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Vancouver Island Tours | Vanislander
Discover the Island

Vancouver Island Tours

Vancouver Island is a place where every traveler can find their own adventure. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities, peaceful nature escapes, cultural discoveries, or family-friendly outings, there’s something here for every age, interest, and skill level.

Vancouver Island Cities

Vancouver Island is home to gorgeous cities, BC Capital, and stunning green attractions; all make it one of the must-to-be-visited destinations in North America. Vancouver Island is mainly known for its summer attractions, but tourism never dies during winter. Vancouver Island Cities have every criterion you may think of a wonderful city, whether great natural attractions such as parks, gardens, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches, or significant landmarks like museums and art galleries.
On summer days, Vancouver Island cities offer fantastic memorable nightlife, each town saturated with clubs, bars, theatres/cinemas, and game centers. Loaded with water bodies, Vancouver Island communities provide their visitors with merely all kinds of water activities, whether indoors or outdoors.
Most visitors begin their journey from Victoria, the biggest city on Vancouver Island and the Capital of BC. Victoria, aka the garden city, with a friendly environment, comprises lots of historical buildings and fantastic parks such as Beacon Hill Park, at which you will visit the tallest free-standing totem pole in the world. As the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo provides visitors with tons of landmarks. Nanaimo and Tofino are two of the greatest cities for whale watching. Not to mention that with great nightlife, Nanaimo has perfect nightclubs. Also, for museums, art galleries, festivals and events enthusiasts, Nanaimo has a lot to offer. After a 30-minute drive from Nanaimo, visit Parksville to enjoy a sunny day on its warm sandy beaches. Known as the jewel of western shores, Tofino, with endless beaches, is Canada's hottest surfing destination. With favourable conditions, Tofino is Canada's capital of storm watching. Visit Ucluelet, after a 30-minute drive from Tofino, to see eye-catching aquariums. If you love hiking, plan for Port Renfrew on the west coastline to hike The West Coast Trail and Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
For winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, Courtenay is one of Vancouver Island's cities that could be a proper choice. You have chances to start your winter adventures in Mount Washington.

Woss

Woss

Woss is situated along a trade route to link the east and west coasts of North Vancouver Island. The area is so famous for its superb scenery, especially during summertime. Woss offers many lakes, pristine wilderness parks, and mountains and has excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, boating, windsurfing, kiteboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and camping.

Tahsis

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sayward

Sayward

Sayward Valley is located in northern Vancouver Island. Mount H'Kusam, the Salmon River and Kelsey Bay are the hit in Sayward, what you shouldn't miss. Natural surroundings and access to the waterways and Mount H'Kusam, allowing opportunities like bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, caving, hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing and photography.

Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour is an entrance to the old-growth forests of Vancouver Island North's wilderness areas. It has access to scenic coastal waters and is a gateway to ocean adventures and a historical village. Coal Harbour is a perfect launch point for fishing charters, kayakers, and boaters. Dolphins, whales and sea otters have included the wildlife in the beautiful area.

Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew has been touted as "The Tall Tree Capital of Canada." It is also best known for its trails like Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the historic West Coast Trail. Enjoy tens of kilometres of shorelines with amazing beaches. Fishing here is considered an opportunity for anglers. Port Renfrew is heaven for other water activities like whale watching, surfing, and kayaking.

Bamfield

Bamfield

Bamfield is a small fishing and harbour village best known for its magnificent salmon fishing adventures. It offers a wide green area and jungles to hike and enjoy the wildlife. For the tens of kilometres, you have shorelines, amazing islands, and beautiful beaches. It is principally a tourist destination for the West Coast Trail, ocean kayaking, or sport fishing.

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove is a fantastic spot for photography with a stunning view of the ocean, famous buildings, and houses close to the rocky shoreline. You can expect to watch grizzly bears in spring, salmon in August, and millions of pink salmon return to spawn up the inlet channel in September. Telegraph Cove Campground is one of the full-service and breathtaking campsites in the area.

Port Alice

Port Alice

Port Alice is "The Gateway to the Wild West Coast." The natural environment, such as lakes, rivers, mountains, and wood with excellent views of Neroutsos Inlet, is what this village is famous for. It is also counted as the sea otter capital of Canada. Port Alice is home to other animals such as sea lions, bears, and birds. A pleasant entertainment in Port Alice is fishing.

Port McNeill

Port McNeill

Port McNeill is a small town but a large community in North Vancouver Island with the rich natural land and sea resources. It is the gateway to the protected spaces, islands, and waterways of the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait. Being close to the shoreline gives you chances to watch wildlife like dolphins, whales, seals, grizzly bears, black bears, elks, cougars, and deer.

