problem securing a space.

There are three options for getting to the Gulf Islands on BC Ferries:

• From Tsawwassen ferry terminal, 45 minutes south of Vancouver, journey time 1–2 hours
• From Schwartz Bay ferry terminal, 30 minutes north of Victoria, journey time 35–90 minutes
• From Crofton ferry terminal, 40 minutes south of Nanaimo, 25 minutes, only to Vesuvius Harbour on Salt Spring

BC Transit offers excellent bus services to and from all ferry terminals.

In Vancouver, you can hop onboard and pay with any credit card that is tap enabled. In Victoria, you can pay on the bus, but you will need cash. You can also buy tickets at any BC Transit ticket machine.

If you’re going to be on Vancouver Island, don’t miss our guide to doing a whale watching trip from Nanaimo !

There is a seaplane service to the Gulf Islands through Harbour Air , from Vancouver Harbour to Salt Spring’s Ganges Harbour. It can be a quick and exciting way to get to the island, but you do miss out on the incredible views from the ferry. In bad weather, flights may be cancelled or rerouted.

Summer: The high season for the Gulf Islands, summer can be busy and is the most expensive time of year to visit. If you’re planning a summer trip, be sure to book ahead as most of the accommodation, including camping, can be booked months in advance. Ferries are also very full in summer, and you might wait hours to get onboard. In July and August, you can expect mostly warm, sunny days, with little rain.

If you’re planning a summer trip to the Gulf Islands, you might want to consider a day trip. Walk on or bike on the ferry and then rent a scooter or bicycle once on the islands to get around.

Spring: Late spring is our favourite time to visit the Gulf Islands. In May and June, the weather is usually warm enough to enjoy all the spectacular outdoor experiences on the Gulf Islands, but the crowds are smaller. Of course, this is the the BC coast, so bring your rain jacket to help deal with unexpected downpours. March and April can also be a great time to visit the islands, especially if you don’t mind cooler weather and the occasional rain shower. However, some services and accommodations may not be open in early spring.

Fall: If you’re lucky, September and October can be an outstanding time on the Gulf Islands. Locals are recovering from busy season, but services and accommodation are usually still open. The weather can range from warm summer-like days to rainstorms and grey drizzle. Watching a storm roll in across the water can be a magical experience though, so we say fall is a go!

Winter: For a romantic getaway, with afternoons spent soaking in the hot tub and evenings curled by the fire with a glass of wine, try winter on the Gulf Islands. Yes, the weather can be moody, but that’s what makes it so special. The only downside is that many restaurants, services, and accommodations close down for the winter season.

With relatively few traditional hotels, a visit to BC’s Gulf Islands is a rare opportunity to experience unique, privately run accommodation.

There are plenty of charming B&Bs where you’ll get a warm family welcome and a beautiful breakfast made of local ingredients.

Several truly stunning campgrounds are available if you want a nature experience. If you want to treat yourself, choose one of a handful of extraordinary resorts.

Here are a few of our top picks of places to stay on the Gulf Islands.

Rates are in USD and subject to change.

Salt Spring Island

• Camping: Ruckle Point Provincial Park , our favourite campground in the world, book ahead.
• B&B: Between the Covers B&B , cozy book-themed rooms, from $95
• B&B: Hedgerow House , elegant rooms in walking distance of Ganges town centre, from $150
• Resort: Hastings House , luxury country house resort and spa overlooking Ganges Harbour, from $400

Saturna Island

• Camping : Narvaez Bay Campground , walk-in sites with a jaw-dropping view
• Cottage: Rustic Cabin Rental , open living with loft bedrooms on 1.5 acres, from $121

Pender Island

• Glamping: Woods on Pender , hip airstreams, cabins, and motel for a city slicker’s weekend away, from $100
• Resort: Poets Cove Resort & Spa , luxury boutique retreat with great sunset views, from $195

Galiano Island

• B&B: Serenity by the Sea , magical creative retreat clinging to a seaside cliff, from $150
• Resort: Woodstone Manor , 12-room manor house in a private forest, from $175

Mayne Island

• Holiday Home: Seal Beach Cottage , secluded cottage with easy water access, from $250
• Resort: Mayne Island Resort , cottages and villas along the water’s edge in Bennett Bay, from $120

Though we don’t live there at the moment, BC is still the place we think of as home. We return as often as we can and have lots of great advice and travel guides to share.

• Our Favourite Things to do in Vancouver
• Things to do on Your Vancouver Island Holiday
• Ultimate Guide to Camping on Vancouver Island
• Transformational Things to do on the BC Sunshine Coast
• Complete Guide to the Best Vegan Food in Vancouver

We hope you find these guides useful. Let us know if you have any questions about travel in BC!

With easy access from both Vancouver and Victoria, BC’s Southern Gulf Islands make work just as well as part of a larger BC itinerary, or an incredible getaway in their own right. They are quirky, charismatic, and stunningly beautiful — you’ll have no trouble filling your time, whether you choose to spend a weekend, a week, or months.

Make sure to plan a little time each day for relaxing, taking in the scenery, and sipping local coffee, beer, or wine.

These quiet moments will give you the space you need to absorb all that you’ve seen and done and observe how those experiences make you feel. It’s only then, once you’ve had a chance to reflect, that your travel experiences start to work their magic and become truly transformational!

I hope this post is helpful as you plan your trip to the Gulf Islands. Our goal is to make every journey you take into an extraordinary experience that opens your eyes, gets you out of your comfort zone, and helps you to transform just a little. If you have any questions about the Gulf Islands or travel in BC, feel free to email or send us a message on Instagram.

♥   Happy transformational travels, Jane & Stephen

We’re not going to lie, it takes a LOT of work to create travel guides like this. But it’s easy to help us out! If you book or buy something using one of our personal links in this post, we’ll earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Of course, we would never recommend anything we didn’t 100% believe in! Huge thanks in advance! –S&J

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Hi, I'm Jane, founder and chief blogger on My Five Acres. I've lived in six countries and have camped, biked, trekked, kayaked, and explored in 50! At My Five Acres, our mission is to inspire you to live your most adventurous life and help you to travel more and more mindfully.

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Get Island Hopping! The Gulf Islands, BC

There are so many things to look forward to when you’re visiting British Columbia. The bountiful natural beauty, quaint cities and towns, access to the ocean, and friendly people are just a few things. But one of the most unique aspects of this part of Canada is off the coast of Vancouver Island . Between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland British Columbia, in the Strait of Georgia (more commonly known by the First Nations name: the Salish Sea), there are many little islands known as the Gulf Islands. Not only does each Island have a different ‘personality’ with distinct communities, geography, accessibility, and population size, but collectively they have a unique Mediterranean climate and are intrinsically a part of the Canadian West Coast identity. While you’re staying on Vancouver Island, taking the opportunity to explore some of these islands, spend the day shopping and dining, soaking up the atmosphere and culture of these hidden gems is always a great idea. Choosing which Island to visit can be a daunting task though, which is why we’re here! We’ve created a list of the must-see islands, how to get there and what to do while you’re visiting! 

Salt Spring Island

By far the largest of the Gulf Islands, Salt Spring is known as an alternative resort destination on the West Coast with a healthy blend of bohemian aesthetics and philosophies blended perfectly with high-end amenities and highly sought after experiences. While you’re on Salt Spring Island, there is so much to see and do – especially in the summer months! Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, cultural activities, outdoor recreation or find some R&R at the spa, it’s all here! We’ve made a list of our favourite spots on this gorgeous Island, and trust us, you’ll want to go more than once!

How to Get There:  

From Swartz Bay : If you’re staying at the top of the Saanich Peninsula at an EMR Sidney property , you can very easily get to Salt Spring via the Swartz Bay BC ferry terminal. Ferries to and from Salt Spring from Swartz Bay typically depart every two hours so you can go at any time of the day! It’s always a good idea to check the sailing times here . No need to pre-book your sailing, simply drive up to the terminal and purchase your ticket for the next sailing! From Crofton: If you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley at a stunning EMR home – it’s easy to get to Salt Spring! All you have to do is drive thirty minutes north to the little town of Crofton, where you’ll find a little ferry terminal ready to take you to Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring! Make sure to plan your trip accordingly and check sailing times here !

Activities 

Salt Spring Island Golf Club

Whale Watching

Food & Drink

Restaurants

Barb’s Bakery and Bistro

The Tree House Cafe

Restaurant House Piccolo

Salt Spring Inn Restaurant

Garry Oaks Estate Winery

TJ Beans Coffee Shop

Fernwood Road Cafe

Saturday Market

Black Sheep Books

Saltspring Soapworks

Ganges Village

Duthie Gallery

Salt Spring Gallery

Health and Wellness

Hiking at Ruckle Provincial Park

Sea Kayaking, Paddleboarding

Solace Organic Spa

Pender Island

Pender Island itself is a misnomer, because this Island is actually two! North and South Pender Island are separated by a canal that was dredged in 1903 however they have been connected by a one lane bridge that was built in 1955 and still stands today. Unlike Salt Spring Island, Pender Island is a fairly quiet Island where you can easily find yourself one of the only people on a forest trail or enjoying a beach spotting the orcas – if you’re looking for some peace and quiet this is a great option! North Pender is known for the pristine natural ecosystems, friendly people and laid back vibe. Here, you can find activities like golfing, boat rentals, fishing charters, great dining, quaint shopping experiences and incredibly friendly people! Below, we have a handy list of our favourite things to do, places to see and food to eat when you’re on Pender! 

How to Get There:

From Swartz Bay : There is only one way to get to Pender Island from Vancouver Island, and that’s via the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. While the ferry terminal is just a stone’s throw away from the EMR Sidney properties , it’s an easy (and beautiful) half-hour drive from Victoria as well! If you’re staying at any EMR Victoria property , visiting the Gulf Islands for the day is absolutely possible! If you’re interested in Island hopping, there are many routes to other Gulf Islands from Otter Bay on North Pender Island! Check out all the Southern Gulf Island schedules here to plan your trip to North Pender! 

Fishing charters 

Restaurants 

Port Browning Marina Resort

Coffee and Kitchen

Driftwood Centre

Hope Bay Store

Renaissance Studio

Gabriel Crystalline Pottery

Pender Island Museum

Cycling 

Sea Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Susurrus Spa

Galiano Island

This long, thin Gulf Island, named after the 18th century Spanish explorer who explored the West Coast of Canada in 1792 Dionisio Alcalá Galiano, it is equidistant between Vancouver’s Tsawwassen BC ferry terminal and Swartz Bay. Galiano is known as the wildest gulf island because of the mountainous geography and expansive forests and is a perfect getaway for amateure and expert botanists, as this island holds an abundance of rare, native plant populations. Plus if it’s raining on Vancouver Island, there is a good chance that the sun is shining on Galiano as it is one of the driest, sunniest Gulf Islands! With beautiful, peaceful beaches, incredible views of Mayne Island and Active Pass, wooded trails, artists’ studios, galleries and lovely marina, visitors will have no trouble finding things to do on this remarkable Island.

From Swartz Bay : Galiano Island can be accessed via the Swartz Bay ferry terminal from Vancouver Island. The Sturdies Bay terminal is also a stop on many routes to and from other Gulf Islands so if you’re interested in exploring more than one Island on your outing, you can! If you’re staying at an EMR property in Sooke , it might seem out of reach to make a day trip to a Gulf Island but in fact, you’re only an hour away from Swartz Bay ferry terminal! Whether you’re going straight to Galiano and back or if you want to do some Island hopping, make sure to check the schedule here before you go!

Sailing charter

Moped rental

Babes in the Woods Eatery

The Crane and Robin

Sturdies Bay Bakery

Galiano Island Books

Galiano Island Soap Works

Galiano Mural

Art & Soul Craft Gallery

Cabra Gallery Museum

Cedar Grove Gallery

Madrona Del Mar Spa

Gabriola Island

Just off the coast of Nanaimo, there is a fun, funky northern Gulf Island with a great upbeat vibe and an incredible art community called Gabriola Island. It’s a favourite Island for Vancouver Islanders to visit and is home to an active, friendly, permanent community who are proud of their home. Known as the Isle of the Arts, it has the highest per capita number of resident working artists and has a unique sense of community that you can really feel! If you’re interested in checking out local artists, simply look out for the yellow flags! If you see a yellow flag flying outside a home or at the end of a driveway, you know that the studio is open and the artist is there to greet guests! With white sand beaches, incredible sandstone bluffs, towering evergreens, an abundance of wildlife, fun farmers markets and a truly unique community of residents, Gabriola is a special place. 

From Departure Bay : The only access from Vancouver Island to Gabriola is via the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo. So if you’re staying at an EMR Nanaimo or EMR Parksville & Qualicum Beach property you’re in luck because you’re at most, a twenty minute drive away! The crossing is a beautiful 20 minutes and absolutely worth it to spend a day exploring this special Gulf Island!

