Things to do in Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a wildlife lover’s dream with whales and bears drawn to the region’s food-rich waters. This is a two-part experience from Tofino which  consists of a whale-watching cruise on a 12-passenger Zodiac in the open waters of the Pacific, during which you may spot gray or humpback whales, seals and sea otters. During the second part of the tour you’ll cruise along the coast of the Clayoquot Sound during low tide to see the island’s resident black bears.

There's nothing quite like gently paddling around the quiet waters of the UNESCO-listed Clayoquot Sound, dipping into coves and passing uninhabited islets. Depart from busy Tofino and head out on a 4-hour trip which takes you across to Meares Island where you will leave your kayaks at the shore and trek along the Big Tree Trail which is lined by some of the tallest and oldest trees in the province.

Cruise along the calm waters of the inlets of beautiful Clayoquot Sound on board a covered cruiser or Zodiac in search of black bears in their natural habitat. Travel along the shore and keep an eye out these beautiful but fearsome creatures as they seek out one of their favourite foods – the rock crab, which they search for when the tide goes out.

Enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight over the provincial capital of Victoria and the breathtaking Strait of Juan de Fuca which stretches from the Pacific Ocean towards Seattle and Vancouver. Experience the excitement of taking off from the water and witnessing the southern coastline of Vancouver Island,  and the United States’ Olympic Peninsula, with the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Head out in search of orcas, minke and gray whales and a whole host of other marine wildlife on this three hour cruise from Victoria. Choose from either a 45 foot ocean cruiser or a more exhilarating ride on a Zodiac RIB, both of which are fitted with a hydrophone to listen for the whales, and will have a naturalist or biologist on board.

On this immersive wildlife experience you'll go in search of grizzly bears in the company of a First Nations guide. Learn about the culture and idigenous history of the region as you follow the waterways of the Broughton Archipelago by boat and search for British Columbia's most iconic wildlife species. You'll also visit local villages and the oldest remaining Big House in the country.

A float plane ride is an iconic Canadian experience as well as a quick and easy way to travel between destinations. Planes depart from Coal Harbour which is easily reached from all Downtown Vancouver hotels. From here you can fly right to and from the heart of Victoria or Seattle year round and between Vancouver and Tofino or Whistler seasonally.

BC Ferries operate car ferry routes along British Columbia's Pacific Coast. They also connect the Vancouver area with a couple of destinations on Vancouver Island. The most popular route is between Tsawwassen (approximately 30 minutes south of Vancouver airport) and Swartz Bay which sits at the tip of the Saanich Peninsula and is about half an hour from central Victoria. If you wish to tavel further up the Vancouver Island coast, cutting the driving time to the likes of Campbell River and the west coast towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, you can take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Duke Point in Nanaimo.

Spend the morning exploring the city on an introductory tour of Victoria in the company of a driver guide before stopping off at the iconic Fairmont Empress for a mouthwatering lunch. You'll see Craigdarroch Castle, stop in the seaside village of Sidney and sip a few gins at a local distillery. Later, either visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens or sample some more local produce at Church & State Winery before heading to the world-famous Butchart Gardens.

This is the ultimate whale and wildlife-watching adventure from Tofino. Travelling by 12-seater Zodiacs, you'll explore the inlets and fjords of the spectacular Clayquot Sound. This six-hour experience is split into to excursions out on to the water, with a break on land to refresh between voyages. Wildlife you may see during your cruise include black bears, sea lions, sea otters and, depending on the time of year, gray whales, humpback whales and orcas.