This fairytale-like BC island was dubbed a spot 'every Canadian should visit at least once'

Stepping off BC Ferries onto this dreamy island in B.C. feels every bit like a fairytale. There's something about sailing across the ocean from Vancouver that makes you want to leave your worries behind and embrace a slower pace.

It's part of what makes a trip here so special, and has made it a must-visit spot for Canadians everywhere. On a recent poll on the Narcity Facebook Page, Vancouver Island was named among the places in the country that "every Canadian should visit at least once in their life."

It's hard to argue with the breathtaking nature this island offers – from long beaches with bright blue water and soft sand, to rainforests enveloped in mist, this is a place where you're left awe-struck at every turn. Then you have the lively city of Victoria with its charming streets, British influence and famous castles. Exploring the island also means stops at the little towns scattered around, each offering its own unique vibes, local shops and picturesque streets.

We should emphasis that Vancouver Island is a place you need to visit at least once— meaning you'll actually want to go back again and again. The scenery and natural wonder will keep you coming back, but it's also hard to see even a fraction of what it has to offer from just one trip. It's a huge island and each corner of it has a distinct personality and draw.

There are some must-see spots, though, for first-timers that can't be missed.

First up is probably the most well-known spot, but it's one of those places everyone points tourists to for a reason (it's pretty sure to impress) — Tofino. The little beach town has incredible beaches stretching along the shoreline, broken up by jagged coast and edged by dense rainforest. The town itself has cute shops, great restaurants and a quaint feel to it despite the busyness in the summer months.

Another popular but must-see spot? Victoria. This one is pretty easy to get to, as the main city on the island, and has a little bit of everything. It's known as Canada's 'most British city' and has an elegance and charm to it that is definitely reminiscent of that. The waterfront is idyllic here and you can wander around the city for hours exploring the cool boutiques, local shops, award-winning restaurants and cute cafes.

Nearby is the famous Butchart Gardens, which is really a sight to take in during the summer months. With 55 acres of blooming gardens it's absolutely stunning and makes for an especially scenic afternoon.

Also nearby is Hatley Castle, which adds to the dreaminess of a Vancouver Island visit. This is the spot to go if you want the fairytale look (although you'll also get a bit of that exploring the remote nature and forests that have that enchanted vibe to them).

If you're going for efficiency on a short trip, Victoria is a great base. From there you can drive out to beautiful spots that will make you feel deep in nature, like Sooke Potholes Provincial Park — which is just an hour from the city.

The more time you have here, the better, and some bonus stops on a trip should definitely include exploring the trails within Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, the remote beaches of Cape Scott Park, and the communities in the Cowichan Valley. The list goes on, but sadly, we have to end somewhere!

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.