Golfing  

Fishing Charters 

Alpaca Farm

Surf Lodge & Pub

Woodfire Restaurant & Catering

Coffee 

Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar

Wishbone Specialty Food & Gifts

Panacea Herbs

Moonshine Studio

Gabriola Museum

Cultivate the Arts Festival

Yellow Flag Art Studios

Vijnana Yoga Centre

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35 BEST Places to Visit in BC (British Columbia)

British Columbia is not just one of the most beautiful places in Canada, but the entire world. There are so many beautiful places to visit in BC , it would be impossible for any visitor to feel fulfilled after just one trip.

From roaring waterfalls, colossal peaks, pristine coastline, and bright blue lakes, there are plenty of amazing places to go in BC. Let’s dig into just a few to get you started with your travel planning!

The Best Places to Visit in BC

1. joffre lakes.

When you visit Joffre Lakes, you’re not visiting one or two lakes but three incredibly beautiful glacier-fed lakes with turquoise waters and stunning surroundings. The lakes are situated in a provincial park and the hiking trail that leads to them is one of the best in the entire country.  

The first lake you’ll reach is called Lower Joffre Lake. Keep hiking and you’ll reach Middle Joffre Lake and finally, you’ll reach Upper Joffre Lake. The entire hike is about 9.4 kilometers and along the trail, you’ll see snow-capped mountains, rushing streams and perhaps some wildlife.  Other popular activities in the park include camping, climbing and fishing. 

2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in BC. Situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is home to the country’s temperate rainforest and a land of unspoiled beauty. Sandy beaches, rugged coastline, mountains and beautiful hiking trails, such as the West Coast Trail, make up the landscape but you also get a taste of history and vibrant culture. 

Take an interpretive walk with a local guide, watch for wildlife, or embark on an overnight adventure to the Broken Group Islands.

If you’ve heard of Tofino, you’ve likely heard about how it’s a popular surfing destination but this small coastal town on Vancouver Island is so much more! The area surrounding Tofino features incredible scenery consisting of lakes, rainforests, sandy beaches, and rugged inlets. 

Whether you love catching waves, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, camping, whale watching, fishing, indulging in the vibrant foodie scene (the oysters are to die for), or just spending time in nature, there’s something for everyone. 

There are also many attractions including the Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens and the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery to also enjoy between all the adventures in Tofino.

4. Victoria

The British Columbia capital city of Victoria is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, and it’s easy to see why. With its lovely coastal scenery, Victorian architecture and so many gardens and parks that it has earned the nickname Canada’s Garden City, this city is more than meets the eye. 

Besides its good looks, it’s known for incredible restaurants serving fresh, local food and for being an outdoor lover’s paradise. Many hiking, kayaking and camping adventures await on the outskirts of the city! 

Enjoy world-class attractions such as the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Miniature World, Victoria Bug Zoo and The Maritime Museum of British Columbia. 

5. Sunshine Coast

Jagged coastline, beautiful beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lakes, sprawling green spaces and plenty of sunshine are just some of the things the Sunshine Coast is known for. Within this 180 kilometer expanse of rainforest, you’ll enjoy a range of activities including hiking, biking and kayaking. 

Because it’s only accessible by boat or plane, this place feels like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. When you want access to modern amenities, stop at Noosa where you’ll find a variety of eateries, shops and accommodations. 

Several provincial parks are in the area, including Mount Richardson, Tetrahedron and Spipiyus which are wonderful to visit in the summer.

6. Garibaldi Provincial Park

Mount Garibaldi is the prominent feature in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish but it’s also known for its distinct vegetation, wildlife, scenery and outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, climbing, biking, snowshoeing and hiking on more than 90 kilometers of trails. 

One of the best things to do in British Columbia is tackle the steep climb to Garibaldi Lake and see where turquoise-coloured water is nestled between alpine mountains and a spectacular glacier as the backdrop.

7. Capilano Suspension Bridge

Easily one of British Columbia’s top attractions. At 430 feet across, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the longest bridge of its type in the world and is located in Vancouver .

It hangs 230 feet above a raging river, giving visitors a thrilling experience as they cross to the other side, enjoying views of the surrounding rainforest. 

Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk are the two other thrilling experiences available at this attraction. 

8. Wells Gray Provincial Park

Located in Clearwater, Wells Gray Provincial Park is nicknamed Canada’s Waterfall Park due to the 41 BC waterfalls within its borders, including the spectacular 141-meter-tall Helmcken Falls. 

Lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, sprawling meadows, canyons and many wildlife species are some of the sights you’ll enjoy as you explore this huge wilderness area.

Enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, river rafting, fishing and exploring the abandoned Ray Farm while you’re there. 

9. Squamish

Squamish is an amazing mix of history, culture and outdoor adventure and one of the best places to visit in BC. With many trails and a location close to mountains, ocean and rivers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking and river rafting in this small BC town .

Explore Shannon Falls, marvel under Stawamus Chief, a granite dome that you cannot miss, watch for bald eagles and explore the downtown district which features many shops and restaurants. Some of the best things to do in Squamish is go mountain biking, or if you’re a climber, this is a world class climbing destination.

Britannia Mine Museum, Railway Museum of British Columbia, and Brackendale Art Gallery are popular attractions. 

10. Hole in The Wall – BC

The circular hole you can see in the rock at the site known as Hole in the Wall near Port Alberni isn’t naturally formed; it was drilled to accommodate a pipeline that has since been removed, but the fact that it’s man-made doesn’t make it any less fascinating! 

The trail is just over a kilometer and once there, you’ll see a beautiful site with a creek that runs into a clear pool surrounded by forest.

11. Malahat Skywalk

At the Malahat Skywalk, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to a 600-meter walkway that overlooks the treetops, mountains and fjords and out over the Cowichan Valley, Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and to the state of Washington. 

You can also go out onto the Adventure Net for a feeling of being suspended over the forest. 

12. Barkerville

You’ve likely heard stories of the Wild West during the Gold Rush Days, and at Barkerville , you can experience what it was like in those times with a stroll through this restored town that’s now a National Historic Site. 

It’s the biggest living-history museum in Western North America, but it was once the main center during the Cariboo Gold Rush . It looks much like it did back then and through research, each of the 125 buildings was refurbished to be just as they were. 

Period displays, fascinating exhibits, restaurants and shops are some of the things you’ll see during your visit and during the winter, you can head over to the Shamrock Tube Run for some cold-weather thrills. 

13. Tribune Bay

They don’t call Tribune Bay “Little Hawaii” for nothing! This tropical-like park area on Hornby Island features white sandy stretches lined with unique rock formations. The clear, turquoise ocean water is said to be the warmest in the province.  

Hiking and fishing are other popular outdoor pursuits and if you visit in the spring, you’ll enjoy a lovely wildflower bloom.  

14. Sun Peaks

If you love downhill skiing, you’ll love Sun Peaks, the country’s second-largest ski area, and one of our favorite Canadian ski resorts ! It features 137 runs and 13 lifts with skiing suitable for all levels. There are also 40 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and a tubing area. 

In the warmer months, enjoy access to a mountain bike park and golf course. No matter what season it is, the village of Sun Peaks and its European ski resort charm features a variety of accommodation options, restaurants and shops. 

15. Haida Gwaii 

If any place in British Columbia could be described as magical, it would be Haida Gwaii.  This group of remote islands is rich with wildlife, scenery, history, culture and mystique.  

During your travels around the region, you’ll see ancient totem poles, beaches, rainforest areas and fascinating archaeological sites. Hiking and kayaking are popular activities on the islands but many people go there simply to be one with nature. 

16. Great Bear Rainforest

It’s where the ocean meets the land and the valleys seem to always be shrouded in a light mist. Where spectacular fjords, pristine rainforests and a wide variety of wildlife species share space in a vast wide-open space. 

This is the Great Bear Rainforest and its part of the biggest coastal temperate rainforest on earth and one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. Admire incredible scenery, embark on guided experiences with local Indigenous guides, watch for whales offshore, go fishing for salmon in the raging rivers, kayak along the coast and hike the many trails.  

There are so many ways to enjoy this spectacular place that is virtually untouched by the modern world. 

17. Osoyoos Desert

Most people would never dream of finding a desert in Canada, but deep in the Okanagan region in the town of Osoyoos lies the country’s only desert! This arid desert is actually part of the Sonoran Desert that runs from Mexico all the way to Osoyoos.  

If you’re seeking a truly unique landscape featuring a different kind of beauty than the coastal and mountain areas of British Columbia, this is the place to head! Head to the Osoyoos Desert Center and take a stroll along the boardwalk where you’ll see native plants and interpretive displays. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the rare animal species that make their home in this desert land.  

18. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a place where you can see the spectacular Northern Lights in the winter, pristine wilderness areas where rare species thrive, mountains, valleys, meadows. It’s home to the only inland cedar rainforest on earth and even the remnants of a luxury alpine resort in one incredible area. 

While you’re there, you can take a scenic drive on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, hit the mountain trails with a Swiss mountain guide, relax along the banks of a raging river and learn more about the park at the Rogers Pass Discovery Center. 

19. Prince Rupert

As a port city, you can expect beautiful ocean views when you visit Prince Rupert but you’ll also get to experience nearby wilderness areas including the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary bear habitat. 

That’s the best thing about this city; a fantastic combination of urban and rural attractions. You can be shopping and hanging out in cozy cafes and fishing, kayaking, hiking, or whale watching a little while later. 

Popular attractions include The Museum of Northern B.C., North Pacific Cannery, Ice House Gallery, Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehab Shelter and Prince Rupert Fire Museum.  

20. Valemount

If the great outdoors is calling your name, that call may very well be coming from Valemount. This town is known for being one of the top outdoor adventure destinations in the province but its most famous attraction is Mount Robson nearby, which is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. 

Fishing, mountain biking and white-river rafting are also popular activities and as you explore the area, you’ll enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, rivers and valleys. 

Valemount is also under 1.5 hours to Jasper National Park , one of the most famous national parks in Canada.

Friendly, quaint and charming. These are some words that suit Nelson , one of the best places to visit in BC, quite well. You could also say it’s urban with a rural feel. However you want to describe it, its history, culture, and Kootenay Lake activities lure many visitors from all over. There are over 300 heritage buildings in this small area and the arts are alive and well! 

Take a ride on the historic streetcar, immerse in the mountain biking culture the town is known for, or go hiking along the Pulpit Rock Trail. Cottonwood Falls Park, Nelson Museum and Viewpoint Gallery are popular attractions. 

22. Invermere

While many people use Invermere as a base for their adventures at nearby Windermere Lake, it has so much more to offer in all seasons! The town is centrally located to Panorama, one of Western Canada’s top ski areas and the longest skating trail in the world is on the outskirts of town. 

In summer, kayaking, golfing and soaking in rejuvenating hot springs are popular activities. This scenic area is also home to many attractions including James Chabot Provincial Park, Windermere Valley Museum and Artym Gallery. 

23. Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

No matter what adventures you choose to embark on along the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you’ll always have that stunning scenery consisting of forest, mountain peaks, plains and fjords to admire in the background. Fishing, horseback riding and following in the steps of those who once traveled through here during the Gold Rush are popular activities. 

Visit Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, go canoeing on Bowron Lake, or head to the little town of Quesnel and check out the galleries. 

24. Alaska Highway

Many of the best places in BC that we’ve listed are in the southern part of the province, but not the Alaska Highway! When it comes to epic road trips in Canada, the Alaska Highway is high on the list! The highway runs 1,520 miles through Northern British Columbia, The Yukon and Alaska.

Along the way, you’ll pass through some of North America’s most untouched and wildest places, remote villages, provincial parks with abundant wildlife and places where the scenery is almost otherworldly. 

25. Kelowna

Situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is an amazing mix of urban sprawl and wilderness. The downtown district is home to beautiful parks and cultural attractions while not too far away, you can escape into an area with orchards, beaches, mountains and forest. 

Kelowna is well-known for its vineyards and there are plenty of Kelowna wineries to embark on wine tours. That’s right – if you’re a wine lover you don’t have to go all the way to Napa Valley – as you’ll find one of the best places to visit in BC for wine production around the Okanagan.

26. Fraser Canyon

The wild and rugged Fraser Canyon is a nature lover’s dream. Mountains, valleys, rivers and stunning scenery make this an amazing place to spend a day rafting or hiking. Even just driving through it is a wonderful adventure! 

Local attractions include Hell’s Gate Airtram, Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park and Yale Historic Site.

27. Sea to Sky Drive

The Sea to Sky Highway quite literally travels from sea to sky from the lowlands of Vancouver to the peaks of Whistler. Along the 120 kilometer drive, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery featuring lush forests, water views, and mountains.  

