This travel guide is full of information and travel inspiration for first-time visitors to Vancouver Island in the state of British Columbia in Canada. A Vancouver Island trip creates memories that last a lifetime.
The Canadian Pacific coast stretches along the western edge of British Columbia. Vancouver Island means stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and a rich cultural heritage. Rugged coastlines and temperate rainforests to islands and fjords.
The island is known for its creatures big and small, such as orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and seals, and its bald eagle, cougar, wolves, and black bear population. Exciting wildlife viewing beckons. You can also go on a long boat trip to the Great Bear Rainforest and look for Grizzly Bears. The coast with its lighthouses and sandy beaches often scattered in driftwood, and the ancient forest with up to 800 years old trees and rivers and waterfalls, invite you to go hiking, beach combing, kayaking, and boating.
Throw in extremely friendly locals, lively neighbourhoods, First Nations art, farmer's markets, writer's homes, museums, and a spirited music, artisan, café, and restaurant scene to complete the picture. Vancouver Island is on the Traditional Territory of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwakaw’akw People, and there is plenty of opportunity to learn about First Nations history.
What else can you find here: How to get to Vancouver Island, the best time to visit, what to wear, how to pay, and where to eat. If you want to dig in even deeper before your trip, or if you can't visit Vancouver Island in person just yet, I recommend seven books to read for a Verbatim Journey to the island.
