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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: CAD
- Languages: English, French
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: America/Vancouver
- Population: Approximately 870,000 people live on Vancouver Island.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is late spring through early fall for pleasant weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Vancouver Island must comply with Canadian visa regulations. Citizens from the United States, European Union countries, and the United Kingdom generally do not require a visa for short tourist stays. Many travelers can enter visa-free or obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before arrival. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for a visa in advance. A valid passport is required, and travelers should check the latest Canadian immigration rules before planning their trip.
About Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a stunning destination off the west coast of Canada, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant cultural scene. The island offers a unique blend of rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and charming towns, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore ancient forests, spot wildlife including whales and bears, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The island’s rich Indigenous heritage and thriving arts community add cultural depth to any visit. With its mild oceanic climate, Vancouver Island is a year-round destination that appeals to travelers looking for both relaxation and adventure. The capital city, Victoria, boasts historic architecture, excellent dining, and beautiful gardens, providing a perfect urban complement to the island’s wilderness. Vancouver Island’s combination of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest experience.
Top Attractions
1. Butchart Gardens – World-famous floral gardens showcasing stunning seasonal displays and themed landscapes. 2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Offers spectacular coastal scenery, rainforest trails, and excellent surfing spots. 3. Royal BC Museum – Located in Victoria, this museum features exhibits on natural history, Indigenous culture, and regional heritage. 4. Cathedral Grove – A majestic old-growth forest with towering Douglas fir and red cedar trees, perfect for peaceful walks. 5. Whale Watching Tours – Excursions departing from various points on the island to see orcas, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking through ancient rainforests, kayaking along pristine coastlines, and surfing at renowned beaches. Wildlife watching is popular, including whale watching and birding. Cultural experiences include visiting Indigenous art centers and attending local festivals. Fishing, cycling, and golfing are also widely available. For adventure seekers, zip-lining and scuba diving offer thrilling ways to explore the island’s diverse environments.
Vancouver Island Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of British Columbia
- Duration Range: Visitors can enjoy hiking through ancient rainforests, kayaking along pristine coastlines, and surfing at renowned beaches. Wildlife watching is popular, including whale watching and birding. Cultural experiences include visiting Indigenous art centers and attending local festivals. Fishing, cycling, and golfing are also widely available. For adventure seekers, zip-lining and scuba diving offer thrilling ways to explore the island’s diverse environments.
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is late spring through early fall for pleasant weather. Pack layers and rain gear due to variable coastal weather. Respect local Indigenous cultures and natural environments. Use contactless payments where possible, but carry some Canadian cash. Safety is generally good, but be cautious in wilderness areas and follow wildlife guidelines. Booking accommodations and ferries in advance is advised during busy months.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $220
240 Available Tour Excursions in Vancouver Island
This exclusive, small group half day experience incorporates the best of marine wildlife and First Nations culture. The immersive, hands-on adventure includes whale watching combined with a land-based cultural tour. The marine portion takes place aboard our new 12 passenger tour boats. Homalco Tours' custom-design 12 passenger vessels are unlike any other with a landing craft design and TWO seats for every passenger! You have an option to select Comfort Seating inside the cabin or Adventure Seating on the fresh air deck, allowing for a safer COVID-friendly tour. This is the only cultural and wildlife tour from Campbell River that is 100% indigenous owned and provides you with an immersive indigenous experience from start to finish. Thank you for choosing us, "ʔiymot" (it is good).
Price: $259.76
Duration: 5 hours
Experience an exciting wilderness experiences rooted in the culturally rich territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Hop aboard our rigid hull inflatable (RHIB) wildlife viewing boat with shock mitigating seats and explore the diverse wildlife of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, on the wild West Coast of Canada. Departing from Port Hardy, we spend the day searching for and viewing sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-side dolphins, Steller sea lions, bald eagles and a multitude of sea birds. Our signature 5 ½ to 6 hour tour showcases the unparalleled waters of northern Vancouver Island. The speed of our vessel allows us to cover a large area and provides us with greater opportunities to see as much wildlife as possible. We may not see all the above animals on every trip but our guides are well acquainted with the local waters and the best places to see wildlife.
Price: $265.34
Duration: 5 hours
A Craft Beer Neighborhood Tasting Experience Like No Other! Vancouver has a huge craft beer scene and is considered one of best in Canada. This is a popular neighbourhood culture crawl among Vancouver's most interesting local breweries. Learn about Canada's craft beer movement and the culture that surrounds it while enjoying personalized beer tastings only available in Vancouver.
Price: $66.15
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the unique and rejuvenating perspective that paddle boarding offers. Glide effortlessly across the glassy surface of Thetis Lake, allowing the gentle ripples to lull you into a state of relaxation. As you paddle, you'll be treated to uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape, offering you a completely new way to appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, the tranquility of Thetis Lake's waters is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Price: $59.46
Duration: 2 hours
The 3 Day Kayaking Odyssey is an inspirational adventure. A truly memorable way to spend quality time with your friends and family while exploring the coastline, seeing wildlife and experiencing the joy of sea kayaking. On this trip you’ll have the opportunity to explore the wild and beautiful islands and islets of Barkley Sound. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, paddle with harbour seals while eagles soar right above your head. Our tours include all of your kayaking and camping equipment, including a Mutha Hubba tent, an Exped sleeping mat (for adults only), and a Helinox cot and beach chair. You need only to bring your personal items and a sleeping bag! If you don’t have a sleeping bag, we can provide you with a clean and comfortable sleeping bag for an additional fee.
