Jump to:
Covered from head to toe in emerald rainforest, Vancouver Island lies just off Canada’s west coast. Far from the cityscape of Vancouver, just over the water, the island has retained a landscape wild enough to sustain black bears, an endemic subspecies of grey wolf, and bald eagles. Our Canada specialists will use their first-hand experience to help you plan where to go on your trip to Vancouver Island. You could take a Zodiac from Tofino in search of foraging bears, explore First Nations culture in northern Vancouver Island, or hike through old-growth forest trickling with waterfalls along the island’s mountainous spine.
Whale watching trips give you an opportunity to see pods of orcas, which are permanent residents off the coast of Victoria, British Columbia’s capital. During the summer, you can also spot migratory humpback and Pacific grey whales in Clayoquot Sound, where you might be joined by dolphins, sea lions and otters. In the north, Campbell River is one of the best places for salmon fishing, while Port Hardy is a gateway to remote bear lodges.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Vancouver Island by contacting one of our Canada specialists
-
01993 838 92501993 838 700
- Make an enquiry
Places to visit in Vancouver Island
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Vancouver Island, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring Vancouver Island
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Vancouver Island, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Vancouver Island
- Campbell River Vancouver Island
- Northern Vancouver Island Vancouver Island
- Port Hardy Vancouver Island
- Tofino Vancouver Island
- Victoria Vancouver Island
- The Sunshine Coast & Desolation Sound 43 miles away
- Salt Spring Island 108 miles away
- Vancouver 110 miles away
- Whistler 120 miles away
- Bella Coola 200 miles away
- Sun Peaks 263 miles away
- Naramata & Okanagan Valley 265 miles away
- Princess Royal Island 273 miles away
- The Cariboo 279 miles away
Photos of Vancouver Island
Our expert guides to exploring Vancouver Island
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Vancouver Island, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Vancouver Island at its best.
-
Highlights of Vancouver Island Highlights of Vancouver Island
Highlights of Vancouver Island
Canada specialist Jamie shares the best things to see and do on Vancouver Island. You could observe black and grizzly bears in temperate rainforests. Look for orcas on boat trips from Victoria. Or hike to secluded beaches in the remote north.
Read this guide -
In the path of the grizzly: bear watching in Canada In the path of the grizzly: bear watching in Canada
In the path of the grizzly: bear watching in Canada
Canada is well-known for its wildlife, but the stars of the show are arguably its resident bears. These often solitary creatures can be difficult to find, but our Canada specialists can recommend intimate bear-watching experiences that allow you to see them in their natural habitat.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Canada Honeymoons in Canada
Honeymoons in Canada
Country specialist, Caroline, picks some of her top places to stay and things to do on honeymoon in Canada. Her highlights include where to spot Canada鈥檚 wildlife, taking a food tour in Vancouver, finding seclusion in the Rockies and staying on an authentic ranch.
Read this guide -
Self-driving in western Canada Self-driving in western Canada
Self-driving in western Canada
Canada specialists Kerry and Annie share their tried-and-tested self-drive routes in western Canada. You might want to follow a lesser-known loop through the Canadian Rockies, detouring to the Okanagan wine region. Or, take in British Columbia鈥檚 coastline and Vancouver Island.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Vancouver Island
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Vancouver Island. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
-
Knight Inlet Lodge
Northern Vancouver Island -
April Point Resort and Spa
Northern Vancouver Island -
Great Bear Lodge
Port Hardy -
Kwa'lilas Hotel
Port Hardy -
The Oswego Hotel
Victoria -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Victoria -
The Inn at Laurel Point
Victoria -
Abigail's Hotel
Victoria -
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Tofino -
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Tofino -
-
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Wickaninnish Inn
Tofino -
Comfort Inn & Suites
Campbell River -
Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort
Vancouver Island -
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Vancouver Island -
Naturally Pacific Resort
Vancouver Island -
Farewell Harbour Lodge
Vancouver Island