Is Vancouver Island Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to visit!
Chantelle KincyAre you wondering if Vancouver Island is worth visiting? I asked Chanelle from Chasing Chanelle to answer this question for me.
Chanelle is a Canadian-based blogger who loves the West Coast and has put together her top reasons to visit Vancouver Island.
Is Vancouver Island Worth Visiting?
To answer this question, YES, Vancouver Island is definitely worth visiting!
This beautiful island is located southwest of mainland British Columbia, in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. With a mix of picturesque cities, remote beaches, lush rainforests, and snow-capped mountains, there is something for everyone here.
The diverse natural beauty of the island makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, camping, and water sports. Plus, it’s a really family-friendly destination.
And don’t worry if you’re more of an urban traveler, with a rich history and culture, and as the home of BC’s capital city, there is also plenty for you to do here.
15 Best Reasons to Visit Vancouver Island
To help you decide if Vancouver Island is worth visiting, here are the top 15 reasons to visit. Hopefully, some of these will inspire you to add it to your list of future travel destinations!
1. Pacific Rim National Park
At the top of the list, there is Pacific Rim National Park. This is Canada’s oldest National Park Reserve and is protected by UNESCO.
Spanning nearly 200 square miles on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Pacific Rim National Park is one of the best places in the world to explore kilometers of unspoiled sandy beaches, temperate rainforest, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
2. Easy access from Mainland Canada and the USA
Although many islands can be difficult to reach, Vancouver Island is actually really close to both mainland Canada and the USA, making it easy to get to.
The best way to travel to Vancouver Island is by ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria, from Vancouver or Seattle.
The ferry ride can be as short as 1.5 hours (depending on the route you’re taking). This is a great option as you can bring your car with you, making it easy to explore as much of the island as possible
It’s also possible to fly to Vancouver Island from mainland Canada, or Seattle. The island’s biggest airport is Victoria International Airport (YYJ). There are also several smaller airports located in communities around the island, which are served by major airlines.
Because Vancouver Island is so easy to get to from the mainland, if you’re short of time it’s a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, or even just for the day!
🚢 Check Ferry Availability Here
3. Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the best things to do when at Vancouver Island, with some tour operators even guaranteeing sightings!
You are most likely to see orcas (also known as killer whales), humpback whales, and Pacific grey whales making their way through the island’s waters.
There are also over 500 resident whales in the area, so they can be sighted at any time of year.
If you haven’t been whale watching before, this should definitely be added to your list of things to try, as it’s a truly special experience.
🐳Click to Book a Whale Watching Experience!
4. The Beautiful Coastline
If Vancouver Island is known for one thing, it has to be its stunning coastline. As Canada’s premier beach destination, not only will you find beautiful sandy beaches here, but also rugged shores, interesting marine life, and unique landscapes to explore.
As the island is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the water is cold! But this doesn’t deter beachgoers every summer from swimming, surfing, and exploring the beach.
Fishing and beachcombing are also popular activities on Vancouver Island. There is an abundance of marine life, shells, and crustaceans that line the shores, and anemones and starfish can be spotted in the many tidal pools.
➡️ Read more about PNW Beaches at Olympic National Park
5. Tofino
Located at the northern tip of Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino is a must-visit destination on Vancouver Island.
This small town has something for everyone – from family-friendly campsites to luxury resorts, and everything in between.
Tofino is famous for being the surf capital of Canada, with miles of sandy beaches and world-class waves year-round.
But this isn’t the only thing to do here. Tofino is also known for whale-watching, hot springs, camping, hiking, storm-watching, and excellent local food.
Plus, the area is a great place to base yourself for day trips into Pacific Rim National Park.
➡️ Click here for the best vacation rentals in Tofino
6. Amazing Hiking
When you think of hiking in Canada, summiting peaks in Banff or Jasper probably comes to mind. However, some of the PNW’s best hiking can actually be found on Vancouver Island.
What makes hiking here so spectacular is the dramatic landscapes and varied terrain. From technical coastal hikes to mountain summits, there is something here for every type of hiker.
In particular, the island is home to one of the world’s most famous multi-day hikes – the iconic West Coast Trail.
Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park, this 47-mile hike is unlike any other on the planet. With a mix of beach and forest walking, boulder fields, mud, ladders, and cable cars, the diversity of the terrain and unspoiled views make this a once-in-a-lifetime hike.
7. Beach Camping
Vancouver Island is one of the most popular destinations in Canada for camping. And what makes it so popular is the abundance of beach camping opportunities!
There are two ways to try beach camping on Vancouver Island: either by completing one of the island’s several multi-day coastal hikes; or by booking a site at one of the many beachside campgrounds.
Staying at a beachside campground is a great option for your next family vacation. There is nothing quite like sleeping by the ocean, having bonfires on the beach, and watching the sunset over the waves. Plus, you will get to maximize your time enjoying and exploring the beach each day.
Some of the best places for beach camping on Vancouver Island include Pachena Bay (located inside Pacific Rim National Park), Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, and Cox Bay Beach near Tofino.
🏕 Search for Camp Sites on Vancouver Island
8. Wildlife Viewing
Vancouver Island has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in all of Canada.
The island is home to an array of land animals and birds including grizzly and black bears, cougars, grey wolves, black-tailed deer, and bald eagles, as well as tons of marine life such as whales, sea lions, otters, dolphins, fish and small marine animals.
When exploring the natural surroundings on Vancouver Island, if you exercise patience and caution, it’s possible to spot some of these animals in the wild, or at least see traces of them.
To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, you can hire a guide or go on a wildlife viewing tour. In the summer months, you can even take a grizzly bear tour to see them catching salmon and feeding along the shore!
9. It’s a Family Friendly Destination
As you’ve probably gathered by now, Vancouver Island is a very family-friendly destination.
Between camping, beachcombing, exploring tidal pools, wildlife spotting, swimming, and much more, this is not a place where kids will get bored! And that is exactly what keeps families coming back year after year.
10. Port Hardy
Most visitors to Vancouver Island will spend their time in the middle and southern parts of the island. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and adventurous vacation, then Port Hardy is for you.
Located near the northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy is a small community, surrounded by secluded beaches, a rugged coastline, and some of the island’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Port Hardy is an adventure seeker’s dream. Here you can partake in world-class fishing, scuba diving, boating, and hiking, all within a pristine and untouched environment.
11. BC’s Capital City – Victoria
If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, Vancouver Island is still worth a visit. In particular, for the beautiful and historic city of Victoria.
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and the largest city on the island. It’s easy to get here by air or ferry, and is a great destination for a weekend break, or even a day trip!
With a rich British history, Victoria is filled with British culture and some of Canada’s most beautiful architecture.
It’s also a center for art, food, and culture. In the city, you will find horse-drawn carriages, double-decker buses, tearooms, colorful gardens, and a stunning harbor.
In addition to site seeing, you can visit the Royal BC Museum, see colorful houseboats and eat fresh seafood at the fisherman’s wharf, and even take a seaplane tour!
➡️ Click Here to See the Best Tours in Victoria
12. Cowichan Valley Wine Country
When we say that Vancouver Island has it all, it really does!
On top of the stunning coastline, old-growth forests, and many mountains, Vancouver Island also has a beautiful wine region, complete with Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climate.
There are several winemaking areas on the island, but Cowichan Valley, in particular, is worth a visit.
It is home to some of Canada’s best wineries, as well as an abundance of distilleries, cideries, and local farms producing artisanal food.
The area is also known for hosting several of the country’s best multi-day festivals, where you can enjoy live performances from international acts, sample local produce, camp, dance, and attend workshops.
13. It’s a year-round destination
Although you might only think of Vancouver Island for summer vacations, it’s actually a year-round destination with some amazing winter activities. There are two ski resorts on the island.
And, as the island has Canada’s mildest winter weather, a lot of outdoor activities, such as hiking and surfing, can continue in the colder months.
One of Vancouver Island’s most popular winter activities is storm-watching. From November to February, a lot of hotels even offer winter storm-watching packages.
If you prefer to stay inside in the warmth, there are also plenty of indoor activities on the island. There is no shortage of museums, boutique shops, top restaurants, and spas (to name a few).
