Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. From the elegant tea rooms of Victoria to the rugged old-growth forests of Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island has something for everyone. Having spent most of our lives in the PNW, we’ve been privileged to explore Vancouver Island again and again. We can’t wait to share our top recommendations for things to do on Vancouver Island.
Moments after running through a beachside waterfall at Mystic Beach along the Salish Sea
Exploring Long Beach in Tofino, British Columbia on a classic foggy PNW day
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How to get to Vancouver Island
Getting to Vancouver Island is half the fun. If you’re coming from mainland BC or Washington state, chances are, you’ll get to take a ferry. For Puget Sound locals (like me), waiting in ferry lines to commute to work or get home after a long day can get old. But when you’re on the way to explore somewhere as special as Vancouver Island, the ferry ride can be a highlight of the trip. Depending on your ferry route, you may navigate through islands or see whales along the way. If a ferry ride is not part of your visit to Vancouver Island, I highly recommend booking a whale watching tour during your visit (more on that below).
Vancouver Island Ferry Routes:
The following ferry routes provide services between Vancouver Island and Washington State or mainland BC. There are other ferries between small islands and towns in BC, but these are the main ferry routes for visitors.
- Downtown Victoria and Port Angeles, WA via the Coho Ferry (Black Ball Ferry Line); 1 hour and 30 minute ride; for foot passengers and cars.
- Downtown Victoria and downtown Seattle, WA, via Clipper Navigation; 2 hour and 45 minute ride; passenger-only fast ferry service.
- Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Nanaimo (Duke Point) via BC Ferries; two hour ride; for foot passengers and cars.
- Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Victoria (Swartz Bay) via BC Ferries; 1 hour and 35 minute ride; for foot passengers and cars.
- Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) and Nanaimo (Departure Bay) via BC Ferries; 1 hour and 40 minute ride; for foot passengers and cars.
Important ferry tip: Most ferries require advanced reservations, and many will require you to arrive an hour (or more) beforehand. Make sure you book ahead of time and show up on time!
Tofino, BC, one of the best places to visit on Vancouver Island
Getting to Vancouver Island from Vancouver, BC
When traveling between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, you can choose from three ferries; all serviced through BC Ferries. One ferry leaves from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Two ferries leave from Tsawwassen, which is south of Vancouver and right next to the border to Point Roberts, WA.
Alternatively, you can fly from Vancouver International Airport to Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, or Campbell River.
Getting to Vancouver Island from Seattle, WA
You can travel from Seattle to Vancouver Island via the Victoria Clipper foot ferry from downtown Seattle. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Vancouver Island from Seattle.
The Clipper is very nice but certainly more expensive than the alternative, the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles. However, Port Angeles is at least two and a half hours from Seattle (often longer due to ferry wait times for crossing the Puget Sound and traffic). The Coho Ferry is still the best option if you’re on a budget or want to bring a car.
You can also fly from Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Vancouver Island.
Getting to Vancouver Island from Bellingham, WA
From Bellingham, you can drive across the border and take a ferry from one of Vancouver’s BC Ferries or to Seattle to take the Victoria Clipper. You can also make the journey to Port Angeles, but it wouldn’t make sense unless you’re already planning on visiting the Olympic Peninsula.
Getting to Vancouver Island from the Olympic Peninsula, WA
Getting to Victoria from the Olympic Peninsula is easy! Take the ferry from downtown Port Angeles, and you’ll be in Victoria only 90 minutes.
Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island
Where to Stay on Vancouver Island
Our favorite way to explore Vancouver Island is via road trip, so we often stay in a different place each night. Here are some of our recommendations on places to stay on Vancouver Island. All of these spots are great for a night or a week.
Hotels on Vancouver Island
- Fairmont Empress Hotel: Victoria’s most famous hotel that has been hosting afternoon tea for over a hundred years.
- Abigail’s Hotel: Adult-only Victoria hotel in a darling historic home.
- The Shoreline Tofino: Cozy, classy waterfront A-frames in Tofino.
- Seine Boat Inn: Scenic rooms in a stilt over-water hotel in the secluded Alert Bay, Northern Vancouver Island.
- West Coast Trail Lodge: Simple and clean hotel rooms in Port Renfrew.