You’ll also find many attractions including West Coast Heritage Park, Nairn Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Cypress Provincial Park and Britannia Mine Museum. 

28. Revelstoke

Situated on the banks of the Columbia River, south of the Revelstoke Dam, Revelstoke is a small town nestled between the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park in southeastern BC.

While Kamloops and Kelowna are the nearest cities, many road-trippers on the ultimate Western Canada road trip between Calgary and Vancouver make a stop in Revelstoke.

Founded in the 1880s during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Revelstoke was initially reliant on mining. The town’s mining town roots are still evident while strolling through it today.

Despite its origins in mining and railway, Revelstoke is now renowned for its epic powder dumps at Revelstoke Mountain Resort during winter and mountain biking in the summer.

Located in southeastern British Columbia, Golden is a small town situated around the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers and is surrounded by the Purcell and Rocky Mountains.

Golden is an ideal location near Yoho , Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay National Park . Being located right off Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), it’s an excellent stop on any Western Canada road trip, especially when connecting Vancouver to Calgary .

Due to its accessibility to Yoho National Park, it’s a popular spot for summer tourists. With the rise of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, it’s gradually becoming a world-renowned ski destination, though the resort needs to invest in a few more lifts before that happens!

Like Revelstoke, Golden’s history is closely tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the logging industry, and remnants of its past as an old railway town can still be seen today. However, the town now primarily thrives on outdoor adventure and tourism. Just recently, they unveiled the Golden Skybridge , one of the most popular attractions in the mountains!

30. Whistler

Whistler is a charming ski town considered one of Canada’s top destinations, attracting tourists from all over the world. It can be reached in less than two hours by car from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway. Known globally as a leading skiing destination, Whistler is also North America’s largest ski area and one of the largest in the entire world.

Although it is highly popular among domestic and international travelers in winter, Whistler is also an ideal adventure destination during summer when the whole town turns into a mountain biking mecca.

31. Pemberton

Located just 45 minutes north of Whistler is the picturesque mountain village of Pemberton at the foot of Mt. Currie.

Despite its small size, Pemberton offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and hiking trails to discover in the summer. Visitors can enjoy activities such as visiting North Arm Farm or taking a horseback ride through the valley with Copper Cayuse Outfitters.

For those seeking more affordable accommodation options than Whistler, Pemberton is an excellent choice as it offers many BC cabins with lower rates than its more popular and well known neighbor.

32. Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park , spanning 1,406 square kilometers, is a stunning natural wonder that borders Banff National Park in Alberta. Some travelers may even unknowingly cross into a new park when driving along the Banff-Windermere Highway.

The ideal way to explore this picturesque park is to take a leisurely drive on Hwy 93S, which connects Banff and Radium Hot Springs, and plan a day of scenic stops at Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots.

With every turn, the road offers breathtaking views of mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and dense Douglas Fir forests. Adventurous hikers need not fret as the park also boasts plenty of hiking trails and one of our personal favorite lakes in BC – Floe Lake .

33. Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park , nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is a personal favorite of mine due to the variety of activities it offers for visitors.

It’s a short drive away from Lake Louise, making it an easy extension to any Banff trip . Yoho is well known around British Columbia, and all of Canada for that matter, as this is where you can find Lake O Hara and beautiful Emerald Lake !

34. Mount Assiniboine

Standing tall and majestic, Mount Assiniboine is an iconic peak in the Canadian Rockies, and embarking on a journey to its base is a truly unforgettable experience. The region boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies, with a pristine wilderness of wildflowers, bears, and towering peaks.

Often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Rockies,” the peak’s pyramidal shape is a sight to behold. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and the surrounding mountains have been a magnet for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its serene beauty for over a century.

There are no roads leading into the park, so visitors have to hike, take a horse, or fly in on a chartered helicopter, but we promise it’s well worth the effort!

Fernie is another fantastic mountain town that has gained a reputation in the skiing world for its incredible powder dumps during the winter months. During the summer season, it attracts many mountain bikers and hikers who come to explore the beautiful terrain.

No one would suggest otherwise that Fernie is one of the top destinations in British Columbia for ski enthusiasts. Its abundance of fluffy white powder and steep terrain make it a paradise for powder hounds.

In the summer, visitors can unwind and soak up the scenery by spending their days lounging by the many lakes or hiking through ancient black cottonwood trees.

Best Places to Visit in BC Map

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Hiking in the Rockies: Purchase an AllTrails subscription to have a mobile map on you as you hike.
• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service that will connect you right from YYC to the town of Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

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Is Vancouver Island Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to visit!

Are you wondering if Vancouver Island is worth visiting? I asked Chanelle from Chasing Chanelle to answer this question for me.

Chanelle is a Canadian-based blogger who loves the West Coast and has put together her top reasons to visit Vancouver Island. 

Is Vancouver Island Worth Visiting?

To answer this question, YES, Vancouver Island is definitely worth visiting!

This beautiful island is located southwest of mainland British Columbia, in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. With a mix of picturesque cities, remote beaches, lush rainforests, and snow-capped mountains, there is something for everyone here. 

The diverse natural beauty of the island makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, camping, and water sports. Plus, it’s a really family-friendly destination.

And don’t worry if you’re more of an urban traveler, with a rich history and culture, and as the home of BC’s capital city, there is also plenty for you to do here. 

15 Best Reasons to Visit Vancouver Island

To help you decide if Vancouver Island is worth visiting, here are the top 15 reasons to visit. Hopefully, some of these will inspire you to add it to your list of future travel destinations!

1. Pacific Rim National Park 

At the top of the list, there is Pacific Rim National Park. This is Canada’s oldest National Park Reserve and is protected by UNESCO. 

Spanning nearly 200 square miles on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Pacific Rim National Park is one of the best places in the world to explore kilometers of unspoiled sandy beaches, temperate rainforest, and dramatic coastal landscapes.

2. Easy access from Mainland Canada and the USA

Although many islands can be difficult to reach, Vancouver Island is actually really close to both mainland Canada and the USA, making it easy to get to.

The best way to travel to Vancouver Island is by ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria, from Vancouver or Seattle.

The ferry ride can be as short as 1.5 hours (depending on the route you’re taking). This is a great option as you can bring your car with you, making it easy to explore as much of the island as possible

It’s also possible to fly to Vancouver Island from mainland Canada, or Seattle. The island’s biggest airport is Victoria International Airport (YYJ). There are also several smaller airports located in communities around the island, which are served by major airlines.

Because Vancouver Island is so easy to get to from the mainland, if you’re short of time it’s a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, or even just for the day!

Check Ferry Availability Here

3. Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the best things to do when at Vancouver Island, with some tour operators even guaranteeing sightings! 

You are most likely to see orcas (also known as killer whales), humpback whales, and Pacific grey whales making their way through the island’s waters.

There are also over 500 resident whales in the area, so they can be sighted at any time of year.

If you haven’t been whale watching before, this should definitely be added to your list of things to try, as it’s a truly special experience.

Click to Book a Whale Watching Experience!

4. The Beautiful Coastline 

If Vancouver Island is known for one thing, it has to be its stunning coastline. As Canada’s premier beach destination, not only will you find beautiful sandy beaches here, but also rugged shores, interesting marine life, and unique landscapes to explore.

As the island is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the water is cold! But this doesn’t deter beachgoers every summer from swimming, surfing, and exploring the beach. 

Fishing and beachcombing are also popular activities on Vancouver Island. There is an abundance of marine life, shells, and crustaceans that line the shores, and anemones and starfish can be spotted in the many tidal pools.

Read more about PNW Beaches at Olympic National Park

Located at the northern tip of Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino is a must-visit destination on Vancouver Island.

This small town has something for everyone – from family-friendly campsites to luxury resorts, and everything in between. 

Tofino is famous for being the surf capital of Canada, with miles of sandy beaches and world-class waves year-round.

But this isn’t the only thing to do here. Tofino is also known for whale-watching, hot springs, camping, hiking, storm-watching, and excellent local food. 

Plus, the area is a great place to base yourself for day trips into Pacific Rim National Park.

Click here for the best vacation rentals in Tofino

6. Amazing Hiking

When you think of hiking in Canada, summiting peaks in Banff or Jasper probably comes to mind. However, some of the PNW’s best hiking can actually be found on Vancouver Island.

What makes hiking here so spectacular is the dramatic landscapes and varied terrain. From technical coastal hikes to mountain summits, there is something here for every type of hiker.  

In particular, the island is home to one of the world’s most famous multi-day hikes – the iconic West Coast Trail .

Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park, this 47-mile hike is unlike any other on the planet. With a mix of beach and forest walking, boulder fields, mud, ladders, and cable cars, the diversity of the terrain and unspoiled views make this a once-in-a-lifetime hike. 

7. Beach Camping

Vancouver Island is one of the most popular destinations in Canada for camping. And what makes it so popular is the abundance of beach camping opportunities! 

There are two ways to try beach camping on Vancouver Island: either by completing one of the island’s several multi-day coastal hikes; or by booking a site at one of the many beachside campgrounds. 

Staying at a beachside campground is a great option for your next family vacation. There is nothing quite like sleeping by the ocean, having bonfires on the beach, and watching the sunset over the waves. Plus, you will get to maximize your time enjoying and exploring the beach each day.

Some of the best places for beach camping on Vancouver Island include Pachena Bay (located inside Pacific Rim National Park), Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, and Cox Bay Beach near Tofino.

Search for Camp Sites on Vancouver Island

8. Wildlife Viewing

Vancouver Island has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in all of Canada.

The island is home to an array of land animals and birds including grizzly and black bears, cougars, grey wolves, black-tailed deer, and bald eagles, as well as tons of marine life such as whales, sea lions, otters, dolphins, fish and small marine animals. 

When exploring the natural surroundings on Vancouver Island, if you exercise patience and caution, it’s possible to spot some of these animals in the wild, or at least see traces of them. 

To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, you can hire a guide or go on a wildlife viewing tour. In the summer months, you can even take a grizzly bear tour to see them catching salmon and feeding along the shore!

9. It’s a Family Friendly Destination

As you’ve probably gathered by now, Vancouver Island is a very family-friendly destination.

Between camping, beachcombing, exploring tidal pools, wildlife spotting, swimming, and much more, this is not a place where kids will get bored! And that is exactly what keeps families coming back year after year.

10. Port Hardy

Most visitors to Vancouver Island will spend their time in the middle and southern parts of the island. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and adventurous vacation, then Port Hardy is for you.

Located near the northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy is a small community, surrounded by secluded beaches, a rugged coastline, and some of the island’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Port Hardy is an adventure seeker’s dream.  Here you can partake in world-class fishing, scuba diving, boating, and hiking, all within a pristine and untouched environment.

11. BC’s Capital City – Victoria

If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, Vancouver Island is still worth a visit. In particular, for the beautiful and historic city of Victoria.

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and the largest city on the island. It’s easy to get here by air or ferry, and is a great destination for a weekend break, or even a day trip!

With a rich British history, Victoria is filled with British culture and some of Canada’s most beautiful architecture.

It’s also a center for art, food, and culture. In the city, you will find horse-drawn carriages, double-decker buses, tearooms, colorful gardens, and a stunning harbor. 

In addition to site seeing, you can visit the Royal BC Museum, see colorful houseboats and eat fresh seafood at the fisherman’s wharf, and even take a seaplane tour!

Click Here to See the Best Tours in Victoria

12. Cowichan Valley Wine Country

When we say that Vancouver Island has it all, it really does!

On top of the stunning coastline, old-growth forests, and many mountains, Vancouver Island also has a beautiful wine region, complete with Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climate.

There are several winemaking areas on the island, but Cowichan Valley, in particular, is worth a visit.

It is home to some of Canada’s best wineries, as well as an abundance of distilleries, cideries, and local farms producing artisanal food. 

The area is also known for hosting several of the country’s best multi-day festivals, where you can enjoy live performances from international acts, sample local produce, camp, dance, and attend workshops.

13. It’s a year-round destination

Although you might only think of Vancouver Island for summer vacations, it’s actually a year-round destination with some amazing winter activities. There are two ski resorts on the island.

And, as the island has Canada’s mildest winter weather, a lot of outdoor activities, such as hiking and surfing, can continue in the colder months. 

One of Vancouver Island’s most popular winter activities is storm-watching. From November to February, a lot of hotels even offer winter storm-watching packages.

If you prefer to stay inside in the warmth, there are also plenty of indoor activities on the island. There is no shortage of museums, boutique shops, top restaurants, and spas (to name a few).

14. Mt Washington Alpine Resort

If you love skiing or snowboarding but want a more cost-effective and family-friendly option than many other resorts, Mt Washington Alpine Resort is for you.

Mt Washington is the island’s premier ski resort and actually has some of the most consistent snow in Canada.

