Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vancouver Island
British Columbia Parliament Building showing a garden, night scenes and heritage architecture
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Sooke showing a pebble beach and a sunset

Vancouver Island Travel Guide Video

Feel the reinvigorating power of the great outdoors on Vancouver Island, a vast swathe of nature on the doorstep of metropolitan cities.

Although only a short journey away from one of Canada's largest cities and home to the regional capital of British Columbia, Vancouver Island feels a world away from urban life. Deserted beaches, forested mountains and rare wildlife cover the sparsely populated island, beckoning Victoria's visitors with its dramatic wilderness. Succumb to its call and experience it on skis, on bike or on foot.

Visit VictoriaOpens in a new window, the lively capital of British Columbia in the south of the island. A modern city that prides itself on its great food, drink and culture sits alongside beautiful heritage landmarks. The Royal BC MuseumOpens in a new window gives a compelling overview of the region's history. Wander the halls of two castles with elegant gardens: the Victorian-era Craigdarroch and Hatley Park, completed in 1908.

You can also tour the other towns on the island. Parksville is a charming collection of sandy beaches, heritage attractions and stylish dining spots. Port Hardy is a pocket of civilization surrounded by rugged wilderness that offers museums and sites of cultural significance for the island's First Nations.

Tie up your walking boots for energetic treks through Pacific Rim National Park ReserveOpens in a new window and Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Waymarked trails run around the coastline, leading to spectacular views and quiet beaches. Experienced hikers can try the famous West Coast Trail, a 47-mile (75-kilometer) route along the southwest Pacific shores.

Scan the waters for a sighting of black dorsal fins. Families of orcas enjoy the waters around Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago between June and October. Inland, black bears can be seen around Clayoquot Sound on a bear-watching tour.

Hit the slopes in winter at the Mount Washington Alpine ResortOpens in a new window. Boarding, skiing and tubing are all available for speedy ways to get down the mountain, on routes used by international athletes.

Victoria International Airport is reached by Air Canada, United and other airlines. Perhaps the best way to reach the island, however, is by ferry from Vancouver, which provides unbeatable views of the mountains, woods and lakes when arriving on the water.

Where to stay in Vancouver Island

Victoria featuring street scenes, a house and a city

Downtown Victoria

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Victoria. Make a stop by Victoria Royal Theatre or Bay Centre while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Victoria
Victoria Harbour which includes heritage elements and a bay or harbour

Inner Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Inner Harbour. Make a stop by Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal or Victoria Harbour while you're exploring the area.

Inner Harbour
Victoria featuring a coastal town and a marina

James Bay

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of James Bay. Make a stop by Victoria Harbour or Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal while you're exploring the area.

James Bay
Default Image

Esquimalt

Travellers come to Esquimalt for its colourful gardens, and you can see top attractions like Sooke Salmon Charters and CFB Esquimalt Naval and Militiary Museum while you're in town.

Esquimalt
Default Image

Saanich East

If you're spending some time in Saanich East, Lochside Regional Trail and Cadboro Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Saanich East
Default Image

Saanich West

Saanich West might not have many top sights, but Princess Louisa Inlet and Lochside Regional Trail are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Saanich West
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
3.5 out of 5
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC
The price is NZ$442 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$442
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,206 reviews)
"This hotel was beautiful and everything was nice."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Grand Pacific
4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
The price is NZ$410 per night from 7 July to 8 July
NZ$410
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,262 reviews)
"Good, will be coming back."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress
4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is NZ$613 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$613
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Victoria. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,121 reviews)
"No closed caption on tv for hearing impaired. There technicians failed. For someone who is hard of hearing f I. 2025 - seems ridiculous. Rooms were old. Partially updated. Too expensive. Other options nearby."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Fairmont Empress
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
810 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,941 reviews)
"Great location, great room, great staff!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Reef Point Cottages
Reef Point Cottages
3 out of 5
1012 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet, BC
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ucluelet. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 hot tubs. Popular attractions Terrace Beach and Little Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (583 reviews)
"Overall, the property was great, the bedrooms were great. The small pullout couch in the loft was fantastic. It's cosy cute little cottage. The refrigerator was not great, there was no veggie drawer. So the whole bottom part of the fridge was unusable, and the door had no holders so you couldn't ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Reef Point Cottages
Wild Pacific Waterfront Cabins
Wild Pacific Waterfront Cabins
3 out of 5
277 Boardwalk, Reef Point, Ucluelet, BC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ucluelet. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Terrace Beach and Little Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (200 reviews)
"Couldn’t lock the doors when I left. Could not contact person in charge until 10 am"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Wild Pacific Waterfront Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Vancouver Island