A BC island with lush forest and sandy beaches was dubbed one of Canada's best vacation spots

The West Coast comes alive in the summertime. Ocean swims, sandy beaches, mountain hikes – it's what the warmer months are about here. Canadians flock to this side of the country, but it's almost hard to know where to start when planning a trip to B.C., simply because there's so much to see.

Luckily, Narcity readers shared the best vacation spots in Canada on the Facebook page, and this island full of natural splendor was named time and time again.

Vancouver Island is an unforgettable destination, proven in how many people shouted it out. It's rainforest walks, stretches of sandy shoreline, small towns, and sprawling gardens help make it one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. You could spend weeks exploring the island and just scratch the surface on the wonders within it.

To start, you can't miss exploring the rugged beauty of the island's west coast. Tofino is the famous spot here — a small town that's known as a surfer's paradise. Surfer or not though, this place will impress.

Sandy beaches sprawl along the coastline here, bordered by a lush rainforest with trails winding through it. Days here are spent out in the ocean and then biking into town where you'll find local restaurants and shops.

Explore further, to the northern tip of the island and you'll find the more remote beauty of Cape Scott Provincial Park. Think windswept beaches, old-growth trees, sea caves, and endless ocean views,

If ancient trees are what you're after you can't do without a trip to Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Park. Here you can walk among the towering giants. Seriously, they are giant — one has a circumference of over 9 metres.

The balance that a trip to the island offers is really unlike other places. You've got all that adventure and natural wonder — and more — plus the city of Victoria.

Victoria offers the convince of a city with a tasty food scene, cool shops, and loads of tourist activities. Like anywhere on the island though, you're not compromising beauty.

Right in the city there are parks, oceanside pathways, and beautiful oases' like The Buchart Gardens.

Even a day trip away are surreal spots like Mystic Beach and the Sooke Potholes.

This, and a whole lot more, is waiting on Vancouver Island, so it's time to explore beyond the borders of Vancouver.