Vancouver Island Tourism Map

If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver Island, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful island off the coast of British Columbia offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural immersion to culinary delights. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve created a comprehensive travel guide that covers everything you need to know.

Top Attractions

Vancouver Island is home to some truly breathtaking attractions. Here are a few must-see spots:

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

This stunning park features rugged coastline, old-growth rainforest, and sandy beaches. It’s a great place for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife watching.

Butchart Gardens

These world-famous gardens are a feast for the eyes, with over 900 plant varieties on display. Visit in the spring or summer to see the flowers in full bloom.

Victoria Inner Harbour

This picturesque harbor in the heart of Victoria is a hub of activity, with floatplanes, ferries, and pleasure boats coming and going. It’s also home to many restaurants and shops.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions are certainly worth visiting, there are many hidden gems on Vancouver Island that are just as special. Here are a few off-the-beaten-path experiences:

Tofino Hot Springs

Located on the remote west coast of the island, these natural hot springs are a great place to relax and soak in the scenery.

Telegraph Cove

This quaint fishing village on the northern end of the island is a great place to spot whales and other marine life.

Mount Cain

If you’re looking for some skiing or snowboarding, head to this small ski resort on the northern part of the island. It’s a hidden gem that’s often overlooked by tourists.

Food Scene

Vancouver Island has a thriving food scene, with plenty of locally-sourced ingredients and innovative chefs. Here are a few places to try:

Red Fish Blue Fish

This popular food truck in Victoria serves up delicious seafood dishes made with sustainable ingredients.

Wolf in the Fog

This Tofino restaurant is known for its creative dishes and stunning views of the ocean.

Cedar House Restaurant & Chalets

This restaurant in the Comox Valley focuses on farm-to-table dining, with many ingredients coming from the property’s own gardens and orchards.

Budget-Friendly Tips

While Vancouver Island can be an expensive destination, there are ways to save money. Here are a few budget-friendly tips:

Camp instead of staying in hotels

There are many great campsites on Vancouver Island that offer affordable accommodation options.

Visit in the shoulder season

If you can avoid visiting during the peak summer months, you’ll find lower prices on flights and accommodations.

Take advantage of free activities

There are many free things to do on Vancouver Island, like hiking trails and visiting public beaches.

Outdoor Adventures

Vancouver Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few activities to try:

Whale watching

There are many whale watching tours available on Vancouver Island, which offer the chance to see orcas, humpbacks, and other marine life up close.

Hiking

There are many great hiking trails on the island, ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks.

Surfing

The west coast of Vancouver Island is known for its great surfing conditions, with many surf schools and rental shops available.

Historical Landmarks

Vancouver Island has a rich history, with many landmarks and sites to explore. Here are a few to check out:

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

This former military fort in Victoria offers a glimpse into Canada’s military past.

U’mista Cultural Centre

This museum in Alert Bay showcases the culture and traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.

Craigdarroch Castle

This stunning castle in Victoria was built in the late 1800s and offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy at the time.

Family-Friendly Activities

Vancouver Island is a great destination for families, with many activities that kids will love. Here are a few:

Butterfly Gardens

This indoor garden in Victoria is home to thousands of butterflies, as well as birds and other animals.

WildPlay Element Parks

These adventure parks in Victoria and Nanaimo offer ziplining, aerial courses, and other outdoor activities.

Victoria Bug Zoo

This small zoo in Victoria is home to a variety of creepy crawly creatures, like tarantulas, scorpions, and beetles.

Natural Wonders

From mountains to beaches to rainforests, Vancouver Island has some truly stunning natural wonders. Here are a few:

Cathedral Grove

This old-growth rainforest in the center of the island is home to some of the largest trees in the world.

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

This park on the west coast of the island features rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and beautiful forests.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort

This ski resort on the eastern side of the island offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Vibrant Nightlife

Vancouver Island may not be known for its nightlife, but there are still plenty of places to have a good time after dark. Here are a few:

Distrikt Nightclub

This popular nightclub in Victoria features live music, DJs, and dancing.

The Cambie Bar & Grill

This lively bar in Nanaimo is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Duke’s Liquor Store & Pub

This pub in Port Alberni offers a wide selection of craft beers and live music on weekends.

Local Markets

One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by visiting the many markets on Vancouver Island. Here are a few:

Moss Street Market

This weekly market in Victoria features local produce, crafts, and live music.

Cumberland Farmers’ Market

This market in the Comox Valley offers a wide variety of local products, from fruits and vegetables to baked goods and artisanal crafts.

Ucluelet Market

This market on the west coast of the island features local seafood, crafts, and live entertainment.

Beaches and Mountains

Vancouver Island is home to both beautiful beaches and majestic mountains. Here are a few to explore:

Chesterman Beach

This popular beach in Tofino offers great surfing conditions and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Mount Arrowsmith

This mountain on the eastern side of the island offers great hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Sandcut Beach

This secluded beach on the west coast of the island is a great place for a quiet walk or picnic.

Cultural Immersion

Vancouver Island is home to many Indigenous communities, as well as a thriving arts scene. Here are a few ways to immerse yourself in the local culture:

Aboriginal Journeys

This tour company in Campbell River offers cultural tours and wildlife watching with a focus on Indigenous culture.

Royal BC Museum

This museum in Victoria offers exhibits on the history and culture of British Columbia, including the Indigenous people who have lived here for thousands of years.

The Avenue Gallery

This art gallery in Victoria features works by many local artists, including Indigenous artists.

Art and Music Scene

Vancouver Island has a lively arts and music scene, with many galleries and venues to explore. Here are a few:

Victoria Symphony

This symphony orchestra in Victoria offers a wide range of classical and contemporary music performances.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

This gallery in Victoria features works by many local and international artists, with a focus on contemporary art.

Port Theatre

This performing arts venue in Nanaimo offers a wide range of shows, from plays to concerts to dance performances.

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore Vancouver Island is on foot