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Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver Island

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Vancouver Island

Welcome to Vancouver Island, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This picturesque island off the coast of British Columbia is a treasure trove of jaw-dropping landscapes, from rugged mountains to stunning beaches. Explore the charming city of Victoria, indulge in whale watching, hike through ancient forests, or simply lose yourself in the vibrant local culture. Get ready to be blown away by Vancouver Island's beauty!

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Featured Trip Itineraries

10

10 Best Stays on Vancouver Island

16

A Weekend Trip to Vancouver Island

18

Vancouver Island, B.C. Road Trip

Recommendations

Stays

Things To Do
Provided byViator

4.9/5
3 h 30 mins

Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

Come and meet the locals—the flippered, furred and feathered kind—on this guided 3.5-hour or more whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Find out how you’re supporting a leader in ocean conservation, education, research and sustainability. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and an amazing assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! Hotel transport included.

$139.49
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4.1/5
3 h

From Victoria: One-Way High-Speed Ferry to Seattle, WA

Enjoy the Victoria Clipper V high-speed passenger-only ferry from Victoria to Seattle, WA! The Victoria Clipper V offers great onboard amenities on a less than three-hour cruise through Puget Sound direct to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Upon arrival, you’ll be steps from Clipper’s hotel partners and fun tours in the heart of Seattle. Skip the hassle of driving with Clipper’s simple and easy downtown-to-downtown service!

$145.13
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4.5/5
4 h

Experience Victoria and Butchart Gardens Premium Tour

Your journey begins in the picturesque Inner Harbour as you board your premium vehicle with black tie driver-guide, and discover some of Victoria’s most notable attractions. Drive through the city's beautiful Beacon Hill Park admiring the local foliage and peacocks and enjoy a fully narrated tour of the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site spread over 55 acres. Here, amidst an enchanting floral aroma, enjoy a 2-hour self-guided tour. Take a stroll through various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Sunken Garden. Then, continue back to the city, past Old Town and through the Gates of Harmonious Interest into historic Chinatown, the second oldest in North America. Your tour concludes back in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, next to the iconic Empress Hotel and British Columbia Legislative Buildings.

$92.25
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4.8/5
2 h

2hr City Highlights Private Tour in Victoria BC

Our private tour is a whirlwind adventure that captures the city's essence in a heartbeat! Embark on a exciting journey of Victoria's highlights when you only have a few hours to do it. With options of private tours for up to 4 people, up to 6 people or our private luxury bus seats 19 passengers! Wheelchair accessible options too! This tour offers private luxury transportation and engaging commentary from your guide. At each stop, you'll have the chance to step out and capture your memories with photographs. Let us whisk you away with ten of Victoria must-see locations. Our tour is the gateway to unforgettable memories. The area exudes a charming and old-world atmosphere and despite some of the areas liveliness, there are moments of tranquility and peace amongst the regions rich history and culture. If you want some extra time in one location or want to drop another, the choice is yours. Your tour, your way! Let us take you on a journey you will never forget!

$150.34
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4.8/5
5 h 30 mins

Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings

Victoria and Vancouver Island have the 2nd largest wine region in BC. With so many great wineries just outside of Victoria we would be crazy to let you skip them. Join us for a 5.5 hour Vancouver Island wine tour of 3 Wineries leaving from downtown Victoria to the Vancouver Island wine route in the Cowichan Valley. This tour is your best event for wine tasting from Victoria BC. Voted top Victoria Tours on both facebook and tripadvisor. Please note: -The venues on our tours may vary depending on availability. -A minimum of 4 guests is required for public tours. If fewer than 4 people are booked, we may need to reschedule.

$140.23
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4.9/5
4 h

Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour

Immerse yourself in BC's coastal wildlife as you travel through the gulf islands archipelago in search of killer whales (orcas), humpbacks, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and more. Your guide has an academic background in biology and a passion for marine life! Whale sightings are guaranteed or your next trip is FREE. Hop onboard our 12-passenger zodiac style vessel and you'll experience whales and other marine life right at water level! We'll fit you for an anti-exposure suits that will keep you warm and help protect you from the elements.

$184.51
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4.9/5
4 h

4h Butchart Gardens and Victoria City Private Tour

Experience Victoria your way on a fully private tour designed exclusively for your group. No crowded buses, no strangers. Just personalized service, private transportation, and a dedicated local guide focused entirely on you. This 4 hour private experience combines the world famous Butchart Gardens with Victoria’s most iconic sights. Explore the stunning floral displays and peaceful pathways of this National Historic Site before discovering the charm of downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour, historic Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, and colourful Fisherman’s Wharf. Choose the perfect private vehicle for your group with options for up to 4 guests, 6 guests, or 19 passengers in our private minibus. Wheelchair accessible options available. Enjoy live guided narration, local stories, flexible stops, and the comfort of private transportation throughout your tour. Perfect for families, couples, cruise guests, and small groups seeking a more personal Victoria experience.

