Humpback whale near Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver Island

The island is home to rugged scenery, pristine rainforest, vibrant city life and extraordinary wildlife.

Vancouver Island is situated just off the west coast of British Columbia and is home to rugged scenery, pristine rainforests, vibrant city life and extraordinary wildlife. Small fishing towns dot the northern coast which is also the access point for the Great Bear Rainforest.

Tofino and Ucluelet on the western coastline are hubs for eco-adventures and surfing, while Canada’s capital Victoria on the southern tip of the island is a picturesque city rich in culture and new world history. The wilds of the north and cosmopolitan ambience of the south are connected by a sandy coastline, forested mountain trails and aqua blue lakes. The Victoria Harbour is an exciting buzz of sailboats, float planes and passenger ferries. Explore the city on foot discovering art galleries, museums, shops and fantastic restaurants.

Clayoquot Sound, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Clayoquot Sound, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

Discover Tofino

Tofino is a coastal town world-renowned for surfing and thus attracts and a young and vibrant crowd and is home to excellent restaurants and First Nation history. However, it is also the base from which to explore remote areas of Clayoquot Sound and embark on some incredible wildlife trips. Some 22,000 grey whales migrate through Tofino waters between February and October and small groups spend the whole summer in Clayoquot Sound. It is also possible to see humpback whales and Steller sea lions.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet, Canada
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet, Canada

Explore Ucluelet

Ucluelet (you-clue-let) is a delightful unspoilt village with a largely residential population. Traditionally a fishing village, today an income is made from outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. It is overshadowed by the nearby popular resort town of Tofino, but in our opinion, Ucluelet is the real gem of the area. Perched on the most westerly point of the Pacific Rim National Park, the peninsula has the calm waters of Ucluelet Harbour on one side and the churning Pacific Ocean on the other. At the southern tip is the famous Wild Pacific Trail. A year-round destination, there is always plenty going on, including the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival that celebrates the longest annual migration of any animal.

Jumping Orca, Canada
Jumping Orca, Canada

Kayaking with Orcas from Vancouver Island

In a magical journey to the north-eastern tip of Vancouver Island, witness one of the most remarkable marine mammals on Earth from an extraordinary water-top vantage point (and take a detour to spot grizzly bears).

8 days

from £2,415 pp

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Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Harbour View, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Visit Victoria

Explore the capital and it’s bustling shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Kayaking, British Columbia, Canada

Kayak to Meares Island

Kayak to this island with the world’s oldest cedar trees.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Humpback whale near Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Whale Watching

Go in search of humpback whales when in Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, Canada

Pacific Rim National Park

Go walking in the Pacific Rim National Park.

Suggested hotel

Surfer, Long Beach, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Go Surfing

Try your hand at surfing or watch the Rip Curl championships in June.

Suggested hotel

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Wickaninnish Inn £££££

  • Canada
  • Beach and Island Escapes

The Wickaninnish is a luxury hotel and spa on Chesterman Beach on the outskirts of Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

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Black Rock Oceanfront Resort £££££

  • Canada
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is tucked away on a rocky black outcrop overlooking the ocean with nearly 10 acres of rainforest, and 1,300 feet of waterfront on the doorstep ready to explore. The hotel swimming and hot pools are carved into the face of the cliff to take advantage of the spectacular panoramic views. There are 70 lodge suites and 63 cottages beach home suites all nestled into the forest with each suite and cottage offering a balcony overlooking either the ocean or the forest.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Bird

Watching bears interacting without any care of his presence was fascinating for Paul, and being a privileged onlooker in their natural habitat created a lifelong fascination with Canada.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

Roxy’s love for Canada is limitless and she has returned on an almost yearly basis since her first visit as a child. From hiking the high alpine trails, riding with local cowboys to kayaking with humpbacks, she has likely been there and done it.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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