- The Beach Club Resort: Stunning waterfront Parksville hotel with an indoor pool, spa, and restaurants.
Alternative Vancouver Island Accommodations
- Airbnbs: You can find tons of unique stays on Vancouver Island via Airbnb. Book in advance, as the best places sell out quickly!
- VRBO: VRBO is another incredible place to find stays on Vancouver Island. VRBOs don’t seem to book out as quickly as Airbnbs, but it is always good to book in advance!
- Hip Camp: Hip Camp is the Airbnb of camping. We love Hip Camping and have had some incredible Hip Camp experiences on Vancouver Island. We have found that it’s easy to book Hip Camps last minute, so we love using Hip Camp on unplanned road trips or last-minute vacations. Use our code JOSHB03F9B7 for $10 off for your first Hip Camp.
Sunset dinner at our campsite on the Juan de Fuca trail
Exploring Tofino, BC
30 Best Things to do on Vancouver Island
1. Go Whale watching
Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Depending on the time of year, you can see pods of orca whales, humpback whales, grey whales, and minke whales.
There are tons of Vancouver Island whale watching tours to choose from.
A pod of orca whales near Victoria, BC — Photo by Miles Loewen on Unsplash
We recommend the Whale Watching Cruise with Five Star Whale Watching, a World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) certified company, meaning that they are committed to responsible ecotourism. Read about the WCA certification for more info.
2. Multi-day Kayaking Expedition
If you have the time, we highly recommend this multi-day kayaking expedition in the Barkley Sound with Hello Nature Adventure Tours Ucluelet, BC. During this three-day experience, you can kayak and hike through stunning yet rarely explored spots on Vancouver Island’s western coast.
Kayak and hike 4-6 hours daily and camp on the remote Broken Islands with a small group of fellow adventurers.
3. Run under a waterfall at Mystic Beach
Mystic Beach lives up to its name. Situated along the Juan de Fuca trail, this stunning beach can be reached via a 45-minute hike. One of the best things to do at Mystic Beach is run through the small freshwater waterfall that drips off the golden cliffs into the Salish sea below.
Running through the Mystic Beach waterfall at golden hour was one of the highlights of our recent Vancouver Island road trip. Afterward, we danced on the beach before returning to our beachside campsite.
Running under the oceanside waterfall at Mystic Beach, one of the best things to do on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island travel tip: You can visit Mystic Beach on a day hike, but we highly recommend backpacking in and spending the night!
4. Kayak Through Uculet Harbor
Ucluelet could be considered a Vancouver Island hidden gem, but it’s growing in popularity with each year. Located on the island’s Pacific coast, Ucluelet is a stunning small town near the popular surf destination of Tofinio.
Experience the natural wonder of the Pacific Northwest on a kayak tour through Ucluelet Harbor. On this highly-rated Ucluelet kayak tour, you’ll learn about the area’s history while spotting eagles, bears, deer, and other wildlife along the way.
5. Backpack along the Juan de Fuca trail
The Juan de Fuca trail is one of the most enchanting (and accessible) backpacking trails on Vancouver Island. The trail weaves through evergreen forests and stunning beaches, following the straight of Juan de Fuca between Jordan River and Port Renfrew. Highlights along the Juan de Fuca trail include Mystic Beach, the Loss Creek Suspension Bridge and Sombrio Beach.
Backpacking in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park at Mystic Beach
While you can enjoy a day hike on the Juan de Fuca trail, an overnight backpack trip is the best way to experience this beautiful part of the island. The entire trail is 47 kilometers, but you can opt for a shorter route if desired. Check the BC Parks Juan De Fuca Marine Trail website before planning your visit to be notified of any trail closures or updates.
6. Learn about Vancouver Island’s History at a First Nations Musuem
Vancouver Island is the ancestral home of several First Nation communities, including Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakiutl people. Stop at a First Nation museum or heritage site while visiting Vancouver Island.
We recommend the U’mista Cultural Centre. Located on Alert Bay in Northern Vancouver Island, U’mista Cultural Centre is one of the oldest First Nations cultural centers in British Columbia. Visit the center to view potlach artifacts and learn about the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people.