Price: $1,375.04
Duration: 72 hours
Discover vines, orchards, and stills from the serene privacy of a luxury Tesla with your first-class guide. Begin your experience being whisked away from the city to scenic vistas, over volcanic hills, and down winding seaside roads to Canada's newest terroir: the charming Saanich Peninsula. Experience award-winning wineries, distilleries and cideries; boasting flavours for every palate. We would be happy to suggest a few of our favourite destinations or allow us to curate your ideal tasting adventure based on your preferences.
Price: $367.92
Duration: 4-6 hours
"City Highlights, The Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Wine Tasting, and the Craigdarroch Castle" This package is the best of Victoria, We will start out by going to the Butchart Gardens early to avoid the crowds, and you will have up to 2 Hours to explore the gardens and gift shop. We then go to the Butterfly Gardens, followed up with a local wine tasting at Church and State Winery. You will then have the option to have lunch at their Bistro, or we may have a simple lunch at the Red Barn Market where they make the best sandwiches on the island. From there we will enjoy a scenic country drive back to Victoria to make our way to the historical Craigdarroch Castle. We will then follow up with a city highlights tour visiting some of most beautiful sites of the city such as the Lieutenant Governor's Estate, the Beacon Hill Park, Mile 0, Fisherman's Wharf House Boat Community, and Canada's oldest Chinatown. We will take the time for photos at the Inner harbor.
Price: $717.25
Duration: 8 hours
Explore Victoria in first-class style: Let us transport you into the future of luxury travel in the serenely-quiet fleet of Alset Tours' Sea Blue Tesla Model 3, Pearl Model X SUV, or Signature Red Tesla Model S 85. Capture commemorated architecture, scenic natural wonders, and foodie havens all along the stunning Pacific coast. Enjoy expertly-guided visits to famous Victorian landmarks like Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Experience unmatched authenticity with Abkhazi Gardens, Fisgard Lighthouse, Hatley Gardens & Castle, and a bird’s-eye-view of the city from Mount Tolmie. Take advantage of our first-class concierge service to reserve a local luncheon at one Victoria's many celebrated restaurants or a classic high-tea at hidden treasures like Abkhazi Tea House or the grand Fairmont Empress. This is the ideal tour to be customized to suit your sightseeing preferences and time constraints.
Price: $367.92
Duration: 4-6 hours
Discover Victoria from a different perspective on a self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt of the city. Solve riddles and clues that lead to the next location, showing all the city highlights. - Solve interesting puzzles, have fun and learn new things about Victoria - Explore the city and find hidden gems at your own pace - Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt. - Enjoy the tour in English
Price: $7.79
Duration: 2 hours
This 9-hour personal guided tour is a full action packed day of outdoor adventure at its best. Enjoy a scenic drive past Nanaimo to the Coombs area where you will experience some of Vancouver Island's best scenery. Visit the Englishman River Falls and take a short hike up and down the falls to capture some exciting photos. You'll also stop at the country village of Coombs, the Little Qualicum Falls, and Cathedral Grove, an enchanting rain forest with some of the oldest trees on the island dating back over 500 years old. Please note: Pricing is per group, up to 8 people
Price: $706.10
Duration: 9 hours
Come experience what makes Victoria special through our tour of the historic heritage neighborhood of James Bay and the spectacular Beacon Hill Park. Our guides will educate and entertain you with information about the history of our city, as it evolved from a small fur trading outpost to a booming gold rush town, to the present day capital of British Columbia. We have lots of stops for photos along the way, so be sure to bring your camera. Our guides are able to customize your tour based on what you want to see, feel free to inquire either before booking or while on tour about any wishes and we will do our best to make it happen. Contact us for other start times.
Price: $92.91
Duration: 1 hours
Enjoy a leisurely drive to the picturesque Cowichan Valley. Home to an array of incredible wineries, cideries, breweries, & distilleries, the Cowichan Valley will impress with a little bit of something for everyone! This 6 hour Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour is perfect for those looking for a mixed bag tour. Love wine, beer & cider? Look no further than this rocking tour! The Victoria Grapes To Grains tour transports guests along a scenic drive, where a thoughtfully selected lineup of wineries & breweries await on this highly curated VIP tour. Get ready to enjoy some of the tastiest wines, beers ciders and spirits that Vancouver Island has to offer! The Victoria Grapes To Grains tour includes tasting experiences at 2 wineries, a brewery & a cidery/distillery. Lunch reservations are also included at The Red Arrow Brewing Company, where you can relax & enjoy some delicious food with friends. The tour finishes off with your choice of cider or spirits before heading back to Victoria!
