Overview

Places of interest in Vancouver Island

Overview
1 Gulf Islands
Sunlit islands with lush rainforest trails
9.4
A cluster of islands off Vancouver Island’s coast offers rugged coastline, dense temperate rainforests and abundant wildlife. Visitors can kayak through calm bays, hike coastal trails and explore historic fishing villages amid dramatic cliffs and marine scenery.
Highlights:
  • 🍤 Savor fresh sea‑food at a waterfront dockside restaurant on Salt Spring Island
  • 🏞️ Hike to the summit of Mount Elgin for panoramic island views
  • 🛶 Kayak through the emerald fjords surrounding Galiano
1 Nanaimo Airport
Gateway to Vancouver Island’s coastal charm
Serving Vancouver Island’s eastern coast, this regional airport offers frequent flights to major Canadian hubs and seasonal charters to Alaska. Modern facilities include a single terminal, ample parking and easy access via Highway 19.
1 Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
Way
1 West Coast Trail (Beach Option)
Way
2 Nanaimo Harbour Water Airport
Seaside skies meet vibrant harbor vibes
Serving Vancouver Island’s eastern coast, this water airport connects Nanaimo to regional destinations via seaplanes. It offers quick access for tourists and locals, featuring modern docking facilities and scenic coastal views.
2 Englishman River Falls
Waterfall
2 Nanaimo River
POI
1 Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Shop
1 Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
Marketplace
2 Old City Quarter
Shop
2 Tofino
Wild Pacific, Rainforest, Endless Waves
8.1
Highlights:
  • 🐋 Go whale watching in Clayoquot Sound waters
  • 🥾 Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve trails
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf the waves at famous Chesterman Beach
3 Canadian Forces Base Comox
Remote runway overlooking rugged Pacific coastline
Located on Vancouver Island’s east coast, this military airfield serves as a key training hub for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It features modern runways, advanced radar systems and supports joint exercises with allied forces.
3 Cathedral Grove
Forest
4 Comox Glacier
Glacier
5 Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
National Park
4 Campbell River Airport
Gateway to Vancouver Island’s coastal charm
Serving Vancouver Island’s eastern coast, this public airport offers regional flights and general aviation services. Located near Campbell River, it features a single asphalt runway, modern navigation aids and convenient access to local communities.
6 Elk Falls
Waterfall
7 Strathcona Provincial Park
National Park
3 Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Winter Sports
2 Mount Washington
Peak
5 Port Hardy Airport
Gateway to Vancouver Island’s coastal charm
Serving Vancouver Island's northern tip, this regional airport offers flights to major Canadian hubs and access to remote coastal communities. Its runway accommodates small jets, while nearby wilderness provides hiking and wildlife viewing.
6 Tofino-Long Beach Airport
Gateway to Wild Pacific Beauty
A small public airport on Vancouver Island’s west coast serves the coastal town of Tofino. It offers short runway operations for general aviation and seasonal charter flights, connecting visitors to remote surf spots.
8 Long Beach
POI
4 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
National Park
5 Ucluelet Aquarium
Aquarium
3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada - Visitor Centre
Tourism Information
7 Tofino Harbour Water Aerodrome
Scenic Seaplane Gateway to Tofino
A small water aerodrome on Vancouver Island’s west coast serves charter and tourist flights to remote coastal destinations. It features a sheltered harbor, easy access for seaplanes and proximity to rugged beaches and wildlife viewing.
9 Hot Springs Cove
Bay
3 Victoria
Garden city by the Pacific
7.3
Known for its mild climate and lush forests, Victoria offers a blend of historic architecture, vibrant waterfront markets and expansive parks. Visitors enjoy whale watching, botanical gardens and easy access to nearby islands and coastal trails.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll along the scenic Inner Harbour waterfront
  • 🏛️ Visit the Royal BC Museum to discover regional history
  • 🌸 Explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens and seasonal blooms
4 Butchart Gardens
POI
5 Craigdarroch Castle
Museum
3 Market Square
Way
8 Victoria Harbour Water Airport
Seaside gateway to Vancouver Island’s charm
Serving Vancouver Island’s capital, this water airport connects downtown Victoria to regional destinations via seaplanes. It offers quick access to the harbor and surrounding islands, supporting tourism and business travel.
10 Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
National Park
6 Royal BC Museum
Museum
4 Government Street
POI
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