Although it’s not as big as some of the better-known Canadian resorts, what Mount Washington lacks in terrain, it makes up for with tons of snow. 

The ski area has a lot of beginner runs, perfect for those learning to ski, in addition to more advanced terrain.

And lift passes at Mount Washington are priced around 15% cheaper than more high-profile resorts like Whistler Blackcomb. 

15. Unique Experiences for Everyone

Vancouver Island is a true adventure seeker’s playground. However, you don’t have to be a seasoned explorer to try an array of unique and fun experiences available on the island. 

Not only are there plenty of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels; but there are also tons of bucket-list-worthy things to do on the island.

From whale-watching or seeing grizzly bears in the wild to landing on water in a seaplane, there is something exciting for everyone to try here!

Visiting Vancouver Island FAQs

Now that you know why Vancouver Island is worth visiting, here are a few more FAQs to help you plan your trip to this beautiful island.

What is so special about Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island has it all! The island’s stunning natural landscapes, including sandy beaches, temperate rainforests, and tall mountains, make it one of the most unique and special places in Canada.

And its mild climate means the natural beauty of the island can be enjoyed all year round. 

What is the best Month to Visit Vancouver Island? 

This really depends on what you’re looking to do. For a summer vacation, August is considered the best time to visit, since it is the warmest month, but anytime from June to September is beautiful.

For winter activities, January and February are the best time.

Do You Need a Car to Travel the Island? 

No, but traveling by car is the easiest way to get around the island. If you don’t have a car, luckily there are various bus services that connect most cities and towns on the island. 

Can you drive from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?

Technically, yes! If driving, you can get the ferry with your car from Vancouver to Victoria or Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

How Long is The Ferry Ride to Vancouver Island? 

The ferry from mainland Canada to Vancouver Island takes between 1:35 to 2 hours, and from Seattle in Washington State, takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.  

How Many Days Do You Need on Vancouver Island? 

If you want to explore different parts of Vancouver Island, you will need at least 7 days, but the more time the better.

If you’re short on time, you can also visit Vancouver Island for just a weekend or day trip. However, you will be limited to what you can see during your visit.

How Can You Spend One Day on Vancouver Island? 

The best way to spend one day on Vancouver Island is to get the ferry to Victoria or Nanaimo early in the morning.

You can then spend the day exploring the city, before returning by ferry in the evening.

There are also a number of tours you can fit into a day trip to the island, such as whale-watching. 

Can You Walk Around Vancouver Island? 

You can’t walk around Vancouver Island, but you can walk the Vancouver Island Trail (VIT), a 500-mile hike that covers the length of the island. This will be quite a hike and it generally takes around 2 months to complete.

How Long Does It Take to Drive Around the Island? 

The island has a limited road system, so you can’t actually drive around the island. An exception to this is a 160-mile loop around the southern part of the island.

Called the Pacific Marine Circle Route, this loop takes around 5 hours to drive.

Although it’s better to do the drive over a couple of days so you can take your time to enjoy the beautiful stops along the way. 

You can also drive from Victoria at the bottom of Vancouver Island, to Port Hardy at the top. This takes around 6 hours, covering 285 miles. 

What is The Most Beautiful Part of Vancouver Island? 

The west coast of Vancouver Island is generally considered the most beautiful part, with breathtaking coastal scenery and old-growth forests.

This is where you will find Pacific Rim National Park and pristine beach destinations like Nanaimo. 

Conclusion: Is Vancouver Island Worth Visiting?

We hope we’ve answered your questions about whether you should visit Vancouver Island. 

With some of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada and unique activities, you’ll never get bored on Vancouver Island.

As a great all-year-round destination for adventurers, families, and city travelers, there is something on the island for everyone.

Therefore, we definitely think Vancouver Island is worth visiting!

Trip Planning Resources

These are companies I use and trust when planning all of our trips. I only recommend companies I personally use and trust.

Flight Deals: Expedia or WayAway

Airport Parking: Airport Parking Reservations

Rental Cars: Discover Cars

Ferry Services: Direct Ferries

Hotel Booking: Hotels.com , Trivago

Things to do: Viator , or Get your Guide ,

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master

Theme Park Tickets: Getaway Today (use code FlipFlops10 for a discount)

Free Travel Planning Services: Flannels or FlipFlops Travel

If you find my content helpful, booking through the links above helps support my blog at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Chanelle Rosenbaum

Chanelle is a Canadian-based blogger who loves the West Coast. She has a passion for sharing her love of the area with others.

Victoria & Vancouver Island   Travel Guide

Courtesy of JoeRos | Getty Images

17 Best Things To Do in Victoria & Vancouver Island

Updated February 12, 2021

Devote a day to Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour . Here you'll find popular sites like the Parliament Buildings and the Royal British Columbia Museum , as well as cafes and restaurants boasting wonderful views of the water. After you've exhausted

• All Things To Do

Inner Harbour Inner Harbour free

The Inner Harbour is Victoria's primary tourist neighborhood. The harbor itself – home to various fishing boats and colorful floating homes – is framed by wide pedestrian streets, often frequented by street vendors and buskers. Numerous cafes and restaurants line the sidewalks and provide the perfect locale to savor an afternoon cup of tea while keeping your eyes peeled for whales playing in the open water. The Inner Harbour also hosts some of Victoria's most popular attractions, including the  Royal British Columbia Museum  and the  Parliament Buildings . If you're embarking on a boat or ferry tour, this is where you'll likely start your journey.

Although the majority of recent visitors recommended spending a few hours at the Inner Harbour for the view, some suggested devoting at least half a day as there is always something interesting to see and do. For an even more charming scene, return in the evening, when the Parliament Buildings are lit up. 

The Butchart Gardens The Butchart Gardens

These world-renowned gardens have impressed Victoria visitors since 1904. Resting on 55 acres about 15 miles north of the  Inner Harbour , Butchart Gardens were carefully constructed by Jennie Butchart on her husband's former limestone quarry. Today, more than 1 million people stop by each year to meander along the property's flower-lined paths, which contain more than 900 varities. Visit on a summer evening to see the gardens illuminated by colored lights and to enjoy some musical entertainment. If you're planning a summer visit and want to avoid the crowds, heed the advice of garden staff and stop by before 10:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m.

Travelers describe the gardens as incredibly beautiful with awesome views and recommend that you bring a camera. They also advised setting aside several hours to make the most of the experience. If you need a break, retreat to one of the three eateries located on-site. There is also a carousel and boat tours available on-site.

Parliament Buildings Parliament Buildings free

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings are hard to miss. These neo-baroque structures with their impressive blue dome face off against Victoria's famed Fairmont Empress Hotel and make an excellent backdrop for an Inner Harbour stroll, especially at night when the facade is dressed in lights. But if you want a closer look at the building (which dates back to 1898), the parliamentary process and the history of the province, many travelers recommend a tour, raving about the well-informed guides. Although you can take a self-guided tour, you should consider tagging along on a free guided tour, according to recent visitors.

If you happen to be here when Parliament is in session, consider sitting in on one of the Legislative Assembly debates. You'll find a schedule of discussion topics on the  Parliamentary Calendar . The Parliament Buildings are open every day during the summer from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On weekends, visitors must join a free public tour. During the winter, the buildings are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complimentary guided tours run regularly throughout the day and last roughly 30 to 45 minutes. For more information, visit the British Columbia Parliament's visitor information  website .

Popular Tours

Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

(1451 reviews)

from $ 150.60

Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria

(564 reviews)

from $ 153.61

Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

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from $ 118.98

Royal British Columbia Museum Royal British Columbia Museum

The Royal British Columbia Museum offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the region's history and culture. Exhibits include tribal artifacts from the First Nations, natural history displays and even replicas of Colonial-era settlements. The museum also boasts an IMAX theater and rotating special exhibits.

Recent visitors said this museum is a must-see when in Victoria as it offers a far-reaching look at the region's geography and indigenous people. Reviewers also praised the museum's layout, which is situated in chronological order. Some reviewers even said this was one of "the best museums" they've ever visited. Plus, if you're hungry, don't miss the museum's year-long food truck festival, which takes places in the building's back courtyard.

Goldstream Provincial Park Goldstream Provincial Park free

Located about 11 miles northwest of the  Inner Harbour , Goldstream Provincial Park houses a stunning array of flora and abundant natural beauty across its nearly 1,000 acres. But the real reason to visit this public wildlife area is rather fishy: Spend some time by the Goldstream River from late fall to early winter, and you're bound to catch a glimpse of the annual salmon migration. Between October and December, chum, coho and chinook salmon can be seen leaping upstream to their ancestral spawning beds. The park's trails follow the river closely, allowing you to get a good look at the watery highway.

Before you make a beeline for the river, consider stopping first at the Goldstream Nature House. The center offers educational programs on the annual salmon migration and other exhibits and activities. And even if you're not planning a winter trip to Vancouver Island, recent travelers said the massive cedar trees, abandoned gold mine and rumbling waterfalls make the park a must-see attraction at any time of year. Reviewers also said you should plan to wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes so you can fully explore the park (and make your way up to the highest point in Greater Victoria – Mount Finlayson). When you need a break, stop for a picnic.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Sitting on the eastern edge of Vancouver Island's Strathcona Provincial Park, the Mount Washington Alpine Resort is one of the region's most prominent ski areas. And it's easy to see why: The resort boasts 81 alpine runs and 1,657 feet of vertical drop. Couple that with an average 38 feet of annual snowfall and you've got a powder hound's paradise. Recent travelers who visited during ski season said the resort is small, but well-groomed and family-friendly, calling it a "gem."

Mount Washington is a year-round resort, so if you happen to miss ski season, you can take advantage of the area's many hiking and biking paths and gondola rides.

Fairmont Empress Fairmont Empress

Challenging the  Parliament Buildings  from across the  Inner Harbour  is the elegant Fairmont Empress hotel. Built in the early 20th century, the Empress is one of the region's oldest hotels. But while the interior decoration is worth a photo or two, the main reason to visit this colossal hotel (if you aren’t staying there) is for the tea. The Empress has been participating in this time-honored Victorian tradition since opening its doors, and according to travel experts and recent visitors, teatime continues to be a decadent affair here. (Fun fact: The tea served at the Empress is the hotel's own specially crafted brand.)

Although most Victoria visitors pass on high tea at the Empress due to its high price tag (around CA$78 or $61 per person), some visitors say that the experience is worth the money. If you're interested in experiencing more than just its famous tea service, consider staying at the  Fairmont Empress  while in Victoria, which lodgers love for its Old World feel. For more information, visit the hotel's  website .

Victoria Whale Watching Tours Victoria Whale Watching Tours

Though you may be able to spot whales from the ferry, you'll have the best chance of seeing them during an organized whale-watching tour. Plus, you'll benefit from knowledgeable guides who have access to the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, which sits on the southernmost part of Vancouver Island (and Canada) on the Pacific coast.

There are a variety of tours available – some more intimate than others – but most last three to four hours. Recent visitors raved about their experiences with Eagle Wing Tours and BC Whale Tours . Some reviewers said they lost count of the amount of whales they saw, while others were particularly impressed with the guides, who kept a respectful distance from the animals and provided a wealth of information to tour goers.

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Cowichan Valley Cowichan Valley

British Columbia is peppered with vineyards. To snag a taste of BC vino (and maybe even a few bottles to bring home), spend a day or two in the Cowichan Valley – second only to the Okanagan as the province's highest producing wine region. Occupying the heart of Vancouver Island – roughly 35 miles northwest of Victoria – the Cowichan Valley is home to a variety of different wineries and tasting rooms. The best way to get a feel for this part of the island is to stop at several vineyards for a tasting. Or, to participate in the region's annual wine festival, plan to visit in late August.

But wine isn't the only reason to visit this beautiful stretch of Vancouver Island. The Cowichan Valley is also home to golf courses, art galleries and plenty of hiking terrain. Many travel experts also recommend bringing a bike so that you can cover more ground without confining yourself to the car. Recent visitors recommended the Cowichan Valley Trail for cycling and hiking.

Craigdarroch Castle Craigdarroch Castle

To sample the Victorian high life, head about a mile east of the  Inner Harbour  to Craigdarroch Castle, a National Historic Site. This impressive home was built in the late 1800s for coal tycoon Robert Dunsmuir. Although it's more of a mansion than a castle, it houses 39 rooms, each of which is decked out in furnishings from the turn of the 20th century. Another highlight are the more than 30 gorgeous stained glass windows, the majority of which illustrate floral themes.

Even if you aren't a big history buff, many previous visitors recommend stopping by Craigdarroch Castle for a glimpse into how the wealthy once lived, not to mention stunning views of downtown Victoria. The only downside among reviewers: The house doesn't have any ramps or elevators, making it difficult for visitors with mobility issues to tour the upper three floors of the castle.

