There’s no shortage of beauty on Vancouver Island—but which stops are actually worth your time? This list of the best places to see on Vancouver Island skips the fluff and gets straight to the good stuff.
Planning a trip here can feel like guessing a restaurant based on the outside menu—how do you know what’s actually good?
I’ve been up and down this island, and these are the places that stuck with me. You’re in for wild beaches, forest giants, quirky towns, and a few oddball gems, too.
Best Places to See on Vancouver Island
From quiet coves and storm-battered shores to the kind of forests that feel straight out of a movie set, Vancouver Island has range. You’ll find spots that suit hikers, foodies, and slow-walkers in sandals equally well.
The quaint harbour city of Victoria is clearly the island’s crown jewel, at least when it comes to attractions and tourism. This will be most people’s island introduction.
But trust me, ecotourism is what really makes this place shine. So don’t be afraid to venture further afield.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️: The average trip to Vancouver Island is booked 42 days in advance.
Especially in high season, booking online is the only way to avoid sellouts.
- 🏞️ Buy now: Vancouver to Victoria + Butchart Gardens tour (all transport included)
- 🌁 Buy now: Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane (free cancellation)
- 🚌 Buy now: Victoria Bus from Vancouver (book now/pay later)
All the links above offer the chance to book now/pay later, allow free cancellation, and guarantee you the best price – or you’ll be refunded the difference 🤝
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up (but trust me, the full write-ups are where it gets good):
- Tofino: Surf town with wild beaches
- Cathedral Grove: Massive trees, zero effort
- Victoria Inner Harbour: Postcard views, every angle
- Ucluelet: Tofino’s quieter, cooler cousin
- Cowichan Valley: Wine country, island style
- The Malahat Skywalk: A 600 metre viewpoint with ocean & mountain views
- Strathcona Park: Wild hikes, real wilderness
- Hornby Island: Chill island with Caribbean vibes
- Telegraph Cove: North Island ecotourism hotspot along the Johnstone Strait.
🛣️ Looking for a complete island itinerary? Check out my Vancouver Island road trip guide to see how to budget your time.
Tofino
This once-sleepy fishing village became Canada’s capital of cool. The beaches stretch for miles, and yes, the waves are the real deal.
It’s a mix of barefoot beach culture, upscale eco-lodges, and that misty rainforest air you can’t bottle. I spent three rainy days here and never once missed the sun.
Whether you’re looking to explore indigenous culture, enjoy a chill day at the beach, or sample world-class dining, Tofino has something for everyone.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing tacos at Tacofino, the original truck tucked behind a surf shop.
Cathedral Grove
If you plan on hitting the island’s West Coast, you’ll likely pass through Cathedral Grove on the drive between Nanaimo and Ucluelet. Here’s why you should stop.
The area is home to some of the oldest and tallest Douglas firs in Canada—some of them are over 800 years old.
You don’t need hiking boots here. The trails are short and flat. But the trees? Absolutely massive. I couldn’t stop staring up, which isn’t safe, but impossible to avoid.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Standing beside the biggest fir and trying to wrap your arms around it (you won’t).
Victoria Inner Harbour
This may sound obvious, but we can’t ignore Vancouver Island’s most popular spot.
Victoria’s downtown wraps around this working harbour, where seaplanes land beside kayaks and water taxis. It’s walkable, colourful, and polished without being stiff.
The colonial architecture never fails to disappoint. I like grabbing a bench by the water and just watching the floatplanes. Peaceful, in a low-flying airplane kind of way.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Enjoying a regal afternoon tea experience at the Fairmont Empress.
Ucluelet
If Tofino’s a bit too polished, Ucluelet keeps it simple. It has the same coastline, the same storm drama—just fewer transplants and influencers taking selfies.
Think more fishing boats and eco-tourism than fine dining and $500 a night resorts.
