A wonderland of azure bays, rippling lakes, old-growth forests and lofty mountain peaks, Vancouver Island lies simply off the coast of mainland British Columbia, however in lots of respects it looks like its personal distinct province.
Though British Columbia’s capital metropolis, Victoria, lies at its southeastern tip, most of Vancouver Island is virgin wilderness. At 12,079 sq. miles, it is almost six occasions bigger than Canada’s solely island province, Prince Edward Island.
But, as immense as it’s, you may get to know the highest locations on the extra populous but nonetheless ruggedly beautiful southern third of the island in lower than per week. The highlights embrace Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, the far southwestern shoreline out to Port Renfrew, and the Gulf Islands archipelago. And in case you have a bit further time, you may tack on a facet journey to idyllic and idiosyncratic Tofino, on the island’s wild west coast.
An journey on this a part of Canada appeals to recreation lovers, foodies, artists and tradition seekers. Hikers and beachcombers will uncover infinite alternatives to commune with nature and look at dramatic wildlife, from formidable orcas (killer whales) to myriad migratory birds.
Associated: From California to British Columbia: 10 greatest locations for an idyllic West Coast getaway
Victoria, together with even the island’s smaller cities, abounds with farm-to-table eating places and third-wave cafes, together with laid-back but typically fairly prestigious artwork galleries and crafts boutiques.
Ferries ply the area’s spectacular Salish Sea, making it straightforward to journey by automobile from the mainland to Vancouver Island after which among the many Gulf Islands, which lie simply off of Vancouver Island’s southeastern coast. From Victoria, it is a scenic 90-minute ferry trip throughout the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Port Angeles, Washington, making it straightforward to mix this journey with a further highway journey across the Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands.
Planning recommendation
Timing and border crossings
Though you may get round Victoria’s Interior Harbour and several other of the cities within the space on foot, a automobile is required to get across the extra rural elements of the island. Factoring within the time you may spend in Vancouver if that is your gateway metropolis, give your self a minimum of eight days to expertise this itinerary. That provides you adequate time to spend two or three nights in Victoria, an evening in Sooke or Port Renfrew, and three to 5 nights within the Gulf Islands.
Tack on two or three nights if you happen to’re additionally going to Tofino. If you happen to’re planning to ferry or drive into neighboring Washington, keep in mind to journey along with your passport and ensure that if you happen to’re renting a automobile, the company lets you take it over the border (most British Columbia and Washington rental businesses do permit this).
Each day Publication
Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day publication
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
Charges and reservations
Ferry charges, particularly when touring with a automobile, can add some expense to your journey. In excessive season, for instance, it prices round 160 Canadian {dollars} (about $118) to take the ferry (together with a standard-size car, driver and passenger) to Salt Spring Island through Swartz Bay after which to proceed on to Tsawwassen on the British Columbia mainland. If taking the Black Ball Ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles, plan to spend about CA$135 ($100).
Though ferry reservations aren’t required, they’re a good suggestion if you happen to’re bringing a automobile, particularly on weekends and in the course of the busy mid-spring to mid-fall excessive season.
Greatest begin and finish factors
Together with time spent on the ferry, it is only some hours’ drive from Vancouver on the British Columbia mainland to get to Victoria. If renting a automobile, keep in mind that you will have to return your car in the identical nation that you simply picked it up, and that returning it at a unique location inside Canada may end up in steep one-way charges.
This journey begins in Victoria; nonetheless, the area’s largest airport with the best variety of direct flights is Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR), so it could take advantage of sense to start out and finish your travels there, after which catch a ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, a brief drive from Victoria.
Though there are fewer direct flights to Victoria Worldwide Airport (YYJ) than to Vancouver, it could nonetheless make sense to start out and finish your journey there, particularly if you happen to’re quick on time or touring solely a portion of this itinerary.
