Top 10 places to visit on Vancouver Island

Many travellers head west to Vancouver, Whistler or the Rocky Mountains, but not everyone makes the journey across to Vancouver Island. Don’t miss out on one of Canada’s best-kept secrets!

You can spend anywhere from a short vacation to your entire working holiday exploring the island’s eclectic mix of small-town communities, paradise beaches, ancient rainforests, snowy mountains and wildlife habitats.

With so much to see on the island, it can be hard to pick where to spend your time. We’ve listed the top 10 places to visit during your Vancouver Island getaway, including the best activities to do in each area.

1. Victoria

If you only have time for one stop on Vancouver Island, make it Victoria. The capital of BC is the perfect blend of city life and nature. The weather is sunny for the majority of the year, and most of Vancouver Island’s residents live in Victoria and the surrounding areas. It’s a great place to stay if you want a break from the busier pace of Vancouver, but without going too rural.

• Butchart Gardens: These gardens are world-renowned and run varying events for each season. Although spring and summer are the best times for the blooming flowers, you can expect Christmas carolling and magical tree displays during the holiday season.
• Beacon Hill Park: Like in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, you can go for a simple wander or check out some of the many attractions within the park. Highlights include the Mile 0 marker for the Trans-Canada highway, the Moss Lady sculpture and the World’s Tallest Free-Standing Totem Pole. There’s also a Children’s Farm if you are travelling with the whole family.
• Victoria Harbour: Follow the path along the harbourfront to see some of Victoria’s most impressive sites, from Chinatown to the Fairmont Empress and Parliament House. Continue as far as Fisherman’s Wharf to grab some fish and chips, take in the colourful floating houses (yes, people really live here!) or jump on board the famous pickle boats.
• Craigdarroch Castle: Get a glimpse into the past of Scottish-born coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, once the richest man in BC! Built in the Victorian era, the castle offers self-guided tours from Wednesdays to Sundays. If you have a National Trust membership, you can get free entry.
• European culture: Victoria was originally a British settlement, but you can now experience celebrations of different European cultures throughout the year. Check out the Highland Games and Celtic Festival, the Francophone Festival or the St Patrick’s Day Festival.

2. Nanaimo

Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second-largest city. Its central location makes it easy to visit from just about anywhere else on the island. It’s also one of the main ferry ports if you’re travelling on to Vancouver. Many people pass through Nanaimo, only seeing it as a hub for onward travel. However, it’s worth spending more time here if you like an urban city with good food, culture and entertainment.

• Try the Nanaimo Bar: Nanaimo Bars have become synonymous with its namesake town. You can use the Nanaimo Bar Trail to find variations on the classic bar: cupcakes, cheesecake, ice cream, coffee, etc. Top tip: get the Nanaimo Bar cocktail; it won’t disappoint!
• See some prehistoric petroglyphs: At the South end of Nanaimo, you will find a collection of petroglyphs—prehistoric carvings—at Petroglyph Park. Created over 1,000 years ago by the First Nations peoples, these traditional carvings are just a short walk away from the car park, or can be reached by bus if you don’t have a car.
• Scuba diving: You might not often associate Canada with scuba diving but Nanaimo offers both cold-water diving and snorkelling excursions around the harbour reefs. You can swim with seals or even explore the three shipwrecks located within 20 minutes of the Nanaimo dock.
• Walk along the harbourfront: The Harbourfront Walkway is popular among tourists and locals alike. Follow the trail to Swy-a-Lana Lagoon and Maffeo Sutton Park, where you can take a photo with the Nanaimo Sign.
• Festivals: Nanaimo hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, like the Nanaimo Fringe Festival in August, the Short Film Festival in March or the Jazz Festival in September. For more information, see the Tourism Nanaimo website.

3. Tofino

Tofino is a small town on the west coast of the island, located on a peninsula within Clayoquot Sound. Tofino’s untouched beaches, lakes and rainforests are in high demand with tourists, who travel from both Canada and across the globe to Tofino to surf, hike and take wildlife watching tours. Working holiday makers can pick up seasonal work in tourism and hospitality for the busy summer season. If you want to fully escape city life and immerse yourself in nature, Tofino is the best place to visit.

• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: Drive the Pacific Rim highway and make stops along the way for scenic hikes, beaches and forests. The most popular stops are the Rainforest trail, Schooner Cove and, for experienced backcountry hikers, the West Coast trail.
• Tonquin Beach hike: This easy, gentle hike can be reached on foot from just about anywhere in Tofino. It takes you through the forest, out along the coastline of several beaches. The Tonquin Beach trail is one of the best places in the area to catch the sunset.
• Surfing: Surfing is another sport that Canada is not necessarily well-known for. However, Tofino’s rugged coastline and beach breaks create the perfect conditions for surfing year-round. Cox Bay is the most sought-after place to surf, but if that’s too crowded, you can also try Long Beach or Chesterman Beach. There are even annual surf competitions in Tofino, and surf schools if you’re new to the sport.
• Hot Springs Cove: Embark on an adventurous day tour to the natural hot springs in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. The hot springs can only be reached by a flight or boat ride, and you’ll be able to look for wildlife like eagles and whales on the way.
• Wildlife watching: Speaking of wildlife, Tofino is one of Vancouver Island’s best locations for whale watching or bear spotting tours. Whale season runs from February to October, and bear season from April to October.

4. Ucluelet

Ucluelet (or “Ukee”, as the locals say) is around a 30-minute drive south from Tofino, so it’s worth visiting both west coast towns during your trip. “Ucluelet” stems from Indigenous roots, meaning: “people of the safe harbour”. As the name suggests, Ucluelet is famed for its harbour, views of the Pacific Ocean, beaches, and marine life. Ucluelet is less visited than Tofino but offers many of the same activities, so it’s perfect for those who prefer a quieter life.

• Hiking: There are many easy hikes in the area, including the Halfmoon Bay trail, which takes you through rainforest to a secluded beach, or the Wild Pacific trail, which breaks down into smaller trails that traverse through rocky bluffs, lighthouses, and cedar trees.
• Beaches: Just like its neighbour Tofino, Ucluelet has beautiful beaches. Wickaninnish Beach is the ideal beach for surfing. In the tidepools at Little Beach, you can look for anemone and other sea creatures., The sandy bays at Big Beach (and the spaces to barbecue!) make this the best beach for families.
• Kayaking: The best way to explore Ucluelet’s coastline is by kayak, and there are plenty of companies where you can rent kayaks or join guided tours (from May to October). Beginners can practice in the calm waters of Ucluelet Harbour, before heading out to the rougher waters of Barkley Sound. You might be able to see otters, seals, sea lions, and more on your journey.
• Dine on seafood: Since Ucluelet is a working harbour, the seafood is always freshly caught. You can buy fish to cook at home, or you can eat out at one of the many seafood restaurants. There’s something for all tastes: fish and chips, chowder, poke, fish tacos, or seasonal tasting menus.
• Ucluelet Aquarium: Ucluelet’s aquarium is unique in that it runs a catch-and-release program. Visitors can learn more about local aquatic life from the surrounding Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. A catch-and-release aquarium means the animals on display vary throughout the year, making every visit completely different.

5. Campbell River

Campbell River is self-proclaimed as the gateway to outdoor adventure. It’s located on the east coast of the island, and is also the entryway to the Discovery Passage (the sea located between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island), and the more remote north of the island. Campbell River is the island’s third-largest city, although its secluded location makes for a peaceful life. Anglers from around the world come to Campbell River for sports fishing.

• Wildlife watching: The Discovery Islands are home to many types of Canadian wildlife, meaning Campbell River is a first-class location for wildlife watching. The main species the tours seek out are whales and bears, but you also have the chance of seeing dolphins, sea lions, eagles and elk.
• Elk Falls Provincial Park: The main draw of this provincial park is the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, which overlooks the waterfall. As well as hiking, people come to the park for fishing, camping and biking.
• Quinsam River Hatchery: If you want to learn more about Campbell River’s famous fishing opportunities and the life cycle of salmon but you don’t want to participate in the sport of fishing yourself, head to the salmon hatchery (helpfully located near Elk Falls Provincial Park). Sometimes, you can even see bears feeding on the salmon in the fall!
• Discovery Pier: Campbell River is home to Canada’s first saltwater fishing pier, where you can watch the sunset, eat fish and chips, or learn how to fish. At the end of the pier, you will find tourist attractions such as the aquarium and the maritime heritage centre.
• Rotary Seawalk: Walk alongside the Discovery Passage by following the Seawalk around the shoreline, taking in views of Quadra Island. Along the way, look out for the Big Rock and the Raccoon driftwood sculpture!

6. Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach is a quiet seaside village on the northeast coast of the island. Although it’s a small village, Qualicum Beach still has a lively community, and lots of independent shops and restaurants. Relax with walks along the seafront, beaches, and through the forest. Qualicum is known for a year-round mild climate, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the 19 km of beaches in the area.

• Old Country Market: Just outside of Qualicum, in Coombs, is a country store famous for one unusual reason—goats on the roof. Each year, during the summer months, a herd of goats makes the roof of the country store its home. You can see the goats on the roof from the roadside. This makes a great stopping point if you’re travelling around the island; stop in and pick up some supplies for the rest of your road trip.
• Farmers market: For an authentic taste of Vancouver Island’s delicacies, time your visit to coincide with the farmers market, which runs every Saturday morning. The Qualicum Beach Farmers Market brings together local vendors and up-and-coming producers. You can sample alcohol, coffee, meat products, baked goods, preserves, and more.
• Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest: Just a 5-minute drive from downtown lies 50 acres of old growth forest made up of fir, cedar, hemlock, and spruce trees. Follow trails through the forest, exploring ravines and a stream frequented by salmon, as well as watching for other species of endangered animals and plants.
• Englishman River Falls Provincial Park: Another old growth forest in the area, this time made up of fir, cedar, hemlock, and maple trees, is Englishman River Falls Park. Hike amongst the forest and along the river, plus get epic views of the waterfalls from the two suspension bridges that cross over the narrow canyon.
• Beaches: As the name might suggest, the Qualicum Beach area is a hotspot for beaches. At Qualicum Beach itself, you can take part in the Ocean Mile Swim. Parksville Beach hosts an annual sand sculpture festival. Rathtrevor Beach is suitable for swimming, as the sun keeps the water “bathtub-warm”.

7. Port Alberni

Port Alberni lies in the heart of the island, at the head of the Alberni inlet. The Alberni Valley is where the west coast of Vancouver Island begins. There’s something for everyone in Port Alberni: outdoor adventures like ziplining and kiteboarding; water activities like tubing and surfing; historic museums and discovery centres; craft beer and live music; relaxing beaches, etc.

• Hole in the Wall: A short hike leads you to a unique Vancouver Island attraction: a man-made hole in the rock cliff with a waterfall, known as the Hole in the Wall. You can find the trail just as you enter Port Alberni, opposite the Coombs Candy Store.
• Sproat Lake: A 15-minute drive west from Port Alberni brings you to Sproat Lake, which is frequented in the summer by people wanting to swim, fish, waterski and windsurf. A trail at the eastern end of Sproat Lake leads to some of BC’s most prehistoric petroglyphs.
• MacMillan Provincial Park: One of the most-visited places on the island is Cathedral Grove, which sits within MacMillan Provincial Park. Cathedral Grove is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. This is your chance to walk amongst some of the oldest and tallest trees in the entire country.
• Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: Just down the road from MacMillan Park is Cameron Lake and Little Qualicum Falls. Spend the day lake swimming and walking the riverside trails to the upper and lower falls. You can also come here to fish or sailboard.
• Harbour Quay: Port Alberni’s Harbour Quay area is not to be missed. The harbourfront is lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, and the Clock Tower that offers panoramic views of the Alberni Inlet. You can also pick up scenic boat tours that travel to Ucluelet on the west coast.

8. Chemainus

Chemainus is a small seaside town on the island’s east coast. It is located on the Cowichan coast, between the ocean and the mountains. Chemainus was once a logging town, but is now better known for its 50+ outdoor art murals. You should visit Chemainus if history, culture, heritage, and a laidback community appeals to you.

