Vancouver Island, located off Canada’s Pacific coast in British Columbia is a gem of Canada’s western coast. Known for its diverse landscapes, the island offers everything from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to lush rainforests and towering mountains. Not surprisingly, there are a TON of things to do on Vancouver Island, and you’ll find out real quick the island is actually huge! For example, Tofino, one of the most popular areas to visit on Vancouver Island, is about a 5-hour drive from Victoria. When you only have a weekend to spend here, it’s hard to justify a full 5-hour drive. Luckily, there is plenty of stuff to do in the surrounding area of Victoria, and after spending a weekend on Vancouver Island myself, I’ve listed out exactly my highlights from visiting with a limited amount of time.
When to Visit Vancouver Island – Vancouver Island Weather
Every season has its upsides and tradeoffs when visiting Vancouver Island. Generally, the best seasons to visit Vancouver Island are spring/summer (April to August) and fall (September to November). The things to do on Vancouver Island will depend largely on what season you visit during. Spring has perfect weather for hiking, general outdoor activities, and whale watching (particularly for gray and humpback whales!). Fall will be somewhat similar but with vibrant foliage and the opportunity to see the salmon run. Some people even visit in the winter for smaller crowds and storm watching (yes, you read that correctly). During the winter months, powerful storms in Tofino and Ucluelet offer a glimpse of the raw power of the elements, and you can sit and watch the storms right from your hotel window!
Best months to visit Vancouver Island based on interests:
- June to September: warm weather and outdoor activities
- March to October (best months are July and August): whale watching
- November to February: storm watching
Consider what things to do on Vancouver Island before booking your trip as the weather will highly dictate what you can and can’t do. Below I’ve listed the average highs and lows for each month on Vancouver Island so you can best prepare for the weather:
- January: High of 46ºF/8ºC and low of 37ºF/3ºC
- February: High of 48ºF/9ºC and low of 37ºF/3ºC
- March: High of 52ºF/11ºC and low of 39ºF/4ºC
- April: High of 57ºF/14ºC and low of 43ºF/6ºC
- May: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 47ºF/8ºC
- June: High of 68ºF/20ºC and low of 52ºF/11ºC
- July: High of 73ºF/23ºC and low of 55ºF/13ºC
- August: High of 74ºF/23ºC and low of 55ºF/13ºC
- September: High of 68ºF/20ºC and low of 50ºF/10ºC
- October: High of 57ºF/14ºC and low of 46ºF/8ºC
- November: High of 50ºF/10ºC and low of 41ºF/5ºC
- December: High of 46ºF/8ºC and low of 37ºF/3ºC
How to Get to Vancouver Island
Flying to Vancouver
There are 4 small airports on Vancouver Island, most of which have flights incoming from Vancouver. If you’re flying from elsewhere, you’ll likely need to fly to Vancouver and then fly to Vancouver Island. The flight from Vancouver takes about 30 minutes to the island.
The three airports on the island are: Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Nanaimo Airport (YCD), Comox Valley (YQQ) and Campbell River (YBL).
Driving to Vancouver Island from Vancouver
BC Ferries is the most common and affordable way to travel between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. There are three different routes you can take from Vancouver to Vancouver Island:
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria): This is the route to Victoria, Vancouver Island’s capital city. (+ the ferry you would take if you wanted to follow most of my recommendations in this blog!)
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Duke Point (Nanaimo): Another route if you’re heading to the central part of Vancouver Island.
- Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo): This route connects North Vancouver with the central island.
Duration: The ferry ride takes around 1 hour 35 minutes (depending on the route).
- Tsawwassen is about 45 minutes south of Vancouver by car or via public transport (there are shuttle buses).
- Horseshoe Bay is about 30 minutes northwest of Vancouver.
Reservations: It’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially during peak times. You can make a reservation online directly on the BCFerries website.
Driving to Vancouver Island from Seattle
Driving from Seattle to Vancouver Island involves a scenic journey that combines a road trip and a ferry ride. All in all, the journey will take you about 4-5 hours. Here’s how to do it:
- Drive from Seattle to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (Canada):
- Head north on I-5 from Seattle towards the Canadian border.
- After crossing the border into Canada (bring your passport or required documentation), continue on BC-99 north toward Vancouver.
- Follow signs for BC-17, which will take you to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, about 2.5 hours from Seattle (border wait times may vary).
- Take the ferry to Vancouver Island:
- From the Tsawwassen terminal, take a ferry to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) or Duke Point (near Nanaimo), depending on where you’re headed on the island.
- The ferry ride takes about 1.5-2 hours, offering stunning views of the Gulf Islands along the way. Make sure you make a reservation, especially in peak season.
- Drive on Vancouver Island:
- Once you arrive, follow local highways (Highway 1 from Swartz Bay or Highway 19 from Duke Point) to your destination on Vancouver Island.
Do You Need a Car on Vancouver Island?