7. Watch Surfers in Tofino
Considered the surfing capital of Canada, Tofino is a popular spot for surfers and non-surfers alike. The drive to Tofino from Victoria is about 4.5 hours, but it’s worth it (even on a foggy day). Head straight to Long Beach to watch surfers catch waves in the cold Pacific ocean before grabbing lunch in Tofino.
Long Beach, Tofino on a foggy day
8. Go on a guided caving tour at Horne Lake Caves
Spelunking (also called caving) is the most underrated thing on Vancouver Island. Just 30 minutes from Parksville, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is home to over a thousand caves.
Traverse through tight passages and spot underground waterfalls with a professional guide on this Horne Lakes Caves spelunking tour.
9. See Grizzly Bears in the wild
Would you dare go looking for grizzly bears in the wild? If you answer yes, consider booking a grizzly bear tour with an indigenous-run company.
Although several companies offer grizzly bear viewing trips, we highly recommend booking this highly-rated tour with the local Homalco First Nation tribe.
Photo by Anna Tremewan on Unsplash
Led by a certified guide from the Homalco First Nation community, you’ll not only have the opportunity to spot grizzlies in the wild but also whales and other wildlife while learning about the history and cultural heritage of the area.
10. Ski Mt Washington
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the best spot for skiing on Vancouver Island. Mt. Washington is the second busiest ski spot in British Columbia after Whistler. Mt. Washington is thirty minutes away from Courtenay and three hours from Victoria.
11. Eat a Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo
As a Canadian, Josh grew up eating Nanaimo bars, and Annie was introduced to them in college. Named after one of Vancouver Island’s most charming towns, Nanaimo, Nanaimo bars are rich, triple-layered delicacies you must try whether you make it to Nanaimo or not.
12. Enjoy High Tea at The Empress
One of the best things to do in Vancouver Island is have afternoon tea at the Fairmount Empress in Victoria. Dress up to sip English tea and indulge in decadent pastries while listening to live music in a Victorian-style tea room.
The Empress in downtown Victoria, BC — Photo by Armon Arani on Unsplash
The Empress—which has been serving tea since 1908—is located just steps from the BC Parliament building in Victoria. They can accommodate vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free meals, and other dietary restrictions when reservations are made 24 hours in advance.
14. See The hole in the Wall at Port Alberni
One of the most unique sights on the island is Hole in the Wall, a large man-made hole that was drilled through solid rock to make a pipeline. You can reach Hole in the Wall by a short 1-kilometer hike on the outskirts of Port Alberni.
15. Take a Street Food Tour in Victoria
Eat your way through the charming city of Victoria on a street food tour. As you walk the streets of Victoria with a foodie guide, your tastebuds will transport you around the world. Visit a tea salon, grab Middle-Eastern street food, taste a variety of samples at a European-style deli, and sip herb-infused soda. Along the way, you’ll learn about Victoria’s history and meet local chefs and shop owners.
17. Swim at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Find the perfect swimming hole at Sooke Potholes Park near Victoria. Arrive early in the morning or stay late in the afternoon for a tranquil swim. Given its natural beauty and vicinity to Victoria, the park fills up quickly on summer weekends.
Perfect swimming spot at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
18. Wander through The Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is one of Vancouver Island’s most visited destinations for a good reason! Locals and visitors alike enjoy wandering through the 100+ year-old garden which is now a National Historical Site of Canada.
We’ve visited the Butchart Gardens in nearly every season and can attest that they’re worth visiting any time of the year. In the spring and summer, colorful tulips and bright dahlias bloom. In the winter, the garden comes alive at night with Christmas lights and festive decor.
A sunny day at the Butchart Gardens — Photo by Yuta Koike on Unsplash
19. wine tasting on the Saanich Peninsula
Escape into the beautiful Vancouver Island wine country on the Saanich Peninsula to tour local wineries and taste wine pairings. We recommend this highly-rated wine-tasting tour from Victoria that offers vegan and vegetarian charcuterie boards (yum!) If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, be sure to say so when you make your reservation.
20. Hike Pacific Rim National Park
There are so many incredible places to hike on Vancouver Island, but the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of the best. Hike through temperate rainforests and walk barefoot along sandy beaches. Some of the best Pacific Rim hikes include the Halfmoon Bay Trail, Rainforest Trail, and the West Coast Trail.
