Beautiful Vancouver Island Destinations
This page will help you discover all the Vancouver Island destinations we have written about over the years. With close to 250 articles on the site, listing them all would be quite a feat. Not to mention overwhelming to read.
This is why the destinations are divided into regions. Find a location you are looking for, click on the blue link, and you will be led to an archive of articles about that destination.
South Vancouver Island Destinations
Experience the best of South Vancouver Island, from the vibrant city of Victoria to the Southwest's stunning coastal landscapes and the Cowichan Valley's rolling hills. Explore historic sites, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and farm-to-table experiences, making this area perfect for both adventure and relaxation on your Vancouver Island, BC, getaway!
Greater Victoria
This includes the downtown core and any articles that mention the following: Saanich, Sidney, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford, Colwood, and Metchosin.
Southwest Coast
The beautiful destinations of Sooke and Port Renfrew and all the small seaside ports in between.
Cowichan Valley
The Cowichan Valley encompasses regions around the Cowichan River, Cowichan Lake, and Cowichan Bay. These include any of the following cities and towns:
- Malahat and Bamberton.
- Maple Bay + Genoa Bay.
- Mill Bay.
- Shawnigan Lake.
- Lake Cowichan and beyond.
- Duncan.
- Chemainus.
- Ladysmith.
Central Vancouver Island Destinations
Discover the many Central Vancouver Island destinations. This is Vancouver Island's most significant region. Explore Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, Comox Valley and Campbell River. These areas offer vast beaches, beautiful forests, stunning waterfalls and charming seaside towns. Plan your perfect adventure along this unforgettable stretch of Vancouver Island.
Nanaimo
Nanaimo is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island and is where you land if you take a ferry from either Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen. The articles in this category are all about Nanaimo.
Parksville (Oceanside)
Oceanside is a locally coined term for the vast area encompassing 12 small communities, the most well-known being Parksville, Coombs and Qualicum Beach. The area also includes the unincorporated communities of Nanoose Bay, Errington, French Creek, Bowser, Deep Bay, Qualicum Bay and a few other smaller centres.
Port Alberni
Port Alberni lies within the Alberni Valley and at the head of Vancouver Island's longest inlet. With its many parks, rivers, lakes, and mountains, Port is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts and the gateway to the West Coast.
West Coast
The West Coast of Vancouver Island is well known for its rugged coastline, vast sandy beaches, and small-town vibes. This region includes Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim.
Comox Valley
The Comox Valley includes Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and smaller communities such as Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Black Creek and Merville. This area of Vancouver Island is an adventure destination. It's a location where you can ski, kayak, golf and mountain bike all on the same day!
Campbell River
Campbell River is the gateway to Strathcona Park and the north end of the island. This area is well known for its many fantastic ocean activities, including kayaking, wildlife viewing, and sports fishing. It's also a fantastic place for hiking and caving.
Vancouver Island North
The Vancouver Island North region's population centres include Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Telegraph Cove, and Alert Bay. However, there are many more unique, smaller destinations within this region that you can (and should) explore.
Gulf & Discovery Islands
Many islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland (Vancouver) are worth exploring. The articles found within this destination are the ones we have explored so far.
Off the Rock Destinations
Every once in a while, we leave Vancouver Island to explore areas elsewhere (gasp!). This category shares the ones we love.
Map of Vancouver Island
Use this map to help you explore all Vancouver Island destinations. Click on the map and then on the underscored city or location you want to learn more about.
If a location isn't underscored, we don't have enough information to create a category or article for that area (yet!).