Vancouver Island Travel Guides

Practical guides to planning a Vancouver Island trip: the best beaches and waterfalls, whale watching, old-growth forests, getting across on the ferry or a seaplane, Pacific Rim National Park, Victoria, Tofino, Butchart Gardens and more.

Vancouver Island Waterfalls: Goldstream, Englishman River, Little Qualicum & Elk Falls Best Beaches on Vancouver Island: Surf, Families, Tidepools and Sunsets Old-Growth Forests of Vancouver Island: Cathedral Grove, Avatar Grove & Big Lonely Doug Pacific Rim National Park: Long Beach, Trails, Beaches and Park Passes Whale Watching on Vancouver Island: Where, When & Which Boat Getting to Vancouver Island: BC Ferries, Seaplane, and Flights Seattle and Port Angeles to Victoria by Ferry Things to Do in Victoria BC Things to Do in Tofino & Ucluelet Surfing in Tofino: Beaches, Lessons, Seasons & Wetsuits Butchart Gardens: Guided Tour vs Self-Guided Visit Vancouver Island Road Trips and Scenic Drives: Routes, Stops and Timings Cowichan Valley Wine Country: A Day Trip from Victoria Victoria Cruise Port: What to Do With Your Hours Ashore (2026) Tofino Storm Watching & Winter on the West Coast (2026-2027) Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry vs Seaplane vs Guided Day Trip West Coast Trail & Juan de Fuca Marine Trail: A Hiker's Guide The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet: Loops, Lighthouse & Views Where to Eat in Tofino: Seafood, Tacos & Fine Dining Things to Do in Nanaimo: Old City, Islands & Harbour Malahat SkyWalk: Is It Worth It, and How to Combine It With Butchart Vancouver Island Hot Springs: Where to Soak Beyond Hot Springs Cove Parksville & Coombs: Beaches, the Old Country Market & Mid-Island Stops Afternoon Tea in Victoria: The Empress and Beyond Camping & RV Trips on Vancouver Island: Parks, Beaches & Bookings Salt Spring Island Day Trip: Market, Studios & Getting There Victoria Ghost Tours: Haunted Harbour, Chinatown & Old Town Walks Victoria Seafood & Oysters: A Local Eating Guide Vancouver Island Itineraries: 3, 5, 7 and 10 Days Salmon Fishing on Vancouver Island: Seasons, Spots & Charters Gulf Islands Kayaking & Island Hopping The Cowichan Sweater: A Buyer's Guide to a Coast Salish Icon Where to See Totem Poles on Vancouver Island Elk Falls & the Suspension Bridge Near Campbell River Goldstream Park & the Salmon Run Near Victoria Mystic Beach & the Juan de Fuca Day Hike Botanical Beach Tide Pools: Tides, Timing & the Trail Rathtrevor Beach With Kids: The Warm-Water Family Beach China Beach & Sombrio Beach on the Juan de Fuca Coast The Best Hikes on Vancouver Island, Easy to Epic Vancouver Island Weather Month by Month

Popular Vancouver Island tours

Booked through the operators' own GetYourGuide and Viator listings, with live prices and free-cancellation windows shown there.

Vancouver to Victoria & Butchart Gardens Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour from Vancouver takes you to the charming capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Enjoy a scenic ferry crossing with possible whale and seal sightings, followed by a guided tour of historic Victoria. Spend free time exploring the city before visiting the world-famous Butchart Gardens, with its stunning 55 acres of beautiful floral displays and landscapes.

  • ★ 4.7
  • 13 hours
  • 2,450+ booked

Victoria Day Trip from Vancouver – Seaplane & Whale Watching Adventure

This unforgettable full-day adventure combines a scenic 35-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria with a thrilling 3-hour whale-watching cruise. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and the Gulf Islands before searching for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and other marine wildlife with expert naturalists. Includes free time in Victoria.

  • ★ 4.6
  • 8 hours
  • 1,363+ booked
★ 4.7 average · 9 Vancouver Island tours See the tours →