THINGS TO DO ON VANCOUVER ISLAND | Complete Bucket List

by | Vancouver Island

It feels like every year I spend the winter months counting down until summer approaches. I have all these activities and things to do on Vancouver Island – ambitions to hike, camp and explore – and then before I know it, summer is over and the cooler months are already rolling in.

In an attempt to make the most of each summer I often write a list of things I hope to see and do around Vancouver Island. With more activities than I have free time, I don’t even come close to ticking everything off the bucket list, but it’s a good start to ensure I make the most of the fleeting summer months.

As I called Vancouver Island’s largest city, Victoria, home last year, many of these are centred around Victoria, but that being said, I have also spent the first 20 years of my life growing up in central Vancouver Island. As a result, this list incorporates the best things to do on Vancouver Island, including amazing things to do, free activities, unique destinations and more.

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1. Campfire at Sombrio Beach

Pack a picnic, supplies and a couple of friends and head over to the rugged West Coast for the night. When I picture the perfect Vancouver Island summer night, this is it. You’ll even find the Sombrio Beach hidden waterfall if you look in the right place. Stop in at the Fairy Lake Bonsai Tree for another unique experience if you are out this direction.

Sombrio Beach Hidden Waterfall

2. Brunch at the infamous Jam Café

As outdoorsy and active as Victoria is, the locals also love to eat. Check out their favourite brunch spot but be prepared to wait in line.

Read our full blog:
Best Brunch restaurants in Victoria

Jam Cafe in Victoria

3. Play in Beacon Hill Park

Toss a Frisbee, play spikeball or just kick a ball around. This ginormous park just outside Victoria’s downtown core has some incredible green space and open fields.

Beacon hill Park

4. Victoria Brewery Tour

With a handful of craft breweries based in and around Victoria’s downtown core, its easy to make a full day of it and do a brewery tour. Be sure to include local favourites, Phillips, Canoe, and Hoyne.

Keen to try a brewery tour? Join fellow beer lovers on this craft brewery tour around Victoria.

Brewery tour in Victoria

5. Butchart Gardens

Not just for tourists – this incredible garden, located in Brentwood Bay, is worth visiting in the summer, especially for their Saturday firework shows.

Get your tickets to Butchart Gardens here.

Butchart Gardens

6. Bike along the Galloping Goose Trail

This 55km incredible pathway winds from downtown Victoria to Sooke and is a great way to get active and explore. 

7. Float down Cowichan River

The perfect summer activity. Grab a tube and lazily float down the river with a few good friends!

Floating down the Cowichan river

8. Walk along Kinsol Trestle

Just outside Shawnigan Lake, this old train trestle has been converted into a beautiful walkway.

Kinsol Trestle bridge

9. Sidney Spit

You can either kayak over from Sidney or hop on the walk-on ferry to access this beautiful sandy stretch of coastline.

10. Day trip to Mystic Beach

One of the most scenic beaches along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, Mystic Beach is located just over an hour outside Victoria. The rugged trail to the beach is through beautiful old growth forest with a mini waterfall and a cool rope swing at the end.

Aerial view of Mystic Beach

11. Cliff jump at Sooke Potholes

The perfect, refreshing spot to cliff jump, sun bathe and and enjoy these unique swimming holes that are naturally forming throughout the river rock.

12. Hike Old Mount Baldy

One of my favourite hikes, with a rewarding view of Shawnigan Lake below you and an epic swing to take in the sights from.

 

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The summit of Old Mount Baldy

13. Weekend away to Salt Spring Island

With its own quirky personality, the Gulf Island of Salt Spring is worth a weekend trip to explore the market, wineries, breweries and hikes.

Exploring Salt Spring Island

14. Walk East Sooke Regional Park

East Sooke Regional Park has sparkling blue water uncharacteristic for Canadian coastlines and offers scenic coastal trails worth hiking.

East Sooke Park

15. Hike Mount Douglas

A sweet little hike in Saanich to get some exercise and experience some impressive 360-degree views of Victoria and the surrounding area.

Hike to the top of Mount Douglas

16. Victoria’s Pride Parade

Celebrate love and support inclusiveness during Pride Week which runs around early July each year and culminates with the ever-popular parade on the Sunday.

17. Hike Goldstream Trestle (UPDATE: 2021 Now Closed)

This rewarding and short hike offers incredible views of an old abandoned trestle tucked into the mountainside in Goldstream Provincial Park.

Goldstream Trestle view from the top

18. Watch HarbourCats baseball

Get out and support Victoria’s HarbourCats. Baseball games run throughout the summer months and can make for some awesome lively atmosphere to cheer for the home team and smash a hotdog (or two).

19. Victoria’s Inner Harbour and Fisherman’s Wharf

No matter how many times you see them, the Inner Harbour and Fisherman’s Wharf are still incredible sights worth exploring. Take the 20-minute stroll along the coast to appreciate the floating homes, busy waterways and impressive boats in the harbour.   

