Hiking Trails in Vancouver Island
THE 10 BEST Vancouver Island Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails in Vancouver Island
Category types
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
58 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Showing results 1-30 of 58
What travellers are saying
- EvecatHenryville, PA173 contributionsExcellent trail accesdible for everyone. The trail winds forest and beach settings. It is an excellent way to enjoy nature, wildlife and sea shore.Written June 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lbroome705Courtenay, Canada84 contributionsSo beautiful, lots of gorgeous nature to see and we got some great photos. We split our time between hiking trails and exploring the beaches. We have come to Tofino and Ucluelet several times in later summer but late May/early June was better timing - way less hot for us. Enjoyed the forest in the rain.Written June 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Karen MMississauga, Canada63 contributionsBeautiful trail through the rainforest. We took loop B, across the road from the parking. It was so cool to be in a graforst, see the nurse trees, and hear the birds cawing. The trail is a wooden boardwalk. In a few places a board was missing or the boards were eroding, but for the most part it was in good shape. Many stretches did not have a railing. Some steep stairs in a few spots, which my mom managed well, despite being in her 80s.Written August 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nan MChipman, Canada2 contributionsLovely drive, some wildlife, driftwood, solitude when you want it, beautiful views, great place for a walk tooWritten June 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Julie C66 contributionsHad read so much about the WCT.Its such an iconic trail, I was determined to do it when I visited Canada.Did it live up to the hype?Definitely,I loved the whole experience.Its challenging with very rough terrain.We hiked south to North,which meant we did the hardest sections first.It took us an hour to do the 1st km on day one,so tough,Day 2 we got up at 4am to do the boulders and beat the tide.That was very difficult with wet slippery rocks,barnacles that are lethal if they cut you,and large boulders to clamber over.All this carrying very full packs.We managed to complete this section in 3 hours which is apparently pretty quick.I was so relieved when it was done.Day 3 was the longest day,but the trail gets easier as the days go on.Days 4-8 were easier.There is so many ladders on this trail,79 in total so if you have a problem with ladders you will not enjoy this.Was lovely camping on the beaches.Thrashers camp ground was like tent city but the other camp grounds were not as crowded.All the camp sites had outhouses.There are 2 lovely waterfalls on the trail so you can have a refreshing swim.Half the trail is beach and half forest and you have a choice most of the time with regards to which way you want to go.A lot depends on the tides too.We saw lots of whales,sea lions and even a black bear.There are 2 lighthouses you can visit and even a chance for fresh seafood at the seafood shack.I had the salmon and it was delicious.So make sure you take some cash with you.We did one cable car crossing across the river,great fun but hard work too.I did the hike with an organised group and they were fantastic but we saw plenty of solo travellers.My one complaint and others have commented on this,is the state of the boardwalks.They are just terrible,really unsafe.Some had over half the steps gone,others so fragile I could feel them creaking underfoot.It is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.Parks Canada need to retify this ASAP.So in summery this trail is amazing and I highly reccomend it,just be well prepared and make sure you have the right equipment This hike is not a walk in the park.Written July 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew KVancouver, Canada23 contributionsWent for the zip lining. I had reserved in advance and got a call the day before saying that I was the only one so they could not do it. I received a call later that night saying one 45 minutes later was available would I like to come. I said yes. Got there the next day. Vistas are amazing. Area is nice. There is a store there and a restaurant with a patio. Simple with picnic tables. Ordered a burger and fries, frozen patty type fare not that great. But really didn’t come to eat. Went to zip lining. Toby and Rachel were our guides. There was 2 others in our group. They walked us through the activity after a video then off to the practice area. Quick tutelage on how the zip lining works and off we went. Up the chairlift to the first stage. During the whole time they are pointing out landmarks and going over local wildlife etc. Well I was first up and man it was something else. Flying down there at top speeds was soooo much fun. It is all done very safely. 4 lengthy runs. It took us just under 2 hours but we had a small group. Our guides, Toby and Rachel were so good. Friendly, professional and I felt very safe. You could tell they both loved their jobs. Keep up the great work guys. I will be back. Zip lining was a 5 but the restaurant experience brought the review down. Pack a lunch. Good service at the patio but low grade product.Written July 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- YozeCarpinteria, CA40 contributionsWe rented bikes from galloping goose E-Bike rentals. Simon met us at the 3rd parking lot. We booked on line. It was such a fun day. We rode 60 km from Sooke to Victoria. Beautiful views and high quality electric bikes. We called Simon when we reached Victoria and he came and picked us up and took us back to our car. The trail itself is easy to ride with a few minor hills. Couldn’t believe we could actually ride this far. But the bikes made it doable.Written June 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Naomi BLeiden, The Netherlands20 contributionsWe only did the Mystic beach trail. It was quite tough, so be prepared! It took about 45 min each way. Mystic beach was amazing and well worth the hike!Written April 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- hamasiSanta Barbara, CA5 contributionsThis was a magical experience. Anna set up everything and was there personally to greet us. We were picked up by boat in Tofino harbor by Danny. After a 30 min boat trip, we toured the Ahousat village to learn all about their beautiful culture and see the amazing progress tourist is having in the community. We met a bunch of cute village pups too! We then hiked the trail. Even though it was raining, it was the most serene and gorgeous site. Be prepared for some tougher spots but overall an easy hike. Danny met us in Cow Bay and took us back to Tofino. You can hike back or camp that night and hike back in the morning. Either way... a must do!Written July 1, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Theresa A9 contributionsA nice hike up to a lovely waterfall. Not too busy or intense. Can do in an hour. Had trouble finding the trail head. Drive right by it at first.Written August 27, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Matthew PWiltshire, UK72 contributionsWorth doing if you love trees and unique environments; which I do. Easy water taxi across with some wildlife watching and then a reflective stroll through the forest. The boardwalk is ok ( it’s hand made so be prepared for uneven steps, slippery conditions and the like) but the trail is fantastic. I was lost in my own world with some giants. If it has rained then be prepared to get wet from the vegetation; the trail is a wild one but well marked.Written July 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- yonzeVictoria, Canada150 contributionsThis trail for horses, bikes and walkers runs from the ferry terminal, at Swartz Bay, through Sidney, to Victoria and beyond. Pleasant ride through forest and farmland. Dead flat all the way to Mattocks Farm, where we stopped for a rest and an ice cream. Lovely ride, but not much scenery.Written September 3, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WanakaWitchWanaka, New Zealand243 contributionsNice hike through a rain forest. Lots of old growth and large trees. Most people stop at the whale rubbing beach, sitting waiting for the whales, none for us, good place to stop and let people play.
Trail was very boggy and lots of fallen trees etc so need to be mobile.Written August 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Brad MCalgary, Canada1 contributionWe did a small bike ride from Lake Cowichan to the 70.2 Mile Trestle. Can anyone confirm if there is an old car just west of trestle, on south side? My wife and I were riding back to town with what looked like sun glare off an old chrome bumper. About 15 feet from trail, but we did not venture off the path. Can't seem to find any mention of it on this portion of the trail.Written July 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sandra’s impressionsLondon, UK70 contributionsGreat hike to the crash site. Slightly surprised that this isn’t an official hike as it was one of our favourites in the area. The trail is well marked and the boardwalk is in good condition, however there is no signposting, so read up on some guides before you go. Would definitely advise going in dry weather as we saw how muddy the place could easily get. There is a terrific amount of the wreckage remaining and you can get some great photos. Would not recommend climbing on the wreckage as not sure how safe and secure it is in position. All in all the hike took us about 90 minutes both ways from the Radar Hill lower cad park, just off the highway.Written July 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
