Things to do on Vancouver Island
Well it’s taken a few trips up to British Columbia, but I now have a good list of things to do on Vancouver Island. While I adore Victoria, there’s much more to do on the island and it’s all beautiful!
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Things to do on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is across from Seattle and Vancouver. It’s easily accessed via the BC ferries or by a short (25 minute total) plane ride from Seattle. You could also take a seaplane from Vancouver – something on my bucket list.
The major commercial airport is outside of Victoria (on the very southern tip of the island). From there you can take the highways to make your way up and across the island; wander on the ferries around the island; or even take chartered or seaplanes to other destinations. We have only driven from the Victoria area to other parts of Vancouver Island.
Many of the most amazing things to do on Vancouver Island are outdoors, but they aren’t necessarily difficult to see or experience. And there are some fun spots that aren’t “outdoorsy” at all!
Victoria, B.C. Things to Do
The only “major” city on Vancouver Island is Victoria. I ADORE Victoria. I’ve visited 3 times in the last ten years – and it hasn’t been enough. It’s just a lovely mix of city but not too big. It has lots of great food, delectable coffee, and things to do (in and out of city limits). See my full write up on Victoria BC Things to Do. No matter where else you end up, I’d encourage you to make a visit to Victoria one of the things you do on Vancouver Island.
Tofino-Ucluelet (West)
My most recent trip was our first visit to Ucluelet and, more famously, Tofino. These towns are on the west side of the island – about 30-40 minutes drive apart.
We had a rental car for this portion of our trip, but there is a free Tofino shuttle along this part of the island in the summer. Get those details here. There is also a bike path between the two (and plenty of places to rent bikes if you don’t have your own).
There is plenty of outdoor options in each town, but Tofino is certainly the bigger of the two with more companies running tours (e.g. fishing and whale watching). We stayed at an AirBnb cabin just north of Ucluelet and found the spot very handy for everything. Tofino does get “crowds” (for how small of a town it is), so that’s just something to be aware of.
Lighthouse Trail Loop – Ucluelet
One of the first things I found to in the area was the Lighthouse Trail Loop. There’s a walking loop that includes the lighthouse and lots of other gorgeous views of the water as well as some of the rainforest on this part of the island. The path is wide but there are certainly ups and downs.
There is also a parking lot with quick and easy access to the lighthouse area, so there’s something for all. Besides all the beautiful views are all the benches along the path for you to sit and take it all in. We were there on a dreich day (a Scottish term for gray, overcast, and rainy) and it was still lovely. I imagine a clear day would be a dream!
Ucluelet Aquarium
Also in Ucluelet is the aquarium. It’s a nonprofit catch-and-release museum. I wasn’t really sure what that meant, worried they’d just have a viewing spot for whatever they found that morning. But it’s actually a seasonal catch-and-release program. There are tanks where you can touch some of the animals and lots of others with info. It’s a small museum but an interesting one for sure! I think the aquarium is closer December-March.
Where to Eat in Ucluelet
So, the food scene didn’t wow me much in Ucluelet, but there are a few great spots. We had a dinner at Currents Restaurant. It’s in a local resort but anyone is welcome. The food was yummy, the service lovely, and the view beautiful!! We had a salad, the seafood chowder (so yummy), and fish & chips.
If you’re in town Monday-Wednesday, you have to go to Huckleberry’s for breakfast and coffee. They have a case full of delicious homemade goodies – sausage rolls, muffins, banana bread, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. And they’re Americano and hot tea absolutely met our standards!
Now why they are only open those few weekdays is a mystery to me. But don’t fear, Big Wave Cafe isn’t far, is open daily, and has yummy coffee and bagels!! There’s not much seating (all outdoors). We grabbed coffee and breakfast for the drive back to Victoria and were so happy!
We also went to Ukee Scoops, the local ice cream shop, and we all loved it!!
A few places I had saved to try but we didn’t make it to are Heartwood Kitchen and The Break Cafe & Bistro.
