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.
Destination Highlights
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.
Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island
Guide Price £3,789 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
Campbell River and Victoria Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,189 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
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...
Self drive holidays
Unlimited Adventures
Guide Price £4,439 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...
Fly drive holidays
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.
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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.
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![]( "Capitol Building, Victoria Harbour")
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.
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![]( "Orcas")
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.
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![]( "Speedboat, Painters Lodge")
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.
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![]( "Sea Otter near Spring Island by Kyuquot Sound")
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.
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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."
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Val
Destination Specialist
"Make sure you take time to enjoy some of the award-winning wine from the Cowichan Valley."
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Whale watching, Tofino
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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Grizzly bear and cub at Knight Inlet
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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Salt Spring Island
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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Floatplane near Tofino
Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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Bald Eagle
British Columbia
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Middle Beach
Tofino, Vancouver Island
