THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vancouver Island (Updated 2024)
Things to do in Vancouver Island

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vancouver Island

Things to Do in Vancouver Island


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Vancouver Island.


Top Attractions in Vancouver Island

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Garden showcasing a diverse floral array, night tours with light shows, and themed areas, including a standout Japanese garden and an enchanting Sunken Garden. Features live music events.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Scenic park with diverse gardens, wildlife including peacocks and deer, walking trails, and a petting zoo. Highlights include the world's tallest totem pole and tranquil water features.
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Family-friendly venue with engaging dinosaur exhibits and a notable IMAX theater for immersive cinematic experiences. Showcases BC natural history and rotating displays on Canadian heritage.
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Caving adventure with guided tours through subterranean landscapes, featuring climbs, crawls, and chambers in total darkness for an energizing experience.
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Historic building with evening illumination, provides guided and self-guided tours revealing its past and architecture, including stained glass tributes and landscaped grounds.
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Restored castle with period furnishings and stained glass, presenting a rich history through self-guided tours and extensive family exhibits.
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Coastal haven with lush rainforest hikes, secluded beaches, and scenic trails for biking. Discover diverse ecosystems, enjoy surf-friendly waves, and witness stunning sunsets.
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Tranquil walks through ancient forests and serene trails under towering Douglas Firs, some centuries old, with picturesque lake views and a rich, mossy understory.
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1


From quick jaunts to full-day outings.




*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Franknbetty1
    Melbourne, Australia94 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the gardens and spent a pleasant hour or so. It was quite crowded, the gardens are well kept, but during our visit there was a lot of dead heading of flowers going on and the roses were not out yet.
    The place is very well kept and worth visiting.
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Celeste
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The city is so clean and the people were extremely friendly. Our cruise only stopped in port for 3 hours at night, so we didn’t get to experience much of the inner harbor or any of it in the daylight. Additionally, it was about a 30 minute walk to the inner harbor from the cruise ships, so not the closets thing. However, we would come back in a heartbeat.
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Heather s
    22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an amazing one hour hike with awesome views inspiring views of the coastline. The trail is well marked with plenty of benches for resting, sitting and picnics
    Written April 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Diane B
    Richardson, TX76 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely park with many photo opportunities. A nice place to stroll and relax after a day of sightseeing. Lots of ducks and geese hanging about.
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 281edithr
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice museum worth the price. There were many exhibits that will leave an impression on you. Exhibits were very informative and enjoyable. A must see.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Melissa S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We participated in the multi-cave experience with our 10 and 11 year old. We all had so much fun and learned a great deal. The caves are beautiful and the waterfall climb and slide, the complete blackout, and the “cheese grater” squeeze were just the right amount of excitement.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RobertMJThompson
    Victoria, Canada758 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stroll around the grounds, take in a spontaneous performance, stay for lunch, arrange a tour. I love hanging out on the lawn when there is a protest taking place. You are right on the Inner Harbour so there is all kinds of interesting traffic; planes, boats, buses, horse drawn carriages. Keep your eyes peeled for all the interesting buildings, some strange, some institutional, interesting materials. Take in the sights of the site.
    Written May 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Denis R
    Ancaster, Canada28 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is ample parking at Craigdarroch Castle, and it's free. The house is enormous, very nicely restored, and the rooms are presented with furniture that was likely used in that period. Great way to spend a few hours, not too far from downtown Vancouver.
    Written May 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John M
    Toronto, Canada92 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful beach. Great to walk when the tides out. Eagle souring adds a great dimension to the environment. Be aware of the tide schedule as it is a large change.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kenna h
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Long Beach is famous for its long stretches of sandy beaches, dramatic shoreline, and powerful surf. It's a popular spot for surfing, beachcombing, and taking in beautiful sunsets. Visitors can stroll along the sandy shores, watch the crashing waves, and enjoy the coastal scenery.
    Written July 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jody O
    New Baltimore, MI34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting little venue with quirky little houseboats, some good food venues, scenic spot and a couple of nice shops. Just stake out a table and let your folks roam! Nice park next to it, for those restless little legs!
    Written May 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kristin
    Kamloops, Canada124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing lace to recharge, start your day or stop along your journey. Beautiful and accessible trails allow everyone to go through and see this wonderful place. Such positive and relaxing energy.
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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