Things to Know Before Visiting Vancouver Island

 Vancouver Island is a great place to visit especially if you are a nature lover as it offers the scenic beauty of rainforests, snow covered mountains, rivers and lakes. There is the wilderness to explore, allowing you to experience trail hiking, wildlife adventures and of course the lure of catching a salmon.

Visiting Vancouver Island Canada for the first time?

Be Prepared for the Weather.
Check the Visa & Entry Requirements.
Consider Travel Insurance for Canada.
Check the Alcohol Age Limit.
Be Wildlife Smart.
Be Prepared to Tip.
Purchase a Fishing Licence

Best time to visit Vancouver Island?

The best time to visit Vancouver Island is from September through November. The weather has cooled down but is still comfortable and changing fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for a vacation. Pleasant fall celebrations such as pumpkin, apple, and wine festivals are in full swing.

How long would it take to visit most of the island?

Because of its size it is recommended you spend at least a week as Vancouver Island is studded with colourful, quirky communities, many founded on logging or fishing and featuring the word 'Port' in their names, and they are all worthy of a visit.

Locals are very friendly, proud of their region and its distinct differences. The island is the largest populated landmass, around 500 km long and 100 km wide – and hosts a broad range of attractions, experiences and activities that feel many miles from the bustle of mainland Vancouver.

Food and wine fans will love the Cowichan Valley farm region; outdoor-activity enthusiasts shouldn't miss the surf-loving, wild West Coast radiating from Tofino; and visitors venturing north will find an uncrowded region of independent communities fringed by rugged wilderness.

What sports and activities are on the island?

There is plenty to see and do including viewing indigenous island-arts, an air-museum, tastings at breweries, or erect your tent on one of the many camping-grounds. Book a cruise, fishing-charters, play golf on one of the world-class golf-courses, limousine-tours and wineries