Vancouver
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s favourite getaway regions. From the capital city of Victoria (also known as “Garden City” for it’s year-round greenness and multi-coloured blossoms) to the rocky shores that make water sports a popular activity, to the surf culture of Tofino — there may be no better place to spend your days outdoors than on the island. Make the most of your time on here by getting out and getting active. The fresh ocean air will have you feeling like a brand new person.
Walk along Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the place to be in the city. Located in the heart of downtown and surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and gift stores galore, the Inner Harbour is the best place to get a view of the ocean, the Empress Hotel, and the Parliament buildings all at once. If you walk the harbour in the summer, you’re also sure to see some street performers and art vendors. Details
Try Stand Up Paddleboarding with Pacifica Paddle Sports
Step-by-step lessons, experienced instructors, and skill-building opportunities await you if you’re looking to experience stand up paddle boarding (or SUP). This popular coastal activity has taken the beaches by storm — see what all the hype is about by kicking off at Brentwood Bay with Pacifica Paddle Sports. You’ll love the blended workout and the feeling of accomplishment. Details
Get out on the sea with Sealegs Kayaking
Ladysmith is the perfect place to try your hand at kayaking, and Sealegs kayaking make it easy with their certified instructors, a launch site at Transfer Beach Park, and custom events and day tours. Try the basic lessons or book a custom lesson — no matter what kind of adventure you have, you’ll know that Sealegs has you taken care of. Details
Choose your adventure with West Coast Wild Adventures
If you’re looking for one place to do a little of everything, look no further than West Coast adventures, which offers opportunities to zip-line, kayak, paddle-board — or even book a tour on a seaplane. Watch for whales with a bird’s eye view or be as close as possible on a kayak. Whatever you choose, this island-wide operation will have you on the outdoor adventure of a lifetime. Details
Explore The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens have been flowering for over 100 years! Come and walk through this exquisite natural paradise and enjoy both the blossoms and the history that have made these gardens famous. With year-round sights and events (including fireworks in the summer!) you’ll find it easy to spend a day among the birds and fauna at the world famous Butchart Gardens. Details
Storm Watching
The Pacific has been known to churn up epic storms but it’s not every day that you get to watch this ocean display its wrath. If a storm is predicted then you should pick a nice spot on the Florencia Bay Lookout or the Kwisitis Visitor Centre at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Details
Hike the Wild Pacific Trail
If you’re spending time in the gorgeous surf town of Ucluelet, don’t miss the Wild Pacific Trail, which gives you the opportunity to explore the verdant land around the community. The trail has many options depending on how long you’d like to be hiking and what you’d like to see (beaches, the lighthouse, bluffs, or tree forts). There are also benches provided along the trail giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the views. Details
Visit the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge has only been open to the public since 2015 after upgrades to the surrounding trail were completed and the stairway to the viewing platform was created. Now, this trail is one of the best ways to get an extraordinary view of the forest and Elk Falls outside of Campbell River. Bring your camera, this is a scenic trek that you’ll want to remember. Details
Go Surfing in Tofino
You can’t spend much time in Tofino without noticing the incredible surf culture that the area has. Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been known to come here to get his surf on. If you want to learn, there is no better place than on these beaches. Check out Pacific Surf Company’s Surf School to book lessons with an experienced instructor. The student to instructor ratio is a maximum of 5:1, so you’ll be sure to get personalized instruction to get you out on those waves. Details
Wander the Rotary Sea Walk
The Rotary Seawalk is one of Campbell River’s best loved attractions. Walk along the shoreline and experience panoramic views, municipal parks, or sit and watch the boats pass through the Discovery Passage. This six kilometres of paved trail takes you along both sandy and pebbled beaches, as well as many great spots to kick back and enjoy the ocean. Watch out for bald eagles while you’re here! Details
Whale Watch
Grey Whales, Killer Whales, and Humpback Whales all live off the coast of Vancouver Island and all can be glimpsed with Tofino Whale Watching Tours. Head to The Whale Centre to embark on a 2.5 hour tour and see who comes to visit. There are plenty of other creatures often seen on these trips, which as a bonus offer beautiful views of the island from on the water. Details
Have a go at AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventures
If you like zip lining, AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventures has the treat for you. Zoom through southern Vancouver Island’s Coastal Rainforest just outside of Sooke with the many zipline options that AdrenaLINE has to offer. See the rainforest from a whole new perspective during the day, or even book one of the night tours for a truly unique forest experience. Details
Bungee Jump outside of Nanaimo
Head to WildPlay Element Park outside of Nanaimo to test your fear of heights and experience the adrenaline rush of the summer. Put yourself to the test with a bungy jump from 150 feet: just choose which of the 16 different jump styles you would like to try and launch yourself toward the Nanaimo River. After all, if you can do this, you can do anything. Details
