advertise
Vanislander / What's Up / Your Ultimate 2025 Guide to Responsible Travel Vancouver Island

Your Ultimate 2025 Guide to Responsible Travel Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a treasure trove of old‑growth forests, pristine shorelines, and vibrant First Nations cultures—making it a must‑visit destination for Earth Day and beyond. To ensure these wonders endure, this guide distills best practices across five key pillars: Respect Local Ecosystems, Leave No Trace, Support Indigenous Tourism, Choose Green Accommodations & Transport, and Engage in Community Conservation. Drawing on leading authorities like Destination BC, Leave No Trace Canada, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, BC Ferries, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and the BC Conservation Foundation, these practical tips will help every traveller—whether local or visiting from afar—minimize their footprint and maximize their positive impact on Vancouver Island’s communities and ecosystems.

More

Less

1. Respect Local Ecosystems on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island’s temperate rainforests, coastal wetlands and rocky intertidal zones host countless species found nowhere else on Earth.

Stay on Designated Trails

Straying off marked paths can crush sensitive understory plants and accelerate erosion.

More

Less

Observe Wildlife at a Safe Distance

Use binoculars or telephoto lenses; keep at least 30 m from bears and marine mammals to avoid disturbance.

More

Less

Avoid Introducing Invasives

Clean boots, bikes and gear before and after excursions to prevent the spread of invasive plant seeds and aquatic organisms.

More

Less

2. Leave No Trace on Vancouver Island

Adopt the globally recognized seven Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact across trails, campsites and beaches.

Plan Ahead & Prepare

Research park regulations, weather forecasts and permit requirements to avoid on‑site emergencies and illegal camping

More

Less

Pack It In, Pack It Out

Carry reusable waste bags—including compostable liners—to separate organics from landfill and maximize recycling

More

Less

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Where allowed, use a portable camp stove; if you build a fire, use pre‑collected deadwood, keep fires small, and fully extinguish before leaving.

More

Less

3. Support Indigenous Tourism Vancouver Island

Authentic Indigenous‑led experiences foster cultural understanding and direct economic benefits to First Nations communities.

Book with Indigenous‑Owned Operators

Choose tours certified by Indigenous Tourism BC to ensure revenue flows back to Nations and cultural protocols are respected.

More

Less

Observe Cultural Protocols

Always ask permission before photographing ceremonies or sacred sites, and follow guidance from your hosts.

More

Less

Purchase Local Art & Crafts

Seek out hand‑made pieces—like Cowichan knitwear or argillite carvings—sold directly by artisans to support community livelihoods.

More

Less

4. Responsible Travel Vancouver Island: Choose Green Accommodations & Transport

Opt for lodging and transport that prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency and community benefit.

Eco‑Certified Stays

Look for Green Key or EarthCheck certifications, which vet properties on energy use, waste reduction and local sourcing.

More

Less

BC Ferries Low‑Carbon Options

BC Ferries is phasing in LNG‑powered vessels and offers digital ticketing to cut paper waste; explore their Clean Futures Plan for future GHG‑reduction targets.

More

Less

Active & Low‑Emission Transport

Rent electric vehicles, hop on intercity buses, or pedal the Island’s extensive cycling network for day trips between Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville and beyond.

More

Less

5. Engage in Community Conservation & Volunteering

Give back through hands‑on conservation efforts that protect Vancouver Island’s unique habitats.

BC Conservation Foundation

Join habitat restoration and species‑monitoring projects—like coastal Douglas‑fir recovery—through their volunteer portal.

More

Less

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Become a trained Streamkeeper to monitor local salmon runs, restore watersheds, and educate communities about salmon conservation.

More

Less

MVIHES Stewardship Programs

Participate in water‑quality monitoring, rain‑garden education or marine debris surveys across the region.

More

Less

6. Embrace Zero Waste Travel Vancouver Island

Reduce packaging waste on‑the‑go with these tips:

Bring Reusable Gear

Pack stainless‑steel bottles, beeswax wraps and cloth produce bags.