Sooke Sooke free

This little community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island makes for a quaint and quiet alternative to Victoria. Sooke's sheltered harbor is filled with fishing boats rather than tourists, and its numerous parks provide a scenic backdrop for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Recent visitors enjoyed the East Sooke Regional Park, citing its beauty and peaceful setting. You'll also find an assortment of water activities here – including fishing, sailing and whale watching – thanks to the town's location on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

And just because it's a small town doesn't mean you won't get your culture fix: Sooke hosts a variety of shops, art galleries and several notable festivals like the  Sooke Fine Arts Show  in July and August.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens Victoria Butterfly Gardens

While you wouldn't normally relate Canada with the jungle, the tropical wetlands thrive in the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. As its name suggests, this indoor facility is home to thousands of butterflies spread across its 12,000 square feet. But they aren't the only critters: The gardens also host a variety of birds and fish, including flamingos and koi fish. You'll find all of these creatures mingling amid the flora, creating a vibrant, colorful atmosphere. What's more, the gardens also house an insectarium with insects and invertebrates from around the globe.

Recent visitors called the Victoria Butterfly Gardens fun and family-friendly, with great staff. Reviewers also said that there is more to see than just butterflies, such as frogs, flamingoes and bugs. A few travelers remarked on the gardens' humid setting, advising future visitors to wear layers.

Victoria Bug Zoo Victoria Bug Zoo

If you're traveling to Victoria with kids in tow (or even without), many recent visitors recommended a stop at the Victoria Bug Zoo. Located a block or so north of the  Inner Harbour , this fairly small facility is home to a large number of creepy crawlies. Here, you'll come face to face with gigantic walking sticks, furry tarantulas and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions.

Recent visitors raved about the zoo's employees, who are ready to answer any questions you may have about their six- and eight-legged friends. Plus, you can even hold some of the insects – a major point of praise for reviewers.

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Miniature World Miniature World

Miniature World continues to delight the young and the young at heart with its numerous tiny worlds. Sitting just a short walk from the  Inner Harbour , this interactive museum houses dozens of miniature displays and dioramas. Follow the model Canadian railway as it travels across the country or spend some time at the big top in the "Circus World" display. If you are a literary buff, you'll appreciate a glimpse of the world of Dickens, while time travel aficionados should check out the "Space 2201 A.D." display.

Many recent visitors praised the models' intricate details, and said to take your time as you take it all in. Reviewers said this was an excellent way to spend a few hours on a rainy day and a lot of fun for kids. 

BC Aviation Museum BC Aviation Museum

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West Coast Brewery Tours West Coast Brewery Tours

Beacon Hill Park Beacon Hill Park free

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, time to level up your local game.

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Time to level up your local game with narcity pro., 6 breathtaking tiny islands to visit around bc in 2023 that have bright blue water.

Get those tropic vibes this year! 🏝️

Tribune Bay, on Hornby Island, B.C. Right: Malaspina galleries on Gabriola Island.

You don't need to buy a flight to get those vacation vibe if you live in B.C., because the province is full of tiny islands that you can travel to on BC ferries .

These stunning islands in B.C. are like little slices of paradise, where you can take in breathtaking views of bright blue water, sandy beaches, and massive mountains. There are also some magical hidden gems on some, like the sandstone tunnels on Gabriola Island, waiting to be explored.

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2023 is well underway, but it's never too late to make some travel additions to your yearly bucket list — and these are must-see spots.

So hop on a BC Ferries route, and get relaxing.

Calvert Island

​Getting to this magical spot is a bit tricky. You need to get a boat or go by seaplane. It's about a three-hour boat ride from Port Hardy, so it's a trek — to say the least. 

It's worth it to get to this stunning island though, with bright blue water and white sand beaches. "The waters surrounding Calvert Island are among the finest in the world for underwater exploration, with exceptional viewing opportunities year-round," the BC Parks website said. 

The island is within the Wuikinuxv First Nation traditional territory, which is "an amalgamation of many settlements that had their permanent villages in the lake and Koeye and on Calvert Island," the Wuikinuxv Nation website said. 

Gabriola Island

You can get to this island on BC Ferries, and it's only about a 20-minute ride from Nanaimo. This spot has incredible sandstone bluffs that you can walk under, plus amazing wildlife and a thriving community.

You could spend days exploring this island and the breathtaking views it has in store.

Hornby Island

Hornby Island is home to Tribune Bay Provincial Park , known for its super warm salt water and dreamy beach. You can take a dip in the crystal clear water, go kayaking, or even camp overnight here!

This island actually has three provincial parks, and 70 hiking and biking trails. So, it's safe to say that you won't be bored here!

Saturna Island

Sit on the rocks here and watch as seals, whales, and sea otters swim on by. There are some great hikes do to, like Brown Ridge , so you can get views of the beautiful ocean.

The BC Ferries ride is about three hours and 20 minutes from Vancouver, so you have lots of time to watch the water for whale spottings!

Mayne Island

This tiny island has a small community to explore with cute shops, and some stunning beaches and hiking trails. Or, you can go kayaking around the island and check out Piggott or Bennett Bay.

Mayne Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands, so after a day here you can island hop around the rest!

Galiano Island

This is another one of the Southern Gulf Islands, which is full of adventure and beauty.

You can go and explore the Galiano Island Caves , or head to Montague Harbour Marine Park for a white shell beach with bright water.

The ferry trip from Vancouver to this island takes anywhere from an hour to five hours, depending if you can get a direct ferry route. Some BC Ferries routes to this island stip at Saturna Island and Maybe Island — which might be a bonus for anyone really looking to explore!

• This 40-Minute BC Ferries Ride From Vancouver Takes You To A Quaint Small Town In BC ›
• I Took A 40-Minute BC Ferries Ride From Vancouver & Spent All Day In A Stunning Small Town ›
• I Took BC Ferries To Go Camping On Vancouver Island & Woke Up To The Sound Of Waves ›
• I Took BC Ferries To Vancouver Island & Spent The Weekend In Mineral Pools By The Ocean - Narcity ›
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6 breathtaking bc ferries rides you can take from vancouver to tiny islands (photos), 6 bc ferries getaways from vancouver that are still stunning in the winter (photos), 6 magical winter day trips from vancouver to get you out this season (photos), i've lived in bc for 8 years & these 7 places in the province are on my bucket list (photos), 5 things i never got the chance to do while living in bc that are on my bucket list now, 7 must-see destinations on canada's west coast, according to our travel team, 7 best islands to visit in canada in 2024, according to local experts, the best bc ferries trips i took while living on the west coast for two years (photos), 7 breathtaking hikes a day trip from vancouver that you should do before fall ends, 8 beautiful islands to visit around ontario in 2024 that feel like a mini slice of paradise, i moved from ontario to bc 8 years ago & these 7 places wowed me the most (photos), 8 places in canada that will transport you to the tropics to add to your 2024 bucket list.

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15 Best Things to Do on Salt Spring Island

Looking for the best things to do on Salt Spring Island? Read on!

Just a short ferry ride away from both Victoria and Vancouver, you’ll find Salt Spring Island — the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia.

Known for its rolling pastoral lands, farm-to-table food scene, breathtaking coastline, and vibrant bohemian community, Salt Spring Island is a must-visit coastal destination. From culinary experiences to outdoor adventures, this island really has it all!

We love visiting Salt Spring Island over and over again. It feels like there’s always more to see!

Below, we’ll guide you through the best things to do, top places to see, and fun activities on Salt Spring Island (also known as Saltspring Island). Our recommendations are based on our experiences exploring the island and we hope you enjoy these activities as much as we have.

Best Things to Do on Salt Spring Island

With rolling pastoral hills, gorgeous coastlines, and seemingly endless places to explore (for an island), Salt Spring Island is one of the best Gulf Islands to visit in BC.

Below, we cover the best things to do, places to see, and activities to try on Salt Spring Island. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful island paradise!

1. Go to Mount Maxwell’s Summit

One of the tallest points on Salt Spring Island, Mount Maxwell’s Baynes Peak towers over much of the island. The mountain is protected by the 231-hectare Mount Maxwell Provincial Park and features epic coastal vistas.

Located on the edge of Burgoyne Bay, the peak offers spectacular views of Mount Bruce, Sansum Narrows, Vancouver Island, and the other surrounding islands. The summit also gives you a bird’s eye view of some of the farms on Salt Spring Island!

Visiting the top of Mount Maxwell is definitely one of the best things to do on Salt Spring Island. When we first saw the jaw-dropping views from the top, we were blown away. It’s one of our favorite things to do on the island!

You can hike or drive up to the summit (or bike, if you’re determined). The road is rough, potholed, and best handled by a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. During winter, the mountain can get plenty of snow that obstructs the road so you may need to park and walk the rest of the way up.  

2. Shop at the Salt Spring Market 

Salt Spring Island is home to a diverse community of small-scale farmers, creative artists, and talented artisans. While many sell their wares in road-side stalls, the best way to see many of these local goods is at the Salt Spring Market.  

This delightful local market is held every Saturday in Centennial Park in Ganges Village. The market runs from April to October every year. It is open 9am – 4pm, rain or shine.  

The Salt Spring market features over 100 vendors, selling everything from fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods to handmade jewelry, pottery, and clothing. 

All of the vendors make, bake, or grow their own goods on Salt Spring Island! 

If you’re on Salt Spring Island on a Saturday, visiting this lively market to shop for island-made products is one of the best things to do! But if you do miss the market, follow the Salt Spring Studio Tour to find local vendors or visit some of the local stores and farm stands.

3. Escape on a Weekend Getaway

Salt Spring Island is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Unwind, recharge, and fully experience the laid-back island vibes at one of the top cabins, B&Bs, or guest houses on Salt Spring Island. Here are our top picks:

• Cusheon Lake Resort is perfect for a lakeside log cabin getaway. Enjoy breathtaking views of Cusheon Lake from the balcony of your rustic cabin. There’s even a hot tub to enjoy after a long day of adventuring!
• Wisteria Guest House , on the edge of Ganges, features a 1-acre English garden with a terrace and a variety of guest accommodations. Their cottages are cute and colorful!
• The Sanctuary immerses you in the tranquility of the coastal forest. Wake up to the sounds of nature from your beautifully designed guest room.

4. Walk Around Ganges

Ganges is the charming village that serves as the central hub for Salt Spring Islanders. The town has a distinct Gulf Islands feel — laid-back, artsy, and full of character.

To experience a slice of Salt Spring island life, walking around Ganges is one of the best things to do. The bohemian town has lots to offer, from cute local shops selling artisanal products to oceanside restaurants serving fresh seafood.  

The village is also home to the Salt Spring Island Market, which showcases local produce, baked goods, and crafts, offering a delightful shopping experience.

Browse through the shops or market to discover unique handcrafted items, taste locally produced foods, or just watch the boats come and go from the Ganges Harbour! 

5. Sunbathe at Beddis Beach

Want to spend the day by the ocean? If so, check out Beddis Beach! 

One of Salt Spring’s most popular beaches, Beddis Beach is small but beautiful. The white shell beach is located on the east side of the island at the end of Beddis Road.  

If you want to enjoy the sun on Salt Spring Island, visiting Beddis Beach is one of the best things to do. Visit earlier in the day for the best sun!

The beach is a mix of sand, crushed shell, and small pebbles. It’s the perfect for destination for a picnic or settling against a driftwood log to read a good book. Some large trees provide shade on those really hot days, too.

At low tide, you’ll find tide pools along the beach’s rocky edges. It’s best to visit this beach when the tide is out so there’s more space. And, you can go tide pooling, as a bonus!  

If you’re brave, try swimming at Beddis Beach. But be forewarned! The water is quite cold, even in summer.

Salt Spring Island isn’t really known for its beaches, although Beddis Beach is definitely worth a visit. If you’re looking for spectacular Gulf Island beaches, check out Hornby Island !  

6. Tour the Farm Stands

When you’re driving around Salt Spring Island, you’ll probably notice all of the cute farm stands set up beside the roads.  

These charming farm stands are a hallmark of Salt Spring Island’s agricultural landscape, offering a chance for visitors to purchase locally grown, produced, or handcrafted goods.  

The farm stands on Saltspring Island vary in size and offerings, but visitors can typically find a range of seasonal vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and handmade preserves.

Some stands also offer freshly baked bread and pastries, kombucha, artisanal cheeses, flowers, and locally raised meats (including pepperoni sticks and sausages). We’ve even seen raw wool being sold!

Often operating on the honor system, these stands simply have their goods set out, without anyone from the farm attending them. There is a small box for money and some farms accept e-transfers. The farmers trust that you’ll be honest (and you should be)!

7. Bike Around Salt Spring Island

Biking is a great way to explore the Gulf Islands and Salt Spring Island is no exception!

