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Discover the Lush Greens of Vancouver Island

Welcome to the verdant heart of Vancouver Island, where ancient forests, lush parklands, and botanical gardens invite you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of nature. Our green spaces are a testament to the island's rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers of all stripes.

Ancient Rainforests

Step into the timeless world of our ancient rainforests, home to towering cedars, Douglas firs, and a rich undergrowth of ferns and mosses. The Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is a must-visit, where some of the trees are over 800 years old. Walking among these giants offers a profound sense of connection with nature’s enduring grandeur.

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island

Discover the Charm of Salt Spring Island : Escape to Salt Spring Island, the largest and most vibrant of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, renowned for its Saturday Market and thriving arts scene. Nestled in the Salish Sea, this island paradise is famous for its organic apple orchards, with over 450 heirloom varieties celebrated at the annual Salt Spring Apple Festival. Just a short ferry ride from Victoria or Nanaimo, Salt Spring offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit for families, couples, and solo travelers. Dive into our ultimate guide to plan your unforgettable island adventure! Explore more hidden gems in British Columbia.

Stocking Creek Waterfall

Stocking Creek Waterfall

Choose Stocking Creek Trail in Ladysmith as your destination and start finding Stocking Creek Waterfall. It is one of the natural attractions of Vancouver Island that looks wonderfully beautiful. Imagine the refreshing water cascading on a little pool between a forest which is aesthetically impressive. But if you want to see the waterfall at its prim, spring and fall are the best seasons.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.

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.

Mount McBride

Mount McBride

Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.

Koksilah River

Koksilah River

Go to a river to feel alive as its current. The Koksilah River can be your place. It originates on the slopes of Waterloo Mountain and continues its way to reach Cowichan Bay. On hot summer days, being there to swim in the valley could be refreshing. This river has a distinct beauty and various rocky canyons, waterfalls and rapids to a wide river. There are many species of birds to watch.

Hole in the Wall Falls

Hole in the Wall Falls

Ease your mind and calm your soul with the stream of the waterfall. Vancouver Island is a haven of natural wonders, and Hole in the Wall (Port Alberni) is a crown jewel of all the attractions. The water passes through a hole and descends on what appears to be stairs makes it mysterious, and the scenery with trees around creates this magical beauty of nature, an excellent place for photography.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls

It worth searching the hidden beauty, especially for what the mother of nature made. As mysterious as its name, Hidden Falls or Sombrio Beach Falls is hiding by a cave, which is why the waterfall was named Hidden Falls. The magical aura with pristine nature is mystic and thrilling, making your wilderness hiking experience memorable. The surrounding wildlife and birds deserve lots of attention.

Elk River Mountains

Elk River Mountains

The Elk River Mountains is a group of rugged mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park suitable for camping and outdoor activities. Elkhorn Mountain is the highest peak of the mountains and the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island. It is an extraordinary destination for professional and amateur climbers; the difficulty is from simple to somehow challenge slopes.

Garden Escapes

Vancouver Island is renowned for its beautifully maintained gardens that provide colorful displays throughout the year. The Butchart Gardens, with over a century of horticultural history, showcases stunning floral arrangements that change with the seasons. Whether you're an avid gardener or simply appreciate the beauty of well-crafted landscapes, our gardens are a feast for the senses.

Ronnings Garden

Ronnings Garden

Tucked near the northwest tip of Vancouver Island, Ronning’s Garden is a surreal blend of wilderness and curated beauty. Established in 1910 by Norwegian settler Bernt Ronning, this secluded garden thrives amid old-growth rainforests and rugged coastal landscapes. Known for its rare rhododendrons, towering Sitka spruces, and alpine blooms, Ronning’s Garden feels like a secret Eden. Located just 12 km from Cape Scott Provincial Park, it’s a must-visit for hikers, history buffs, and nature lovers seeking solitude. This guide covers how to visit, seasonal highlights, and tips for exploring this off-grid treasure

Abkhazi Garden

Abkhazi Garden

The exotic flora, Japanese Maples, native Garry oaks, splendid rhododendrons of Abkhazi Garden makes it a must to visit when you are in Victoria. Walking and frolicking through this peaceful garden is delightful, especially in the spring and summer, when the flowers are blooming. The pond is full of turtles and Koi, and there is a teahouse perfect for afternoon tea.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Did you get fascinated before by a beautiful place that makes you stand steel? The pleasure of watching colourful butterflies from various spices and other creatures in a beautiful garden, the smell which lifts your mood, and the fresh air all feel like you are in a dreamland. If you love walking through a tropical area and are tired of boring visits, don't skip Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is a fantastic natural garden with delightful paths, a creek, and great open spaces. It is home to plenty of native plants, wildflowers, and birds. The garden features one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in Western Canada, with over 3000 plantings. The best time to visit is from March to the end of June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland is on the list of the top ten public gardens in Canada. It is among old-growth Douglas fir forest, on the edge of an oceanside bluff. The garden is well known for its rhododendrons in spring and Japanese maples in fall. Strolling through the wide walkways makes a great family time. Enjoy it and have tea in its traditional tea room.