Look up in Cathedral Grove
The famous Cathedral Grove is an ecosystem of rare and endangered Douglas Fir trees, known for their age and size. The oldest trees in this forest have survived fire and the destructive colonization of the island and are about 250 feet high and about 800 years old. Come and experience living history at this forest, which features boardwalks and educational signs to make the experience a full one. Details
Explore Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
There are four primary areas of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, which is renowned for its natural beauty and ocean views. The China Beach Campground gives you a chance to spend the night near the gorgeous China Beach, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is 47 kilometres of wilderness meant for multi-day trekkers, and the Botanical Beach is one of the richest tidal areas on the west coast. Come to Juan de Fuca and stay a while — you certainly won’t run out of things to see. Details
Hike to Ammonite Falls
Ammonite Falls is Nanaimo’s hike with a view. From the Nanaimo Parkway, the hike only takes 30 minutes and is a great way to de-stress — especially with a view of majestic falling water at the end. Is there anything more humbling than the crash of a waterfall? Open year-round, you won’t be disappointed with the forested and natural wonder of Ammonite Falls and the accompanying hike. Details
Visit the Kinsol Trestle
The Kinsol Trestle is a wooden railway trestle located north of Shawinigan Lake that is a sight to behold. Pulled right out of history, the trestle was originally build to connect Victoria to Nootka Sound. The last train to cross was in 1979, and since then the trestle has been abandoned but never forgotten. After fundraising efforts to preserve the trestle, it is now officially open to the public and part of the Trans Canada Trail. Details
Head out on a Sport Fishing Adventure
Regardless of what kind of fishing you enjoy, Island Sportfishing Adventures has an activity for you. Year-round salmon fishing and fly-fishing are available in Comox and Campbell River, and guidance from an experienced fisherman will have you hitting all the right places at all the right times. With Sportfishing Adventures, you’re sure to at least leave with a good old fashioned fish tale. Details
Try West Coast Edge’s ATV Tours
For one of the most thrilling, land-based tours on Vancouver Island, hop on an ATV with West Coast Edge’s ATV Tours. Launching out of Port Alberni, these tours take you into the island’s wilderness. With options for half-day tours (3-4 hours) or full-day tours (6-7 hours), West Coast Edge is here for whatever kind of ATV trip you are looking for. Details
Go for the Vertical Cave Challenge
For those who aren’t claustrophobic, check out the 4-Hour Vertical Cave Challenge — a descent into “one of Canada’s most beautiful caves”. You don’t need climbing experience to pass through these crawl passages, but you do need a comfort with spending hours in small, dark spaces, and layers of warm clothing. You’ll never forget this intense but thrilling cave adventure. Details
Fly with Kiteboarding
Nitinat Lake outside of Port Alberni is known for its steady wind, and with steady wind comes a community ready to ride it. Elevation Kiteboarding is a company passionate about their sport. They’ve been teaching all ages kiteboarding since 2005 and are experts at getting you started. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would feel like to fly, try a lesson or two and head out on that water. You’ll be addicted to the thrill. Details
Birdwatch in Ucluelet
Multiple habitat types in and around Ucluelet make it the perfect destination for many varieties of birds. If you’re in Ucluelet, pick up a guide to the local birds and see who you can find. Bald Eagles are plentiful here, as are Stellar Jays, Red crossbills, woodpeckers, kinglets, and even puffins. Even if you’re not trying to look for them, you’re sure to see some interesting aviary creatures who call this area home. Details
Visit Long Beach
Long Beach is the longest sand beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and for that it has become a popular (and famous) spot for hitting the waves. Whether you’re surfing, swimming, kayaking, or just playing in the fine sand, you’ll discover something magic in this expansive stretch of beach. Even if you’re not getting out in the water, it’s a blast to watch the surfers come and go.
Spend some time at Chesterman Beach
Whether the tide is in or out, there is plenty to see and do at Tofino’s Chesterman Beach. Explore tidal pools at low tide and see what creatures you can spot, or check out the carving shed to watch masters work their craft. South Chesterman Beach is a popular place to surf and watch the surfers, and kite flying is perfect when that ocean wind gets blowing. Details
Go Mountain Biking
The area around Campbell River has many mountain biking trails at all levels of experience for you to try. The Rail Trail in the Beaver Lodge Lands is great to bring kids on, while the Vlad the Impaler Trail is a tougher course with a scare. The Snowden Network is made up of more than 100 kilometres of track, and all close to town. Mountain bikers rejoice: this is your perfect getaway. Details
Experience Wakeboarding
If you’ve never wakeboarded before, you’re in luck. On the banks of the gorgeous Lake Cowichan is Tow Rope Watersports, a water sports shop with a ski and wakeboard school to get you started. You can also find wakeboarding amenities at Comox Lake (Wake the Lake Wakesurf School) and Shawinigan Lake (Wake Entity). Wherever you’re visiting on the island, wakeboarding experiences are not far away.
