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
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 CFB Esquimalt Naval and Militiary Museum or Sooke Salmon Charters.

Esquimalt
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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
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress
4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is P11,836 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
P11,836
P13,866 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 22 - Apr 23
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! (1,936 reviews)
"Its amazing friendly staff the check in front desk is smooth and fast our room is ready as we arrive ."

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Fairmont Empress
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
3.5 out of 5
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC
The price is P9,243 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
P9,243
P10,829 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
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! (2,108 reviews)
"Had a great stay at Chatue Vic. Everything I could have needed and more. Great staff too."

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Grand Pacific
4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
The price is P9,393 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P9,393
P11,004 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! (1,964 reviews)
"The mattress was incredibly hard! The stay would have been a 5 if I’d been able to sleep better."

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
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! (2,872 reviews)
"My son loved feeding the fish in the lobby, it made this location very memorable for him. We loved the calm quiet vibes. The only negatives I would say is that they charge extra for the underground parking (but I think most places do now). Also we struggled a bit with the temperature in our room ..."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 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! (554 reviews)
"Everything was nice and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Apr 9, 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! (629 reviews)
"Pillows weren’t great"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 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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