21. Try forest bathing
One of the most unique ways to experience nature on Vancouver Island is through forest bathing. The idea of forest bathing started in Japan but has spread across the world. It simply refers to connecting with nature intentionally. You can try forest bathing with a local guide in a temperate rainforest near Vancouver.
22. Explore Victoria’s Chinatown
Victoria’s Chinatown is a picturesque neighborhood with a whole lot of history. The three-block area is the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and it’s certainly worth a visit if you spend time in Victoria.
Victoria Chinatown — Photo by Jasper Garratt on Unsplash
We recommend dedicating time to wander through Chinatown’s bright red brick alleyways and exploring local shops. Review the neighborhood’s history before visiting to get a fuller picture of Victoria, and Canada as a whole.
23. Watch the Sunset in Parksville
We stumbled upon Parksville during our most recent Vancouver Island trip and were stunned by the area’s beauty. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Nanaimo, Parksville is a delightful town with a gorgeous waterfront area. As you walk along the long Parksville boardwalk, you can spot the outlines of islands across the Straight of Georgia.
Stunning Parksville sunset
24. Wander through old growth forests at Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is another beautiful place to escape in nature. This lush old-growth forest is home to some of the country’s oldest trees. Giant Douglas Fir trees climb high into the sky like cathedrals as their mossy branches stretch out across the path.
Cathedral Grove is a great spot for a short hike and is easily accessible from nearby Port Alberni, Parksville, or Nanaimo.
Old growth trees at Cathedral Grove — Photo by Claude Laprise on Unsplash
25. Try a hot tub boat in Victoria
Have you ever soaked in a hot tub on the water? If not, you can try it in Victoria! Renting a hot tub boat with a group of friends is a great way to experience something new or celebrate a birthday. Although we haven’t had the opportunity to try this yet, its on our Vancouver Island bucket list now!
26. Swim in Lake Cowichan
Lake Cowichan is a beautiful bright blue lake surrounded by evergreen hills. It was one of our favorite stops on our most recent Vancouver Island road trip, and we highly recommend visiting! There are several spots around the lake where you can stop for a swim. We went to Lily Beach, a small darling beach perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.
27. Hip CAMP on Vancouver Island
If you like camping, check out Hip Camp! Comparable to Airbnb, but for camping, Hip Camp is a great way to explore BC on a budget and camp in uncrowded places. We love Hip Camp because it’s easy to reserve, and most Hip Camps are on large pieces of land, so you get way more space to yourself than you would at a traditional campsite.
We loved this Hip Camp on Vancouver Island. When we visited, they had baby goats and baby bunnies! Be sure to use our code JOSHB03F9B7 for $10 off for your first Hip Camp!
Hip Camp on Vancouver Island
28. Zipline through the Sooke Forest
One of the best things to do near Victoria is zipline through the enchanting Sooke Forest. Ride an ATV through a stunning Pacific Northwest Rainforest just outside Victoria before navigating suspension bridges and ziplining through the forest.
29. Explore the northern Vancouver ISland
Few visitors make it to the northern tip of Vancouver Island. If you have the time, a visit to Cape Scott Park in Port Handy is well worth it. Explore the park’s 30 kilometers of beaches and gaze up at breathtaking old-growth trees.
Photo by Shaylis Johnson on Unsplash
Since it’s so remote, Cape Scott Park is an excellent place to escape and experience the outdoors without interruption. If you have a limited time, you can go on a hike or two, but if you can stay in Northern Vancouver Island longer, consider camping at Cape Scott Park.
30. Picnic at Tofino
Tofino, the famous Pacific surf town we mentioned before, has some incredible picnic spots. After the long drive to Tofino, indulge in a well-deserved meal while enjoying the stunning surroundings. Bring your lunch, or grab something to-go from a Tofino restaurant. Bravocados is a great vegan restaurant, Spice Hut has tasty Indian cuisine, and Shed has flavorful bowls and burgers made with locally sourced ingredients.
A breathtaking picnic spot right near the entrance to downtown Tofino
Final Thoughts: Best Things to do on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is full of hidden gems we have yet to discover, so we encourage you to get off the beaten track and explore on your next Vancouver Island trip.
Is there anything that we missed? Let us know about your favorite things to do on Vancouver Island in the comment section.
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