A rocky coastline melting into sandy shores, with the backdrop of an old-growth rainforest and sparkling ocean stretching out into mountains – it’s a scene that might seem otherworldly, but it’s what you’ll find on this island in Canada.
The unique landscape that Vancouver Island has to offer has helped land it a place on the list of the best islands in the world, created by Condé Nast Traveller. Within the group of North American Islands it earned fifth place, next to the likes of dreamy Hawaiian islands, a slice of paradise in Quintana Roo Mexico, and a Floridian retreat.
Vancouver Island was one of the two Canadian destinations to make the list, the other being the beautiful Cape Breton Island on the other side of the country, in Nova Scotia.
It’s clear why Vancouver Island was able to get the high score of 91.43 from CN Traveller readers’ votes though.
The intrigue of the environment is one thing, but the island has no shortage of things to do — from the city of Victoria, and charming small towns, to natural wonders tucked away in forests and some of the most jaw-dropping beaches in the world. You could spend weeks, not just days, exploring Vancouver Island and only skim the surface.
If you’re looking to build out your bucket list with adventures on one of the best islands in the world though, these things would make for a good start.
Canada’s best beach
Vancouver Island does get its fair share of recognition, and San Josef Bay being ranked as the best beach in Canada is a testament to that. Although Canada probably isn’t the first place you think of for beach vacation, there is actually an incredible amount of beautiful shorelines. From rocky coves to long stretches of white sand, there was some serious competition.
The clear waters and velvety sands of San Josef Bay stood out among the rest though. It’s tucked away in Cape Scott Provincial Park, a 45-minute hike in from the road, making it a secluded paradise of relatively untouched beauty. The pristine sand here is only interrupted by the unique rock formations peppered around the coastline, adding to the alluring beauty of this place.
It’s the kind of place that you don’t stop thinking about visiting after you see photos of it.
A visit to Tofino and Ucluelet
While a hidden gem is often worth the adventure, sometimes a popular destination is too. Tofino is known widely for its surfable waves, coastal views, small-town charm, and unbeatable beaches — and it’s actually worthy of the hype it gets.
Although expensive, it’s just one of those places you have to go and see for yourself if you’re exploring Vancouver Island. The mix of coastline with rainforest trails here is remarkable and worth exploring.
Walk among the ancient trees of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, rent a surfboard and try to catch some waves, or boat out to the nearby island with geothermal hot springs overlooking the water.
The community is filled with cute shops and great food too, and you can spend a day walking around the streets.
If you want to stay somewhere a little more low-key, especially during the high season, opt for the nearby town of Ucluelet, which is equally as beautiful.
Island hopping on BC Ferries
Vancouver Island is the gateway for some of Canada’s most unbelievable natural beauty, but it’s also the perfect base to explore other tiny islands on BC Ferries.
From the Swartz Bay ferry terminal near Victoria, you can get to some of the Gulf Islands easily, and it’s a worthwhile journey for anyone wanting to get a taste of even more island life.
The smaller communities on these islands make the perfect day-trip destinations, and the West Coast scenery that you find on Vancouver Island stretches out to these smaller ones.
The ferry to Salt Spring Island is only 30 minutes long and it’s an idyllic getaway with lavender fields, farmstands, cider houses and charming shops.
Hike to Mystic Beach
There are almost too many natural wonders tucked away in different corners of Vancouver Island to list, but Mystic Beach is one of the most beautiful and famed.
The journey to get here starts with a hike through a tick forest, and once the trees start to thin out you’ll get a glimpse of the bright ocean ahead before you walk out onto the beach. Along the sand you’ll find sea caves and, towards the end, a waterfall that cascades off the cliffside down into the salty water below.
It’s only around a 40-minute hike to reach this special place, and it’s worth every step.
Dive into the Sooke Potholes
Sooke Potholes is another one of those must-see spots on the island that can’t go without mention. The naturally carved-out rock formations make for a unique swimming spot, filled with emerald-green water.
The brightly coloured water runs through the corridor of carved bedrock. The canyon walls enclose sections of this place, and you can swim between them, stopping to see the potholes all around.
Explore Victoria
The waterfront city is a change up from what you’ll find on most of the island, but still keeps up the theme of picturesque views.
You can pop in and out of the local shops and boutiques here, eat at some of the best restaurants, and stroll along the water just taking in the scenery. Beacon Hill Park is a little escape back into nature within the city, as is the Butchart Gardens.
If a stroll by the Fairmont Express doesn’t already make you feel like you’re in a storybook city, then a visit to Hatley Castle will.
Sleep beneath the stars
To really see Vancouver Island to its fullest, you’ve got to get outside. It’s the perfect place for people wanting to explore, and one of the best ways to do that is to go camping around the island.
It has some of the most magical campsites where you can get lost in the outdoors, falling asleep under a blanket of stars and waking up to the sound of waves crashing along the shore.
From the rocky shores of Juan de Fuca and the scenic scenes of Tofino to the mountain landscape of Strathcona Park’s backcountry — there are more than enough sites to choose from.
Although the island is pretty mild in terms of weather compared to other places in Canada, you can’t exactly camp comfortably all year round. If you want to start exploring in the chillier months, there’s also no shortage of beautiful hotels, inns, and rentals there.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Vancouver has mineral hot pools along the ocean so you can stay toasty while taking in the views and salty air.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Vancouver Island, and it’s clear that this place has earned the title of one of the best islands in the world.
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