This Canadian island ranked among the 'world's best' has small town vibes and ancient forest
The further you venture into this island in B.C., the more beautiful your surroundings become. Sparkling coastline here is broken up by sandy beaches and dramatic cliffsides, while mountains roll in the distance. Vibrant rainforests are shrouded in mist alongside it all, with ancient trees and moss-covered floors.
It's a place where the untouched wilderness sits next to lively small towns and bustling cities. It's that perfect blend of adventure, peace, and activity – so it's not a huge surprise that the island is beloved by many
Vancouver Island has gained the attention of numerous publications and travellers looking to experience Canadian beauty at its finest. It's ranked among the world's best islands by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, and it's the kind of place you have to visit at least once in your life.
For those living in Vancouver – or starting their trip at YVR – it's a BC Ferries ride over to Vancouver Island. The ferry ride journey there marks the beginning of many beautiful views, as you sail across the deep blue ocean and take in the little islands scattered around and far-off mountain peaks.
While people are drawn to the island in the summertime, the chillier months also make for a great time to visit. While many places in Canada are preparing for a bitterly cold winter to come, Vancouver Island has one of the mildest climates in Canada. You can enjoy fewer crowds, and if you go in the fall, you can even enjoy storm watching in some parts of the island.
The ferry can take you to the main hub of the island, Victoria, or the smaller city of Nanimo.
Victoria is a very British-inspired city, with a scenic waterfront and cobblestone streets brimming with eclectic shops and tasty restaurants.
While it's a relatively busy city, it's still blended with the surrounding nature. You'll find city beaches, a lush park in the thick of it all, and view after view here.
It's a great jumping-off point for a Vancouver Island adventure.
Not far from the city, you'll find natural wonders like the Sooke Potholes with its emerald green waters and unique rock formations.
Mystic Beach is a well-known hike — about an hour away from the city — that will lead you through a lush forest, over a suspension bridge and to an enchanting cascade of water falling off a cliff into the ocean.
Closer to the city, you'll find other beautiful spots like Hatley Castle — a real-life castle built in 1908 that has sprawling gardens and fairytale-like views to soak up.
Victoria is also the perfect base if you want ot hop on the ferry again to explore some of the Gulf Islands nearby. Salt Spring Island is just a 30-minute ferry ride, and makes for the perfect day trip. You can drive around the island, stopping in at the local galleries, getting goodies from the roadside farm stands, wandering around the lavender farm, and grabbing a drink from the cidery.
While Victoria has a lot to offer, people shouldn't overlook Nanaimo. The small waterfront city has its own distinct vibe, with plenty of thrift shopping, cool cafes, and its own pretty waterfront.
It's a low-key yet fun way to kick off a trip, offering plenty to do on its own. It's also more on the way for those travelling from Vancouver to Tofino — a popular route thanks to the stunning surf town destination.
Tofino is about three hours away from Nanaimo, but — like almost everything around here – it's a beautiful drive. The destination is also well worth the journey, because the quaint town sits nestled in jaw-dropping scenery.
Nearby town there are seven stretches of sandy beach, as well as boardwalk trails leading you through the dense rainforest. The town is famous for surfing, and you can easily rent a board from one of the many shops or get a lesson.
If you're feeling like an adventure, you can take your pick of activities, with everything from whale watching and kayaking to a tour to Hot Springs Cove (where you can soak in hot springs right next to the ocean).
There are also more low-key things like the Saturday market in town (which runs until Thanksgiving weekend) and just roaming around. There's also plenty of spots to eat — from food trucks to waterfront restaurants, cute cafes, and little shops to explore. It's the kind of place that gives you an almost immediate sense of peace, while also having a ton to do.
Tofino is popular, though, so if you want fewer crowds and typically cheaper prices, you can look to the nearby spot of Ucluelet, which is just 30 minutes away. It has it's own charming streets and local shops, plus access to the same incredible beauty of the area.
Vancouver Island has no shortage of incredible seaside towns, though, with other lesser-known places like Qualicum Beach making for great destinations too.
Duncan is also a must-visit spot if you want charming small-town vibes and a quaint atmosphere.
If you want to explore more remote spots, there's a lot to be found on this island. San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park is a stunning beach set on the northern tip of Vancouver Island and famed for its beauty.
Strathcona Park, in the middle of the island, is full of rugged beauty and mountain wilderness.
This is just a taste of what Vancouver Island has to offer, but it's clear how it landed a spot among the world's best. It's a place of incredible beauty, charm, and adventure.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
