Vancouver Island

Travel Guide

Vancouver Island
British Columbia Parliament Building which includes a park, night scenes and heritage architecture
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Sooke featuring a sunset and a pebble beach

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 which includes a city, street scenes and a house

Downtown Victoria

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 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

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 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 Uptown Center.

Saanich West
The largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula.

Saanich East

While visiting Saanich East, you might make a stop by sights like Cadboro Bay and Cedar Hill Golf Course.

Saanich East
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Esquimalt

Esquimalt is popular for its colorful gardens, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Sooke Salmon Charters or CFB Esquimalt Naval and Militiary Museum.

Esquimalt
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress
4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is P10,472 per night from 1 May to 2 May
P10,472
P12,269 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
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! (1,903 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel to stay"

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Fairmont Empress
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Grand Pacific
4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
The price is P8,421 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P8,421
P9,866 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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! (1,924 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
3 out of 5
330 Quebec Street, Victoria, BC
The price is P7,358 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P7,358
P8,747 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,470 reviews)
"It was excellent, friendly staff great breakfast ,beautiful suite ,looking forward to going back soon !"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
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! (2,853 reviews)
"The amenities were outstanding! We took full advantage of the pool and hot tub. Enjoyed the specific “Adults Only” hours. (Especially, considering it was spring break. All the staff were attentive, courteous and responded to our every request."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
3 out of 5
1175 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (548 reviews)
"Loved it had so much room, a real big kitchen, everything we could ever need and staff was so nice."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
SoLo Suites
SoLo Suites
4 out of 5
590 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (610 reviews)
"We stayed at Solo Suites with a large group in March. The suites were spacious and wonderful with full fridges, stoves, washer and dryer. All of the suites look different and unique inside. The keyless entry to the rooms was fantastic and convenient and parking was onsite and we had no issues finding ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2025

SoLo Suites
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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