Vancouver Island is known for its rugged beaches and coastline, beautifully colourful harbours, marine wildlife watching opportunities and nature preserves with giant trees.
With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities, Vancouver Island offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and mouthwatering cuisine. It is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. In this blog, you'll discover five of the best things to see and do around the island.
This unique national park is made up of temperate rainforest, lovely sand beaches and rugged rock archipelagos. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a breathtaking coastal wonderland that showcases the rugged beauty of the island. This protected area covers over 500 square kilometres of land that is divided into three distinct regions: the Long Beach Unit, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail.
Long Beach
With its windswept beaches, towering old-growth rainforests, and crashing waves, Long Beach is a paradise for surfers, beachcombers, and hikers. You can take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores or simply watch the majestic sunsets. And if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing the Pacific waves.
Broken Group of Islands
Embark on a kayaking expedition through the Broken Group Islands, a collection of over 100 islands and islets. Paddle through pristine waters, spot marine wildlife such as seals and sea lions, and camp under the stars on the deserted islands for a truly immersive experience in nature.
This historic waterfront is a must-see in British Columbia. Located at the centre of the charming city of Victoria and surrounded by historic architecture, it is any photographer's delight. This colourful harbour has been used for thousands of years, including by the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. Today, it is a hub for small cruises and tourism. Especially during the warmer months, when Inner Harbour is a great spot for festivals and music events.
Inner Harbour is also a great location for catching whale watching tours and other wildlife activities. And even better, the harbour has a particular focus on promoting ecotourism.
Prepare to be enchanted by the Butchart Gardens, a botanical wonderland filled with exquisite flowers, themed gardens, and tranquil pathways. This Victoria garden is a world-famous attraction, and is sometimes referred to as one of the world’s most beautiful gardens. No matter the season, these gardens are a year-round spectacle of colours and scents. Although certain seasons offer more variety in the flowers you can see. For example, mid-April through mid-May are the best time for spring blooms, and summer is when the gardens put on outdoor concerts for visitors to attend. Butchart Gardens are both the photographer's and gardener’s dream destination.
Telegraph Cove is one of Vancouver Island’s more hidden gems, and offers visitors views of the surrounding pristine nature and an abundance of wildlife. The rugged coastline, cosy cottages and lush forest will capture the hearts of both those seeking adventure in nature, and those looking for a tranquil escape.
The combination of the historic and colourful buildings on stilts, boats on the pristine marine waters and surrounding mountains make this destination truly picturesque. This, along with the hub of ecotourism focused wildlife tours, shows why the town comes alive during the warmer months, despite the fact that Telegraph Cove Resort only has 20 residents.
Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park
One of the best aspects of Telegraph Cove is that it serves as the entrance to Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park. This park is the biggest in British Columbia, and is one of the few remaining areas of untouched nature.
Book a local wildlife tour
Take the opportunity and book a whale watching tour on the Johnson Strait. Get up close to these majestic animals and learn about the preservation of the local wildlife.
Explore the islands
The best ways to explore the archipelago is by kayaking, swimming and fishing around the islands. These are the best way to get up close to the pristine waters and explore secluded coves and admire the scenic coastline.
The abundance of seafood and local produce make for a delicious and vibrant culinary scene on Vancouver Island.
Seafood haven
Local restaurants and seafood shacks offer a variety of seafood delights, featuring the finest Pacific salmon, succulent Dungeness crab, and buttery spot prawns, ensuring a mouthwatering experience.
Farm-to-table
Experience the farm-to-table movement at its finest, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients directly from local farmers and producers. Savour dishes made from organic and sustainable ingredients that showcase the island's culinary prowess.
Vancouver Island, with its awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural delights, and thrilling adventures, is a destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Whether you choose to explore the rugged coastline, immerse yourself in the island's history, or simply unwind amidst nature's splendour, Vancouver Island promises an unforgettable journey that will keep you coming back for more.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
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