The most effective time to go to Vancouver Island
The most well-liked season for exploring this area is mid-Could by way of mid-October. That is when you may depend on the driest and sunniest climate. That mentioned, Victoria and the Gulf Islands are within the Olympic rain shadow and thus usually obtain much less rain and cloud cowl than a lot of the remainder of western British Columbia.
So even when visiting within the coronary heart of winter, it is potential to expertise a minimum of some partly sunny days. As you may count on, lodge charges are significantly larger in the course of the excessive season, and you may additionally expertise extra crowds presently. Attempt to reserve lodge rooms properly upfront in the course of the busy interval, and put together for probably lengthy waits to board the ferry.
If visiting in the course of the quieter months, from mid-autumn by way of mid-spring, you will have way more of the island and its scenic roads to your self, and you may additionally probably save fairly some huge cash.
Moreover, the dramatic squalls that usually blow by way of the coastal Pacific Northwest from mid-November by way of March have created a extremely standard phenomenon often known as storm-watching, which usually entails some mixture of braving the weather to stroll on or close to the seashore (however safely away from the possibly harmful surf) after which holing up afterward in a comfy room adorned with tall home windows and possibly — hopefully — a fuel fire, with e book, a favourite companion and/or a bottle of wine.
Victoria, British Columbia
From Port Angeles, it is a 90-minute ferry trip throughout the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, the dignified and — by Canadian requirements — balmy capital of British Columbia. With a inhabitants of about 92,000, it is also the second-largest metropolis (after Nanaimo, which is just barely bigger) on Vancouver Island, an enormous (it is almost half as massive as Eire) however minimally developed tract of sculpted inlets, jagged mountain peaks and temperate rainforest.
Because it approaches downtown’s compact skyline of midrise towers, the ferry chugs slowly by way of the sheltered, picturesque Interior Harbour, which is house to the fixed hum of seaplanes, pleasure boats and water taxis.
From the terminal, you may stroll to lots of this leafy metropolis’s prime points of interest, together with the ornately neo-baroque provincial parliament buildings, the partaking Royal BC Museum and the Fairmont Empress lodge. Afternoon excessive tea on this venerable 1908 lodge is a treasured ceremony in addition to a testomony to Victoria’s conventional — some may say fusty —British fame.
In actuality, Victoria has turn into quickly youthful, extra various and dynamic lately, and hip craft breweries, third-wave coffeehouses, stylish worldwide bistros and sceney (however pleasant) cocktail lounges now proliferate. Lots of the greatest eating and consuming spots are set alongside downtown’s Fisgard Road, which varieties the center of the town’s historic Chinatown.
Associated: Greatest highway journeys within the US
It is a quick stroll from the waterfront to the town’s most celebrated inexperienced area, Beacon Hill Park, with its pine-shaded trails that lead south to Spiral Seaside and Finlayson Level — these are two fabulous spots for watching the sundown throughout the water, again towards Washington’s snowcapped Olympic Mountains. A favourite a part of the park is Beacon Hill Kids’s Farm, the place you may see and typically pet pot-bellied pigs, miniature donkeys, goats and different cute critters. Attempt to time your go to to look at the ridiculously cute day by day goat stampedes at round 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Depart the park by driving east alongside scenic Dallas Highway and Seaside Drive, following the curving shoreline and admiring genteel Oak Bay, after which take Freeway 17 north to the lovable port city of Sidney, which is house to the terrific Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea aquarium.
On the best way to Sidney, put aside a minimum of a few hours to detour a couple of miles west on Keating Cross Highway to the famend Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre former limestone quarry on Brentwood Bay that in 1921 was remodeled right into a collection of rigorously deliberate and curated gardens.
The place to remain
Take pleasure in views of the ferries, yachts and seaplanes that ply Victoria’s Interior Harbour from the balcony of your room on the fashionably modern Inn at Laurel Level (charges begin at CA$289 per evening), with a Japanese backyard, a pool and a very good Pacific Rim-inspired restaurant, Aura.
