Top places to visit on Vancouver Island Tofino This surf town on the island’s West Coast is a real little gem Victoria Victoria is Vancouver Island’s largest city and is also the capital of British Columbia Hot Springs Cove Pacific Rim National Park Comox Valley Gulf Islands Chemainus – Cowichan Valley Port Hardy
What should you not miss on Vancouver Island?
15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Vancouver Island Visit Victoria See Vancouver Island’s Old-Growth Forests Enjoy a Getaway to Tofino Walk, Surf, or Relax at Pacific Rim National Park & Long Beach Tour Butchart Gardens See Goats on the Roof at the Old Country Market, Coombs Hike the Trails on Vancouver Island
How many days do you need to visit Vancouver Island?
As mentioned above, we recommend taking at least 7 days for your trip so you can enjoy all the scenic drives Vancouver Island has to offer We have also added a bonus section if you have some extra time and want to explore further up island (which we really recommend if you have the time)
What can you do for free on Vancouver Island?
22 Free or Inexpensive Things to do on Vancouver Island Butchart Gardens Confederation Fountain Cathedral Grove Chemainus Murals Kinsol Trestle Vancouver Island Wineries Hatley Castle BC Forest Discovery Centre
Is Victoria on Vancouver Island worth visiting?
Perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver Victoria is a great place to visit for a weekend—or long weekend—escape in British Columbia The city is quite small, so most of the main attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the city center
Is Tofino worth the drive?
If you can find accommodation in Tofino or Ucluelet within your budget this late in the season then it is worth the visit it is about the same amount of detour driving Yes, it is worth the time
Is Nanaimo worth visiting?
Nanaimo is definitely worth spending a full day and night in and sounds like it will break up your trip The waterfront along Nanaimo is a beautiful walk and there are lots of great restaurants, coffee shops, and clothing stores
What is the best time of year to visit Vancouver Island?
The best times to visit Victoria and Vancouver Island are March to May and September to November The region sees some of the country’s mildest weather and the driest summers, so while you might experience a light drizzle here and there, plan on comfortable temperatures in the spring and fall
Is Port Hardy worth visiting?
Port Hardy is the gateway to a number of incredible hiking trails, including the famous Cape Scott and North Coast Trails While the trails can be challenging, the rewards are worth it; Beautiful secluded beaches, incredible trees and untouched wilderness are spotted along the way
Do I need a car on Vancouver Island?
Unless you stay in the city ( Victoria) you will need a car to really enjoy Vancouver Island Driving here is easy,, and there is so much to see
Are there bears on Vancouver Island?
As far as anyone can remember, or scientists can determine, only black bears have lived on Vancouver Island But recently, grizzlies have been sighted far and wide on northern Vancouver Island and the knot of smaller islands that press close against the coast between Port Hardy and Campbell River
How long does it take to drive around Victoria Island?
With 12,079 square miles to explore, it would take you 7 hours in the car to drive from end to end
How long is the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?
BC Ferries offers 90 minute sailings to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal from the Tsawwassen terminal, approximately 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver Ferries run at least every two hours (at the top of the hour), increasing to hourly during peak season These ferries take both vehicles and walk-on passengers
Which is better Nanaimo or Victoria?
While Victoria is good for the outdoors, Nanaimo youre closer to more mountain biking and hiking trails, better/nicer rivers and lakes, more back country access for skiing and snowshoeing, hunting, caving, outdoor rock climbing, and much closer to consistently better surf and wind
Is it better to visit Vancouver or Victoria?
Vancouver is less traditional and conventional than Victoria We have a much larger multi-cultural diversity in Vancouver than in Victoria IMO, Vancouver is more casual than Victoria Vancouver is bigger and busier, traffic congestion can be noticeable, but walking all over downtown Vancouver is the way to go
Is Victoria better than Vancouver?
The pace of life in Victoria is a bit calmer than that in Vancouver Victoria also has a milder and much more pleasant climate, with twice as much sun yet half as much rain With consumer prices, rent prices, groceries, and restaurant prices higher in Vancouver, you will have higher purchasing power in Victoria
Why is Tofino so popular?
Tofino is known for incredible sunsets When I think of both “tropical” and “Canada”, the first place that comes to mind is Tofino One of Canada’s most westerly towns, Tofino faces the Pacific Ocean and is home to some of the best surfing in the country, as well as whale watching, hiking, paddling, and so much more
Is it better to stay in Tofino or Ucluelet?
While Ucluelet also has higher rates in the summer, they’re still usually cheaper than if you were staying in Tofino Not to mention, Ucluelet has a number of stunning hotels, resorts and beautiful vacation rentals with ocean views as well You’ll definitely get more luxe for your buck
How many days do you need in Tofino?
We usually do 3 days in Tofino and always manage to explore so much in that time Vancouver Island is so rich in wildlife too, both on land and in the ocean There’s every chance you’ll spot whales, orcas, sea otters, cougars, and maybe even bears and wolves (if you’re lucky) when you’re exploring
Is Nanaimo expensive?
Summary about cost of living in Nanaimo, BC, Canada: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,425$ (4,288C$) without rent Nanaimo is 2314% less expensive than New York (without rent) Rent in Nanaimo is, on average, 6566% lower than in New York
What is the yellow stuff in Nanaimo bars?
But this misty city is also the namesake for what might just be the sunniest dessert square the world has ever produced: the Nanaimo bar, a soft layer of yellow custard sandwiched between rich chocolate ganache and a coconut-graham crust
How long is the ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo?
The ferry crossings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay) and Vancouver Island (Victoria and Nanaimo) take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on which route you take
Is Tofino Nice in April?
In April it is a perfect time to try not to freeze You CAN go surfing or kayaking but it will be very very very cold around that time More likely you spend time enjoying a nice resort hot tub or bundled up walks on the beach
Is Tofino crowded?
Tofino IS beautiful, but can be busy in the summer However, go anyways – it is SO worth it You can also venture a bit more north on Vancouver Island, as it gets less and less populated north The roads are not crazy busy – but will be busier on weekends as mainlanders headover to camp, surf, etc
How do people dress in Tofino?
Tofino is known for a laid-back lifestyle, with casual attire acceptable at even the best restaurants During stormy winter weather, we recommend raincoats and gumboots, and you will want to pack a toque and gloves