• Murals: Follow the painted footsteps around town to discover all of Chemainus’ famous murals, depicting the town’s history. You can check the exact locations online but the town is quite small, so it’s easy to find them just by walking around.
• Waterwheel Park: Waterwheel Park is the hub connecting the old town to the new, where people gather to socialise. Enjoy the views of the waterfront, the gardens and statues, and the museum. Check the calendar for events that take place in the park throughout the year.
• Chemainus Theatre Festival: Chemainus has a large non-profit theatre that puts on musicals, plays, and other shows (keep an eye for the upcoming schedule here). They also offer deals to combine your theatre trip with a meal at the adjoined Playbill Dining Room.
• Cold-water diving: Along with Nanaimo, Chemainus offers some of the best cold-water diving on the island. Most notable is the sunken Boeing 737 dive site, though there are other diving locations off the coast of Kin Beach Park. Experienced divers can check out the Del Norte schooner wreck. Note that you will need a drysuit instead of a wetsuit if diving in winter temperatures.
• Go shopping: Spend a day exploring the quaint boutique stores (don’t miss the candy store and the Christmas shop!) and markets. Chemainus Public Market is considered Vancouver Island’s “Premier Marketplace”. You can find other markets open in the summer months on the official tourism website.

9. Cowichan Bay

Cowichan Bay is a waterfront community situated about a 30-minute drive south from Chemainus, or a 45-minute drive north from Victoria. Of course, people come to “The Bay” to take part in boating, fishing, and other marine activities. It’s also a hit with foodies who travel to Cowichan Bay to try the local artisanal produce (fish and chips, ice cream, cheese, etc.). There’s also a lot more to explore outside of the waterfront.

• Malahat SkyWalk: Some of the best views of Vancouver Island can be found a 30-minute drive from Cowichan Bay, at the top of Malahat SkyWalk. The 600 m TreeWalk is accessible, winding through the forest and out to a platform with panoramic views of the island.
• BC Forest Discovery Centre: Just down the road in Duncan is the BC Forest Discovery Centre, an open-air museum that details the history of logging in the province. There is also a working railway that you can ride, which transforms into the Halloween Train and the Christmas Express during the holiday seasons.
• Totem tour: Cowichan is home to multiple indigenous communities, with the Cowichan Tribes being the largest single First Nation Band in BC. If you’re in the Duncan area, check out the world’s biggest outdoor collection of totem poles (this is perfect to combine with the Forest Discovery Centre!). You can easily follow the self-guided totem walking tour.
• Kinsol Trestle: The Cowichan Valley trail is used for running, cycling and horse riding, and there are eight trestles along the trail. The Kinsol Trestle is the most impressive trestle on the trail; it is one of the tallest free-standing timber trestles in the world.
• The Raptors: From flying demonstrations to hands-on falconry sessions, get up close and personal with endangered birds of prey at The Raptors. You’ll be able to meet eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and more.

10. Courtenay

Courtenay is one of the island’s fastest-growing communities. It is the urban centre of the Comox Valley, surrounded by farmland and countryside. Located a 75-minute drive from Nanaimo’s ferry port, Courtenay is becoming a hit with newcomers to the island looking to settle outside of Victoria and Nanaimo. There is also a smaller ferry in nearby Comox, which connects with Powell River on the mainland.

• Nymph Falls Nature Park: Watch the salmon run at Nymph Falls, where the waterfalls cascade over fish ladders built to help the salmon swim upstream. As well as salmon, keep an eye out for hawks, eagles, and other birds on the trails. In summer, the glacial waters become a haven for swimming.
• Strathcona Provincial Park: Take a day trip to the oldest park in BC. The Forbidden Plateau section of the park is just 25 km from Courtenay. Highlights include the Paradise Meadows loop trail and Cruikshank Canyon lookout.
• Grab a drink: Comox Valley is home to award-winning breweries, so a visit to Courtenay isn’t complete without sampling a craft beer or two. You can find the full list of breweries here. For those who prefer other types of alcohol, there are a number of distilleries and wineries in the area, including Vancouver Island’s first certified organic winery, and the island’s largest artisanal distillery!
• Puntledge River: In summertime, the Comox Valley locals head to the river for tubing, swimming and canoeing. In the surrounding forest, you can hike or bike the many trails.
• Mount Washington Alpine Resort: A 30-minute drive from Courtenay brings you to Vancouver Island’s largest ski resort. Mount Washington provides all the classic Canadian winter sports: snow tubing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, fat biking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.