The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens

Visiting the Butchart Gardens is an outstanding experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Being in a dreamy atmosphere where colours surround you would refresh your soul. This colourful display is a gem in Victoria, designated by the National Historic Sites of Canada, with a landscape of flowers, trees, grass, sculptures, and fountains.

Finnerty Gardens

Finnerty Gardens

Finnerty Gardens is a woodland garden in Victoria. With more than 500 species, it has one of Canada's best and largest collections of rhododendrons. Finnerty Gardens has wide trails with lots of room for everyone, even on busy days. This botanical garden is open year-round, with paths, ponds, and benches but the best time to visit is May or April.

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Tofino Botanical Gardens

If you are interested in nature and culture, Tofino Botanical Gardens is a chance to learn. Strolling along waterside trails and watching beautiful plants is a great opportunity. Besides walking through stone paths and boardwalks, the herb and flower gardens give you a unique sense of freshness. Attending educational programs about the area's ecosystem is another choice you have.

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens is a place for history enthusiasts and gardens and interior design lovers. It is a 19th-century Victorian home and garden full of everything nostalgic to you. As one of Victoria's oldest homes, it is located overlooking the scenic and historic Selkirk Water/Gorge Waterway. It includes vegetables, cut flowers, a small fruit orchard, and a greenhouse.

Hiking and Nature Trails

For those who love to explore on foot, the island’s extensive network of trails offers everything from leisurely walks to challenging hikes. Explore the diverse ecosystems within the Goldstream Provincial Park or take a scenic walk along the Juan de Fuca Trail. Each trail offers unique sights, from cascading waterfalls and serene lakes, to sweeping views of the ocean and rugged cliffs.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

The East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop is a well-marked trail with beautiful scenery. It is a combination of an easy access road and a more challenging coastal pass, which offers you incredible viewpoints. This excellent trail is along the Pacific Ocean and allows you to see marine life such as whales from a distance.

Hiking on Elk Falls Viewing Platform Trail

Hiking on Elk Falls Viewing Platform Trail

With a five-kilometre distance from the city, hiking on the Elk Falls Viewing Platform is an opportunity. It is among several hiking trails you can follow and explore in Elk Falls Provincial Park. This easy trail forest walk is age-friendly and features a waterfall and Suspension Bridge with a great view from the point.

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road

Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road through a logging road and having a forest walk is a challenge you can take near the Campbell River. The trail and the view from the lookout are incredible in colours. Get away from the humans by going on a beautiful trail which is nice and quiet!

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Here is a highly recommended and well-marked trail for challenges enthusiasts. Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails offers you insane 360° views of the Sooke Basin, Victoria, and San Juan Islands.

Hiking on the Riley Lake to Lookout Loop to Lost Frog

Hiking on the Riley Lake to Lookout Loop to Lost Frog

In an area with several hiking options having the experience of hiking a relatively long trail would be great as it is rich in natural beauties. Besides hikers, Riley Lake to Lookout Loop to Lost Frog is proper for mountain bikers and nature trip lovers. Just find yourself northwest of Campbell River and get the most out of your backpacking trip.

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Wear your hiking boots! It is going to be a challenging hike that may take about 4 to 5 hours. The lovely amount of elevation with fantastic views is what you can get hiking on the Mount Benson Loop near Nanaimo. As it is located in a reach environment, take lots of breaks to enjoy the area and get enough energy. If you are not ready for wet terrains, try it on a dry and cool day. You would be satisfied as an experienced hiker.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the entire East Sooke Coastal Trail is an experience not to be missed! This beautiful trail is a mix of the fantastic coast and beautiful greenery. Hiking boots are required! The route takes you along bluffs and cliffs by the Pacific Ocean that worth it for the views. This well-marked trail can take full-day hiking in East Sooke Regional Park.

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Westwood Lake Trail is not super challenging, but it is a lovely well maintained and well-marked hiking trail around Westwood Lake with beautiful viewpoints and greenery. The forest and lake are full-on herons, eagles and deer with lots of opportunities to have a great time, so bringing your family with you is a decision you will not regret!