Short answer: yes. While you could visit Victoria without a car, getting around the island will be challenging. Plus, you will miss out on the many things to do on Vancouver Island if you don’t have a car to get you there! Luckily, there are car rentals available on Vancouver Island.
Rentalcars.com has a few rentals to choose from directly from Victoria International Airport.
A quick Google search will also show you Enterprise Rent a Car in Victoria, which has surprisingly high reviews for a car rental company (they usually always have terrible reviews).
5 Things to Do on Vancouver Island
#1 Visit Victoria for a Day
Victoria is the capital city of the Canadian province British Columbia, and it happens to be the first city you’ll get to on Vancouver Island if you take the ferry to Swartz Bay. Victoria is a charming little city, blending historic charm, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. It is also pretty compact and walkable, making it easy to explore! Its British colonial heritage is evident in landmarks like the Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress Hotel, where you can enjoy traditional afternoon tea. Victoria has something for everyone, whether you’re after history, outdoor adventure, or culinary delights. We spent the day sampling the many cute cafés in Victoria, exploring the Victoria Rose Garden, visiting Craigdarroch Castle, and walking through Victoria’s Chinatown (the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America!).
#2 Hike to Mystic Beach
When you think of things to do on Vancouver Island, nature activities likely come to mind. Mystic Beach is a stunning destination with a scenic, crescent-shaped shoreline framed by towering cliffs. A small waterfall cascades directly onto the beach, and driftwood logs dot the shore. Its remote feel and spectacular natural beauty make it a peaceful escape. The hike combines lush forest with a rewarding ocean view, making it one of the best coastal hikes on Vancouver Island.
The trailhead to Mystic Beach is located on the Juan de Fuca Trail at China Beach, about a 1.5-hour drive (roughly 75 km) west of Victoria. The hike to Mystic Beach is 2 km (1.2 miles) one way and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. The trail starts at the China Beach parking lot, marked by signs for the Juan de Fuca Trail. It’s a relatively moderate hike, with some steep sections, bridges, and stairs, through a lush coastal rainforest. Be prepared for mud, especially after rain, and follow the well-maintained path leading to the beach.
#3 Sheringham Point Lighthouse
Sheringham Point Lighthouse is a picturesque landmark on the southern coast of Vancouver Island, about a 1.5 hour drive from Victoria. Built in 1912, the lighthouse has guided ships through the waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait for over a century. The lighthouse, now decommissioned, is part of a protected heritage site and offers visitors a chance to explore its stunning surroundings.
The hike to Sheringham Point Lighthouse is relatively short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. The walk is about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the parking area to the lighthouse, along a well-maintained path through coastal forest. The trail offers breathtaking views of the ocean, rocky shores, and, on clear days, the Olympic Mountains across the strait. This serene hike is a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and its rich maritime history.
#4 Cold Shoulder Café
On the drive to Mystic Beach, you might notice this cute roadside café called Cold Shoulder Café. The café serves coffee, sandwiches, and a delicious assortment of homemade pastries. Of all the things to do on Vancouver Island, you might not think much of food, but the island is full of charming little cafés like Cold Shoulder that are worth stopping by. I actually found this café on TikTok originally, but since this is one of the only things in the area before Mystic Beach, it made for a convenient rest stop before our hike. I recommend grabbing a few pastries and bringing them on your hike so you can enjoy a snack on the beach before making your return trip back up the trail!
#5 Goldstream Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park, located just 16 kilometers northwest of Victoria on Vancouver Island, is a beautiful and diverse natural area known for its lush temperate rainforest, towering Douglas firs, and scenic waterfalls. One of the park’s main attractions is Niagara Falls, a 47-meter waterfall surrounded by mossy greenery, which is easily accessible via a short hike. The park is also famous for its annual salmon run, where thousands of salmon return to the Goldstream River to spawn in the fall, attracting eagles and other wildlife.
Goldstream offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and camping. We didn’t have a ton of time to spend in Goldstream Provincial Park, and really only stopped to see a small part of it – but the view we did get was incredible! On the way, we also stopped at a farm cart that sold loaves of bread and fresh lavender. There was no one working the cart and it operated solely off honesty — you simply put your cash in the jar. We picked up a loaf of cinnamon bread, which I highly recommend if you see this cart on the way to the park!
#6 Bonus – Pit Stop at Gordon’s Beach
Gordon’s Beach, located on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island near Sooke, is a scenic destination known for its stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The beach is a mix of smooth pebbles and driftwood and is a peaceful setting for beachcombing, birdwatching, and sunset gazing. It’s also a popular spot for whale watching, especially during migration seasons. We didn’t see anything when we went, but supposedly this beach offers a great vantage point for spotting migrating gray and humpback whales!
I put this stop as a bonus stop because we happened to come across it on our way back to Victoria. It was starting to be golden hour and Gordon’s Beach looked like a cute stop to enjoy the sunset, and we were right! Our stop only took about 5 minutes and is easy to add to virtually any itinerary when exploring things to do on Vancouver Island.
