Vancouver Island

Situated off the west coast of British Columbia, the wild and rugged Vancouver Island, which is 500km long and 100km wide, is a stunning mixture of pristine natural scenery, colourful fishing villages and vibrant city life in its capital Victoria.

• Take a cruise with pods of killer whales
• Go surfing off Tofino’s sandy beaches
• Experience some world-class Black bear watching
• Kayak through the islets of Clayoquot Sound
• Explore the gardens, monuments and restaurants of Victoria

The island is one of Canada’s premier outdoor playgrounds and offers visitors a huge variety of activities ranging from surfing to whale watching, relaxing on sandy beaches and enjoying the history of Victoria as well as being the jumping off point for some incredible Grizzly bear viewing.

Located on the south-eastern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital city and offers not only Canada’s mildest climate, but also a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. Heritage architecture, bustling harbours, art galleries, the colourful Butchardt Gardens, ziplines, golf, world-class restaurants, incredible whale watching and traditions like afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress all make Victoria a brilliant destination to explore.

One of the key highlights of a visit to Vancouver Island is a stay in Tofino. Located in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the west coast of the island, this is a delightfully laid-back beach town famed for its lovely beaches, great surfing and stunning natural beauty. There is also a vibrant art and artisan scene as well as many excellent restaurants and bars to choose from.

The island is also the place to go for some incredible wildlife viewing. The waters around the island are home to an abundance of marine wildlife with many pods of killer whales as well as humpback, grey and minke whales. Many whales spend the summer in Clayoquot Sound offering some incredible kayaking experiences. Sea lions, seals, porpoise and a number of marine birds are also resident here. The island is also the starting point for some world class bear watching with a number of fantastic wilderness lodges in the region.