Only 182.7 km 2  (70.5 square miles) in size, most of Salt Spring Island is easily accessible by bike. From rolling farmland to scenic shoreline, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery to enjoy along the island’s network of quiet country roads.

Biking is the perfect way to experience the island’s unique culture. It’s much easier to stop at the roadside farm stands, local galleries, vineyards, and more along the way.

Not only that, biking will save you some money on the ferry ! There’s no extra fee for a bicycle (unlike a vehicle), so you just pay the passenger fee. Unfortunately, BC Ferries doesn’t have a good spot to store bikes but usually you can lean it off to the side somewhere. Just ask one of the employees if you’re unsure.

Cyclists get off the ferry with the foot passengers but once you’re on the island, we recommend waiting to the side until the traffic has passed. It gets a bit hectic while all the cars unload!

One downside to biking is that the Gulf Islands are pretty hilly. An e-bike is almost necessary! Luckily, there are e-bike rentals on the island, if you don’t own one already.

Another thing to watch out for on Salt Spring Island (and any of the Gulf Islands, really) is that drivers often go quite fast. Combined with narrow roads, limited bike infrastructure, and drivers that don’t give you enough space, biking isn’t always the safest. You likely won’t have a problem but make sure you bike safely and wear a helmet!

8. Explore Ruckle Provincial Park

Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the best and most beautiful places to visit on Salt Spring Island.

The park boasts over 7 km of breathtaking coastline, with a mix of sheltered bays, small coves, and rocky headlands. The Ruckle Park shoreline trail between Grandma’s Bay and Yeo Point offers spectacular views over the waters of the Swanson Channel. We highly recommend walking this trail, even if you just do a section!

Watch for marine animals off the coast of Ruckle Park. We’ve spotted sea lions swimming past Beaver Point and Bear Point. Occasionally, orcas are spotted from shore as they swim past the island, but we haven’t been lucky enough yet to see them.

With over 15 km of hiking trails, Ruckle Provincial Park has lots more to explore than just the coastline. Walk through coastal Douglas fir forest to destinations like Merganser Pond or Beaver Point Park.

The trails also take you past the Ruckle Heritage Farm, one of the oldest farmsteads in British Columbia. Established in 1872, the farm was once run by the Ruckle family but the land was donated to BC Parks in 1972.

Ruckle Park also features the largest provincial campground in the Gulf Islands. The campground is primarily walk-in, but there are a few RV-accessible campsites too. Here, you’ll get to wake up to the gentle ocean breeze in a coastal seaside meadow!

9. Walk the Fernwood Dock

On the northeastern edge of Salt Spring Island, you’ll find a 400-foot government wharf pier with red railings known as the Fernwood Dock.

Extending into the Trincomali Channel between Salt Spring and Galiano Islands, the dock offers incredible views of the Salish Sea, Wallace Island, and Galiano Island. This scenic spot is located at Fernwood Point Beach, just off Walkers Hook Road, and is definitely worth a stop!

Amazing scenery isn’t the only thing that this spot offers — Fernwood Point Beach is also a great spot to look for sea life!

The sandy beach and rocks at Fernwood Point Beach are home to all kinds of marine creatures , from sea stars and anemones to moon-snails and kelp crabs. Around the dock, you’ll also have the chance to see live sand dollars. This is the only spot on the island to see them (they look like black discs). Watch where you step!

10. Swim at a Lake

On a hot summer’s day, cool off at one of the swimming spots around Salt Spring Island. There are a few lakes to choose from. Alternatively, if you’re brave, you can also swim in the ocean — but be prepared for very cold water!

Cusheon Lake, just south of Ganges, is one of the best places to go swimming on Salt Spring Island. There is a public access spot beside Cusheon Lake Road and a small dock (that could use some repairs).

Another large and beautiful lake for swimming is St. Mary Lake, on the north side of the island near Vesuvius. The public access spots are off North End Road and at the end of Tripp Road.

The lakes themselves are spacious but they have limited parking and beach space. They get quite busy in the summer. You need to arrive early or late in the day to get a parking spot.

Forgot your swimming suit? Head to Blackburn Lake! Unlike Cusheon and St. Mary Lakes, this swimming spot isn’t as family-friendly. Blackburn is known for being clothing-optional!

Those who don’t mind the cold ocean water can try swimming at Beddis Beach. The water here is shallow and family-friendly. The beach is a mix of sand and white shell. Expect the ocean to be quite cold though, even in summer.

11. Explore the Hiking Trails

Saltspring Island has many short but beautiful hiking trails to explore. The trails usually take no more than an hour or two, but are highly rewarding!

Our favorite coastal hike on Salt Spring Island is in Ruckle Provincial Park. Following the coastline, the trail takes you past the campground and an active farm site, alongside King’s Cove and Grandma’s Bay, and to scenic viewpoints (like Beaver, Bear, and Yeo Points).

Another great coastal hike is Daffodil Trail, which follows alongside Burgoyne Bay and features blooming wildflowers in spring. For a longer adventure, add on a hike up to Baynes Peak (Mount Maxwell) from Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park.

For those seeking a good workout, hike to the summit of Baynes Peak, Mount Erskine, Bruce Peak, or Mount Tuam. Bruce Peak is Salt Spring Island’s highest mountain at 709 m (2,326 ft), followed by Mount Tuam at 602 meters (1,975 ft).

Despite being shorter, Baynes Peak and Mount Erskine are more popular for hiking, with maintained trails and impressive views over Vancouver Island.

Give Bruce Peak or Mount Tuam a try if you’re looking for something off the beaten path. The trail to Bruce Peak follows a service road, while Mount Tuam’s trail is challenging and poorly marked. Both have buildings at the top, taking away from the natural beauty, but you’ll find spectacular views too!

The inland trails on Saltspring Island are lots of fun, too. Channel Ridge has an extensive network of forested trails to explore, complete with a good sunset-watching spot and views of St. Mary Lake and Stuart Channel. Take a picture of the map before you start — the trails are only marked with numbers!

At Peter Arnell Park, Bryant Hill Park, and the Andreas Vogt Nature Reserve, you’ll find forested trails with Garry oak or arbutus trees. Duck Creek Trail, near Vesuvius Bay, features a cute creek and some grasslands.

12. Sea Kayaking

One of the best ways to explore Salt Spring Island is by kayak! There are many beautiful spots to go kayaking around the island, but our some of our favorite destinations are around Ganges Harbour.

In the middle of the Ganges Harbour, there’s a chain of small islands that you can explore by kayak. Accessible only by boat, Chocolate Beach on Third Sister Island is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches around Saltspring!

Many of the smaller islands around Saltspring are fun to kayak to, as well. Russel Island, at the Fulford Harbour’s entrance, has a beautiful beach. Wallace Island, between Galiano and Saltspring, is a bit more of an adventure to get to but very beautiful!

There are several outfitters on Salt Spring Island that offer kayak rentals and guided tours. The tours are a great option if you don’t have your own gear, have limited sea kayaking experience, or just don’t know where to go!

Looking for a completely unique kayaking experience? Try one of the bioluminescence kayaking tours from Salt Spring Island in summer! Appearing like glowing fireflies in the water, this phenomenon happens when phytoplankton in the ocean are disturbed. The phytoplankton light up when you paddle through them. These tours happen at night but are super cool!

13. Hike Up Mount Erskine

If you’re looking for a memorable experience on Salt Spring Island, then hiking up Mount Erskine should be at the top of your list!

At 448 meters (1470 feet) tall, Mount Erskine is one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island. Much of the mountain is protected by Mount Erskine Provincial Park. The hike to the top is very worthwhile!

From the peak, you’ll overlook Vancouver Island and the narrow channel, known as Sansum Narrows, that separates it from Saltspring. Look for landmarks like Crofton, Chemainus, and Mount Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island.

The Mount Erskine Loop is a 3.9-km hiking trail that starts from Trustees Trail and takes you to the summit through Douglas-fir forest. This is the recommended route for hiking to the top.

Alternatively, you can start at Collins Road, where the trail takes you through Lower Mount Erskine Nature Reserve before entering Mount Erskine Provincial Park. The trail from Collins Road starts quite steep, however, with a scramble up a hill with roots.

14. Play Disc Golf at Mouat Regional Park

Mouat Regional Park is a small recreational area just outside of Ganges. Here, you’ll find hiking trails through the forest, but the best thing to do here is play disc golf!

Disc golf (or frisbee golf) is similar to a traditional game of golf, but uses a disc (like a frisbee) that’s thrown to a target.

The Hart Memorial Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-3 course that’s located in Mouat Park. It spans 5-acres, in an open forest where the campground used to be. Watch out for walkers when you throw your discs!

The park is also home to the Salt Spring Lions Commemorative Bike Park. There are also some hidden gems scattered throughout the park, like fairy doors and faces carved into trees.

15. Taste Local Wines and Ciders

As you explore Salt Spring Island, you’ll probably discover vineyards and orchards scattered around the rolling rural landscapes.

With a mild climate and fertile soil, these small-scale wineries and cideries produce some of BC’s best libations and visiting them is one of the best things to do on Salt Spring Island. If you’re a fan of wine or cider, we recommend stopping for a drink (or two)!

One of the standout wineries on the island is Salt Spring Vineyards, known for their dry and crisp fruit wines. Their tasting room is surrounded by vineyard and garden. We LOVE their blackberry dessert wine but all of their wines are amazing!

As for cideries, Salt Spring Wild Cider shouldn’t be missed. They produce delicious ciders from locally-grown heritage apples and pears. You’ll find their bottles of cider sold all around BC, but if you stop at their cider house (a renovated horse barn), you can sip craft cider while enjoying views of their orchards.

Be sure to add a stop at one (or all) of these top-notch wineries and cideries to your itinerary when visiting Salt Spring Island.

Top Travel Tips & Resources for Vancouver Island, BC

• Travel Insurance – If you’re travelling internationally, travel insurance is a must for any trip. Being covered by insurance is especially important when you’re going to an adventure-filled place like British Columbia. If you injure yourself while adventuring, you want to have insurance! We recommend using SafetyWing for international travel insurance. They are affordable and have great policies for travellers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Also, SafetyWing provides COVID-19 coverage, which many other insurance companies don’t cover.
• Car Rental – We find the best deal on vehicle rental prices using RentalCars.com . They compare the prices for different car rental companies so you can find the best deals out there!
• Accommodations – We prefer booking all of our hotels, hostels, and other accommodations through Booking.com because they have a flexible cancellation policy. Also, there are lots of different options on their platform, from hotels to vacation homes. Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com are good for booking accommodations. For vacation home rentals, VRBO is an excellent choice (they have lower fees than Airbnb, many of the same properties, and are more ethical).
• Flights – You’ll find many good flight deals on Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can book flights through these websites and they’ll help you find the best prices and flight times. If you fly at less popular times (e.g. mid-week or red-eye flights), you can also save some money.
• Tours – Get the most out of your vacation by taking a guided tour! This is a great way to see the city, adventure to exciting new locations, and learn about the local culture. Viator or GetYourGuide are great options for booking tours.

Related posts:

• 20 Best Things to Do on Hornby Island
• 36 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

Juan de Fuca Trail Backpacking Guide

• 11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Victoria, BC
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Hey, I'm Nicole! I've travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I've lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I'll be sharing travel tips with you!

15 Best Things to Do on Galiano Island, BC

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The Best Things to Do in Canada

22 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

May 5, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

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Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: January 10th, 2023

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Planning your trip to Victoria last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Don’t forget to plan ahead when considering the top things to do in Victoria!

🇨🇦 Top Activities and Tours in Victoria:

• Best Whale-Watching Tour : If there’s one activity in Victoria that you shouldn’t miss, it’s a whale-watching tour. This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca Whales!
• Best Walking Food Tour : With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, this is your best chance to explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on a walking food tour.
• Best Seaplane Flightseeing Tour : If you’re looking to get some incredible views of Victoria and the surrounding area, you’ll want to take a seaplane flightseeing tour.
• Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria : If you’re in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia’s capital city.

🛌 Top Hotels in Victoria:

• Fairmont Empress (luxury)
• Inn at Laurel Point (mid-range)
• Red Lion Inn & Suites (budget)

🚗 Visiting Victoria independently?   Be sure to book your Victoria rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

Table of Contents

Getting to Victoria BC

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Victoria, here’s some practical advice on how to get there.

Getting to Victoria by Plane

If you’re flying into Victoria, you’ll most likely be flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Although there are other smaller airports around the island, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is the 3rd busiest airport in British Columbia and offers easy access to downtown Victoria, including by public bus or taxi. The public bus costs $5 CAD but space for baggage is limited.

