Top Things to do in Vancouver Island
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What to do and see in Vancouver Island, Canada: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Vancouver Island, Canada including Chesterman Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, Beacon Hill Park, Royal BC Museum, Inner Harbour, Newcastle Island, Kinsol Trestle, Elk Falls Provincial Park, Neck Point Park, Harbourfront Walkway.
Restaurants in Vancouver Island
1. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada
We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!
2. Pacific Rim National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,337 reviews
Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve consists of 3 units stretching from Tofino, the northern end, to Port Renfrew at the southern end, on Vancouver Island. These 3 units are: 1) The Long Beach Unit located between the beach towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, 2) The Broken Group Islands located in Barkley Sound and accessible only by boat, and 3) The West Coast Trail stretching for 75 km from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. Only experienced trekkers should attempt this trail. We got to explore the Broken Group of Islands when we joined one of the Whale Watching tour operators in Ucluelet. We were taken across the small islands in Barkley Sound, towards the south-east of Ucluelet, and saw the spectacular views of these islands covered by a small forest of trees, and rocks with a lot of kelp floating around. Finally the captain of the motorised boat spotted a humpback whale which we followed for quite a while as it kept spouting and breaking the surface of the water every few minutes. We even saw a group of grunting and squabbling sea lions on a rocky island, a sea otter floating on it’s back in the water, and some sea eagles perched up on tall trees of some of the islands. Likewise, a walk along the Long Beach near Tofino and along the West Coast Trail must be as mesmerizing for the incredible coastline scenery with the temperate rain-forests of the islands meeting the ever turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the wonderful aquatic and terrestrial fauna like whales, orcas, dolphins, wolves, bears, cougars, and myriads of smaller creatures along the shore.
3. Beacon Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,017 reviews
This park holds a tree planted by Winston Churchill in 1929.
Reviewed By BoardingPass518854
Lovely park - beautiful gardens, paths, playgrounds, ponds, the beach, history, world’s tallest totem pole
4. Royal BC Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,037 reviews
See all of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum, a world-class museum of natural and human history. Explore our core galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we've been and where we are going. Marvel at the totems, masks and cultural treasures featured in the world-class First Peoples Gallery. Walk through the colourful "language forest" in Our Living Languages and hear greetings in one of 34 Indigenous BC languages. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings -- from the Woolly Mammoth in his rocky, icy world to a tar-scented trip on the HMS Discovery.
Reviewed By eblocker4460 - Wasilla, United States
My initial thought was, "It's just another museum." Was I ever wrong! It begins with an excellent natural history section that is better than most, but where it really shines is the third floor exhibits of the history of BC. It has extremely well done exhibits of the area's First Nation's peoples with subsequent exhibits of every era after European discovery. Each interactive exhibit moves you through discovery, development through the gold rush, growth of industry, logging, mining, and the influx of diverse people groups, contributing to a thriving new culture and community. I highly recommend this museum as a must see when you visit Victoria, BC.
5. Inner Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,293 reviews
This scenic patch of waterfront is the location of Victoria's many tourist attractions, recreational activities, restaurants and shopping. For a special treat, have afternoon tea at the grand Empress Hotel or board a ferry for a harbor tour.
Reviewed By Redkitewatcher64 - Andover, United Kingdom
The Inner Harbour is the highlight of any visit to Victoria. Its a perfect place to walk around as there is a pathway around the whole harbour. From here there is a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars and is the perfect place to watch the float planes and cruise ships visiting the harbour. Here you can watch the water taxi's travelling around the harbour and people out rowing in the harbour. From here you can walk to Chinatown and the main shopping areas, visit the museums and view historic sites like the hotels and Government buildings, Its a perfect place to watch the sunset , and a walk around at night reveals stunning views of the parliament buildings lit up at night
6. Newcastle Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By sharonNVBC - North Vancouver, Canada
You can take a short ferry ride to Newcastle from downtown Nanaimo. Interesting sandstone rock formations, wildlife, and and easy walking trails make this a great day trip. There are campsites and a small cafeteria near the ferry dock. Return trips can require a short wait, since the foot passenger ferries have limited capacity.
7. Kinsol Trestle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By mariedesjardins - Prince George, Canada
Old railway line in the cowichan valley Near Victoria. Pleasant hike across the wooden bridge overlooking the river valley. Observation decks and trails down to the riverside. Fine in summer but might be hard to traverse in other seasons when rain occurs often. Cycling and walking trails surround the bridge. There are two parking lots at different points plus roadside parking. Outhouses for facilities too.
8. Elk Falls Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 815 reviews
A popular destination family campground on Vancouver Island! Explore the incredible camping, hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities this region has to offer. Be sure to check out the new suspension bridge! Park visitors to Elk Falls will enjoy the extensive forest trail network and the hiking and biking opportunities available. Impressive waterfalls serve as a beautiful backdrop while hiking through coastal forests. Minutes from the main campground, visitors can explore the impressive new suspension bridge. Access to the bridge can be found off the Canyon View Trail. Adventurous park users will be awe-struck at the views found from this newly-built attraction! Firewood is available for sale from the Park Operator. Reservations are recommended during peak season, however last-minute campers may be able to find a spot in July and August. Reservations for this park are accepted for arrival dates from mid-May – Labour Day. Elk Falls is open year-round (Winter Camping $11/night).
Reviewed By 912ted
nice walk, even for 13 year old border collie, everybody tried to social distance, so everything was fine.
9. Neck Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Amandacawley1212 - Nanaimo, Canada
Beautiful! A wonderful view of the water and a lovely walk through the forest.. bats at night and Eagles in the day.. also has fairy doors so fantastic spot for families as well
10. Harbourfront Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Reviewed By Adventurer303465
The extensive walkway at long the Nanaimo Harbour extends from Port Place Mall and Gabriela Ferry Terminal to The Departure Bay Ferry terminal. It passes th the boa basin with mixture of fishing boats and pleasure yachts. One can purchase ice creams, speciality coffees and wide selection of island gifts. Harbour Air Sewplane terminal is located on walkway. After passing the Bistro pub and restaurant you will come to Mateo-Sutton Park. Continuing on are the Yacht Club and other marine establishments.
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