20. Patio drinks

Summer isn’t complete without enjoying some sunshine on one of the the many incredible patios throughout the island. For Victoria, it is a tie between Canoe Brewpub and The Local for the best patio.

Patio drinks at Canoe Brewpub

21. Wine tasting in Cowichan Valley

There are a handful of beautiful vineyards and wineries to explore in the fertile Cowichan Valley area including Unsworth and Blue Grouse. While you’re at it, make sure you stop at some of the other local food producers in the the region.

Check out the details and availability for an incredible wine tour of the Cowichan Valley.

22. Visit Chemainus’ murals

The tiny town of Chemainus has showcased their history and beautified their town through the creation of their murals scattered around town. Check them out!

23. Explore Newcastle Island

Just off the coast of Nanaimo sits the little island of Newcastle. Grab the ferry over or rent a kayak and make an afternoon of exploring the island’s coastline and pathways.

Newcastle Island

24. Picnic at Rathtrevor Beach

Just on the outskirts of Parksville, this incredible spot offers plenty of park space to kick a ball around, have a picnic and appreciate the awesome sandy stretch of coast.

25. Visit Coombs Country

Once famous for just its eccentric attraction of goats living on the roof, Coombs has become increasingly popular for its delicious ice cream shop, variety of boutique stores, restaurants and of course its unique market with goods from all over the world.  

Goats on the roof at Coombs Country Market

26. Explore Cathedral Grove

As a kid, I didn’t truly appreciate the impressive nature of this park until I grew up, traveled and realized that most of the world doesn’t have giant old growth trees in their backyard.

Walk amongst these huge Douglas-fir trees and you will be in awe of their size!

Giant trees at Cathedral Grove

27. Boating on Sproat Lake

Just outside Port Alberni, is (in my opinion) the nicest lake on the island! However, to be truly appreciated you need to explore it by boat. Grab a crew of friends and rent a houseboat for a long weekend!

Wake surfing at sproat lake

28. Visit Hornby Island

Recently dubbed the Hawaii of the North, Hornby Island is truly spectacular. The main beach, Tribune Bay, offers clear blue water and sandy shores that make the two ferries to get here worth the effort.

Skim boarding at Tribune Bay on Hornby Island

29. Horne Lake Caves

Different than many of the other activities on the island, the caves provide a unique adventure to see some awesome crystal formations and crawl around within the caves.

30. Cliff jumping at Top Bridge

Definitely a favourite swimming spot for Parksville locals. When the water is high enough, you can jump off the rocks into the Englishman River.

Top Bridge

31. Play golf

As a retirement destination, Vancouver Island is full of well-kept golf courses. Even if you don’t play a round, grab some friends and hit up a driving range.

Golfing on Vancouver Island

32. Check out Little Mountain

This spot just outside Parksville is popular mostly with locals and has a striking cliff edge which overlooks the forest below. 

The peak of Little Mountain at sunset

33. Wild Play Nanaimo

If you are looking for a rush of adrenaline or wanting to do something out of your comfort zone, Wild Play has loads of adventure activities including a bungee jump dunking you into Naniamo River.

Bungee jump at Wild Play nanaimo

34. Elk Falls Suspension Bridge

Think of it as the little brother to Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, except without the crowds. This suspension bridge offers stunning views of the waterfall and gorge below.

35. Visit Telegraph Cove

The quaint town of Telegraph Cove offers postcard worthy views that are quintessentially Canadian. Perfect spot for fishing, whale watching and camping.

36. Go camping

Nothing says Canadian summer quite like camping out in the bush. With so much incredible outdoor terrain throughout the island, there are plenty of beautiful spots to set up camp and get off grid for a few days.

Camping on Vancouver Island

37. Hike around Strathcona Park

This vast provincial park in central Vancouver Island has everything from steep mountain peaks, waterfalls, beautiful boardwalks, alpine lakes and meadows. The Bedwell Lake trail is one of our favourites.

Mount Washington in Strathcona National Park

38. Explore Little Qualicum Falls

A gorgeous little walk around the falls located just outside of Qualicum Beach offers some chilly swimming holes and impressive waterfalls.

Little Qualicum Falls

39. Hike Mt Arrowsmith

As the highest mountain on the south half of Vancouver Island, Mount Arrowsmith makes for a tougher 5-6 hour hike with some scrambles and amazing views of Vancouver Island.

The summit of Mount Arrowsmith

40. Bear Watching

Even as a Canadian, I still get excited and child-like when I see a bear in the wild. One of the best ways to guarantee a sighting is to hop on a tour out of Tofino where you watch bears scour the rocks at low tide from the safety of your boat.

Bear Watching in Tofino

41. Surf in Tofino

Don’t let the cold water put you off. Grab a board and a wetsuit and enjoy Tofino’s most popular activity.