Getting to Victoria by Car and Ferry

Victoria is also a great place to visit by car, especially if you plan on exploring more of Vancouver Island. If you’re driving to Victoria, you will need to take a ferry from the mainland to either Victoria or to Nanaimo. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC and Vancouver or potentially south from Washington. The crossing time is approximately 1.5 hours. The BC ferries leave from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria). The other option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo, and then drive 2-hours to Victoria. The cost for a car and driver is approximately $75 CAD for a one-way trip. However, it’s much better to get a rental car and have all the freedom you need. Depending on timing, you want to arrive 1-2 hours earlier than the ferry departure as it can be very busy. Upon arrival, you will be in Sidney, BC, which is 32 km (20 miles) north of Victoria, taking approximately 30 minutes by car to reach downtown Victoria. You could also take a ferry to Nanaimo and travel to Victoria from there.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for those looking to take the ferry to Victoria, BC. For more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry. You can take public transportation from the airport to the ferry, or if you rent a car, just drive to the ferry terminal.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry: Another really cool feature about Victoria BC is that you can actually take a ferry right from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, sailing through some really beautiful coastal scenery. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and starts at around $110 USD.

Getting to Victoria by Bus

Just like driving to Victoria, the only way to get to Vancouver Island is to take the ferry. There is no bus that takes you all the way to Victoria from Vancouver. However, you can take a bus to the ferry, and then another bus from the ferry to Victoria. This entire route will take approximately 4 hours. Basically, you need to take the Canada Line and ride the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and then take bus 620 from bay 11 to Tsawwassen ferry terminal (45 minutes or more). Jump on the ferry and take it to Swartz Bay (1.5 hours). Once on Vancouver Island, catch the 70 express bus or 72 bus to downtown Victoria (1 hour +). The total cost, including the ferry, will cost around $30.

Getting to Victoria by Tour

Another option for exploring Victoria and Vancouver is a tour from Vancouver that includes the ferry .

How to Get Around Victoria

Victoria is not a huge city, and thus, there is no subway train system. There is, however, a pretty good public bus network, as well as taxis to get you around. You could also rent a car, or if not going too far, Victoria is also a great place to walk or bike.

Bus: Public bus will take you almost anywhere you need to go within Victoria, as well as to the airport and the ferry terminal. Check the BC Transit schedule and also NextRide, which provides real-time bus arrival. Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus, which takes you to all the popular tourist sites, allowing you to get on and off as you please.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start around $3.50 CAD and go up by $1.89 CAD per kilometre after.

Bicycle: Victoria is a wonderful city to traverse by bike. There are a variety of options for renting a bike, including electric bikes as well. Another option is the u-bike , which you just grab and go across the city. The only thing you’ll need in advance is an account. The cost is approximately $1 for 30 minutes.

Walk: If you’re only going to be exploring downtown Victoria, walking is the best way to do it. There are even self-guided walking tours and paid tours you could partake in.

Carshare: Another way to get around is by carshare, which is currently operated by both Modo and Zipcar.

Harbour Ferry: For inner-city travel, the Harbour Ferry is a great way to get around and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. It runs from mid-February until the end of October (weather permitting).

Weather for Victoria Travel (Best Time to Visit)

Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get quite a bit of rain during the winter months.

March-May: The spring months are actually a great time to visit Victoria, as this is when many flowers being to bloom and the weather warms up. The average temperature is about 10°C – 18°C (50-65 degrees F).

June-August: Like most of Canada, the summer months are the busiest and costliest time to visit. However, this is when the weather is at its warmest. With maximum warmth and minimum rain, this is the best time for getting outdoors and going walking, biking or hiking. It’s also a better time to go whale watching. You’ll want to consider booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance. The average temperature is around 22°C (73 degrees F).

September-November: The fall is also a great time to visit the island, though you should expect more rain. However, we explored the island in September and had beautiful weather for weeks. We also went whale watching on the last day of the season and had the best whale-watching tour of our lives. You just never know. Just pack a sweater and a rain jacket and umbrella and you’ll be fine. The average temperature is 15°C – 20°C (55-68 degrees F).

December-February: These months represent the winter and is known as the offseason in Victoria. If you don’t mind colder weather and rain, this is the best time to save money on accommodation as well as avoid crowds. There is also skiing on Vancouver Island if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. The average temperature is 9°C (47 degrees F).

Things to Do in Victoria BC

Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Victoria.

Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens

Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners! Whether you’re travelling solo, with your family, or on a romantic date with your partner, the Butchart Gardens is a must-do when visiting Victoria. It’s just a stunning place to walk around. However, they also have a Saturday firework show, boat tours, evening entertainment, and a lovely gift shop. Roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Japanese maples are just some of the magnificent flora you might see in this world-famous garden.

Prefer a tour? Click here to learn more about a popular tour from Vancouver that includes the Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. There are three permanent galleries inside, including Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery. The natural history collection alone has more than 750,000 records of specimens that are almost exclusively from the province. The Royal BC Museum is also home to touring exhibitions, such as the Titanic, Egyptian artifacts, and the Vikings. You can also watch educational films and commercial films at the IMAX Victoria theatre. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from the Empress Hotel and the inner harbour.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the lovely floating neighbourhood of Fishermans Wharf. This hidden treasure is a great place to eat food, shop at unique stores, and go on eco-tours. This place was busy with people eating fresh seafood when we visited, but our favourite part was touring the floating homes and just imagining what it would be like to live in a house that moves with the water. I believe we even saw some guesthouses if you want a really cool experience in Victoria.

Travel Idea: Click Here for the Victoria Harbour Smartphone Audio Walking Tour .

Go for a Stroll at Beacon Hill Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful park to stroll around for the afternoon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than Beacon Hill Park , which is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Simply walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street, take a right, and then climb a short hill until you reach the top. Beautiful inner-city nature awaits you. However, do note that the park is a whopping 200 acres in size, so plan your visit accordingly.

Explore the Inner Harbour and Victoria Pier

One of the best things to do in Victoria is to simply stroll along the inner harbour, which is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This is where you’ll find many historic streets and buildings, as well as a variety of festivals and shows throughout the summer. It’s also home to an international ferry terminal, float planes, and many ecotourism businesses.

Take a Walking Food Tour

One of the great things about taking a walking tour is that you’ll actually learn about the place you’re visiting. You’ll learn about the street you’re walking on or the neighbourhood you’re walking through, helping to make the city truly come alive for you. However, taking a 3-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will add the experience of trying a variety of delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries. This was one of our favourite ways of exploring Victoria as we got to learn some history while sampling things like Italian baked goods, perogies, homemade ice cream, balsamic vinegar and olive oils, and some delicious meatballs.

Click Here to Book Your Food Tour!

Visit the Victoria Parliament Buildings

Right next to the Inner Harbour is the impossible-to-miss British Columbia parliament buildings . Overlooking stunning Victoria Harbour, these beautiful historical buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Visitors are able to do self-guided tours of the buildings or can go on a regularly scheduled 35-minute guided tour, which occurs seven days a week during the summer months. The Parliamentary Dining Room and Gift Shop are also open to the public year-round.

Go inside Craigdarroch Castle

For a Victorian experience and a real-life example of a “bonanza castle” – massive homes built for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age – you’ll want to visit the Craigdarroch Castle . Built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill offering impressive views of the area, you’ll find four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Tour Alert: Click here to visit the castle as part of a private tour from Vancouver .

Go Whale Watching

One of the top things to do in the warmer months is whale watching. Thanks to an abundance of orcas (killer whales), the areas around Victoria and Vancouver Island are some of the best places in the world for these majestic marine animals. While we haven’t gone whale watching directly from Victoria, we have done it a few hours north in Port Renfrew, which was the best whale-watching tour we’ve ever done. We’ve also experienced Vancouver whale watching on the mainland and it was also very good. Highly recommended!

• Orca Spirit Adventures : This is the company we were with just off the coast of Port Renfrew. Despite being the last day of the year for tours in Port Renfrew, we saw dozens of Humpback whales and orcas, making it the wildest whale-watching tour of our lives.

Click here to book a VERY POPULAR half-day whale-watching tour!

Go Small at Miniature World

Honey, I shrunk the kids! Remember that movie? Now you can somewhat experience that at one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions – Miniature World . This little world features more than 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the world’s smallest operational sawmill, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the world’s largest model railways, and even two of the world’s largest Doll Houses circa 1880 complete with over 50 furnished rooms! Talk about attention to detail!

Abkhazi Garden

This is yet another reason why Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City”. Complete with an exquisite heritage home, the beautiful Abkhazi garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. It’s only one acre in size but features dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas, Japanese maples and rhododendrons, carpets of naturalized bulbs, and much more. It might be small in size but it’s the overall design that leaves the greatest impression upon visitors.

Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo

First, a miniature world and now a miniature zoo? What’s with Victoria and the little things in life? For those interested in insects and spiders, this is the place to be! this is a great opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find approximately 50 species, including Canada’s largest ant colony, giant walking stick bugs, alien-eyes praying mantids, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Whether you’re with kids or not, bring your camera for an unforgettable experience at the Victoria Bug Zoo !

Stop by the Empress Hotel

The Fairmont has done it again. This hotel is not only one of the top tourist attractions in the city but also one of the most historic buildings as well. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the days of the British Empire. Admiring the flora crawling up the building from the outside is just stunning. This iconic Canadian Pacific Railway hotel was built between 1904 and 1908 and has become one of the world’s most famous hotels. But even if you don’t want to shell out the dollars to spend the night at the Empress Hotel , you can just visit the hotel or even partake in afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby to more than 800 visitors per day.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Victoria Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour .

Explore Chinatown

It’s quite amazing how many cities around the world are home to Chinatown . But Victoria’s is unique in that it’s the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America, second only to the one in San Francisco. Created by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago, Chinatown has become a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought overseas long ago. From the Gate of Harmonious Interest to the bold colours of lucky red and gold throughout the neighbourhood, Chinatown is simply a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Victoria. While there, don’t miss meandering down Fan Tan Alley as well, which is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Go Kayaking

Regardless if this is your first kayaking adventure or if you consider yourself a pro, Victoria is an awesome place to paddle and is the gateway to world-class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while getting unique views of the harbour and the city, while also having the opportunity to spot local marine wildlife. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers a huge variety of paddle sports experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the joy of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, all the way up to the excitement of a quick-moving current. It’s not just kayaking either. Paddle-boarding is also popular, as are canoeing and other water vessels. The best time for kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city’s mild climate, it’s possible to paddle all year long. There are many companies offering rentals and tours .

As you might imagine, with so much water surrounding the city, sailing is another popular activity in Victoria, BC. Whether you want to learn how to sail or just go for a scenic tour around the harbour, this is a great place to do it.

Get Amazing Views from the Malahat Skywalk

If you’re looking to get incredible views of the surrounding islands and sea, check out the Malahat Skywalk, which is only 30 minutes from Victoria. This new incredible lookout attraction rises up to 250m above sea level, offering a sweeping panorama view of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. While you’re up there, walk out onto their sturdy 84 ㎡ Adventure Net and be suspended above the centre of the tower with uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest and the spiralling structure beneath your feet. Even better? Choose to take the ramp back down or go even faster on their 20-metre Spiral Slide, all the way to the bottom.

With so much nature surrounding the city, Victoria is an awesome base for stunning hiking opportunities. Whether you hike in the city or outside the city, there is no shortage of trails and natural sites, including waterfalls, mountaintops, historic sites, and coastal treks. Most trails are only 30 minutes outside of downtown but will make you feel like you’ve gone deep into the backcountry, except with more people. Trailheads are well signposted, usually with maps, and trails are very well maintained. Most hiking trails are open year-round and are dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some popular options include Coast Trail in Sooke, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, and the Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park, just to name a few.

See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Well, now you can step into an indoor tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering about the place. There are over 70 species of these magical creatures to see, as well as koi fish, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and many tropical flowers.

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Butterfly Gardens .

Get a View from the lookout

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over Victoria, as well as the neighbouring mountains and ocean. Click here to see ticket prices.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a Parks Canada National Historic Site , this 19th-century coastal artillery fort is bound to satisfy. Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th-century buildings while also having the opportunity to camp overnight in group-friendly oTENTik’s. There’s also the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which is home to Canada’s west coast’s first lighthouse.

Do Day-trips to the Smaller Islands

While Vancouver Island is quite big, there are actually hundreds of smaller Gulf Islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait around Victoria, BC. These make for excellent day trips. You could rent a boat, arrange a tour, or even take the ferry to popular islands such as Gabriola, Saltspring, and/or Thetis. Once on the little islands, you can simply relax in nature, go biking or hiking, visit local artisans and eateries, or find yourself a nice beach to whisk the day away. Ferry rates are about $10 CAD ($7 USD).