Port Hardy

Port Hardy

Port Hardy is a district municipality on Vancouver Island. Every day in summer, the peak season in Port Hardy, ferries depart to popular tourist destinations in BC. Excellent wilderness activities, such as paddling, caving, scuba diving, whale watching, surfing, camping, and fishing, are popular. Lush green parks in Port Hardy are great for a family trip and having a picnic.

Duncan

Duncan

The city of Duncan is famous for its totem collection. Duncan's tourist attractions and activities include shops and restaurants, great vineyards, kayaking the rivers and ocean, hiking the Trans Canada Trail, or the farmers' market. The city offers Cowichan Performing Arts Centre with amazing shows, restaurants, pubs, and Duncan Showroom (a live music venue) for entertainment.

Lake Cowichan

Lake Cowichan

Lake Cowichan is a town east of Cowichan Lake, the second most untouched lake in BC. The town is west of the Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational and multi-use trail network globally. Lake Cowichan has a beautiful mountainous area with plentiful wildlife and is a perfect place for outdoor adventures. Lake Cowichan has warm waters and a sandy beach for a family swim.

Langford

Langford

Langford is a city on the south coast of Vancouver Island and heaven for golfers. You can stay at lodgings and play at challenging hillside courses and enjoy yourself at luxurious advantages like the Amatista Spa. Beautiful parks surround the city, so go hiking through scenic forests or have peaceful moments beside lakes. Langford offers shops, family activities, sheep farms, and a bike park.

Comox

Comox

Comox is a town with fishing opportunities, local wildlife, year-round golf and proximity to the Mount Washington ski area, the Forbidden Plateau, and Strathcona Provincial Park. Based on archaeological evidence, there was a Coast Salish fishing settlement at Comox for at least 4,000 years. The area's signature landmark is the Comox Glacier.

Jordan River (Settlement)

Jordan River (Settlement)

Jordan River is a small settlement famous among surfers. It has many tourist attractions like Hidden Falls, Mystic Beach and Mystic Falls, Sandcut Beach Waterfall and Sandcut Beach, China Beach, Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead, and Jordan River Regional Park. Enjoy storm watching, kayaking, and Camping or have a picnic in the area, which could be an experience of a lifetime.

Port Alberni

Port Alberni

Port Alberni is a deep-sea port and a city on Vancouver Island. Port Alberni is known as the salmon capital of the world, heaven for anglers. The city with a moderate climate is famous for its breathtaking scenery. The area is surrounded by mountains, freshwater lakes and streams that will carve into your memory. There are several chances for outdoor and indoor activities.

Courtenay

Courtenay

Courtenay is the biggest community in the area with daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. It has scenic beaches, rivers, lakes, and popular activities such as Mt. Washington Ski, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and world-class golfing. Comox Valley is famous for year-round sports and recreational activities among them are bird watching and photography.

Ucluelet

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is a district municipality in Pacific Rim. After Victoria, the Pacific Rim area is the second most visited tourism centre on Vancouver Island. Ucluelet has a distinctive portion in this field with salt-water fishing, surfing, standup paddleboarding, whale and bear watching, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, storm watching, and beachcombing.

Ladysmith

Ladysmith

Ladysmith is a historic town famous for monuments, battlefields, and memorials commemorating. Tourism in Ladysmith is based on natural beauties like waterfall, great parks, scenic hiking trails, and fun-filled events suitable for all ages. The best time to visit is from mid-July to mid-August. Enjoy many good restaurants and pubs where you can have a drink or a nice meal.

Parksville

Parksville

Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.

Sooke

Sooke

Sooke is known as the Tall Tree Capital of Canada. The area's popularity is mainly based on tourists visiting the wilderness parks, hiking the West Coast Trail and the extremely popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Sooke is also famous for its beaches and is a destination for cycling and mountain biking. The arts community of Sooke is vibrant and hosts the annual Sooke Fine Arts Festival.

Campbell River

Campbell River

Campbell River is the fourth largest city on Vancouver Island. It has long been called "the Salmon Capital of the World." Campbell River has a reach ecosystem and beautiful waterfalls. Fishing, skiing at Mount Washington, playing golf, and seasonal activities like bear and whale watching are among the best things you can do in Campbell River.

Tofino

Tofino

Tofino with its incredible sunset is a district on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is busy in summer due to the various water sports. In winter many people come to Tofino to visit West Coast for storm watching and whale watching. The majority of the tourists are surfers, hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, anglers, and nature lovers.

