Introduction
Famous for its whale watching at Tofino and provincial parks offering a selection of wildlife, a Vancouver Island holiday will provide hiking trips, kayaking and historical highlights.
Whale watching
Tofino is a hotspot for whale watching enthusiasts. The main attraction is the migration of gray whales passing Long Beach just five kilometres from the shore. Humpback whales can also be seen, while further north killer whales can be seen from Telegraph Cove or Discovery Passage.
The Great Outdoors
The abundance of wilderness on Vancouver Island is yours to explore. Three sections of the Pacific Rim National Park - Long Beach, The Broken Group Islands archipelago and the West Coast Trail - offer a choice of hikes. Further inland the mountainous wilderness of Strathcona Principle Park is to be taken on by more experienced hikers. Travel to Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to continue your adventure with a selection of rare rainforests.
History and Culture
With Victoria being the capital of British Columbia, it is no surprise that it offers a collection of museums and gardens. A stroll along the Inner Harbour is well worth a visit for the architecture, especially The Parliament Buildings and The Fairmont Express Hotel. Explore the history of the First Nations' villages in the Royal British Columbia Museum.
You can also indulge in the hot water rockpools at Hot Springs Cove. Taste the local food in Campbell River and combine architecture with shopping in Victoria's Bastion Square.
