Vancouver Island
Canada
The island that out-British-Columbias BC, Victoria's Empress Hotel and Butchart Gardens, the Pacific Rim National Park's Long Beach surfing, Tofino's temperate rainforest and whale-watching, Campbell River's wild salmon, and Telegraph Cove's orca colony in Johnstone Strait. The most accessible wild coastline in Canada.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Victoria
Canada's most English city. The Empress Hotel's afternoon tea, Parliament Buildings lit at night, and Butchart Gardens blooming in a former limestone quarry.
- Nanaimo
The Island's second city, birthplace of the chocolate-coconut Nanaimo Bar and gateway to Gulf Islands ferry routes and the Cowichan Valley wine region.
- Pacific Rim National Park
Canada's wild Pacific edge. Long Beach stretches 16 unbroken km of surf; the West Coast Trail traces 75 km of historic shipwreck coast.
- Tofino
Canada's surf capital on a remote peninsula. Chesterman Beach breaks year-round; Clayoquot Sound's ancient cedars surround the town on three sides.
- Campbell River
The salmon capital of the world, where Discovery Passage's tidal upwelling draws chinook salmon and the sport fishery that built the Island's north.
- Telegraph Cove
Johnstone Strait hosts one of Earth's most reliable orca gatherings from July to October. The restored boardwalk village is the Island's finest historic site.
Where to Eat
- Red Fish Blue FishSeafood
A popular waterfront eatery in Victoria serving sustainable seafood from a converted shipping container.
- Wolf in the FogContemporary Canadian
A Tofino restaurant known for its creative dishes using local ingredients and a rustic-chic atmosphere.
- Cuckoo TrattoriaItalian
An Italian restaurant in Coombs offering authentic cuisine in a charming setting with garden views.
- The Old Saltery PubPub Fare
A cozy pub in Telegraph Cove serving West Coast cuisine with marina views.
- Nourish Kitchen & CafeFarm-to-Table
A Victoria eatery offering wholesome dishes made from locally sourced ingredients in a heritage house.
Things to Do
- Cathedral GroveNature
A forest in MacMillan Provincial Park featuring ancient Douglas fir and red cedar trees.
- Ucluelet AquariumAquarium
A catch-and-release aquarium showcasing local marine life in Ucluelet.
- Wild Pacific TrailHike
A scenic trail in Ucluelet offering views of the rugged coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
- Royal BC MuseumMuseum
A museum in Victoria featuring exhibits on natural and human history of British Columbia.
- Whale Watching ToursTour
Excursions from Tofino offering opportunities to see gray whales, orcas, and humpbacks.