Located between the Strait of Georgia and Pacific Ocean, this Canadian island spans 32,000 km² of rainforests, snow-capped peaks, and rocky beaches where orcas swim near shore.
Vancouver Island stretches 460 kilometers along British Columbia's western shoreline. Walk among cedar trees wider than a car in Cathedral Grove, spot orcas breaching in the Georgia Strait, or step inside Victoria's 1890s Craigdarroch Castle. The island's mild climate supports olive and lemon trees in some areas, while black bears fish for salmon in remote streams and gray whales migrate past its western beaches.
Getting to Vancouver Island
Take a 90-minute BC Ferries ride from Vancouver to Victoria, or fly into Victoria International Airport. Three regional airports - Nanaimo, Comox, and Campbell River - connect to major Canadian cities. Since there are no bridges to the mainland, you'll need to use BC Ferries to bring vehicles to the island. Book ferry reservations at least two weeks ahead during July and August.
Ancient Forests and Parks
In MacMillan Provincial Park's Cathedral Grove, cedar and douglas fir trees reach ages of 800 years, with trunks measuring 9 meters around. These giants tower 80 meters high, creating deep shade over the walking paths below. Strathcona Provincial Park spans 2,193 square kilometers of mountain terrain, with peaks rising above 2,100 meters. Choose from 400 kilometers of marked trails, from 30-minute forest walks to multi-day mountain climbs.
Wildlife Watching in the Pacific
Three resident orca pods, about 80 whales total, swim near Victoria's coast year-round. Between May and October, join boat tours from Fisherman's Wharf to see humpback whales, Dall's porpoises, and Steller sea lions. About 7,000 black bears live on the island - watch them catch salmon through guided tours from Campbell River or Tofino. Book tours for early morning or dusk during September and October's salmon runs for the best viewing chances.
Victoria and Urban Life
Victoria's streets contain buildings from the 1850s, including the stone-carved Parliament Buildings and the four-story Craigdarroch Castle. At the Royal BC Museum, examine cedar house posts, ceremonial masks, and 15-meter totem poles from coastal First Nations. Stop at Fisherman's Wharf's multicolored floating homes for fresh fish and chips, or watch street musicians perform along the Inner Harbour on summer evenings.
Pacific Rim and Tofino
Pacific Rim National Park covers 511 square kilometers of Vancouver Island's west coast, from rocky headlands to long sandy beaches. Paddle a kayak through Clayoquot Sound's sheltered waters or walk the Wild Pacific Trail's coastal sections near Tofino. The 2.6-kilometer Lighthouse Loop winds through cedar forest to viewpoints over Barkley Sound. Learn to surf at Cox Bay or Long Beach, where local schools provide year-round lessons and equipment rentals.
Climate and Seasons
Summer temperatures reach 22°C, while winter days average 3°C. Rain falls frequently from November through February, making March through October the most popular months for visitors. September and October bring thousands of salmon to the Campbell and Stamp Rivers, drawing bears to the riverbanks. The mild climate means you can hike, kayak, and whale watch throughout the year, though daylight hours are longest from June through August.
