Victoria BC Nearby – Vancouver Island
Are you looking for activities and things to do nearby Victoria BC? Or perhaps searching for places to go on Vancouver Island? You’ve come to the right place! For some, visiting Vancouver Island is a bucket list travel destination. It’s easy to see why. We live in the greater Victoria area and we love exploring nearby, a little off the beaten track from downtown Victoria.
Although Victoria has more than enough activities to keep you busy, you may choose to get away from the bustle of the city for a few hour or for a couple of days.
Vancouver Island is the world’s 43rd largest island, and Canada’s 11th largest island. It’s the 2nd most populous island in Canada, after the Island of Montreal. In 2021, Vancouver Island’s population was over 860,000 people. The Island measures approximately 32,000 km2 (12,400 square miles) in area.
Victoria BC Nearby – Vancouver Island
Road Trips, Day Trips and more
The climate on Vancouver island is amongst the mildest in Canada, making it a popular tourist destination for Canadians and others from all over the world. The beauty and serenity offered on Vancouver Island results in a vacation which will nourish your soul and allow you to relax. This place will draw you back again and again to explore more each time you visit.
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Each area has something for everyone to enjoy. For example, Cowichan Valley is well known for it’s flavourful wines, so there is a recommended half day wine tour for those who are interested.
With a BC transit day pass, you can travel within the great Victoria area for $5.00. If you would like to see all routes, make that selection on the page.
For outside of the greater Victoria area, you can use the BusBud site, which uses the Vancouver Island connector to book your transport if you wish.
If you prefer more flexibility, you may decide to rent a car for your visit to Vancouver Island.
How long should you book your trip to Vancouver Island?
This question is asked a lot, and it really does depend on what you want to do. There are short trips from Victoria which would give you a great sense of what the Island has to offer. If, however you want to take a trip to Tofino for example, that’s over 300 km (almost 200 miles). It will take you over 4 hours to drive non-stop, however we recommend you plan some stops along the way.
You’ll want to spend at least a couple of days in any area that takes you a few hours to get there, so add up the days according to where you want to explore.
What time of the year is best to visit Vancouver Island?
Everything on Vancouver Island is busier in the peak summer months. Traffic will be busier and hotels and accommodations will book up faster and be more expensive. If you’re able to travel in the spring, fall or winter, you will be among less tourists. On the other hand, not all activities are available or are offered off the peak season.
For example, you can only be on the West Coast Trail from May to October, and due to the popularity of this “bucket list” hike, you’ll need to reserve as soon as it’s allowable through Parks Canada to get a spot (usually January of the current year).
Do your research based on the activities you wish to partake in to ensure the best timing and experience.
No matter how long you stay and explore Vancouver Island, we’re certain you’ll enjoy your time here.
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