Price: $155.34
Duration: 6 hours
Discover the hidden city and nature places, coastal communities and Victoria's Inner Harbour. Your local guide will drive you from one fascinating place to the next. You will visit landmarks like the oldest Chinatown and famous Empress Hotel, where on a private tour that is tailored to you. Walk, drive and enjoy the vibrant culture of Victoria, BC in city galleries and shops or just take lunch by the seaside as you take in of Vancouver Island. If you are in Vancouver, enjoy this private tour when you plan your day trip to Vancouver Island. We'll meet you in Harbour Air, Helijet, or BC Ferry. Choose to explore historic castles, oldest Chinatown, Victoria's Inner harbour, and its migratory bird sanctuary coastline.
Price: $690.63
Duration: 4 hours
Each trip can be customized according to different needs, including length, food, and location. Our priority has been our guests and the comfort of our guests. We want folks to take away that kayaking the West Coast is more than just check marking another destination off your bucket list. It’s forming a deep connection to culture, history, and nature, and is a remarkable way to detach from our fast-paced lives, and reconnect with the quietness of nature
Price: $356.77
Duration: 8 hours
Perfect for the wildlife lovers, this tour offer plenty of opportunity to see the wild creatures in their element. If you’re looking to explore Vancouver Island’s wild west coast without going to far from the city, consider visiting the South West Coast. Better than Tofino, closer to the city, family friendly and adventurer ready. Once we pick you up at 8am, it’s off to the West Coast for some invigorating hikes and coastal exploration. We will make a stop at the awe-inspiring Jurassic Grove. There, you can witness 1000-year-old Western Red Cedars, including 3.6m large trees! On our way back down, we will see 2 more beautiful beaches, suited for your group's ability. We will stop at either Mystic Beach, Sandcut Beach or Muir Creek Beach. All of them have beautiful sandstone features and you could also witness whales crossing the strait, sea lions, seals and otters cruising by the beach or basking in the sun, millions of year old fossils and waterfalls!
Price: $237.84
Duration: 6 hours
Victoria Private City Tour - Tour Overview Prepare for an exceptional journey with our fully customizable Private City Tour of Victoria, revealing the City of Gardens through the lens of a knowledgeable local guide. Embark on a walk through the city, encountering must-see landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems. Enjoy narratives rich with history, architecture, and local lore, tailored to your interests. We'll share insider recommendations, ensuring you maximize your experience in Victoria. Victoria offers a sensory delight with its natural beauty, historic buildings, tranquil gardens, and culinary pleasures. Your guide will provide insights on how to best enjoy Victoria and Canada, whether your interest lies in food, entertainment, day trips, nature, or nightlife. Specify your preferences during booking, and we'll customize your tour accordingly.
Price: $199.99
Duration: 2 hours
Avoid the crowds and lineups with your own private host/driver in a large comfortable high-roof deluxe van!
Price: $423.66
Duration: 4 hours
Escape the city and experience Victoria’s natural bounty in luxury and style in your private solar-powered Tesla driven by your expert, personal guide. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the winding backroads, along forested drives and quiet beaches. Bask in the seasons at our most popular destination: The Butchart Gardens. Discover our signature gardens and hidden gems: The Gardens at HCP, Abkhazi Gardens or Hatley Gardens, Park & Castle. Unwind with refreshments or a tasting at one of our many celebrated wineries or cafes. This tour can also include visits to the tropical Butterfly Gardens, historic Craigdarroch Castle, or your choice of vineyard, distillery, or high-tea room for the adventurer who wants to see it all!
Price: $367.92
Duration: 4-6 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Vancouver Island.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Vancouver Island’s cuisine highlights fresh, locally sourced seafood such as salmon, halibut, and shellfish. Signature dishes include seafood chowder, smoked salmon, and spot prawns. The island also offers farm-to-table dining with local produce and artisanal products. Popular dining spots include waterfront seafood restaurants in Victoria and casual eateries serving Pacific Northwest cuisine. Craft breweries and wineries are abundant, offering tastings of local beers and wines.
Getting Around
Access to Vancouver Island is primarily by ferry from Vancouver or Tsawwassen on the mainland, or via flights to Victoria International Airport. Once on the island, rental cars are the most convenient way to explore, though buses and taxis operate in urban areas. Cycling is popular in some regions. Ferry reservations are recommended during peak seasons. Transportation costs vary, with ferries and car rentals being the main expenses.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall for pleasant weather. Pack layers and rain gear due to variable coastal weather. Respect local Indigenous cultures and natural environments. Use contactless payments where possible, but carry some Canadian cash. Safety is generally good, but be cautious in wilderness areas and follow wildlife guidelines. Booking accommodations and ferries in advance is advised during busy months.
Culture & Customs
Vancouver Island has a rich Indigenous heritage with many First Nations communities. Visitors should show respect for Indigenous lands and traditions. Social customs are generally relaxed and friendly. Local festivals celebrate Indigenous culture, arts, and music. Tipping around 15-20% in restaurants is customary. Environmental stewardship is important to locals, so sustainable travel practices are encouraged.
