Parliament House

The best things to do on Vancouver Island with limited time from Victoria to Tofino.

If you're planning a trip to Canada and want to make the most of its wide range of landscapes, British Columbia is where you need to go! This is where the mountains meet the Pacific ocean, while also nestling one of the country's most vibrant cities, Vancouver. Between mountains, glaciers, rainforests, coastlines, British Columbia truly has it all! This guide is best suited for first timers who want to see as much as possible of British Columbia at a moderate pace. There is a lot of exploring planned, but you will have time to enjoy it without feeling like you're in a rush. This guide includes a detailed 15 days itinerary based on my own experience as a BC resident and the road trip I organised for my parents in June 2023. You will find 90+ carefully curated places including accommodations, restaurants, activities, hikes, sight suggestions and even hidden gems! Everything you need in one place, so you can focus on enjoying your trip!

If you were wondering where paradise on Earth is, the answer might be Vancouver Island. Known for its relaxed way of life and certainly not to be mistaken with the city of Vancouver. As part of the Pacific Northwest, this is the ultimate nature getaway, you will surround yourself with pristine rainforests, mountains, surfing towns and some of the most unique beaches in Canada. This guide focuses on the southern half of the island, detailing a 5-6 day flexible itinerary. It's my pick of the bunch having explored Vancouver Island many times as a BC resident. You will find 40+ carefully curated places including accommodations, restaurants, activities, hikes, sight suggestions and many hidden gems! Everything you need in one place, so you can focus on enjoying your trip! If you're planning to visit the island as part of a longer trip around the Vancouver area, it would make more sense that you check out my British Columbia itinerary instead (the island guide is included in it)!