Snowbirds

Tee off from a mountaintop course in Victoria or layup on an island green in Courtenay. Putt for a birdie in Port Alberni or take a mulligan in Nanaimo.

Golf doesn't take a break during the winter.

The ocean—wild and calm, powerful and alluring—has long been a source of fascination and mystery. And there is no better place in British Columbia to understand this than on the west coast of Vancouver Island. From November to March the coastline comes alive when huge storms whip across the Pacific.

See nature's power in person. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Stormwatching In Ucluelet.

The sockeye, pinks, cohos, and springs are practically begging you to cast your line and tempt them with your bait, and give you the fight of a lifetime. If the salmon aren’t biting, go for a halibut, lingcod, or red snapper, and put out a couple of crab and prawn pots to have the freshest seafood feast ever.

From the delicate cherry blossoms and daffodils of early spring to the magnificent rhododendrons in April and May, vibrant summer perennials to the rich colours of autumn, Vancouver Island is an incomparable destination for garden lovers. Even the winter months hold a special magic as evergreen shrubs and trees take centre stage in a tranquil garden.

Escape from the city and explore the abundance of life in the forest as you trek along your choice of multi-use trails throughout the Island. From multi-day trips that require you to pack in and pack out your gear, to casual walks around a pristine lake, there are trails for hikers and walkers of all skill levels. Explore the wilderness and beaches on the Juan de Fuca or West Coast trails on the south end of the Island, or the North Coast and Cape Scott trails north of Port Hardy. Find the lighthouse on the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, or the walk the boardwalk on the Centennial Trail in Strathcona Park, the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. There’s something for everyone on the trails of Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island’s multicultural makeup has resulted in a fusion of tastes and textures that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, and the region’s excellent water and climate create world-class wines that pair perfectly with Canadian classics and Island specialties.