The Wild Pacific Trail is the reason I came. Cliffs, cedars, ocean views… It’s one of the easiest but most scenic coastal walks I’ve done in Canada.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Hiking the Lighthouse Loop Trail, near Amphitrite Point.
The Cowichan Valley
This is wine country without the wine snobbery. The valley stretches inland from the coast, dotted with laid-back vineyards and slow roads.
I had a glass of Ortega at Blue Grouse Estate Winery that made me consider quitting city life on the spot.
Known as the “Napa of the North”, this unique Mediterranean-like sub-climate offers the best wine tasting this side of the Okanagan.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Booking an afternoon wine tour that covers several local wineries.
The Malahat Skywalk
The Malahat Skywalk opened in 2021 and quickly became a favourite for big views without a hard hike, sitting high above the Saanich Inlet.
The spiral ramp leading up to the viewpoint feels playful and calm, with the ocean, islands, and mountains slowly unfolding as you climb. I liked how accessible it felt, even with coffee in hand.
The attraction is located halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo, near the Cowichan Valley. So it’s a great way to break up the drive—particularly if you have children.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Letting the kids experience a trip down the world-famous Spiral Slide. It’s so fun, you might even want to take a trip yourself!
Strathcona Park
The island’s biggest park is also the most rugged. This is where you go if you want actual wilderness—lakes, mountains, no cell signal.
I camped at Buttle Lake and woke up to mist crawling over the water. It looked like a Bob Ross painting, except it had mosquitoes.
Strathcona Park is accessible via the Gold River Highway from Campbell River, so it’s a bit of a hike. But if an escape is what you seek, this is where to find it.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Swimming in the glacial-clear water of Lower Myra Falls.
Hornby Island
This Northern Gulf Island feels like the laid-back cousin of Tofino, due to its numerous sandy beaches, orchards, and beautiful campgrounds.
The tiny population, epic beaches, and crystal-clear water somehow trick your brain into thinking you’re in the tropics. It is known as the “Little Hawaii ” of BC, after all!
Getting here from Vancouver takes effort (2 ferries minimum), but the vibe is tranquil and warm. Last time, I never wore shoes the whole weekend.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Swimming at Tribune Bay—it’s unreal on a hot day.
Telegraph Cove
Telegraph Cove looks like a movie set, with boardwalk buildings built over the water and history tied to fishing and telegraph lines.
This North Island hideaway feels frozen in time, especially early morning. I once watched seals float past my coffee cup, which felt almost unfairly peaceful.
It is primarily known for its world-class whale watching, kayaking, and eco-tourism in the nearby Johnstone Strait.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Booking a whale watching trip with Telegraph Cove Whale Watching if conditions allow.
⛴️ Looking for more travel tips? Check out our guide on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver.
Best Places to See on Vancouver Island FAQ
How do you get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver?
Most visitors take a BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay to Swartz Bay (Victoria) or Departure Bay (Nanaimo). Flights and floatplanes also run daily.
What is the best time to visit Vancouver Island?
Summer (June to early September) is ideal for beaches and hiking, but spring is beautiful as well—particularly on the Southern Island. Winter and Fall are quieter but best for storm watching in Tofino or Ucluelet.
Are the Cathedral Grove trees really that big?
Yes. Some are 800+ years old and over 75 metres tall. You feel like an ant in a forest of giants.
Is Hornby Island worth the ferry trip?
Totally. It takes some effort to reach, but the beach at Tribune Bay and the calm vibe make it a personal favourite.
Which side of Vancouver Island is better to visit?
The West Coast feels more rugged, wild and dramatic. The East Coast feels calmer and easier to move around, but is much busier.
Can you visit Vancouver Island as a day trip from Vancouver?
A day trip works for Victoria, but it feels rushed. An overnight stay makes the trip far more enjoyable.
Found the Best Places to See on Vancouver Island Yet?
Did you visit any of the spots on my list? Or maybe I missed something this time around.
Let us know in the comments below, or hit us up on socials.
⛴️ Enjoy your island getaway
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