Abigail’s Lodge (charges begin at CA$429 per evening) is an opulent old-world Tudor Revival inn constructed within the Thirties. It stands out for its attentive service and gourmand breakfasts, and it is near each Beacon Hill Park and historic downtown.
A scenic 10-minute drive east of the Interior Harbour through famously stunning Dallas Highway, the Oak Bay Seaside Lodge (charges begin at CA$277 per evening) options gorgeously appointed, up to date rooms in addition to three curvaceous heated mineral swimming pools overlooking the ocean and San Juan Island within the distance. This boutique resort’s Boathouse Spa affords a full slate of ultrarelaxing therapeutic massage providers and physique remedies, and since 1954, the Comfortable Pub has been a beloved spot for waterfront cocktails and informal eating.
With a full-service spa and an excellent location steps from Glass Seaside and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea aquarium, the up to date Sidney Pier Lodge & Spa (charges begin at CA$249 per evening) is only a quick drive from the ferries to the Gulf Islands.
Associated: I spent 2 magical nights in a century-old caboose in Nova Scotia, Canada — this is what it was like
Sooke and Port Renfrew, British Columbia
For a splendid drive alongside Vancouver Island’s verdant and unhurried southern coast, make the two-hour trek to Port Renfrew, which lies actually on the finish of the highway.
From Victoria, take gently rolling and lushly forested Freeway 14 — stopping in Sooke, with its farm-to-table eating places and posh nation inns — and proceed because the highway hugs the pristine shoreline.
Magnificent vistas of Washington’s Olympic Mountains await, and you may uncover a number of stunning parks and seashores alongside the route, together with French Seaside, Jordan River Regional Park (the place you may cease contained in the quirky Chilly Shoulder Cafe for an Earl Gray latte or a bowl of chanterelle mushroom soup), and Sombrio Seaside. On the finish of Freeway 14, you will lastly come to tiny Port Renfrew, a hub of First Nations tradition that lies the place the San Juan and Gordon rivers empty into the ocean.
Fantastic spots for a stroll embrace the tide swimming pools and dramatic rock formations of Botanical Seaside Provincial Park and Avatar Grove, with its hulking, gnarled old-growth cedars.
You possibly can return to Victoria the best way you got here, or you may make a half-hour-longer scenic loop by way of dense evergreen forests to Lake Cowichan after which alongside the west facet of Saanich Inlet.
The place to remain
Probably the most acclaimed nation inns in British Columbia, the Sooke Harbour Home (charges begin at CA$429 per evening) closed in 2020 in an effort to bear a significant renovation. As of this writing, the 28-room inn was planning to reopen someday in early 2024, and the vaunted locavore-minded restaurant — which has drawn foodies because it opened within the late Nineteen Seventies — can be helmed by celebrated chef Melissa Craig.
A surprising up to date compound of log-style bungalows perched over the ocean or overlooking aromatic gardens, Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages (charges begin at CA$249 per evening) sits amid the traditional forests lining Port San Juan Inlet. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling home windows, and lots of have personal decks, fireplaces and scorching tubs.
Extra inexpensive lodgings are discovered within the close by motel-style West Coast Path Lodge (charges begin at CA$139 per evening), which is owned and operated by the identical group. It is only a quick stroll from both property to the pleasant Renfrew Pub, an informal eatery with elevated Canadian fare and expansive water views.
The Gulf Islands, British Columbia
From Swartz Bay, only a 30-minute drive north of Sidney, you may catch frequent ferries to discover the easygoing and extremely picturesque southern Gulf Islands, that are geologically a part of the identical archipelago because the San Juan Islands, simply throughout the maritime border with the US.
Just like the San Juans, these emerald isles are sparsely populated and minimally developed, making them supreme for a peaceable getaway amid breathtaking pure surroundings. Biking, climbing, fishing and kayaking are prime actions in these elements.
The entire islands lined on this itinerary are served by BC Ferries, however take into account that ferry schedules can change usually, so all the time affirm on-line when boats are working and to the place.
