Vancouver Island holidays - Laidback, picturesque and exciting

Enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle with relaxed outdoor recreation

Vancouver Island is a destination that offers something for everyone. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts, self-confessed foodies and city dwellers will all quickly full in love with this multifaceted location, where rugged wilderness and isolated beaches meet contemporary cities and charming local fisheries.

Located just off Canada’s Pacific Coast, Vancouver Island is best known for being the home of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. From the delicious farm-to-table cuisine and magnificent Victorian architecture, to the awesome outdoorsy excursions including zip-lining and diving, this is a city that lives its coastal lifestyle to the fullest.

Water sports are a big thing in Vancouver Island. Whether you fancy a slow-paced afternoon of kayaking across beautiful lakes, or the thrill of riding the waves at forest-framed beaches like French Beach, there’s plenty of opportunity to take to the water. On land, there’s acres of untouched wilderness to explore. River canyoning, camping, wildlife spotting, or hiking in the naturally stunning Pacific Rim National Park, active travellers will find lots to do. The wildlife here is phenomenal too, with sightings of orcas, black bears and Roosevelt Elk being just the start.

Meanwhile, the small towns and bigger cities are home to thriving arts and food communities. Much of the food is grown and reared on the island, and you’ll be sure to find plenty of small cafes and friendly restaurants offering a taste of the fresh local ingredients. Of course, being a coastal destination, the seafood here is second to none – we’d recommend trying fresh ceviche and trout in the tiny fishing villages like Ucluelet, or you could catch your own. Many local communities love to showcase their history and talent with a myriad of live performances, theatre and music.