THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vancouver Island
Things to Do in Vancouver Island
Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Butchart Gardens, Inner Harbour, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Hiking Trails. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
The Butchart Gardens, Inner Harbour, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Hiking Trails. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Vancouver Island.
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultC$290
Private and Luxuryfromper adultC$100
Photography Toursfromper adultC$189- fromper adultC$142
Horse Carriage Ridesfromper group (up to 6)C$275- fromper adultC$275
Skip the line Ticketsfromper adultC$40
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultC$180
Ghost Toursfromper adultC$23
4WD Toursfromper group (up to 5)C$380
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic garden showcasing diverse floral displays, including a tranquil Japanese garden and the vibrant Sunken Garden, complete with dining at the Blue Poppy restaurant.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Bodies of Water
Scenic coastal walkway surrounded by historical architecture, vibrant floral displays, and a lively marina. Pedestrian-friendly with diverse dining and shopping.
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Serene park with diverse wildlife, picturesque gardens, and a notable totem pole. Enjoy picnics, strolls, and a petting zoo amidst scenic landscapes and water features.
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Speciality Museums
Natural history and indigenous culture intertwine in diverse exhibits, including dinosaurs, totem poles, and a dynamic array of special displays, complemented by an IMAX theater.
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Hiking Trails
Scenic coastal trail with captivating ocean views, interpretive signs, and thoughtfully placed benches. Enjoy the rugged shoreline, lighthouse vistas, and abundant wildlife.
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Speciality Museums
Piers & Boardwalks
Scenic harbor front with colorful floating houses and eateries, known for fresh seafood dining and picturesque strolls. Water taxis and whale watching tours available.
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State Parks
Subterranean adventure through limestone caves with guided tours, showcasing awe-inspiring natural formations, waterfall climbs, and unique physical challenges.
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National Parks
Forests
Ancient forest sanctuary with easy trails winding through centuries-old Douglas Firs, providing a tranquil walk amidst towering, moss-covered giants and informative signage.
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Historic Sites
Historic legislative building with guided tours delving into its unique historical anecdotes, set amidst lush gardens and striking architecture, illuminated beautifully at night.
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Popular Cities in Vancouver Island
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- WonderingNutSpanaway, WA241 contributionsin the past, I’ve only been here during the day. This was my first Christmas at the gardens and it was absolutely beautiful. We started our evening with high tea which turned out to be the best high tea we had while in Victoria. Then out into the gardens to see the lights and their 12 days of Christmas scavenger hunt. Too bad that was the day it rained cats and dogs all day.Written March 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Usia2014Calgary, Canada1,970 contributionsVictoria Harbour is so beautiful with the flowers, Parliament buildings, The Empress, interesting boats, float planes and water taxis. There are restaurants and shops close by to get a nice meal and some souvenirs. It’s worth a stop to check it out any season, day time, or in the evening with the lights.Written January 29, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carlie JVancouver, Canada148 contributionsI have previously been to the children’s farm in the park and it is fabulous but on this trip we decided to walk around the rest of the park and it is just a lovely. There are several duck ponds with a variety of different ducks. This was a huge hit with my toddler. Both playgrounds are well appointed and taken care of. The public bathrooms were clean and stocked.
The plants, trees and flowers throughout the park are absolutely stunning.
This is a Victoria attraction that costs nothing but should not be missed.Written March 23, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WestCoastRestlessCentral Oregon, OR274 contributionsWe spent a long afternoon here in the exhibits and at the Imax. The exhibits were really interesting and even kept the kids (tweens) engaged. The IMAX was fantastic. We saw the one on the Arctic one in 3D and it was beautiful, but sad (talking about the impact of climate change). Definitely don't rush through and savor the exhibits.Written January 6, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cathy SVictoria, Canada32 contributionsA complete contrast with the sandy beaches of Tofino—wild seas dashing on rocky shores. Easy to imagine how difficult early navigation was around here and you can still find the remains of a shipwreck to the south of the Black Rock hotel. The trail takes you on an easily accessible walk above the drama. A must do if you visit the west coast.Written March 15, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alyssa LBolingbrook, IL54 contributionsThe staff was really helpful and knowledgeable of the castle! It was amazing how many stories it is and included some fun facts. There were many rooms, yet some of them didn’t have some historical pieces in them just information stands which made them just feel a little barren and the tickets each person are about $30 CAD. Not sure why there was a Ouija Board in the billiards room which kind of spooked me, unless it’s historical and was used by the family before.Written October 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wayne NSydney, Australia2,590 contributionsA small wharf full of restaurants gift shops and the most amazing floating homes.
Easy flat walk from Victoria about 15-20min along the foreshore.
Worth a visit.Written October 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bill B1 contributionOur guide Curt was was very informative patient, educated and funny. EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE.
This was our first time Caving and won't be our last. This is a must try experience.Written January 12, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sandie ZCalgary, Canada62 contributionsGreat beach to watch surfers and walk dogs. Close to many resorts a good safe walking path along hwy to walk or bike. Friendly people we met walking mostly from the island and frequent visitors.Written September 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tdsuperstarToronto, Canada19,779 contributionsTruly amazing experience. It was not the nicest of days that I was there, but I enjoyed the scenery and waves while in Tofino. It's worth paying for the day pass, it's good to support of National Parks. Have some good hiking shoes/boots, your feet will thank you for it! Try and hit up multiple parking lots. I was able to enjoy Long and South Beach. The power of ocean will leave you in awe! Enjoy the beauty Canada has to offer!!Written March 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tdsuperstarToronto, Canada19,779 contributionsThe Cathedral Grove on the way to Port Alberni is truly magical experience. The only detractor to the place is there is a lack of parking, which I am sure is havoc on busy, beautiful weekends. Trees that are three centuries older than Columbus showing up on North American shores gives you pause. Things slow down and you think about time. The beauty of this place is truly second to none. You just have to really ensure that you do not visit on a windy day, they don’t recommend it for safety reasons. Cathedral Grove is an amazing experience and worth the effort to visit!!Written March 8, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Usia2014Calgary, Canada1,970 contributionsIt’s probably one of the most photographed buildings in Victoria because it is so regal looking in the day time. However, in the evening when all the lights are on it looks magical. We’ve been inside and it’s very nice. Also, we’ve had a delicious lunch in the small restaurant in there. Because it’s a government building, the outside area is often the site of protests as well.Written January 29, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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