Explore Vancouver Island

While some certainly visit Victoria just for Victoria, we highly recommend taking another week or more and exploring more of Vancouver Island . It’s truly a special place and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You’ll find gorgeous rainforest treks, mystical coastal beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lovely little island towns, and the best surfing in Canada out by Tofino. There are also whale watching and wildlife tours all over the island, the opportunity to go snorkelling with salmon around Campbell River, and some of the best multi-day hikes in North America. Where will you go?

Tips for Saving Money in Victoria

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor stuff is free so if you stick to that and cook your own food, you can keep your costs pretty low! Here are some of my ways to save money when you travel to Vancouver Island:

Couchsurf: Although Couchsurfing requires quite a bit of upfront work, it can be a great way to meet locals while saving mega dollars on accommodation.

Camping: Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of camping opportunities for those well-equipped. Use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find potential campsites around the island. Expect to pay around $20 CAD or more per campsite.

Happy Hours: When looking for pubs and restaurants, find out if they have a happy hour. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks, while still enjoying the dining scene of each place.

Go Car-Free: If you’re only planning on visiting one city, such as Victoria or Nanaimo, consider leaving behind your vehicle and taking the ferry as a single person. You’ll save more than $50.

Go Biking: Vancouver Island is one of the top places in the country for mountain biking, so if you have the experience, you can save a lot of money by biking from destination to destination.

Hitchhike: Considering its popularity, there are many opportunities to try hitchhiking. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the local laws beforehand, but this can be a great way to save money. This should only be considered if you have lots of time.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is home to a plethora of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in between. We’ve listed some good options below but for all the best options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Victoria .

Fairmont Empress: If budget is of no concern, it’s hard to beat the famous Fairmont Empress, which offers a spectacular location and a wide variety of amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and more. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Abigail’s Hotel: With almost all 5-star reviews, this beautiful hotel offers a wide variety of amenities such as free delicious breakfast, free parking, and even a small library to relax in. Guests rave about the comfortable beds as well. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Helm’s Inn: Located just outside of popular Beacon Hill Park. this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and very high reviews. They also have some kitchenettes available and have a coin-operated laundry facility on-site. Click here for reviews and availability .

Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast: This is where we stayed during our 150-day road trip across Canada. The breakfast alone is worth the stay, including home-baked scones or muffins, Montreal-style bagels, French toast, and more. This heritage home showcases Edwardian décor, has four-poster beds, and is very centrally located and within walking distance of many popular sights. Click here for reviews and availability .

Where to Eat in Victoria

There’s no shortage of places to chow down in Victoria.

Spinnakers : This is definitely the coolest place we ate at during our visit to Victoria. Not only is it a fancy pub but it’s also a brewery. From Kale Caeser to Shrimp Flatbread and Wild Pacific Halibut Fettacunni, Spinnakers is a great place for any meal of the day. But what makes it more special, aside from the views and ambience, is that they also brew their own beer. There are lots of options so we ended up having their beer and chocolate pairing flight, which included four house beer tasters and four handcrafted house-made TCHO Chocolate Truffles by Chocolatier Crystal Duck. We can’t wait to go back!

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island and Beyond

Another great part about Victoria is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From going hiking in the rainforest to camping on a beach to driving up to Tofino to go surfing, Vancouver Island is a place you could spend weeks exploring. You could also head over to Vancouver and continue exploring mainland Canada. The options are seemingly endless.

For more on what to do outside of Victoria, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Best Hotels in Victoria
• Two-Day Victoria Itinerary
• Things to Do in Vancouver
• Driving from Vancouver to Calgary
• Canada Road Trip Ideas

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

April 7, 2021 at 12:56 pm

What a great article, highlighting so many of Victoria’s attractions. Reading this has made me what to revisit many of them.

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Articles really make me want to see all of this for myself.

May 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

When visiting Butchart Gardens – leave your selfie sticks at home, they’re not allowed in the gardens. Yay – finally banned!

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

The gardens are so beautiful at Butchart Gardens, this is definitely on my bucket list.

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

Looking forward to getting out to Victoria again. I love it out there!

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

January 8, 2022 at 12:38 pm

Great website, each spot is beautifully articulated!

Being new to Canada, this was a great way to learn about incredible and historical places. Hope the situation gets better to get my boots out soon, and plan for my most awaited AB and BC adventure trip this summer.

January 8, 2022 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much. Yes, we really hope it becomes easier too. Have you seen our Youtube channel?

June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pm

There’s a few things in here I didn’t know about. Happy to find new places to explore.

March 9, 2023 at 11:20 am

We missed you at Haunted Manor Mini Golf! See you next time hopefully?!

March 9, 2023 at 11:58 am

That would be awesome! Not sure when we’ll be back but hopefully not long

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Will schools be closed on April 8th due to solar eclipse?

Will schools be closed on April 8, 2024 for the solar eclipse ? Yes, schools in the Rochester region will be closed on the day of the eclipse.

The eclipse is scheduled to occur on the Monday following a week-long spring break in Rochester, coinciding with the time when most classes are typically dismissed for the day.

Consequently, most Rochester area school districts have chosen to extend their spring break by a day and have canceled classes on April 8.

Brighton Central School District had initially planned a half-day for students on April 8 but tweaked the school calendar to cancel classes on the day of the eclipse. Until this change, Brighton was the lone  Monroe County public school district  that asked students and staff to report on April 8 for instruction.

Mary Grow, East Irondequoit's Superintendent and president of Monroe County's Council of Superintendents, explained that state officials in 2023 raised concerns about the potential impact of the eclipse on the school day, particularly regarding expected heavy traffic around dismissal time.

The decision to cancel classes was ultimately left to each district, and nearly every school district in the nine-county region has opted to do so.

Where are the best places to see the 2024 eclipse?

The best places to witness the  eclipse in Rochester  include open parks or waterfront areas with unobstructed views of the sky. Here are some ideal locations for experiencing the celestial event in our area.

• Cobbs Hill Park
• Highland Park
• Genesee Valley Park
• Ontario Beach Park.

The Rochester Museum & Science Center on East Avenue is also hosting a  Roc the Eclipse Festival .

Be Careful, Kids: Looking at the sun in an eclipse will fry your eyes painfully. Take it from someone who knows

Elsewhere in Monroe County, suggested viewing sites include:

• Mendon Ponds Park
• Durand-Eastman Park
• The campus at the State University College at Brockport
• Hamlin Beach State Park

You can also watch the eclipse online.

NASA  and other organizations will create a link for live eclipse viewing closer to the event.

Huge Taiwan quake caused few deaths thanks to preparedness — and luck

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Motorcyclists waited calmly on a bridge as it rocked violently ; nurses looking after a group of infants quickly pushed their cribs together to protect them from falling objects; a trio of hikers on top of Taiwan’s tallest mountain sat still until the tremor was over ; and rescue workers pulled residents out of partially collapsed and dangerously listing buildings.

When a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, it was scenes of composure such as these, rather than mass panic, that stood out across the island of 23 million people.

It was the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years, triggering hundreds of aftershocks and landslides. Yet as of Thursday, only 10 people in the worst-hit region of Hualien County, home to more than 300,000, had died.

That’s because Taiwan, which sits in the world’s most seismically active zone , has had years of practice and preparation for exactly this kind of scenario.

Experts credit stricter building codes , extensive evacuation and disaster drills that begin in primary school, a honed disaster-response strategy — and a fair amount of luck — for the low death toll of Wednesday’s quake .

“Although it seems like a long time, in the past 25 years Taiwan has actually made great progress,” said Hsin-yu Shan, associate professor of civil engineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.

Taiwan earthquake

On Thursday, rescue teams were working to free more than 700 people who remained trapped in a national park in Hualien, the epicenter of the quake. Forecasts of rain raised concerns about more landslides.

More than 1,000 people were injured in Wednesday’s quake, mostly by falling rocks, according to Taiwan’s fire department.

Rescue efforts have been complicated by a large number of aftershocks — at least 324 — in Hualien County, a scenic coastal region popular with tourists and hikers, where the damage has been the heaviest. Taiwan officials said aftershocks of magnitudes of 6.5 to 7.0 were possible over the next three days.

Residents in Hualien said rescue workers moved quickly to evacuate them from damaged buildings.

The nine-story Uranus Building, an apartment complex, was among several buildings that partially collapsed and were left tilting dangerously as emergency workers raced to find those inside.

Yu Yang, a 27-year-old delivery worker who lives in the building, found herself pinned between her closet and table as the building suddenly tilted following a strong aftershock.

“I felt helpless and couldn’t move at all,” she said. Within about three hours, two rescue workers climbed into her apartment and used their own safety rope to lower her to the ground.

“The government’s response has been very quick, and they’ve worked very hard. It was really dangerous, but the search and rescue workers were willing to climb in,” she said.

Of the 75 people in the building, 74 were accounted for and safe. One woman who died is suspected of having gone back into the building for her cat and was pinned down by falling debris.

Rescue efforts are now focused on the Taroko Gorge national park, where hundreds of hotel workers and tourists remain trapped after the entrance was blocked by fallen rocks.

More than 15 people were also still missing in the gorge, the fire department said Thursday, and rescue workers were using drones and helicopters to search the area.

Drone footage posted by Taiwan’s interior minister, Lin Yu-chang, showed some of the residents trapped in the park under a damaged but intact metal tunnel, waving at the camera.

The quake, which occurred just before 8 a.m. Wednesday and which the U.S. Geological Survey measured at 7.4 in magnitude, was felt across Taiwan and as far away as China’s southeastern provinces. It triggered tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines that were later lifted.

The last time Taiwan saw a quake this strong was in 1999, when a 7.6-magnitude temblor struck central Taiwan, killing more than 2,400 people.

After that earthquake, authorities mandated stricter building codes that require new structures be able to withstand quakes up to what Taiwan defines as a level six intensity, where violent shaking makes it difficult to stand and some buildings may be damaged.

Shan, the professor of civil engineering, said the government has strengthened the earthquake resistance of schools and hospitals, adding that “99 percent of the schools in Taiwan comply with existing codes.”

Since 2019, the government has also been reviewing 36,000 buildings across Taiwan that were built before 1999 and giving subsidies to upgrade them.

Even before the 1999 quake, Taiwan had implemented earthquake building codes modeled after those in the United States. They have been upgraded as researchers learned from quakes elsewhere, such as an 8.0-magnitude Mexico City earthquake in 1985, in which reverberations in soft soil caused more damage, a phenomenon also present in the Taipei Basin in northern Taiwan.

“Taiwan has had remarkable discipline in their seismic building codes, and enforcement of those codes,” said Joseph Barbera, an associate professor at George Washington University who was deployed by USAID to Taiwan after the 1999 quake.

He noted that Taiwan had also built up a strong emergency response system, including response centers that are specially constructed to move with the ground as it shakes during an earthquake.

“The Taiwanese should be commended for their risk reduction as well as their effective response,” he said.

Disaster awareness has also improved among the public. A promotional quiz sponsored by the National Fire Agency last year asked residents questions such as whether they should open the door as soon as an earthquake hits. (The answer is no.) The average score among more than 200,000 test takers was 90 percent.

Taiwan’s all-important advanced computer chip industry has also had years to prepare. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world’s top maker of high-tech chips, based in central Taiwan, said its facilities were not seriously damaged by Wednesday’s earthquake.

Within 10 hours of the earthquake, 70 percent of production had been restored, the company said in a statement late Wednesday. None of the company’s high-end “lithography” machines, among the most complex pieces of equipment in the world, were damaged, TSMC said.

The emergency response was not always perfect, residents have pointed out. At least seven counties received no early-warning alert, triggering widespread criticism. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration apologized, saying that it underestimated the scale of the earthquake and did not send an alert.

On Thursday, more than 300 households in Hualien still did not have power, and almost 10,000 homes in the area have lost access to running water, according to Taiwan’s Economic Affairs Ministry.

Schools and businesses in Hualien reopened Thursday, and the local railway line also resumed operation. Aftershocks continued to be felt throughout Taiwan, prompting the Central Weather Administration to say that it would no longer announce tremors smaller than magnitude 3.o.

In Hualien, where residents are accustomed to earthquakes, many were still shocked by the strength of the temblor. Andy Liu, 37, who lives in Jian Township, was waiting outside a clinic when it struck.

“It started to shake, and I felt something was off,” he said. “It was shaking so hard I couldn’t stand up.”

Luck also played a major role in the relatively low death toll of the quake, experts pointed out. It struck in the morning, when many people were heading to work and not at home.

Moreover, the epicenter was located off the coast, rather than on land, and was near one of Taiwan’s least densely populated regions.

“If this Hualien earthquake were to happen in Taipei, it is a certainty that the situation will be even worse than the Noto earthquake,” said Johnson Kung, a board member of the Taiwan Professional Civil Engineers Association, referring to a 7.6-magnitude quake that hit Japan in January and killed more than 200 people.

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