Hiking on the Elk Falls via Millenium Trail

Hiking on the Elk Falls via Millenium Trail

The Elk Falls via Millenium Trail is a family-friendly loop. This excellent hike with spectacular views includes waterfalls, Suspension Bridge, sitting areas and the Campbell River. Hiking this trail certainly tests your nerves. It is well maintained with several facilities. Get in touch with beautiful scenery along the river, and enjoy the stunning park with all family members while you are just a few kilometres away from downtown.

Hiking on the Quinsam River Hatchery Trail

Hiking on the Quinsam River Hatchery Trail

Have a nice easy hike in the forest with lots of river access points while you have chances for watching wildlife in Quinsam River Hatchery Trail. It is known as one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the area of Campbell River city. Fishing, nature trips, walking, and bird watching are other options for hiking along the river.

Wildlife Watching

Our green areas are vibrant with wildlife, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and animal spotting. Eagles, owls, and a variety of songbirds fill the canopy, while larger animals like deer, black bears, and cougars roam deeper within the forested areas. Guided wildlife tours are available to enhance your experience, offering insights into the habits and habitats of these creatures.

Victoria Whale Watching

Victoria Whale Watching

Almost 70% of whale-watching adventures take place in the BC capital. So, while you are in Victoria, try to make the most out of your freedom from work and check our incredible whale watching tours provided for you there. A trip to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve may also be available for the admirers of nature.

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head and its loop are two of the hot spots for whale watching in Sooke. In addition to fantastic opportunities for whale watching, Beechey Head is a hiking and nature trip location that offers you excellent activities, such as birdwatching.

Van Isle Marina Whale Watching

Van Isle Marina Whale Watching

Start your whale watching journey with Van Isle Marina, a critical marine zone on Vancouver Island, capable of serving 200 boats simultaneously, which has made it an ideal destination for the fans of whale watching. There is a high chance to observe other sea creatures other than whales.

Sooke Whale Watching

Sooke Whale Watching

Among all the adventures in Sooke, which leave you speechless by the wat, whale watching opportunities are undeniable. The chances of observing the world's largest Mammals vary season by season, but it is best to come during May-October. Sooke will bring you the opportunity to experience a whale-watching trip to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. So, let your journey take you to the destined places.

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Looking for a way through which you can make your adventure on Vancouver Island unforgettable? Do not forget to stop by Port hardy while you are in the northern parts of the island. There you will be able to sight magnificent killer whales, near which you should apply ample caution. However, observing them is better an oops than a what if.

Bamfield Whale Watching

Bamfield Whale Watching

Adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Bamfield is a favourable destination for whale watching in the Port Alberni area. To make the most out of your journey in Bamfield, you can do salmon fishing around the coast and enjoy the outstanding birdlife living there.

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

While exploring Sooke Area, if you happen o take a long calm walk on the Otter Point shoreline, you may see whales from the beach. Otter Point Park provided you with other activities, too, such as hiking, wildlife and birdwatching, and also a scenic nature to appreciate.

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Located in the heart of Victoria and adjacent to many whale watching operators, Victoria Harbour Ferry is a starting point for your whale watching tour. Many visitors come here to watch whales annually; not only whale watching but open waterways of Salish make Victoria Harbour Ferry a remarkable place for anglers, wildlife followers and daily tourists.

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

Featuring Victoria Harbour and West Bay, Esquimalt could be your starting point for whale watching in Victoria. You can also have the pleasure of watching sea lions, seals, porpoises, and a wide variety of marine birds are other stunning creators that may be highly admirable to wildlife watching fanatics.

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

As one of the best tourist attractions of Sooke and Vancouver Island, West Coast comprises many outdoor excitements that cannot be denied. You are provided with different wildlife to watch and various food to eat, not to mention that you observe a rare nature that is outstanding. So, chances are high to see different whales and other marine creatures.

Sustainable Enjoyment

As custodians of these precious ecosystems, we promote sustainable tourism practices to ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to designated paths, respect wildlife, and carry out all litter to help preserve the natural beauty of our green spaces.

Plan Your Green Getaway

Our forests and green areas are accessible year-round, each season offering its own unique charm and array of activities. Whether you're looking for a tranquil escape to clear your mind, an educational family outing, or a rigorous adventure, the greens of Vancouver Island provide the perfect setting.

Explore the Green Haven of Vancouver Island

Whether you're looking for a tranquil escape to clear your mind, an educational family outing, or a rigorous adventure, the greens of Vancouver Island provide the perfect setting. As John Muir once said, "Into the forest, I go to lose my mind and find my soul." Let these words guide you as you explore our verdant sanctuaries, where every path leads not just through the woods, but towards a deeper connection with yourself and the natural world. Come and discover the profound peace and rejuvenation that awaits in the lush, green embrace of Vancouver Island’s forests and gardens.

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