$251.67
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4.6/5
3 h

Pickle Pub Crawl in Victoria's Inner Harbour

Participants embark on a leisurely journey hopping between waterfront pubs and bars, savoring local brews and delicious Victoria inspired cocktails along the way. What sets this crawl apart is the mode of transportation: instead of walking or driving between venues, attendees board charming harbour ferries to navigate the waters, enjoying scenic views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks. Led by fun and knowledgeable guides, this Pub Crawl promises not only a delightful culinary adventure but also a memorable exploration of Victoria's breathtaking waterfront. Whether you're a visitor looking to experience the city from a unique perspective or a local eager to discover hidden gems along the harbour, this tour offers a refreshing and unforgettable taste of Victoria's culture. Join this public tour and make some new friends in your city! This is a great way to celebrate a Bachelor, Bachelorette or Birthday party! We have trivia and giveaways for the whole group!

$46.76
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4.9/5
4 h

Cowichan Bay Half Day Whale & Wildlife Adventure

Our Half Day 3.5 – 4 hour Whale and Wildlife Adventures focus on Orca Whales, Transient Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour. - Highest Sightings of Orca/Killer Whales on Vancouver Island - Expert Captain/Naturalist - Small Groups - 12 passengers or less - 3.5-4 hour whale/wildlife tours - $165 / adult - $117 / child (ages 4 - 12) - Not suitable for pregnant women We are the most centrally located Whale Watching Company on Vancouver Island with the highest sighting of Orcas and Humpback Whales every year. Small Personal Tour groups, never more than 12 passengers on our boats. Marine Wildlife Photography Specialists. Longer Tours to ensure Maximum Viewing Time with the whales and wildlife. We focus on the whole Salish Sea ecosystem. Passionate, certified captains and an exemplary safety record.

$167.16
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5/5
5 h

Victoria Highlights Butchart Gardens, Empress, Chinatown (1-9pax)

Explore Victoria in style with luxury tour vehicle! Join us as we share captivating historical tales, quirky facts, and intriguing insights about the city. Travel sustainably and comfortably while uncovering iconic landmarks and hidden gems. With hassle-free pick-up and drop-off services, we make your journey effortless—because everyone matters. Book today for a fascinating and unforgettable adventure! Admission to the Butchart Gardens not included.

$476.03
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4.9/5
3 h

Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching Cruise

Marvel at Canada’s west coast wildlife on this 3-hour sunset whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! As the sun sinks to the horizon, cruise back into Victoria’s scenic inner harbour and enjoy the twinkling lights of British Columbia’s capital city!

$147.24
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4.8/5

Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

Your expedition begins with boarding our comfortable covered vessel, complete with a heated cabin and onboard washroom. The 2.5-hour journey to Bute Inlet is a marine wildlife experience in itself, as our expert naturalist guides provide commentary and we keep a lookout for whales, dolphins, and sea lions along the way. Once we arrive at the bear viewing location in the Orford River Valley, you'll enjoy an included lunch on the dock before being greeted by your Indigenous guides from the Homalco First Nation. You'll then board a van to travel along the inlet's rivers, safely observing grizzly bears catching salmon during the annual run from various viewing towers. After approximately 3 hours of bear viewing, you'll return to our boat for the journey home, with more time to spot whales and enjoy the coastal scenery. This tour does include a number of stairs and walking. If you have any concerns about your mobility, please contact us. We require a minimum age of 12 years old.

$609.03
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4.8/5
4 h

Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

Immerse yourself in BC's coastal wildlife as you travel through the gulf islands archipelago in search of killer whales (orcas), humpbacks, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and more. Your guide has an academic background in biology and a passion for marine life! Whale sightings are guaranteed or your next trip is FREE. You'll cruise through the Salish Sea in comfort and style onboard Kula, our 12-passenger vessel. Kula offers covered seating with sliding windows at each seat and a large open deck at the back of the vessel that provides unobstructed views of scenery and wildlife.

$184.51
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5/5

Vancouver Island: Full-Day Grizzly Bear Tour at Toba Inlet

Your expedition begins at our Campbell River marina, where you'll board our comfortable covered vessel, complete with a heated cabin and onboard washroom. The 2.5-hour journey to Toba Inlet is a marine wildlife experience in itself, as our expert naturalist guides provide commentary and we keep a lookout for whales, dolphins, and sea lions along the way. You'll enter Toba Inlet, a remote fjord of towering mountains, stunning jade-green glacial waters, and cascading waterfalls. Once we arrive at the bear viewing location, you'll enjoy an included lunch on the dock before being greeted by your Indigenous guides from the Klahoose First Nation. You'll then board a van to travel along the inlet's rivers, arriving at viewing platforms. Here, you will safely observe grizzly bears catching salmon during the annual run. After approximately 3 hours of immersive bear viewing, you'll return to our boat for the journey home, with more time to spot whales and enjoy the coastal scenery.

$592.32
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4.9/5
4 h

Parksville Half Day Whale and Wildlife Adventure

Small Personal Tour groups. Marine Wildlife Photography Specialists. Longer Tours to ensure the best encounters with the whales and wildlife. We focus on the whole Salish Sea ecosystem. Passionate, certified captains and a exemplary safety record. Tours since 2003. We are marine eco tour veterans that have operated whale and wildlife viewing in the Salish Sea for the past 18 years. Our passionate and experienced team looks forward to sharing the the latest whale and wildlife research with you.

$167.16
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4.9/5
4 h

Victoria Private Tour Visiting the City and Butchart Gardens

The tour is offered in Spanish. Explore the best of Victoria, British Columbia, on a day tour full of history, nature and coastal charm. Start with a visit to the spectacular Butchart Gardens, a world-famous botanical garden with colourful flowers and themed landscapes. Then discover the picturesque Inner Harbour, Parliament, and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. The tour continues with a panoramic walk through Victoria’s historic centre, admiring its architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It ends with a view of traditional Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, with its famous Tan Alley Fan. An unforgettable experience that combines nature, culture and urban beauty in one day.

$162.37
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4.9/5
6 h

Covered Boat Whale Watching 6-Hour Tour from Campbell River

Go deeper into the wild on our 6-hour whale watching tour, the perfect choice for a comfortable and comprehensive wildlife experience. Your adventure begins as you board our covered vessel, equipped with a heated indoor cabin, an onboard washroom, and open-air, walk-around viewing decks for 360-degree views. With more time on the water, our expert crew can explore remote wilderness areas and enjoy unhurried moments with the animals we find. Our certified naturalist guides will search for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, dolphins, and more, sharing deep, educational insights along the way. Enjoy an included lunch, hot beverages, and snacks.

$273.24
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4.9/5
4 h

Salish Sea Whale Watching Tour in Campbell River

This exclusive, small group marine experience offers a journey of discovery focused on large marine mammals combined with a fascinating view into the world of local First Nations. Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours is Indigenous owned and operated. Your adventure is complimented with a unique Indigenous perspective while supporting our many conservation and cultural revitalization efforts. Thank you for choosing us, "ʔiymot" (it is good).

$201.62
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4.9/5
5 h

Vancouver Island: Half-Day Kayak Tour from Telegraph Cove

The tour route provides our guides with the opportunity to share their knowledge of the area, as well as interpret intertidal creatures and plants. If you are lucky, you might get surprise interpretations about orcas, seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, deer, mink, river otters, bald eagles and black bears within their natural environment. We realize that it’s hard to not have high expectations when the chance to see orcas up close is possible. However, it’s important to keep in mind that we only provide the opportunity. Encountering these magnificent creatures while kayaking is a unique and unforgettable experience. With this in mind, the tour will keep you in areas frequented by these spectacular mammals for as long as possible.

$130.96
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4.6/5
9 h

Toba Bears and Wilderness Grizzly Bear Viewing in Campbell River

Venture out to the sparkling waters of the Toba Inlet on this brand new, full-day tour hosted by our sister nation, Klahoose First Nation. Cruise alongside cascading waterfalls and scenic mountains as you scan the landscape for grizzly bears, majestic humpbacks and orcas, and a variety of other wildlife. Join us in Campbell River before crossing the Salish Sea, one of the world’s best whale-watching spots. You’ll soon reach Toba Inlet, an area densely populated by grizzly bears. The first of its kind, the TOBA BEARS AND WILDERNESS is a collaborative partnership between the Homalco and Klahoose First Nations. Join your Klahoose guides as they take you to their home Territory. Hear stories and learn about the vibrancy of the living Klahoose culture. The toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) peoples have lived here on the west coast of BC since time immemorial. We invite you to see the beauty of Toba Inlet through our eyes and share in our traditions, which have been handed down through generations.

$476.86
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