14. Mt Washington Alpine Resort
If you love skiing or snowboarding but want a more cost-effective and family-friendly option than many other resorts, Mt Washington Alpine Resort is for you.
Mt Washington is the island’s premier ski resort and actually has some of the most consistent snow in Canada.
Although it’s not as big as some of the better-known Canadian resorts, what Mount Washington lacks in terrain, it makes up for with tons of snow.
The ski area has a lot of beginner runs, perfect for those learning to ski, in addition to more advanced terrain.
And lift passes at Mount Washington are priced around 15% cheaper than more high-profile resorts like Whistler Blackcomb.
15. Unique Experiences for Everyone
Vancouver Island is a true adventure seeker’s playground. However, you don’t have to be a seasoned explorer to try an array of unique and fun experiences available on the island.
Not only are there plenty of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels; but there are also tons of bucket-list-worthy things to do on the island.
From whale-watching or seeing grizzly bears in the wild to landing on water in a seaplane, there is something exciting for everyone to try here!
Visiting Vancouver Island FAQs
Now that you know why Vancouver Island is worth visiting, here are a few more FAQs to help you plan your trip to this beautiful island.
What is so special about Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island has it all! The island’s stunning natural landscapes, including sandy beaches, temperate rainforests, and tall mountains, make it one of the most unique and special places in Canada.
And its mild climate means the natural beauty of the island can be enjoyed all year round.
What is the best Month to Visit Vancouver Island?
This really depends on what you’re looking to do. For a summer vacation, August is considered the best time to visit, since it is the warmest month, but anytime from June to September is beautiful.
For winter activities, January and February are the best time.
Do You Need a Car to Travel the Island?
No, but traveling by car is the easiest way to get around the island. If you don’t have a car, luckily there are various bus services that connect most cities and towns on the island.
Can you drive from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
Technically, yes! If driving, you can get the ferry with your car from Vancouver to Victoria or Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
How Long is The Ferry Ride to Vancouver Island?
The ferry from mainland Canada to Vancouver Island takes between 1:35 to 2 hours, and from Seattle in Washington State, takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.
How Many Days Do You Need on Vancouver Island?
If you want to explore different parts of Vancouver Island, you will need at least 7 days, but the more time the better.
If you’re short on time, you can also visit Vancouver Island for just a weekend or day trip. However, you will be limited to what you can see during your visit.
How Can You Spend One Day on Vancouver Island?
The best way to spend one day on Vancouver Island is to get the ferry to Victoria or Nanaimo early in the morning.
You can then spend the day exploring the city, before returning by ferry in the evening.
There are also a number of tours you can fit into a day trip to the island, such as whale-watching.
Can You Walk Around Vancouver Island?
You can’t walk around Vancouver Island, but you can walk the Vancouver Island Trail (VIT), a 500-mile hike that covers the length of the island. This will be quite a hike and it generally takes around 2 months to complete.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Around the Island?
The island has a limited road system, so you can’t actually drive around the island. An exception to this is a 160-mile loop around the southern part of the island.
Called the Pacific Marine Circle Route, this loop takes around 5 hours to drive.
Although it’s better to do the drive over a couple of days so you can take your time to enjoy the beautiful stops along the way.
You can also drive from Victoria at the bottom of Vancouver Island, to Port Hardy at the top. This takes around 6 hours, covering 285 miles.
What is The Most Beautiful Part of Vancouver Island?
The west coast of Vancouver Island is generally considered the most beautiful part, with breathtaking coastal scenery and old-growth forests.
This is where you will find Pacific Rim National Park and pristine beach destinations like Nanaimo.
Conclusion: Is Vancouver Island Worth Visiting?
We hope we’ve answered your questions about whether you should visit Vancouver Island.
With some of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada and unique activities, you’ll never get bored on Vancouver Island.
As a great all-year-round destination for adventurers, families, and city travelers, there is something on the island for everyone.
Therefore, we definitely think Vancouver Island is worth visiting!
Chanelle Rosenbaum
Chanelle is a Canadian-based blogger who loves the West Coast. She has a passion for sharing her love of the area with others.