More

Less

Refill at Zero Waste Emporium

Victoria’s community refillery lets you fill containers with bulk staples, cleaning products and personal‑care items.

More

Less

Support Bulk‑Food & Package‑Free Stores

From Nanaimo to Tofino, seek out local zero‑waste shops to top up provisions without plastics.

More

Less

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

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

A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

Your three Day Victoria Whale Watching Getaway on Vancouver Island
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,138
3 days and 2 night
 A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

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

Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

5-Day Tour from Victoria to Tofino with Nanaimo
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,100
6 days and 5 nights
Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

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

Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

6-day Black Bear Wildlife Adventure Tour
Group
Nanaimo
Vancouver Island
from 1,950
6 days and 5 nights
Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

Coastal Wonders & Wildlife Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 700
5 days and 4 nights
5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Wildlife, Beaches & Coastal Adventure
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,813
7 days and 6 nights
Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

One-Day Chinook Salmon & Halibut Adventure Tour
Group
Victoria
Sooke
from 1,140
2 days and one night
Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

5-Day Black Bear Tracking Adventure on Vancouver Island
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from 1,135
5 days and 4 nights
Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

Vancouver Island Wildlife watching Tour

Explore Whales, Bears & Coastal Rainforests
Group
Victoria
Tofino
from 750
3 nights and 4 days
Vancouver Island Wildlife watching  Tour

7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Your 7-Day Wildlife Watching Escape
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,310
7 days and 6 nights
7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Salish Sea Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 550
3 days and 2 nights
3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

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

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

Earth Day Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Embark on your Vancouver Island adventure with these sustainable travel tips BC in mind—your mindful choices today will help preserve this extraordinary region for all who follow.

What's New on the Island?

Ian Justin Howatt

Ian Justin Howatt

April 7, 1981 - August 11, 2025 In loving memory ~ Ian was taken from us much too soon in a tragic vehicle accident. Ian is survived by his wife Jamie, Father Gord, sister Leah (Mark), and neices Alyssa and Hailey. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025 at 1pm at Yates Funeral Home in Parksville. SERVICE DETAILS Celebration of Life Saturday, September 13, 2025 1:00 PM Yates Funeral Home, Parksville

Mainroad crews working in PQB area on 2 projects beginning Sept. 8

Mainroad crews working in PQB area on 2 projects beginning Sept. 8

Parksville Qualicum Beach drivers are advised that Mainroad Mid-Island Contracting crews will be out on a pair of projects beginning Sept. 8. In a press release, Mainroad noted crews will performing a culvert replacement on Smithers Road Parksville between Sept. 8 and Sept. 19 ( 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Drivers can expect a full closure and detour will be available via Alberni Hwy 4A, stated the release. Drivers are reminded to obey signs and traffic control personnel and to watch for roadside workers. Crews will be performing concrete bridge deck repair on Highway 19 between Big Qualicum and Englishman and traffic will be affected in both directions (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) from Sept. 8 to Sept. 18. Drivers can expect lane closures. Mainroad says its 24-hour communications and dispatch office will pass on all observations and concerns to crews when contacted. For more information, visit www.drivebc.ca.

NOTICE OF DISPOSAL: Abandoned Property

NOTICE OF DISPOSAL: Abandoned Property

This is a notice of disposal made by the landlords, Guobing (Patrick) Cai and Huaijin (Sherrie) Wang, at the address of 3545 York Street, Port Coquitlam, BC. Addressed to James Skelton regarding the disposal of abandoned property in the rental unit on 1609 Northfield Road, Nanaimo, BC. The abandoned property includes; Roofing tools and safety equipment, BB guns, toolbox with tools, RC vehicles + related items, DVDs, books, blades, clothes, chargers, electronics, video games, subwoofers, belongings, furniture. The items will be disposed of after 30 days of the notice being served or posted, unless the person being notified takes the items, or establishes a right to the items, or makes a dispute resolution application with the Residential Tenancy Branch, or makes an application in Supreme Court to establish their rights to the items.