Take a 3 Hour Sailing Tour
Have you ever wanted to know what life would be like on the high seas? Well, 3 Hour Sail is a more luxurious experience than the sailing trips of yore, but the thrill of letting the wind carry you around the island is the same. See the hidden gems you might otherwise miss with this sailing trip that launches out of Victoria’s inner harbour. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and most importantly, you’ll sail. Details
Go Bear Watching
Once you’ve seen the majestic whales of the sea, check out the bears that rule the land. Ocean Outfitters out of Clayoquot Sound offers bear watching tours that will allow you to appreciate these giant mammals as they go about their lives hunting, foraging, and exploring. Bears don’t have great eyesight, so these tours are often quiet adventures in which the bears don’t even realize your presence. Enjoy your trip in either a zodiac or a covered boat — whatever make you more comfortable. Details
Tube down Cowichan River
On the banks of Lake Cowichan is The Tube Shack — an all inclusive tubing adventure company that will take you out on the beautiful lake and set you up on a 2.5 hour tubing trip down Cowichan River. With a complimentary shuttle bus back to Lake Cowichan at the end, you don’t have to worry about a thing as you glide down the river and take in the Vancouver Island riverside scenery. Details
Take the Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour
If you want to see a range of Vancouver Island’s wildlife, check out the Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour. You’ll see a variety of birds, seals, sea lions and even porpoises on this tour — as well as a possible whale sighting! Hop on the small boat and let it carry you the most exciting parts of the island: those rich with wildlife. Your expert guide will leave you with tidbits of information that you can share and remember as you glide along the coast. Details
Sit back and relax with the Victoria Carriage Tour
Take a step back in history with Victoria Carriage Tours. Here, you can explore the city while being drawn by a draft horse, all while being guided by an experienced and informed tour guide who will give you a picture of Victoria through time. Each carriage can hold up to 6 people, though trolleys can hold up to 20. Let the history of Garden City surround you as you’re carried through town on a horse-drawn carriage. Details
Take a boat ride to Hot Springs Cove
Hot Springs Cove is a hidden gem of an experience. Located remotely in Maquinna Provincial Park, these springs can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. Your six hour trip will have you in amazement at the beauty of the coast. A boardwalk through the forest leads you to a natural rock formation of hot springs, where you will relax your worries away. When you’re done, head back through the forest, breathing that pure air, before returning to Tofino. Details
Enjoy the Damali Lavender Farm
If you enjoy the relaxing properties of lavender, you won’t want to miss the Damali Lavender Farm. Here, you can wander through a labyrinth of lavender, explore the fields where the flower is grown, and even see the vineyard in which Damali create their signature lavender, fruit, and classic wines. Before you leave this rejuvenating space, stop in at the gift store and purchase some of the handcrafted lavender products or pick up a bottle of wine. Details
Visit the Abkhazi Garden
The Abkhazi Garden is a gem in the Fairfield area of Victoria. This 1.4 acre garden may not be huge, but it does have history dating back to 1946. The brightly colours flowers exist on a slope and are surrounded by points and native rocks. There is also a teahouse here where you can indulge in a four course High Tea, an Afternoon Tea, Elevenses, or lunch. A true Garden City experience. Details
Spend some time at Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park has the perfect location for spending a day outdoors in Victoria. Located along the beach (Dallas Road Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike), this park also features a rose garden, waterpark, playgrounds, a petting zoo, and ponds. Grab an ice cream cone from a nearby vendor and explore this well-kept park before spending time at the beach for a delightful day in the city. Details
Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
The community of Fisherman’s Wharf is just outside of Victoria’s downtown and is a destination with a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for exceptional seafood, an ice-cream cone, or even wanting to catch a glimpse of the Wharf’s resident seals, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to be on a sunny day. Once you’ve done the main stretch, walk along the dock and check out the houseboats — a picturesque collection of colourful living spaces. Details
Get some history at Fort Rodd Hill
If you’re looking to add a little history to your trip, check out Fort Rodd Hill: a National Historic Site artillery fort from the 19th century as well as a fantastic lookout point over the ocean of Esquimalt Harbour. From being used as hospital huts to defence purposes, this area has been an important space for military operations since the 1840s. Details
Visit Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
There is plenty to see at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. From the Little Qualicum River to the shores of Cameron Lake — and of course the beautiful flow of the waterfalls — get your fill of Vancouver Island’s sights at this park, which is located West of Parksville. You can also try your hand at fishing, take a dip, or even sailboard in the draft created from the natural wind tunnel from the surrounding mountains. Details
