Top Places Worth Visiting
On Vancouver Island
Uncover a world class destination off Canada’s Pacific Coast known as Vancouver Island which is a hub of activity for locals and visitors
On Vancouver Island find beautiful beaches, old-growth forests and towns with unique charm, find yourself spoilt for choice year-round with options to surf, hike, kayak, whale watch or explore the great outdoors. Aside from the incomparable picturesque surroundings, foodies will love Vancouver Island too. With amazing dining across the island, you can treat your taste buds from food truck eats to elegant dining options.
Tofino
Surf enthusiasts will fall in love with Tofino, a small surf town on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. Known for its raw, rugged beauty, year-round surf beaches, great food and laid-back vibes it’s one of the most unique spots in British Columbia. Getting there takes about three hours driving from Nanaimo and there is only one road connecting the town to the rest of the island giving a sense of remoteness and seclusion. Tofino is perfect for surfing in the summer, but some say it’s even better in winter as the waves actually get bigger. You’ll find many learn-to-surf experiences available in addition to the variety of exciting water activities on offer such as kayaking and paddle boarding tours. A trip to Tofino wouldn’t be complete without trying the local cuisine such as the original Tacofino which has become a local hot spot serving fresh tacos from an unmissable, bright food truck residing outside the Live to Surf shop.
Victoria
The largest city on Vancouver Island is Victoria and is also the capital of British Columbia. Getting here is easy by air with flights direct from Vancouver to the city. Alternatively, driving takes only 30 minutes from the ferry at Swartz Bay. Stop by Fisherman’s Wharf for a meal amongst the brightly coloured floating houses, find food stalls selling seafood chowder, fish tacos or even food for the harbour seals which can be seen swimming up to the wharf. The city has a nice blend of modern culture combining experiences such as nature hikes, breweries and whale watching tours with classic architecture through heritage buildings and museums offering something for everyone.
Campbell River
Discover the beauty of Campbell River in its idyllic location between Strathcona Provincial Park and the Discovery Islands. The region is dubbed the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ boasting prime fishing spots such as the Discovery Pier, where anglers can catch all five species of Pacific salmon from king to sockeye – rental rods are available for anyone willing to give it a go themselves. A unique experience here is the Historic Mail Flight offering guests the opportunity to join a floatplane delivering supplies to remote communities off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. You get to be the passenger as the service takes you anywhere deliveries are needed that day. Lose yourself to nature in Elk Falls Provincial Park only two kilometres from Campbell River, home to a magnificent suspension bridge, the powerful Elk Falls, forest trails and the nearby Quinsam Salmon Hatchery.
Port Hardy
Port Hardy has the means to create a perfect wilderness adventure, set on the north-eastern side of Vancouver Island surrounded by lush vegetation, tall mountains and enticing waters waiting to be explored. This 4,000-person town is the largest community in the north of the island, but is said to be the gateway to all things outdoors offering thrilling camping, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whale watching from Port Hardy is popular from May to September, sightings of orcas, humpbacks, minke and grey whales are common and can be seen from boat or on land. Bear viewing is also made easy with local tours during the warmer months departing from Port Hardy to catch a glimpse of a coastal black bear 7,000 of which are said to call Vancouver Island home.
If you’ve been inspired to visit Vancouver Island and discover some truly one-of-a-kind experiences, contact First Class Holidays
First Class Holidays
Stretford, Manchester M32 0RS
0161 888 5632
www.fcholidays.com
Travel Circle
54 Derby Road, Longridge, Preston PR3 3FE
01772 786777
enquires@travelcircle.co.uk