Surfers at Cox Bay seen from above

42. Hike the Wild Pacific Trail

Tofino’s very underrated neighbor, Ucluelet, is home to some incredible stretches of coastline. The trail features amazing views of the Broken Group Islands, a stunning rainforest, rugged coastline and more.  

43. Enjoy Tacofino’s fish tacos

Tacofino’s orange food truck has become so popular that it is almost synonymous with Tofino. While their fish tacos have generated loyal followers, their real winner is their watermelon freshie.

Line for the Tacofino food truck

44. Kayak around the coastline

There is so much incredible coastline to explore around Vancouver Island. One of the most intriguing in terms of marine life and beautiful areas would be just off Ucluelet.

Check out availability for a kayak tour departing from Ucluelet.

Kayaking around Tofino waterways

45. Walk Tofino’s Long Beach

As a kid this would be a must anytime we visited Tofino. The beach appeared to stretch on for ages. You will be sure to find a stretch of beach to yourself.

46. Hike Cox Bay Lookout in Tofino

The Cox Bay trail definitely makes for an epic little hike and unreal views but don’t expect to keep your shoes clean. This is one muddy hike regardless of the season.

Cox Bay Lookout Hike at sunset

47. Hike Meares Island’s Lonecone Trail

If you’re looking for a more strenuous activity for your Tofino adventures, this one is for you. Be prepared for an intense, steep climb and well-earned views!

Happy Hour at The Hatch in Tofino Resort + Marina

48. Hot Springs Cove

These rugged, natural geothermal pools are accessible only by boat or plane, making them all the more remote and spectacular. Tours leave from Tofino, and once you reach the dock, an incredible 2km of boardwalk winds through the forest before arriving at the hot springs.

Waterfall on the Tofino Hot Springs Tour

49. Whale watching

Whether you do this from Victoria, Tofino, Campbell River or elsewhere, the result will hopefully be the same – experiencing these incredible whales up close and personal.

Be sure to do this whale watching tour next time you’re in Victoria!

Whale watching on Vancouver Island

50. Pacific Rim Highway Pull-off

En route to Tofino, where the Clayquot Plateau Provincial Park meets the highway, there is a gorgeous roadside pull-off recently referred to as Wally Creek. Here you’ll find cascading water running through large boulders and impressive mountain views.

Pacific Rim Highway

I may be a little biased, but Vancouver Island has everything that makes Canada so incredible. From amazing wildlife, adventure activities and natural beauty such as mountains, lakes, forests and coastlines, the Island is packed with incredible destinations and awesome things to do.

 

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8 Comments

  1. Phil

    Nothing north of Campbell River? No Telegraph Cove, Kyuquot Sound, Cape Scott Trail, Alert Bay, Woss Lookout, Zeballos…

    Reply
    • The Coastal Campaign

      There are so many good things we couldn’t list them all. Telegraph Cove is on there though at number 35!

      Reply
  2. Cathie

    What an awesome list! I’ve lived on Vancouver Island all my life and haven’t done them all yet. Just a note that it’s spelled Chemainus, and there’s a great brewery (Riot Brewing) and taphouse (Sawmill Taphouse & Grill) there!

    Reply
    • The Coastal Campaign

      Thanks Cathie. It’s such an awesome place and we love exploring more and more of it every year. Thanks for the eagle eye…we have updated it now. And you must know us pretty well because we are always down to check out cool breweries!

      Reply
  3. Sheldon

    Such a great write up. Thank you.
    We have 8 nights on Vancouver island.
    2 in Victoria, 2 in Ucluelet, 2 salt spring, suggestions on another 2? So much to see…. We were thinking central island or south west. Would like to hear what you suggest. Cheers

    Reply
    • Wild About BC

      Hi Sheldon,
      You will love the island! So far it sounds like you have a good mix. I think it depends what you are interested in. Port Renfrew area is really nice if you like beaches, hiking and nature. Campbell River is also another great option if you want to whale watch or check out some waterfalls and will have more options in terms of restaurants and cafes.

      Reply
  4. Vagn

    What a lovely site.
    We plan a trip in September, 12 nights in RV on Vancouver Island – doing many of your suggestions. Ending up in Telegraph Cove for 3 nights. Planning a trip by both to Knight Inlet – do you have experience with that? Will whale watching be beter here than in Tofino og Campbell River? Do you have any other suggestions here for a coupple in 60’s (from DK)
    Thanks again

    Reply
    • Wild About BC

      Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned! Neither of us have been up Knights Inlet, but it is on our list and looks incredible! We spent a few days in the Broughton Archipelago near there and it was incredible. From what I know, Knights Inlet is more known for its bear activity than whale activity but I would recommend reaching out to some whale tours nearby to find out more. As for Telegraph Cove, I would recommend renting some kayaks to explore the beautiful coastline!

      Reply

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Wild About BC About Us

Hi, we’re Luke and Roxy, a couple of adventurers that are head over heels in love with British Columbia, Canada.

We share our activities and outdoor adventures with the hope of inspiring others to get out and enjoy beautiful BC!

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