Top Things to do in Vancouver Island
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Top 10 Visitor Centers in Vancouver Island, Canada
Discover the best top things to do in Vancouver Island, Canada including Vancouver Island Visitor Centre, Cowichan Lake Visitor Centre, The Sointula Resource Centre, Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Centre, Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre, Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, Pacific Rim Visitor Centre, Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre, Qualicum Beach Visitor Information Centre, Campbell River Visitor Centre.
Restaurants in Vancouver Island
1. Vancouver Island Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Whether you are in the planning stages of your vacation or have arrived in the area and don't know where to begin, the Comox Valley's Vancouver Island Visitor Centre is your first stop to create an unforgettable vacation! The Centre also offers a fun and interactive introduction to Vancouver Island from ocean to alpine! Touch a live oyster, identify local trees or explore the region through a touch table of Vancouver Island images. Take a few fun photos of your own and enjoy free WI-Fi so you can catch up on the news at home. There are outdoor picnic tables, pet walking area and a children's play structure. There is even an e-vehicle charge point.
Reviewed By chc9533 - Hong Kong, China
My wife and I were fortunate to have been many places in Canada and visited many visitor centers. They are literally all good. But we found VIVC-CV to be the best of the very best. We came here seeking info about the herring spawn. There wasn’t too much public info out there and the help, guidance and support given by Glen and Kazumi were simply unbelievable, well above and beyond our expectations! The herring spawn was truly a nature’s spectacle. We want to share our experiences but TA doesn’t provide a good spot for posting this type of reviews which are not tied to one particular destination. As such, we decided to post it here. Hopefully people coming for herring spawn in future will also visit this site. We stayed in Comox for 14-nights, Feb 29 – Mar 14. The very first thing we did upon arrival was visiting Vancouver Island Visitor Centre, Comox Valley. We collected tons of helpful info and great advice. Highly recommend that you make VIVC to be your first stop! We also read DFO’s Fishery Notice religiously. They gave updates at least daily and upto 2-3 times/day at the peak period, giving us good pointers on where to go. Saw our first ever herring spawn on Mar 4. We were so glad to have arrived 4 days early and had the opportunity of exploring the potential spawning sites, getting ourselves familiar with the area, and doing some sight-seeing. Make sure you pick up a leaflet “Comox Valley Nature Viewing Guide”. We visited 14 of the 17 sites listed in the leaflet. Many of these later turned out to be spawning grounds and we had the benefits of knowing time needed to get there, where to park and the access trail to the beach, etc. We visited Denman Island on Mar 2 and leisurely checked out hotspots like Morning Beach, Fillongley and Boyle Point. Not only we enjoyed the discovery, such knowledge became invaluable assets afterwards. Between Mar 4-14, we viewed spawning from the following sites. It seemed to move in a North to South direction (see our map). - Kitty Coleman Beach - Seal Bay - Kye Bay - Point Holmes/Cape Lazo - Longbeak Point (Denman Island) - Morning Beach (Denman Island) - Fillongley (Denman Island) - Fanny Bay - Bowser - Qualicum Bay - Qualicum Beach - French Creek - Parksville Beach Most of our viewing was done on land, but we also chartered a boat with Adam of All in Sportfishing as viewings from a boat was different. There were also places only accessible by boat. We went out 4 times from Comox marina: - Mar 4: circumnavigated Denman Island, then returned north to Kitty Coleman and saw our first ever herring spawn ☺. - Mar 8: spent most of our time in upper Lambert Channel along Komas Bluff. - Mar 12: sailed south down Baynes Sound to Bowser. - Mar 13: sailed along the east coast of Hornby to Flora Isle, then checked out Bowser before returning to Comox. Our best viewings were: - Mar 4 at Kitty Coleman: we viewed from the boat in the morning and went back again to the beach in the afternoon. Fishery was not yet opened. Seabirds and marine mammals were in their full strength. It was an unbelievable sight and truly a nature’s spectacle. Viewings from the boat and from the beach were very different and we were so glad doing both on this day! - Mar 6 at Morning Beach: Fishery opened today. Over a hundred fishing boats were dotting the upper Lambert Channel. The spawning was more spread out, the feeding frenzy continued just not as concentrated as Mar 4 when the sky of Kitty Coleman was literally covered by birds. - Mar 7 at Longbeak Point: Spent the whole afternoon here watching the bald eagles went fishing. We lost count but there must be over a hundred eagles. Unlike catching salmon when one fish can feed the family, herrings were much smaller and the eagles had to work harder. They seemed like bombers launched wave after wave. A couple of river otters were also there fishing and playing. We had a wonderful afternoon and so did the eagles! - Mar 8 at Komas Bluff: There seemed to be less fish today and we didn’t see too many eagles around. Nonetheless, sea lions seemed to be working harder and we had some amazing photos taken from our