Things to do in Vancouver Island

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Tofino showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Tofino showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
British Columbia Parliament Building which includes heritage architecture, a park and night scenes
Port Alberni featuring landscape views, tranquil scenes and a sunset
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park featuring forests and a bridge

Vancouver Island Attractions

Discover the best sights in Vancouver Island with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {351 fun activities in Vancouver Island fun activities in Vancouver Island}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning the perfect vacation.



Vancouver Island must see attractions

1. Victoria Harbour

Come to Victoria Harbour to experience the spirit of the city at its most dynamic. Get a sense of the area’s modern atmosphere and culture as well as its history. Watch street performers flaunt their skills, visit some of Victoria’s most significant buildings and browse the markets for the perfect souvenir. All this against the backdrop of the sparkling waves, topped with vessels of all kinds.
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Victoria Harbour featuring a bay or harbor and heritage architecture

2. Butchart Gardens

The bright colors and glorious fountains of Butchart Gardens make it look like the set of an inventive fantasy film. Watch fireworks explode into colors as vivid as the flowers growing beneath them and enjoy concerts on the sloping, grassy lawn. Boat tours, carousels and magical nighttime illuminations add to the appeal of this popular Victoria attraction.
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Butchart Gardens featuring a garden and flowers

3. Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Experience exhilarating snow sports and adventure on an island in the Canadian Pacific, at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. This resort offers skiing, trekking and hiking activities throughout the year in a locale bounded by the Strait of Georgia on one side and the expansive wilderness of Strathcona Park on the other.
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Mount Washington Alpine Resort showing landscape views, mountains and snow

4. Chesterman Beach

Grab a board and tackle the gentle breakers at Chesterman Beach or sit back and look on as rookies and experts surf the waves together. The 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) white sandy expanse is a popular place for learning how to surf. It's also where you can walk to an island, see migrating whales and explore tidal pools for marine life.
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Chesterman Beach which includes landscape views, general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Victoria Fisherman's Wharf

At Fisherman’s Wharf you can feed seals, explore a picturesque floating village, enjoy fresh seafood, join whale-watching tours and watch a unique water “ballet.”
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Victoria Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes a bay or harbor and a coastal town as well as a family

What to do in Vancouver Island

Things to Do in Vancouver Island with Kids

There are loads of incredible experiences in Vancouver Island that the entire gang will get a buzz out of. These are some of the top family friendly experiences around.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Vancouver Island? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Vancouver Island

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Vancouver Island

Victoria which includes a city, street scenes and a house

Downtown Victoria

4.5/5(796 area reviews)

Downtown Victoria boasts a lively atmosphere with movie theatres, stage theatres, hotels, and various dining options. Explore tourist attractions like Bastion Square, Centennial Square, and the historic Chinatown.

Downtown Victoria
Victoria Harbour featuring heritage elements and a bay or harbor

Inner Harbour

Spend time at the water’s edge and still be in the city’s core. You’ll find many attractions and things to do while walking in this picturesque area.

Inner Harbour
Victoria showing a coastal town and a marina

James Bay

5/5(513 area reviews)

You can explore vibrant attractions like Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman's Wharf Park, and the Royal British Columbia Museum in this area near Victoria's Inner Harbour. Accessible via Belleville Street and other main roads, it also offers a HeliJet terminal and a US ferries terminal.

James Bay
Victoria_UniversityofVictoria_6072293-3

Saanich East

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Saanich East, you might make a stop by sights like Cadboro Bay and Cedar Hill Golf Course.

Saanich East
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Esquimalt

Southern tip of Vancouver Island hosts Esquimalt, a municipality with a rich naval history and heritage sites like Craigflower farmhouse and schoolhouse. Explore the area along the historic Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway.

Esquimalt
C51DMA Viewpoint looking towards suburbs of Victoria BC Canada. Fairfield. Sunny calm summer morning. Calm seas blue skies

Fairfield

5/5(31 area reviews)

Residential community featuring low-rise apartments and single-family homes, Fairfield boasts ocean waters perfect for wind surfing and para-sailing. Enjoy scenic views at Clover Point, and explore Cook Street Village's cafés, boutiques, and grocery stores.

Fairfield

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Vancouver Island

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Vancouver Island on a sunny day?
What to do in Vancouver Island on a rainy day?
If it's raining cats and dogs out there, try out some indoor activities, like a Plaza Premium Lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or a Vancouver Airport Same Day Luggage Services.
What should I not miss in Vancouver Island?
If you'd like to see the best of this destination, add these attractions to your itinerary:

  • Butchart Gardens
  • University of Victoria
  • British Columbia Parliament Building
  • Fisgard Lighthouse

Are there cheap things to do in Vancouver Island?
What can you do in Vancouver Island for free?
You could store your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these great attractions can be seen for nothing:

  • University of Victoria
  • Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
  • Chesterman Beach
  • Sooke Harbour

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