A Guide to Vancouver Island ToursEscorted tours of Western Canada
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2024
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Vancouver Island
Located off Canada's western Pacific coast and known for its comparatively mild climate, Vancouver Island is a popular place to visit in the country, particularly for US travellers who just need to hop over the border. The island's capital, Victoria, boasts a thriving arts community and a captivating harbour, and the city of Vancouver is located just across the Strait of Georgia. Many of our Canada tours visit Vancouver Island, taking in highlights such as Victoria, Tofino, and the Campbell River. As well as dramatic coastline and whale-watching opportunities, the island is home to old-growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming rural towns and villages. Read on to find out more about visiting.
Tours visiting Vancouver Island
These are our favorite Vancouver Island tours. We offer plenty more Canada tours to destinations further east, so you can explore even more of the country!
Best time to visit Vancouver Island
The best time to visit Vancouver Island depends on the type of activities you are interested in. Spring (March to May) features mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it ideal for garden visits, hiking, and wildlife watching; it's also the start of the whale watching season. Summer (June to August) is warm and dry, perfect for outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, and exploring the beaches, with plentiful summer festivals and events. Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage, making it excellent for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the fall colors, as well as the salmon run in rivers, which attracts both anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. Winter (December to February) is cool and rainy, with occasional snow in higher elevations, and activities like storm watching on the west coast (especially in Tofino and Ucluelet), cosying up in lodges, and exploring indoor attractions like museums and galleries are popular. Each season on Vancouver Island offers its own unique charm, making it a year-round destination for a variety of interests.
Highlights of Vancouver Island
If planning a Vancouver Island tour or solo trip, then make sure to include at least some of these island highlights in your itinerary.
Victoria
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is a charming city that blends rich history with vibrant modern culture. Highlights include Butchart Gardens, a stunning display of floral beauty with themed gardens that attract visitors year-round; the Royal BC Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits on the province's natural and human history; and the Inner Harbor, lined with historic buildings and a picturesque spot for a stroll with views of the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Tofino
Known for its rugged natural beauty, Tofino is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Tofino is also Canada's surf capital, with popular beaches like Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay. Additionally, the waters around Tofino are rich in marine life such as orcas, making it an ideal spot for whale-watching tours. The majority of our Vancouver Island tours visit Tofino.
Campbell River
Dubbed the "Salmon Capital of the World," Campbell River is a prime destination for fishing and outdoor adventures. Elk Falls Provincial Park features a spectacular waterfall and suspension bridge, while Discovery Passage offers excellent opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and diving. With its renowned salmon runs, Campbell River is a hotspot for anglers.
Nanaimo
Nanaimo is a harbour city known for its waterfront and outdoor activities. The Harborfront Walkway is a scenic trail along the waterfront with shops, cafes, and views of the marina. Newcastle Island, accessible by a short ferry ride, offers hiking, biking, and beautiful beaches. For a sweet adventure, the Nanaimo Bar Trail takes you through the city, sampling the iconic Nanaimo bar in various creative forms.
Ucluelet
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Tofino, Ucluelet offers a quieter but equally beautiful coastal experience. The Wild Pacific Trail is known for its dramatic coastal views, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. Amphitrite Point Lighthouse provides a picturesque spot with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Ucluelet also features a small but engaging aquarium that showcases local marine life in catch-and-release displays.
Parksville
Parksville and Qualicum Beach are renowned for their expansive sandy beaches and family-friendly attractions. Parksville Beach is famous for its annual sandcastle competition, while Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park offers long stretches of sandy shore, perfect for beachcombing and picnicking. The area is also home to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Center, where visitors can learn about local wildlife conservation efforts.
Vancouver Island day trips
Heading to Banff, Whistler, or Jasper? You will probably arrive in the city of Vancouver to begin your Canada tour or trip. And even if you're heading east to explore the Canadian mainland, you could still enjoy a day trip to Vancouver Island at the start or end of your trip. Here are some day trip ideas on Vancouver Island!
Victoria
Victoria is the most popular day trip destination on Vancouver Island. As the capital of British Columbia, it boasts historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Royal BC Museum, Butchart Gardens, and the Inner Harbor are must-visits. Strolling through downtown Victoria offers charming shops, cafés, and the stunning Parliament Buildings.