boat which allowed us getting closer to the action. - Mar 11 & 14 at Qualicum Bay and Parksville Beach: While we continued seeing the spawn zone in the water, there seemed to be less fish in our inexperienced eyes. The gulls were mostly working on the roe at the beach. Sighting of numerous species of seabirds was highlights of these 2 days. According to DFO, seine fishery opened at 6:30am on Mar 6 and closed 26.5 hours later at 9am on Mar 7 after reaching a validated catch of 2,019 against the 2,025 ton quota. However, gillnet fishery took a much longer time. Gillnetters’ accumulated catches against their 7,215 ton quota were as follows: - Mar 6: 850t (est.) - Mar 7: 1,300t (est.) - Mar 8: 3,500t (est.) - Mar 9: 6,000t (est.) - Mar 10: 6,800t (est.) - Mar 11: 6,800t (est.) - Mar 12: 6,800t (est.) - Mar 13: 7,090t (est.) - Mar 14: 7,090t (est.) - Mar 15: 7,067t (validated) - Mar 16: 7,067t (validated) - Mar 17: 7,067t (validated, fishery closed) We are no experts, our thoughts from a layman’s perspective: - Gillnetters had the ability of catching more than 2,000t/day as seen on Mar 8 and 9. - Yet they seemed to struggle since Mar 10 and their catches almost stagnated. When fishery closed on Mar 17, they didn’t even hit their quota. Maybe there were good technical reasons behind, otherwise we were tempted to think the herrings en mass weren’t there?! - This almost coincided with our own observations. Since Mar 10, we have travelled up and down the coastline and found wildlife activities not as intense as before. Could it be that the predators were already full after days of feeding? We don’t know but it begs the questions on where were the herrings and more importantly, will they be coming back? - Please forgive us for our ignorance. We were merely a one-time observer and lack the insights of the locals. But from people we met, including the good ladies at our motel, many dog walkers on the beaches, the passionate photographers, and the friendly islanders at Denman/Hornby were all telling us the spawning seemed to be getting smaller by year. Hope DFO will do the right thing to protect the well being of the herrings, a small but such an important species in our ecology. The wildlife drawn by the herring spawn was spectacular. We are not birders, but we can still name the following birds: bald eagle, surf scoter, common goldeneye, great blue heron, bufflehead, long-tailed duck, mallard, greater scaup, common loon, red-necked grebe, brant goose, double-crested cormorant, brandt’s cormorant, dunlin, black oystercatcher, American wigeon, northern pintail, common merganser, hooded merganser, killdeer, snow goose, greater white-fronted geese, mew gull, glaucous-winged gull – thanks to the ebird app! There were birds that we couldn’t ID and surely we must have missed some others. When we finally returned to Vancouver, the world has turned into a very different place. We both left YVR on Mar 17. My old friend flew home to Toronto and I departed for Auckland. Without prior knowledge, I took literally the last Air Canada flight that landed in Auckland 14 hours before NZ closed its border! We counted our blessing of seeing what we saw, a special thanks again to Glenn for his guidance, much appreciated!
2. Cowichan Lake Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We at the Town of Lake Cowichan Visitor/Business Centre will strive to ensure that all of our visitors have a wonderful experience in the Cowichan Lake area. The Centre can provide information on attractions and events in the area. We will strive to assist you in making your visit to Lake the best it can be. The Cowichan Lake area has some of the best hiking trails, water recreation opportunities, and campsites. Visit us and discover all that the Cowichan Lake area has to offer!
3. The Sointula Resource Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We are an information hub for visitors to Sointula and Malcolm Island. We offer a free bike rental program from May through October. We have three in-house computers for public use or daily, weekly and monthly Wi-Fi passes available for purchase. We provide office services to the public such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, laminating, and more.
4. Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
The Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Centre is Victoria's official visitor resource. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will answer your questions, make reservations for tours, transportation, hotels, and tickets and share insider tips to make your stay even more enjoyable. Drop in to pick up our Victoria vacation guide, brochures, maps and so much more.
5. Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
The Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre is a community museum that explores the human and natural heritage of the region from Sooke to Port Renfrew. The museum also operates the local visitor information centre for the region. We have both exhibits in the main museum building and around the grounds. In the Summer we are open 7 days a week. In the off season we are closed Mondays and most Stat holidays. Starting the first Thursday in June, and running until first Thursday in September, we host a night market from 5pm to 8pm and museum stays open during this event.We also usually are closed over Christmas and the first week of January. The museum holds various special event during the year, has a gift shop with local arts & crafts, plus can do special meals for pre-booked tour groups.
