Vancouver Island

Travel Guide

Tofino showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
British Columbia Parliament Building which includes heritage architecture, a park and night scenes
Port Alberni featuring landscape views, tranquil scenes and a sunset
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park featuring forests and a bridge
Sooke which includes 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 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 which includes a city, street scenes and a house

Downtown Victoria

4.5/5(796 area reviews)

Downtown Victoria boasts a lively atmosphere with movie theatres, stage theatres, hotels, and various dining options. Explore tourist attractions like Bastion Square, Centennial Square, and the historic Chinatown.

Downtown Victoria
Victoria Harbour featuring heritage elements and a bay or harbor

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 showing a coastal town and a marina

James Bay

5/5(513 area reviews)

You can explore vibrant attractions like Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman's Wharf Park, and the Royal British Columbia Museum in this area near Victoria's Inner Harbour. Accessible via Belleville Street and other main roads, it also offers a HeliJet terminal and a US ferries terminal.

James Bay
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Esquimalt

Southern tip of Vancouver Island hosts Esquimalt, a municipality with a rich naval history and heritage sites like Craigflower farmhouse and schoolhouse. Explore the area along the historic Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway.

Esquimalt
The largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula.

Saanich East

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Saanich East, you might make a stop by sights like Lochside Regional Trail and Cadboro Bay.

Saanich East
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Saanich West

While there might not be top attractions in Saanich West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Princess Louisa Inlet and Lochside Regional Trail.

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 ¥30,324 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
¥30,324
¥35,526 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
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! (2,221 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Grand Pacific
4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
The price is ¥29,997 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥29,997
¥35,145 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (2,294 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly and helpful. Our room was comfortable and we had a lovely view of the water as well as towards James Bay. We had breakfast every day at Fanthom which was delicious and at a reasonable price. A very enjoyable visit and I will stay there on my next trip to Victoria."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress
4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is ¥46,253 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥46,253
¥54,190 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (2,129 reviews)
"It is nice but the staff is overhelmed. The vallets are awesome. The conceirge is lazy. The boss came by and had something more important for the hostess to do. We had to eat somewhere else because she never comes back. Disappointed with the level of service."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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! (2,944 reviews)
Great for family visits
"Room spacious and view nice. Lobby special with fish pond. Parking easy in the garage. Location convenient for walking downtown and to the harbour, museums etc. the pool was big enough to swim laps and the temperature was just right."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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! (584 reviews)
"Cute and cozy cottages"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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 Jun 22, 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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