Speaker in Nanaimo looks at community solutions to global challenges

Speaker in Nanaimo looks at community solutions to global challenges

A U.S. expert on community engagement, placemaking and cultural connections will speak in Nanaimo about local solutions to global issues. Ryan Smolar will present 'Road to Resilience' on Sept. 5 at the Harbourfront Library. "Communities everywhere are preparing for climate, political and economic shocks. The answers aren't coming from the top down – they're emerging locally, through re-connection, interdependence, and new pathways rooted in place," noted promotional materials for the event. Smolar will speak about local food systems, land-based learning initiatives, health, transportation and more. The talk is from 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 5.

Habitat for Humanity teams with building material exchange to expand ReStore

Habitat for Humanity teams with building material exchange to expand ReStore

A new partnership will enable Habitat for Humanity's Nanaimo ReStore to broaden its services. Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island is teaming with Light House and its building material exchange program as well as the Regional District of Nanaimo to expand its environmentally conscious second-hand store on Mostar Road. The move is expected to streamline store operations, making it "easier for contractors, trades, and suppliers to donate used or excess construction materials," a press release stated, assisting diversion of waste from the Cedar landfill and putting items "back into circulation for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers and community builders." Light House, which has a goal to further "regenerative built environments," hopes the expansion will help build a circular economy for building materials on Vancouver Island. Gil Yaron, Light House managing director of circular innovation, said tonnes of building materials are dumped at Vancouver Island landfills and while the construction industry want to lessen this, there isn't always "space or resources." "The new expanded ReStore makes reuse practical, accessible, and scalable," he said in the press release. "Industry and the public now have access to a centralized location on Vancouver Island to donate and shop for quality construction materials at a fraction of the cost of buying new.” The ReStore will initiate a weekly pickup service to collect excess and leftover materials directly from construction sites across the region, the press release stated, and is aimed at making donation easy and predictable for busy contractors and trades workers. On-demand pickup will also be available. In addition, the building material exchange will offer a free online "business-to-business platform" allowing those in the construction industry to detail or seek re-sourced or excess construction items from across central Vancouver Island. The partnership will be beneficial to ReStore customers, said Trevor Coyle, Habitat Mid-Vancouver Island CEO, in the press release.  “With this expansion, we’re going to be able to support even more families – they will have access to donated construction materials at affordable prices, which will help build their future," he said. "The ongoing operation will also support long-term diversion goals for the construction sector and the creation of a circular economy on Vancouver Island.” 

BC Ferries crew rescues person overboard on vessel bound for Greater Victoria

BC Ferries crew rescues person overboard on vessel bound for Greater Victoria

A BC Ferries crew came to the rescue of a person who went overboard on a vessel set sail for Swartz Bay. The incident occurred shortly after the Spirit of Vancouver Island departed Tsawwassen ferry terminal, Wednesday (Sept. 3), around 1 p.m. Rescue boats were deployed and BC Ferries crew members pulled the individual from the water. Crew from the Queen of New Westminster also aided in the response. BC Ambulance Service crew waiting at the Tsawwassen terminal transported the person to hospital, where they are reported to be in a stable condition. "Bravo zulu to our highly skilled and trained crew for their rapid response and professionalism," said a BC Ferries social media post. "We're proud of you. Thank you for keeping us safe every day." Because of the incident, passengers have been warned to expect some delays on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry route.

No injuries as vehicle rolls upside-down in crash on Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo

No injuries as vehicle rolls upside-down in crash on Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo

No one was hurt in a rollover crash on Nanaimo's Hammond Bay Road this afternoon. Emergency services personnel rushed to the intersection of Hammond Bay Road and Friar Tuck Way on Wednesday, Sept. 3, just before 5 p.m., and arrived to find a vehicle upside-down on the roadway. No other vehicles were involved and crews on scene said no one was injured in the crash. Traffic was pinched to one lane as crews cleared the scene. According to recently released ICBC statistics, there were two crashes at the intersection in 2024 and 10 over the five-year period from 2020-24.

Let Us Know Your Ideas