Things to Do in Vancouver Island

Top Things to Do in Vancouver Island

Things to Do in Vancouver Island


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Vancouver Island.


Top Attractions in Vancouver Island

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.




*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • tdsuperstar
    Toronto, Canada18,565 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There’s been so much said about The Butchart Gardens, so it’s difficult to add to the discourse on the most popular thing to do on Vancouver Island. That said, the important things for me to take out of the day, is that you really should give the Gardens a solid three hours. You can easily do more. With the unusually cold winter, the blooms were not as present this week when I went. Even still, I enjoyed the whole three plus hours. Taking public transit there from downtown is easy, so I definitely recommend that if you are not driving. My favourite garden was the Japanese Garden followed closely by the Sunken Garden. I know I can’t wait to visit again, hopefully sooner than later!!
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • S F
    Ucluelet, Canada790 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The wondrous Wild Pacific Trail in the ocean village of Ucluelet on Canada’s Wild West coast, has a 2024 programme which extends its mission to teach, both nature & local cultural history to those who visit.
    Visitors are residents of Ukee, as locals refer to the ocean village, but also come from afar, both nationally & internationally.
    One learns of course by just being exposed to the flora & fauna which one observes as one walks this breath-taking trail but programmes led by experts, both on line & in person, are available for this new year of 2024.
    The organization is a non profit & needs donations to sustain itself & grow. It is easy to donate online.
    Posted by S Fuller
    Written January 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julie L
    Victoria, Canada38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place, and fairly descent number of people there. There are so many ducks there and geese lmao.
    Written January 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiki
    Vancouver, Canada11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    到victoria的第一天下午去的,天气很好,蓝天白云,通透干净。
    从red fish blue fish那边走到了floating homes那边,一路赏心悦目。
    在岸边超近距离看到一只加拿大鹅,悠哉悠哉在草里找吃的。
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tdsuperstar
    Toronto, Canada18,565 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonder experience at the Royal BC. To understand the importance of Vancouver Island to the reemergence of life in the Northern Hemisphere after the Ice Age, it really shows the unique gift that lies in this region. The displays are kept up well and dynamic. The photography exhibit on right now is wonderful. The IMAX film “Everest” was excellent and inspiring, though not really for youngsters (mine is almost 8), despite being rated “G”. I would say seeing the Royal BC is of great importance to getting the Victoria, but also the Vancouver Island experience!!
    Written March 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NeilMcCubbin
    Lac Brome, qc6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our tour not listed. We did the deepest one with rappelles and a load of messy wiggling
    Good fun but energetic and not for the fat boys
    Our guide, Chloe, was very competent and good fun.
    Only problem was slight unannounced change in start time
    Written August 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Odyseey
    New York City, NY53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really great looking building in the middle of Victoria downtown we walked around for about 20 minutes then it became boring
    Written January 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gardiner W
    Vancouver, Canada430 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An 1890's full on Victorian mansion. Built by a Scottish Canadian industrialist who sadly never survived long enough to move in. But his wife and gaggles of daughters did.beautiful woodwork and lots of stain glass. Lovely wooden floors and furnished in the style of the period. Lots of stairs so those with mobility problems should note. Castle underwent several transformations over the years and each is recorded in the rooms and written tablets. A bit dark in some of the rooms (curtains closed to prevent fading I guess) but does make it difficult to read some of the info posts (I suggested a small hotel bed lamp be installed to make it easier. Allow at least an hour for the tour. And look on google for more info on the builder (one Mr Dunsmuir)
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • S F
    Ucluelet, Canada790 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The iconic & highly-regarded travel guide, Lonely Planet, has just this January 2024 —- in its always highly anticipated & regular reviews — named Chesterman Beach in Tofino, on Canada’s Wild West coast, the 6th best beach in the world.
    Chesterman Beach is certainly impressive with its 1.7 mile long firm sandy arching beach.
    In addition, to one side it has an interesting cluster of tidal rock pools, & if the tide is right, one can walk out to join with the area of Frank island.
    Tofino has a good selection of beaches at which to surf, to walk on, do yoga on, or to contemplate the world from, as well as beaches close by in the Pacific Rim National Park—- the spectacular stretch of land, connectingTofino to its non-identical twin ocean village, Ucluelet, or Ukee, as locals affectionately refer to it as.
    This coast is blessed with a significant number of beaches along the tantalizing Pacific Ocean.
    Chesterman offers many moods over the day, often starting with romantic foggy mornings, invigorating times with waves, walking & exploring in the day, ending with enchanting sunsets in the evenings.
    As a life-commited ocean lover, I have travelled to a fair number of great beaches on five continents — also, too, discovering secluded gems in the process, & with that I am delighted Lonely Planet decided to include Chesterman Beach — just up the road from where I now live in Ucluelet — in its top 10 beaches on the planet.
    Posted by S Fuller
    Written February 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kenna h
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Long Beach is famous for its long stretches of sandy beaches, dramatic shoreline, and powerful surf. It's a popular spot for surfing, beachcombing, and taking in beautiful sunsets. Visitors can stroll along the sandy shores, watch the crashing waves, and enjoy the coastal scenery.
    Written July 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ah_travelgirl
    San Diego, CA144 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Small, but cute area to walk around and check out the docks. There are colorful, floating eateries and private homes. You can catch a water taxi and other tours are offered here too.
    Written March 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mitchelvds
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful place for a walk
    Both sides are worth doing
    The boardwalk side is great with small kids and strollers. My kids love the walk there.
    The other side is beautiful too but more forest floor so harder to do with a stroller definitely a carry the baby situation .

    But definitely a walk worth doing
    Written January 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver Island