Victoria

Victoria

The most visited city on Vancouver Island, the capital of BC, the gardens city, the most romantic city in Canada, home to the world's tallest free-standing totem pole, and many other facts bring the name of Victoria to mind. It is considered a four-season destination with its mild climate and lots of trails made it a heaven for cyclists. Isn't it all enough for you to have a visit? Just read more.

Nanaimo

Nanaimo

As the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is a historical port known as "The Harbour City." With an airport, ferry terminal, and seaplane charters, Nanaimo is a gateway for many tourists. It is home to some of the greatest museums and art galleries and is one of the best cold-water diving locations. If you have a taste for having fun, excellent festivals are waiting for you.

Vancouver Island Cities, Town, Communities, and Villages Common Questions

There are about 50 cities and towns on Vancouver Island.

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

4 Hour Scenic Tour and Salmon Fishing | VI-FT-014

Private coastal sightseeing and salmon fishing charter departing from Nanaimo, perfect for families and anglers of all levels.
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $660
4 Hours
4 Hour Scenic Tour and Salmon Fishing | VI-FT-014

8hr Nanaimo Private Fishing Tour | VI-FT-013

Full Day Private Fishing Adventure in the Stunning Waters of Nanaimo
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $1,200
8 Hours
8hr Nanaimo Private Fishing Tour | VI-FT-013

6 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter | VI-FT-012

Private 6-Hour Vancouver Island Salmon Fishing Charter in Nanaimo
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $960
6 hours
6 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter | VI-FT-012

4 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter Private Tour | VI-FT-011

Private Guided Salmon Fishing Adventure in Nanaimo
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $660
4 Hours
4 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter Private Tour | VI-FT-011

Comox Spring Coastal Explorer & Fishing Trip | VI-FT-009

Explore the Salish Sea on a relaxed guided coastal adventure combining angling, wildlife watching, and island exploration.
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $800
5 to 6.5 hours
Comox Spring Coastal Explorer & Fishing Trip | VI-FT-009

5-Hour Half-Day Salmon Fishing Trip | VI-FT-008

Experience premier guided salmon fishing trips in the Comox Valley with Island Pursuit Sport Fishing.
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $800
5 Hours (Half Day)
5-Hour Half-Day Salmon Fishing Trip | VI-FT-008

Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 6 Hour Trip | VI-FT-007

Experience premium guided fishing trips in Comox targeting salmon, cod, and crab year-round.
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $975
6 Hours (Ranges from 5 to 6.5 hours)
Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 6 Hour Trip | VI-FT-007

Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 8 Hour Day Trip | VI-FT-006

Premier Vancouver Island Fishing Charter Targeting Salmon, Bottom Fish & Crab Year-Round
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $1,275
8 Hours
Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 8 Hour Day Trip | VI-FT-006

Barkley Sound Halibut Fishing Trip | VI-FT-005

Experience world-class halibut jigging and salmon trolling aboard the Oracle with award-winning captain Orest Iwaszko.
Group
Alberni Valley
Barkley Sound
from $0
Multi-day overnight packages, 8-hour salmon and halibut trips, and 5-hour trips available.
Barkley Sound Halibut Fishing Trip | VI-FT-005

Private Sockeye Fishing Trip | VI-FT-004

Experience a private sockeye salmon fishing charter in Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island. Luxury hybrid-electric trawler, expert captain, and all-inclusive fishing adventure for groups of 4 to 11 people during peak June–July season.
Group
Alberni Valley
Alberni Inlet
from $1,480
Full-Day Trip
Private Sockeye Fishing Trip | VI-FT-004

Private 2 Day Fishing Trip | VI-FT-002

Comfortable, private group fishing adventure in Barkley Sound for up to 11 guests
Group
Port Alberni
Barkley Sound
from $185
8 hours (private trip with flexible pacing based on conditions)
Private 2 Day Fishing Trip | VI-FT-002

Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Experience an Unforgettable Half-Day Adventure in the Heart of Fanny Bay
Group
Nanaimo
from $2,850
1 day
Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Pacific Rim & Clayoquot Sound Adventure
Group
Nanaimo
Tofino
from $1,897
4 days and 3 nights
4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Fly-Fishing Paradise on the Gold River
Group
Campbell River
Gold River BC
from $1,400
1 day
Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Explore Inner Harbour & Catch Inshore Fish
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from $1,000
2 days and one night
Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Guided Fishing Adventure Tour on Port Renfrew Vancouver Island
Group
Victoria
Port Renfrew
from $1,475
3 days and 2 nights
Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour