Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vancouver Island
British Columbia Parliament Building featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a garden
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Sooke featuring 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 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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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
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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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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 ₹17,973 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹17,973
₹21,057 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,240 reviews)
"It was easily accessible to everything around the"

Reviewed on 14 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 ₹16,833 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹16,833
₹19,722 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,327 reviews)
A Jewel!
"What a perfect location to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of Victoria's Inner Harbour! The Grand Pacific is a lovely hotel. The room, the facilities, the food, and the service are all top notch. My son and I enjoyed our time there immensely!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
Fairmont Empress

Fairmont Empress

4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is ₹26,472 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹26,472
₹31,015 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,150 reviews)
"Everything was perfect! Kelley at the front was amazing! Thank you for turning our vacation around!"

Reviewed on 15 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 Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,952 reviews)
"Very very nice place and good location. Free borrow bikes was a nice touch."

Reviewed on 13 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 Wi-Fi, 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 7 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Terrace Beach and Little Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (202 reviews)
"Cabin nice, rustic, clean. Great spot overlooking the water. Nice deck to sit out on."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 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

Cities near Vancouver Island