Vancouver Island
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Vancouver Island - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Vancouver Island - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
This waterfront park overlooking Active Pass is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It's also home to the Georgina Point Lighthouse; built in 1885, it still signals ships into the busy waterway. The grassy grounds are great for picnicking.
The small pebble beach at Gowlland Point Park, at the end of Gowlland Point Road on South Pender, is one of the prettiest on the islands, with views across to Washington State.
Both North Pender and South Pender host sections of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. On South Pender a steep trail leads to the 800-foot summit of Mt. Norman, with its expansive ocean and island views; in the newer Greenburn Lake section of the park, forest trails circle a pretty freshwater lake. On North Pender, a historic cottage resort called Roesland is now part of the park; one of the circa-1908 cottages houses the Pender Island Museum. An easy 15-minute walk leads to a tiny islet.
Art studios, an artisans' co-op, Pender Chocolates, and views to Saturna and Mayne islands are the draws at Hope Bay, a lovely cove on North Pender's eastern shore.
Built entirely by volunteers, this 1-acre garden at Dinner Bay Park honors the island's early Japanese settlers. It's about ½ mile south of the Village Bay ferry terminal.
Extending from Jordan River to near Port Renfrew, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park takes in several beaches, including China Beach, with soft, sandy beaches dotted with driftwood; Sombrio Beach, a popular surfing spot; and Botanical Beach, with its amazing tidal pools. The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is a tough 48-km (30-mile) wilderness hiking trail running along the shore from China Beach, west of Jordan River, to Botanical Beach, near Port Renfrew. Several trailheads along the way—at China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek, and Botanical Beach—allow day hikers to walk small stretches of it.
Perched on a point about a mile off the highway on Wickaninnish Beach, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's visitor center offers insights into local culture, flora and fauna, First Nations traditions, local history, and conservation efforts; don't miss the stunning life-size carving of a whaling canoe. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions. The outside deck is perfect for spotting whales, surfers, and storms.
The most accessible—and visited—section of the park is the Long Beach Unit, the highlight of which is a 15-km (9-mile) stretch of pristine forest-backed sand just off Highway 4 between Ucluelet and Tofino. Four-hour "beach walk" passes are available at Long Beach Parking Lot only. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: surfing; walking.
Cider is made in the traditional English way at this apple orchard, cidery and distillery; in addition to several varieties of cider and fortified wines, they also make spirits, like brandy, vodka, gin, and an apple eau de vie. Visitors can take a cidery and tasting tour at noon on Saturdays or a spirits and brandy tour on Sundays. Lunches of local fare served on the orchard-view patio. There's also a shop selling ciders, juices, baked goods, and jams, and you can even spend the night in a glamorous yurt on the property.
You can rent a kayak, boat, or moped at Montague Harbour Marina, or grab a snack at the café on-site.
This provincial park on the island's southwest shore has a long shell beach famed for its sunset views.
The sandy beach at Mortimer Spit is a sheltered spot for swimming and kayaking; it's near the bridge linking the two islands.
Near the center of Salt Spring Island, Baynes Peak in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park has spectacular views of south Salt Spring, Vancouver Island, and other Gulf Islands. The last portion of the drive is steep, winding, and unpaved.
A 45-minute hike up this 263-meter (863-foot) peak leads to the island's highest point and a stunning view of the mainland and other Gulf Islands.
Trails wind through displays of indigenous plant life, and the occasional whimsical garden sculpture may catch your eye at Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens (formerly Tofino Botanical Gardens). The 12-acre waterfront site, about 2 km (1 mile) south of Tofino on the Pacific Rim Highway, is also home to a café and an affordable ecolodge. The admission fee is good for three days.
In a 1908 farmhouse at Roesland on North Pender, part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, this tiny museum houses local historic artifacts.
Built in 1896, this former jail is now a minuscule museum chronicling Mayne Island's history.
Small-batch beers, handcrafted using local seasonal ingredients are on tap here. Located in a brick building that formerly housed a motorcycle shop along the highway, this popular craft brewery launched in 2015 with signature brews like Sweet Leaf IPA and Piggy Pale Ale. Feature beers, such as a mushroom-infused Lion's Mane Golden Ale and Idle Hands Oaked Orange Ale, change regularly. The Midnite Umber Ale won bronze at the 2019 BC Brewing Awards. A flight of three beers is C$6.
Riot Brewing Co. is an award-winning craft brewery offering tours, samples and flights of beer. Their outdoor patio, complete with fire pit, is kid- and dog-friendly.
This provincial park is the site of an 1872 homestead and extensive fields that are still being farmed. Several small sandy beaches and 8 km (5 miles) of trails winding through forests and along the coast make this one of the islands' most appealing parks. A lovely and very popular campground has walk-in tent sites on a grassy slope overlooking the sea as well as a few drive-in sites in the woods.
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