A great technique is to spend a few nights on the biggest and most populous of the group, Salt Spring Island, after which put aside one other day or two to go to as much as three extra islands set alongside the principle ferry route between Swartz Bay and the mainland city of Tsawwassen: Pender, Mayne and Galiano.
Salt Spring Island
It is a simple 35-minute ferry trip from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour, on the south facet of Salt Spring Island. The most important of the Gulf Islands, Salt Spring has about 11,600 year-round residents, together with a large variety of artists, makers and different artistic spirits. The energetic harborside village of Ganges anchors this hilly, agrarian island and comprises a wealth of galleries, recreation outfitters, cafes and outlets.
For a stunning view of the harbor, seize a seat on the waterfront deck at Moby’s Pub, which serves up tasty burgers and native beer. Scenic roads lace the island and entry the coastal trails of Ruckle Provincial Park, a superb place for viewing whales and sea lions in Captain Passage, and Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, the place you may drive a gravel highway or hike well-maintained trails to 1,175-foot-high Baynes Peak for panoramic island vistas.
Pender Island
The opposite stops you will encounter if you happen to select the multi-island ferry route from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen every have their very own distinct personalities.
Easygoing Pender Island (technically North Pender and South Pender islands, that are separated by a brief bridge) attracts guests for hikes by way of the Roesland and Beaumont sections of Gulf Islands Nationwide Park Protect — the 1.6-mile climb to Mount Norman is particularly standard.
Reward your self after a day of out of doors adventures by visiting the sun-filled, up to date tasting room at Sea Star Winery and Vineyard or sampling the scrumptious sips at Twin Island Cider.
Mayne Island
With round 1,300 residents, compact Mayne Island is thought for the beautiful flower beds and punctiliously tended specimen timber and shrubs at Japanese Memorial Gardens.
On the island’s northern tip, spend a while strolling across the 45-foot-tall Lively Move Lighthouse — the tree-shaded grounds overlooking the move between Mayne and Galiano islands are a memorable spot for a picnic.
Galiano Island
About 17 miles lengthy, slim and undulating Galiano Island is a prime draw amongst followers of wildlife viewing — you may spy all the pieces from bald eagles and cormorants to seals and orca whales from the shores of this serene isle that abounds with climbing preserves and quiet pebbly seashores.
Bellhouse Provincial Park and Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park are among the many greatest locations to absorb the sumptuous pure surroundings. The island additionally boasts a top-notch golf course, and you will find a handful of endearing outlets and eateries inside strolling distance of the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay.
The place to remain
Providing country-chic sophistication and a peaceable setting amid 22 acres of gardens and woodlands on the sting of Salt Spring Island’s primary village, the Relais & Chateaux-branded Hastings Home Nation Home Lodge (charges begin at CA$525 per evening) affords the last word Gulf Islands splurge. The 18 bungalows and suites include luxurious touches like recent floral bouquets, fireplaces and full gourmand breakfasts. Facials and massages within the warmly appointed Wellspring Spa incorporate native herbs, and the excellent restaurant serves seafood, lamb and produce sourced regionally.
Set on the quiet north finish of Salt Spring Island, the intimate and romantic Quarrystone Home B&B (charges begin at CA$290 per evening) has 4 spacious, light-filled rooms with Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and patios or decks with sweeping westerly panoramas throughout the water. The three-course breakfasts characteristic house-made jams and native cheeses, eggs and meats.
On South Pender Island, take into account overnighting at Poets Cove Resort & Spa (charges begin at CA$220 per evening), a wood-frame Arts and Crafts-style property nestled beneath a pine-dotted hillside overlooking Bedwell Harbour Marina. With a mixture of villas, cottages and traditional lodge rooms, Poets Cove is thought for its enjoyable spa, full with a eucalyptus steam cave and scorching tub. There are three eating places, too.