Nanaimo
For nature enthusiasts, Nanaimo provides a fantastic experience. Known as the "Harbor City," Nanaimo offers beautiful waterfront parks, hiking trails, and the serene Newcastle Island, which is perfect for a day of exploration. The Nanaimo Bar Trail is a unique treat for food lovers, featuring the city’s signature dessert in various delicious forms.
Tofino
Tofino, while a bit further away, is worth the journey for its breathtaking coastal scenery and outdoor activities. Renowned for its surf culture, Tofino’s Long Beach offers surfing, beachcombing, and whale watching opportunities. The nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve provides lush rainforests and rugged coastlines, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Cowichan Valley
Cowichan Valley, known for its wineries and artisanal food producers, is an excellent destination for a leisurely day trip. Wine tasting tours, farm-to-table dining experiences, and picturesque countryside vistas make this region a delightful escape. The charming town of Duncan, with its impressive collection of totem poles, adds a cultural touch to the visit.
Salt Spring Island
One of the Gulf Islands nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland, Salt Spring Island offers a tranquil day trip from Vancouver. Known for its artisan community, the island features farmers' markets, art galleries, and beautiful natural landscapes. Exploring the island’s quaint villages and enjoying local products like cheese and honey offer a relaxing and enriching experience.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Vancouver Island?
To fully experience the diverse attractions of Vancouver Island, you ideally need about a week. This allows you to explore major highlights like Victoria, Tofino, and Nanaimo, as well as engage in outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and visiting local wineries. If you are pressed for time, a shorter visit of 3-4 days can still offer a rewarding glimpse, focusing on key areas such as Victoria and the nearby natural attractions. And it is possible to see a slice of Vancouver Island on a day trip from Vancouver.
What is the best month to visit Vancouver Island?
The best month to visit Vancouver Island is September. During this time, the weather is still warm and pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Additionally, September is a prime time for whale watching, particularly for spotting orcas and humpback whales. The autumn foliage begins to show, adding an extra layer of natural beauty to the island's landscapes.
Where is best for whale watching in Vancouver Island?
The best locations for whale watching on Vancouver Island include the waters around Tofino and Ucluelet on the west coast and near Victoria and the Gulf Islands on the south coast. Tofino and Ucluelet are renowned for their rich marine biodiversity, providing excellent opportunities to see gray whales, orcas, and humpback whales. In the south, the waters around Victoria and the Gulf Islands are hotspots for orca sightings, especially from May to October.
What are the best hikes on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island offers some of the best hiking trails in British Columbia. The West Coast Trail is a world-famous multi-day hike offering stunning coastal views and challenging terrain. The Juan de Fuca Trail is another coastal hike that can be done in sections for shorter trips. Mount Albert in Strathcona Provincial Park provides a rewarding alpine experience with panoramic views. The Cape Scott Trail at the northern tip of the island leads to beautiful, remote beaches and rugged landscapes.
How do I get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
You can reach Vancouver Island from Vancouver by taking a ferry or flying. The BC Ferries service operates from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) or to Nanaimo (Duke Point and Departure Bay terminals). The ferry ride is scenic and takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a seaplane or an airplane from downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport to Victoria, Nanaimo, or other destinations on the island. The flight is quick, typically around 30 minutes, offering spectacular aerial views of the region.
Best USA tours
Vancouver Island is just a short hop, skip and jump from the US border, so why not combine your trip to Vancouver Island with a tour of the United States? Here are some of our most popular!
Canada guides
Start planning your trip to Canada with our handy travel guide resources. From top destinations and weather to advice on currency, cuisine and drinking water, we've got you covered!
Highlights of Canada
Quebec City
Quebec City is a charming gem in Canada's province of Quebec and exudes old-world charm and European flair. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town boasts cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and iconic landmarks like the Château Frontenac. Visitors can wander through quaint boutiques, dine in cosy cafes, and explore cultural sites such as the Citadelle and Place Royale. With its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and French-speaking population, Quebec City offers a unique blend of romance, culture, and joie de vivre, enchanting visitors from around the world.
Montreal
Montreal, the cultural capital of Quebec, is a dynamic metropolis blending European charm with North American energy. Its eclectic neighbourhoods showcase diverse architecture, from historic cobblestone streets in Old Montreal to modern skyscrapers downtown. The city pulsates with festivals, art galleries, and culinary delights, offering a feast for the senses. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Mount Royal Park, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the vibrant Quartier des Spectacles. With its lively atmosphere, Montreal beckons travellers to immerse themselves in its vibrant culture and creativity.
