Vancouver Island Holidays

The largest island on the west coast of North America, Vancouver Island is home to untouched scenery, fresh ocean air and incredible wildlife.

Whether you want to fish, hike, mountain bike, surf or kayak, this is a land for the active and those who want to be at one with the great outdoors. Explore the 12 square miles of unspoiled nature and wilderness, see grizzly bears wander the dense landscapes and spot magnificent whales cruise the waters at the Pacific Rim National Park. Uncover quirky communities, quiet fishing villages and diverse ecosystems in this natural haven.

Once you've enjoyed all that Vancouver Island has to offer, head to central Vancouver for a slice of city life, or venture to Banff, the heart of the Rockies.

Great sample itineraries

Here's a selection of popular itineraries to give you some ideas. But almost anything's possible so call us now and we'll create an amazing holiday just for you.

9 days

Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island

Guide Price £3,799 pp

Experience vibrant, cosmopolitan cities, incredible wildlife and the unrivalled beauty of Vancouver Island's scenery. Arriving first in the provincial capital of Victoria, where you'll hit the water for a world-class whale watching journey in the Strait of Georgia. Then, travel...

Self drive holidays

8 days

Campbell River and Victoria Multi Centre

Guide Price £1,199 pp

Experience the incredible natural beauty, breath-taking scenery and stunning wildlife of Vancouver Island. A land of extremes, where modern comforts co-exist with the ancient traditions of First Nations’ peoples who have resided in the ocean-carved lands for thousands of years...

Adventure holidays

9 days

Vancouver Island Suggested Motorhome Itinerary

Explore the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island with your Cruise Canada motorhome on this 8 day suggested itinerary. Starting in Vancouver, enjoy the scenery by taking a leisurely stroll from Vancouver Harbour along the sea wall to Stanley Park, head...

Motorhome holidays

16 days

Unlimited Adventures

Guide Price £4,499 pp

Take an epic adventure across the great Canadian Rockies. Journey from Calgary through the Canadian Rocky Mountains to the breath taking coastlines of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean. Experience the wilderness of Banff National Park, the magnificence of Lake Louise...

Iconic journeys

View all Vancouver Island itineraries (11)

Our favourite hotels

Our favourite places to stay are below. We know everyone is different, so if you can’t see something you like, we'd be more than happy to help.

Unique

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Canada

H&J Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£2,999 pp

The Oswego Hotel

Victoria

H&J Rating

Average: 4 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£999 pp

Painter's Lodge

British Columbia

H&J Rating

Average: 3 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£1,299 pp

Black Rock Ocean Front Resort

Vancouver Island

H&J Rating

Average: 4 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£1,299 pp

Time Zone

GMT -8 hours

Flight Time

Approx 11.5 hours; Air Canada offers and indirect service via Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto. Delta also offers indirect service via Seattle.

Currency

CAD - Canadian Dollar

Visa Information

Ensure you have a valid ETA prior to travel

Language

English

Health Information

No vaccinations required

Vancouver Island has something for you. Whether you have always wanted to view bears, whales or spot bald eagles, Vancouver Island has some of the most varied wildlife. With plenty of outdoor activities for all ages from zip lining, fishing trip to surf on one of the many beaches. Here are a few things to do we recommend.

Visit Victoria

No visit to Vancouver Island should be without a stay in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. We love the old English charm, visiting the capitol building and staying at the Fairmont Empress overlooking the harbour. Make sure you have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, and sample the Empress cake. Drive out to Butchart Gardens for a leisurely stroll around the beautiful gardens and marvel at the Japanese Garden.
Whale watching

Nothing is more spectacular than whale watching from Vancouver Island, where around 250 orcas live in the waters off the northeast coast and every year over 20,000 grey whales arrive having migrated from the Gulf of Mexico. Head to Telegraph Cove, Tofino, Port NcNeill or Johnstone Strait to join a whale watching tour. For a day you won't forget, you'll see these magnificent creatures spout, breach and hunt.
Outdoor adventure

Vancouver Island offers the best environment for outdoor activities. You'll find hiking trails, biking trails, fishing, snorkeling and plenty of wildlife viewing. Go rafting and snorkel with salmon from Campbell River or take a guided fishing trip from Painter's Lodge. Maybe it's golfing you're looking for, Vancouver Island offers an array of golf courses from Victoria up to Campbell River.
Wildlife viewing

From watching sea otters play in the kelp beds off the shores of Vancouver Island to watching bears feed on the shorelines on mussels, you'll never be short of wildlife. Cruise through the waters of Tofino and Clayoquot sound, this area is renowned for spotting sea lions, humpback whales and other marine life. We recommend heading out to a wilderness lodge to be able to get up close with nature and view the incredible wildlife.

Rozario

Destination Specialist

"Stop at Coombs County Market if you are driving to Campbell River as each spring you'll find a trip of goats making thier home on the roof."
Val

Destination Specialist

"Make sure you take time to enjoy some of the award-winning wine from the Cowichan Valley."