Long Beach Access Points
So, between Ucluelet and Tofino, there is one long beach – appropriately named Long Beach! There are access points along the highway. I’d originally hoped to do the wooden plank rainforest walk, but we were short on time; that parking was crowded; and we stumbled on the Comber’s Beach access which was everything we needed.
So, there are access points along the highway to the beach. Comber’s Beach requires a short but steep walk down to the beach, complete with wooden planks! but the wide open beach is worth it. And since I’d wanted to do the rainforest trail, I got more bang for my buck!
Best Restaurants in Tofino
So, The food is Tofino is good. We were only up there a couple times, but those meals were the best we had.
A food lover must is Wolf in the Fog. Their site says walk in swelcome, which is true, but there will be a length wait. Make a reservation. We shared the halibut dish (atop fried polenta with summer bean and apricot side thingy) that may have been the best fish dish I’ve ever eaten. And we shared a filet plate with fun potatoes and veggies that was equally delicious!
The other place we ate was at Shelter Restaurant – at the Tofino Marina. All our food was great, but the mussels and frites were perfection!! We walked in easily for a weekday lunch, but it was crowded, so reservations may be a great idea!
Campbell River (East)
Switching gears to the east side of Vancouver Island and what to do over there. While driving to Ucluelet and Tofino takes you off the main highway and the drive includes some windy, mountain roads – the road to Campbell River is certainly an easier drive.
Much of what Campbell River offers is easy access to outdoor adventures – shorter walks and hikes, ferries to islands, and beautiful ocean views…
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park is a must visit and it’s quite an adventure. The walk back to the falls is moderate, but not terribly long. Our son was 3 when we went. He got a bit tired, but walked most of the way himself.
The adventure starts at the end, when you hit the suspension bridge. I’m not generally scared of heights, but I did not feel comfortable on this suspension bridge – you’re walking over a stark drop. I made it across and back, but there was no dilly-dallying for me. Full disclosure, I left that 3-year-old to his own devices (and in the capable hands of my calm and collected husband!). It was so gorgeous and a fun adventure – just have to be honest about everything!!
We also took the ferry over to Quadra Island (a short ride). Over there, we hit up Island Farm to Table for breakfast morsels and coffee before wandering a bit around the island! We drove to the southern tip of the island to Cape Mudge Lighthouse. The lighthouse wasn’t open, but we enjoyed the beach!
In town, we enjoyed meals at Session Taproom + Kitchen, Fifty Parallel Tap and Grill, and Quay West.
Nanaimo, BC
So. Full disclosure, I haven’t spent much time in Nanaimo, but I want to include it on my list of things to do on Vancouver Island because I think it could be fun and all of our car rides north and west included lengthy stops in Nanaimo to stretch our legs and get some food!!
The area long the waterfront in Nanaimo is worth the visit. Walk along the water and down the piers. If you have a kiddo, Maffeo Sutton Park is amazing with lots of play structures for many ages, shade, grass to run around, and that cute Nanaimo sign. There are also restrooms, a water refill station, and free 3-hour parking. Hitting all the marks for us!
A short walk south on the waterfront is the Lighthouse Bistro & Pub, which has outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the water front, watch the seaplanes take off, and relax a minute!!
On your way out of town, stop by White Rabbit Coffee! The coffee is delicious, the goodies are yummy, and it’s a good stop before you hit the road!
Next time we’re in town, I hope to visit the Nanaimo Museum too – it looks great for everyone in our crew!
Wine Tasting on Vancouver Island
And finally, if you haven’t discovered British Columbian wines, do so soon! Vancouver Island Tourism has a great (GREAT!) interactive map of wines on the island! We’ve visited Unsworth Winery in the Cowichan Valley area at a recommendation from a sommelier in Victoria on our first trip there. We had lunch and enjoyed a glass of wine. So yummy!
This area is the closest wine region to Victoria. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive, but here’s often traffic on The Malahat (a two lane highway north of Victoria), but check before you head out in case it’s closer (a common warning for all Vancouver Island highways). And when you see signs for the vista points heading north – DO IT! We missed the first one but caught the second.