Reviewed By marko437 - Sooke, Canada
This is just outside Sooke town centre near the bridge. We always take our friends and family visiting us there. They always buy something as it has very reasonably priced souvenirs with good quality and we buy as gifts for family and friends when traveling like mugs with humming birds on them and the Sooke name It has a very well presented museum of Sooke and the surrounding area with a good and friendly information centre.
6. Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
The Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre (CRVC) is located adjacent to the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan, BC. The friendly and knowledgeable information councilors at the CRVC are prepared to help you plan and navigate your trip, and will make you feel at home in the luscious Cowichan Valley. The Visitor Centre is within a 10 minute drive of many of the region's highlights, including the famous Duncan City of Totems, Chemainus City of Murals, world-class wineries, quaint artisan galleries, and unforgettable whale watching experiences. If you're looking for lunch recommendations or a place to stay, our councilors would be happy to help make bookings and provide directions. The CRVC also hosts a variety of local souvenirs, books, and clothing items to fit your travel needs. Feel free to stop in for a coffee and to use the free WiFi.
Reviewed By Daniellelang
We went into the visitors center, and everybody was so nice and helpful. We got maps and great ideas on what to do and see. I highly reccomend to stop there for planning your trip.
7. Pacific Rim Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
The Pacific Rim Visitor Centre offers a primary arrival and meeting destination for those venturing to the Pacific Rim region on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Immediately following your drive over the Pacific Rim Highway (Hwy 4) from Port Alberni, you will reach our headquarters at the Junction between Ucluelet and Tofino. Our wheelchair accessible facilities offer a staffed Visitor Information Centre, a Parks Canada center, large maps of the region, public WiFi, secure garbage and recycling boxes, public restrooms, and plentiful parking for both RV's and regular vehicles.
Reviewed By PullmanCougar - Pullman, United States
Got much needed information from people at the counter. Can buy the National Parks Pass for Pacific Rim or the overall pass there. They have a few souvenir items for purchase. Bathrooms were clean. Gave me a small map and tide tables. Very helpful people.
8. Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Located at the entrance to Parksville, the Parksville Visitor Centre is conveniently located just off Highway 19A (Exit #46), between the Craig Heritage Park Museum and Rotary Peace Park. Our courteous and knowledgeable staff provide professional visitor counselling, customized itinerary planning, accommodation and activity reservations, helpful travel information including transportation and community information on all areas of British Columbia. The Visitor Centre is accessible.**COVID19 update: We assure you that our staff and visitors’ health and safety is a top priority. All entrance traffic will use the South Door (Northwest Bay Road side) and exit through the North Door (Island Highway side). A limit of two (2) visitor parties with no more than two (2) people per party will be imposed until further notice. Contactless delivery area will be at the North Door. Waiting space outside the South Door will be marked to ensure physical distancing of a minimum of 2 metres (6 feet).
Reviewed By haroldw148 - Parksville, Canada
We stopped by to ask a few questions about what is good to see in the Parksville area. The young lady at the counter was excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable. If you have questions this is the place to get some back ground info. If they don't know, they can find. Ask away.
9. Qualicum Beach Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
If you want to know about area then the Qualicum Beach Visitor Information Centre is the place to visit! Our friendly staff will help you with any questions you may have, and will provide you with great resources! We have an abundance of information including various maps of the area and beyond, accommodations, restaurants, attractions, tours, local events, tide guides, trail maps, transportation guides and schedules, and more!
10. Campbell River Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Campbell River is a city nestled in nature, surrounded by the wild, with all the comforts of home. Let us help you discover BC’s iconic wildlife, gather with friends and family, and experience how the nature here can transform us all. Follow #DiscoverCampbellRiver to get inspired by stories from real travellers, and let us know how we can help you plan your journey.
Reviewed By ozcan1 - Bunbury, Australia
Back in Campbell River... and apparently the salmon are, too! Seeking information on fishing licences, without interrupting the hustle-and-bustle of the local sports fishing shops, I dropped in to the Campbell River Visitors' Centre, at Spirit Square, to ask about saltwater and freshwater licences for 'aliens'... .* I was surprised at the high level of information provided, even including the names and locations of government departments which might help me campaign for monthly licences for visitors. I was also provided with a print-out of licensing options for foreign tourists and travellers... a very useful table with which to attempt to plan my freshwater and saltwater fly fishing adventures, within very restricted dates and seasons... . Many thanks to Kate for providing an excellent update on fishing licences. * Is BC the only place north of The Great Wall of Mexico where I'm likely to be deemed an alien? Are Canadian federal and provincial governments punishing Aussies for the alleged past sins of US amateur fishermen, who reputedly drove up into BC with freezer trucks?
