A Quick Guide to Exploring the Best of Vancouver Island
Looking for the best places to visit on Vancouver Island? Whether you’re planning a road trip from Seattle, flying in via seaplane, or catching a BC Ferries ride across the water, Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s most stunning destinations and it’s brimming with unforgettable experiences! From storm watching on the wild west coast to hiking through old-growth forests, this island delivers year-round adventure.
We know this slice of British Columbia like locals, because we are locals! So if you’re wondering where to go, what to see, and what you truly can’t miss, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the must-see towns, parks, and hidden gems that make Vancouver Island a world-class travel destination!
Book the perfect Vancouver Island vacation rental right here!
Why Vancouver Island Is Worth the Trip
Vancouver Island is one of North America’s most diverse and naturally beautiful regions. Located off the west coast of British Columbia, this island stretches from the artsy community of Victoria in the south to the rugged wilderness of Cape Scott in the north.
What makes it so special? You’ll find sandy beaches and surfing in Tofino, grizzly bear viewing tours in Campbell River, wineries and totem poles in the Cowichan Valley, and access to some of Canada’s best whale watching tours. Whether you’re into kayaking, hiking trails, or exploring cultural heritage, Vancouver Island has something for everyone! And it’s all wrapped in a distinctly Canadian blend of warmth and wilderness.
Top Places to Visit on Vancouver Island
1. Tofino & Ucluelet
These west coast surf towns are a must-see—which is why they’re at the top of the list! Tofino is famous for Cox Bay, storm watching, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, while nearby Ucluelet offers access to the iconic Wild Pacific Trail. It’s a paradise for surfers, hikers, and anyone who loves windswept beaches.
- Great for: surfers, storm watching, beachcombing
- Highlights: Long Beach, Cox Bay, Pacific Rim National Park, local galleries, kayaking in Clayoquot Sound
2. Campbell River
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Campbell River is also one of the best places for grizzly bear tours and orca sightings. Take a whale watching tour or explore Elk Falls Provincial Park with its epic suspension bridge.
- Great for: wildlife lovers, anglers, nature photographers
- Highlights: orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, grizzly bears, the Discovery Pier, access to Northern Vancouver Island
3. Victoria
British Columbia’s capital is full of charm, history, and coastal elegance! Stroll the Inner Harbour, visit the Parliament Buildings, or take in the flowers at Beacon Hill Park! You’ll also find incredible museums, Fisherman’s Wharf and a great food scene right downtown! Head up the Saanich Peninsula to visit the little town of Sidney and the world famous Butchart Gardens.
- Great for: families, history buffs, year-round travellers
- Highlights: Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Parliament Buildings, seaplane tours, whale watching from the harbour
4. Nanaimo
This central hub is more than just a ferry port — it’s a launching point for day trips, hikes, and outdoor adventures. Explore the Harbourfront Walkway, check out nearby Provincial Parks, or hop a boat to Newcastle Island. Nanaimo is also a foodie-friendly stop with laid-back Canadian charm!
- Great for: families, road trippers, outdoor enthusiasts
- Highlights: waterfront boardwalk, kayaking, sandy beaches, Newcastle Island, nearby hikes to Ammonite Falls
5. Comox Valley (Courtenay, Comox & Cumberland)
Nestled between the mountains and the Salish Sea, the Comox Valley blends coastal beauty with rich agricultural land. It’s a great spot for wineries, local markets, and hiking trails — not to mention some of the island’s best food and views.
- Great for: foodies, cyclists, wine lovers
- Highlights: Mount Washington day trips, wineries, totem poles in downtown Courtenay, biking in Cumberland, views of the Coast Mountains
6. Port Alberni
A central inland city surrounded by mountains and lakes, Port Alberni is a hidden gem for hiking, boating, and exploring old-growth forests. It’s also the gateway to the island’s rugged west coast.
- Great for: off-the-beaten-path explorers
- Highlights: Cathedral Grove’s towering Douglas fir trees, Stamp River Provincial Park, waterfront boardwalk, salmon runs
7. Telegraph Cove
This tiny, postcard-perfect village on Northern Vancouver Island is one of the best places in Canada for spotting orcas and humpback whales. It’s also a top destination for eco-tours and sea kayaking!
- Great for: wildlife watchers, photographers, nature lovers
- Highlights: whale watching tours, sea kayaking, floating cabins, grizzly bear tours from nearby Knight Inlet
8. Duncan & the Cowichan Valley
Rich in First Nations heritage and renowned for its totem poles, Duncan is the cultural heart of the Cowichan Valley. Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, this region is home to award-winning wineries, warm lakes, and charming coastal towns!
- Great for: cultural travellers, wine enthusiasts, weekend escapes
- Highlights: totem poles walking tour, Kinsol Trestle, Cowichan Bay, wine touring by bike, farmers’ markets
9. Port Renfrew
This remote village on the west coast is where the West Coast Trail begins (or ends). It’s also a fantastic base for rainforest hikes, rugged coastline walks, and hidden beaches.
- Great for: hikers, adventurers, peace-seekers
- Highlights: Botanical Beach tide pools, Juan de Fuca Trail, surf spots, Cape Scott connections for backcountry trekking
10. Coombs & Cathedral Grove
Coombs is quirky and unforgettable — especially the Old Country Market, where you’ll often find goats happily grazing on the roof! Nearby, Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is one of the most awe-inspiring old-growth forests on the island.
- Great for: families, road trips, anyone with a camera
Highlights: goats on the roof, local artisan shops, Cathedral Grove’s ancient forest, proximity to Parksville
Best Time to Visit Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a year-round destination — the best time really depends on what you want to experience.
Spring
This is the time when wildflowers bloom, the trails dry out, and it’s shoulder season for travel! Storm watching gives way to whale watching where you can see resident orcas and early migrating humpbacks.
Summer
Summer is peak season on Vancouver Island! You’ll find great weather, perfect for kayaking, beach days and boardwalk strolls in charming towns. It’s also the busiest time for the entire island so be prepared to book ahead no matter what you’re planning to do!
Fall
Harvest season brings food festivals, wine tastings, and stunning foliage, especially around the Cowichan Valley! You’ll find many sunny days before the rains set in and with fewer crowds, cities and coastlines are peaceful.
Winter
Vancouver Island is a rainforest so in the winter, expect rainy days, stormy seas and cozy getaways! Some of the best things to do during this season is storm watching in Tofino, wildlife viewing around Campbell River, and indoor visits to places like the Parliament Buildings in Victoria or Shaw Center for the Salish Sea in Sidney. There are tons of options to make winter a magical off-season option!
Bonus Travel Tips for Vancouver Island
Take the scenic route! A road trip lets you explore hidden gems between the bigger towns — perfect for spontaneous stops.
Ride BC Ferries or a seaplane! Both offer iconic views of the Gulf Islands and Strait of Georgia.
Dress for the weather. Even in summer, layers are key on the west coast.
Book wildlife tours early! Whale watching and grizzly bear tours often sell out fast, especially in high season.
Respect Indigenous lands. Every town and city on Vancouver Island are located on traditional territory, ancestral homes of First Nations people like the W̱SÁNEĆ and Nuu-chah-nulth. Always travel with care and respect.
Ready to Explore the Best of Vancouver Island?
From black bears in the north to surfing in the west, Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s most dynamic travel destinations! Whether you’re planning a family getaway to Parksville, a romantic trip to Tofino, or a backcountry trek through a Provincial Park, there’s something here for everyone.
Book your perfect home base with EMR Vacation Rentals — from oceanside cottages to forested retreats, we have the perfect stay for your island adventure!