Hike the West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail is not for the faint of heart, but as multi-day hikes go, it is the ultimate trip for hiking enthusiasts. Not only is this trail splendid its its natural beauty, but it is a walk through history, offered by the Ditidaht First Nation, whose ancestors created these trails, and whose mission is to keep the area preserved in all of its lushness. To embark on either the full hike or the half hike, book your spot through Parks Canada. Details
Experience Clayoquot Sound
On the west coast of the island is Clayoquot Sound, a body of water that features many inlets and islands. This land is full of coastal temperate rain forest, rivers, lakes, beaches and marine areas for you to explore. Find a remote boardwalk and experience the natural power of the giant cedars. But be careful, this area is the home of many species, including bears and cougars — but also whales, eagles, and sea lions for you to spot Details
Find all the Chemainus Wall Murals
Explore Chemainus and see if you can spot all the murals that decorate this island town. Depicting regional history in vibrant scenes, these murals now draw tourists and have boosted the town’s economy, effectively preserving history while creating it. Check out the website for the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society to find out all about each mural, the artist who created it, and even to find online tours of this town full of art. Details
Lounge at the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
With old-growth Douglas fir trees, a long stretch of sandy beach, and driftwood galore, the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a fantastic beach day destination located in Parksville. From March to Mid-April, this area becomes populous with brant geese, who use the beach as a stopover location on their migration. A sight to behold. The Beach Nature House in the park celebrates the area’s bio-diversity and is a great place to stop in. Details
Visit Sproat Lake
Sproat Lake has three provincial parks on its shores, including Sproat Lake Provincial Park, Taylor Arm Provincial Park, and Fossli Provincial Park — each of which with their own unique shorelines to enjoy the lake from. Located near Port Alberni, this lake has become a popular destination as a vacation spot for its beautiful scenery and clear water, as well as an archaeological oddity because of the K’ak’awin petroglyph which depicts a real or mythical sea creature. Details
Swim at the Sooke Potholes
The flowing waters of the Sooke River — along with glacial movement during the ice age 15,000 years ago — created and buffed the unique Sooke Potholes, which have become a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, or relaxing on the rocks and watching the water flow by. Enjoy the atmosphere of the old-growth forest as your worries drift away with this crisp and clear water. Details
Ski or bike at Mount Washington Ski Hill
If you’re on Vancouver Island in the winter, you won’t want to miss Mount Washington Ski Hill, which has ski and snowboard runs at multiple difficulty levels, as well as opportunities for tubing down the hill. In the summer, the lift still runs for sightseeing purposes and for downhill mountain bikers. Only 30-45 minutes from Comox Valley, winter sport fans will love Mount Washington. Details
Enjoy peaceful winter sports at Mount Cain
Mount Cain is located just south of Woss and is a relatively unknown ski hill — perfect for if you want to get skiing or snowboarding without the crowds. This ski hill is near many hiking trails and has cabins available for rent if you’re looking to explore Northern Vancouver Island. Only open in the winter, but ready to make your trip a complete winter getaway, Mount Cain is where quiet meets sports. Details
Go Diving at God’s Pocket and Browning Passage
For divers, Vancouver Island is a unique paradise. At God’s Pocket you can dive around Browning Pass, Barry Islet, Fantasea Island, Hunt Rock, and other sites. With a resort to stay at, God’s Pocket takes you out for three dives: two during one departure, a break, and then the final departure and dive. Try and spot a Giant Nudibranch, Puget Sound King Crabs, and maybe even a Giant Pacific Octopus while diving at God’s Pocket. Details
Visit the Fisgard Lighthouse
Fisgard Lighthouse is a national historic site and the first lighthouse on Canada’s west coast. This lighthouse was built in 1860 before Vancouver Island was a part of Canada, and has not had a keeper living inside of it since 1929. This incredible site is now open to visitors who want to explore inside and get a glimpse of what life was once like on this rocky stretch of the island. If you’re visiting between September 18th and 25th, watch out for the Luminara Festival which is hosted here. Details
Walk around Ogden Point and the Breakwater
The Breakwater has long been a popular spot for locals and tourists to feel as though they are walking out into the harbour. This breakwater spit has an upper and lower level that you can walk (when the weather is good) and features a resting place at the end for photo opportunities or just to listen to the sounds of the ocean. Ogden Point also features the Breakwater Cafe, Bistro, and Bar for a post-stroll refreshment. Details
Travel on Alberni Pacific Railway
Ride the rails on the Alberni Pacific Railway. The 35-minute each way excursion trip on our beautifully restored locomotives take you from the Historical Alberni Train Station in downtown Port Alberni through some of the most picturesque meadows and forests in the Alberni Valley and over 3 wooden trestles before arriving at Mclean Mill Historic Park. Details
Plan a Trip that includes most of the above activities.