Vancouver Island

Travel Guide

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

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 civilisation 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-kilometre) 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(36 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

5/5(28 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
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Saanich East

If you're spending some time in Saanich East, Cadboro Bay and Cedar Hill Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Saanich East
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Esquimalt

Travellers come to Esquimalt for its colourful gardens, and you can see top attractions like CFB Esquimalt Naval and Militiary Museum and Gorge Vale Golf Course while you're in town.

Esquimalt
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Saanich West

Saanich West might not have many top sights, but Princess Louisa Inlet and Uptown Center 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 RM1,029 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
RM1,029
RM1,206 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (2,201 reviews)
"Great location and wonderful room. No complaints at all!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Grand Pacific
4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
The price is RM970 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
RM970
RM1,136 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (2,212 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress
4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is RM1,349 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
RM1,349
RM1,580 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
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! (2,091 reviews)
"We had an excellent stay. Everything was beautiful. Gold level certainly makes the stay memorable. The staff was great and the food and service, wonderful. 💕"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 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! (2,925 reviews)
"Great location and great accommodations."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 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! (577 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, kitchen, sofa comfortable Spiral staircase was a bit noisy when used, and felt a little Undersized."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 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! (199 reviews)
"Loved the big timbers and wood walls - makes a cozy feel. Stayed in an upper unit with soaring ceiling and loft bedroom. Electric fireplace was easy to use for one night when it was cooler outside. Quiet neighbourhood. Highly recommend this place! Ucluelet is an eclectic village - something for everyone. ..."

Reviewed on 20 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.

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