Vancouver Island is a fantastic vacation spot with a wide variety of attractions and activities available for visitors. Summertime is perfect for visiting, with even more opportunities for great outdoor experiences. Choose the accommodations that best fit your budget and travel party, then let the planning begin!
On the Water
Vancouver Island boasts more than 2,000 miles of coastline along with thousands of lakes and rivers, making water activities easily accessible. Try your hand at wet adventures of both the salt- and fresh-water variety—snorkeling, diving, kayaking, whale-watching, fishing, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing are only a few of the options available.
Check out local beaches for the ultimate in relaxation. Watch the changing tides as you explore places like French Beach or Cape Scott Provincial Park and take it all in.
Are you hooked on fishing? Freshwater fishermen will find almost 10,000 lakes, where they can cast for steelhead, rainbow, Kokanee, Dolly Vardens and both large- and small-mouth bass. Hire a professional guide and head for secret fishing holes to catch your limit or launch your own boat in the salt waters of the island.
Prince of Whales Whale Watching offers incredible opportunities for whale-watching and marine wildlife experiences. Join guests from around the world to learn about different marine species, including killer whales and other sea creatures.
Golf in Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is pure pleasure for golfers. No matter your skill level, there is a course for you. Check out a dozen courses that make up the Vancouver Island Golf Trail for a challenging experience. Ranked by Golf Magazine as one of the best deals on the continent, Vancouver Island offers more than 40 courses designed by golf greats like Jack and Steve Nicklaus, Les Furber and many others.
Bring your clubs or rent a set, but be sure and take advantage of the beautiful, championship courses that make Vancouver Island a dream for golfers.
Blossoming Beauty
If you enjoy gardens and nature’s beauty, consider visiting the gardens of Vancouver Island. As winter months offer special looks at evergreens, springtime shows off with cherry blossoms and daffodils, transitioning to perennials in summertime. No matter the season, you’ll find lovely gardenscapes.
Butchart Gardens (south end of the Island near Victoria) is a world renowned garden attraction and well-known for unique collection of roses. Nanaimo offers several ornate gardens, and Qualicum Beach is the place to see hybrids and heirlooms. The capital city of Victoria is known as the City of Gardens so don’t miss all of Mother Nature’s best there, as well as in other nearby communities.
Hiking and Camping in Vancouver Island
Getting back to nature is easy when you have more than 12,000 miles spanning your destination. Alpine climbing in the Comox Valley is popular, as is backcountry camping to the Cape Scott lighthouse. There are also opportunities for spelunking, storm-watching, cycling, jogging, wildlife viewing, and more.
If camping is your cup of tea, don’t miss the Gulf Islands seaside camping experience. More sophisticated campers will enjoy glamping near Tofino and if you’re looking for a thrill, seek out ziplining over the trees in Sooke. No matter what adventure you crave, you’ll find it within the eight million acres of land on Vancouver Island.
More Things to Do in Vancouver Island
If you are seeking even more things to do on Vancouver Island, remember that wildlife is abundant and watching it is a great pastime. Also, don’t forget about shopping that abounds, the creative culinary scene and, of course, the wineries and breweries available. There’s never a dull moment here! And we’ve got so many wonderful properties to serve as home base for your adventures!