On the low-key east facet of the isle, Mayne Island Resort (charges begin at CA$139 per evening) has each posh up to date villas and cottages and reasonably priced customary rooms within the unique 1912 primary lodge constructing. The resort is house to the convivial Bennett Bay Bistro, a memorable spot to sup on native salmon, prawns and scallops.
On Galiano Island, you may watch ferries and pleasure boats come and go from an ethereal glass-walled room on the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa (charges begin at CA$234 per evening) overlooking scenic Sturdies Bay. Madrona del Mar Spa affords an array of natural skincare remedies, and e-bike leases can be found if you would like to provide the automobile a relaxation.
Nanaimo and Tofino facet journey
If you happen to’re up for seeing extra of Vancouver Island, one possibility is to depart Salt Spring Island by ferry from the Vesuvius Bay terminal after which drive from Crofton to the laid-back coastal metropolis of Nanaimo, which is house to a handful of notable points of interest, together with the partaking Nanaimo Museum, which touches on the area’s wealthy First Nations heritage and coal-mining heritage, and the bustling Harbourfront Walkway, a scenic pathway that fringes the town’s colourful waterfront and affords easy accessibility to quite a few close by eating places and outlets.
You should definitely deal with your self to a Nanaimo bar, the native chocolate layered confection that is adored all through British Columbia. You could find these throughout city, with Mon Petit Choux Bakery — close to each the Nanaimo Museum and the Harbourfront Walkway — serving among the greatest.
It is a three-hour drive from Nanaimo, through highways 19 and 4, by way of prolific logging cities and throughout the Pacific Coast mountains to secluded Tofino, a nature lovers utopia that fringes Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve and enjoys a magical, windswept setting the place Clayoquot Sound meets the ocean.
That is considered one of Canada’s most enchanting small cities, a beautiful place to embark on dramatic hikes by way of misty temperate rainforests and to set out on sea-kayaking, whale-watching and fishing excursions.
Though inhabited by solely round 2,500 residents, Tofino has a thriving artwork and culinary scene, together with among the province’s most acclaimed eating places — Wolf within the Frog and Shelter are a few standouts.
The place to remain
Though it is a 15-minute drive northwest of Nanaimo’s colourful harbor, the 62-room Inn on Lengthy Lake (charges begin at 239 Canadian {dollars} per evening) enjoys a calming setting on a stunning lake with kayak and paddleboard leases. Lots of the spacious, fashionable rooms face the water.
If you happen to’d want spending the evening proper within the coronary heart of the town, the 15-story Coast Bastion Lodge (charges begin at CA$215 per evening) affords sweeping views of the neighboring Port of Nanaimo and the encompassing Salish Sea and mountains — attempt to e book a room on a excessive ground for the very best vistas. Facilities embrace a well-liked seasonally targeted restaurant with harbor views and a well-equipped health middle.
A part of the unique Relais & Chateaux affiliation, the casually elegant Wickaninnish Inn (charges begin at CA$620 per evening) has one of the vital alluring settings on the islands — in the course of the winter months, the 75 soft rooms are perfect for storm-watching, but it surely’s spectacular right here year-round. The resort’s Pointe Restaurant serves artfully ready fresh-caught seafood in an ethereal eating room with grand vistas of the ocean. Deal with your self to some pampering within the full-service spa, and assist your self to the complimentary bike leases.
A few miles south on a driftwood-strewn seashore overlooking pristine Cox Bay, the Pacific Sands Seaside Resort (charges begin at CA$307 per evening) options a mixture of suites and seashore homes with excessive ceilings, tall home windows, fuel fireplaces and top-of-the-line bedding and tub merchandise. Soothe your soul in one of many beachfront wood-fired saunas, and savor scrumptious farm-to-table fare within the three eating places.
Steps from downtown Tofino’s inviting outlets and eating places, the modern and up to date Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging (charges begin at CA$299 per evening) affords each two-person studios with waterfront balconies and roomier A-frame cabins with pitched roofs and totally outfitted condos.
Associated studying:
