Vancouver Island is one of the largest islands in the Pacific Ocean, and was originally named after a British Naval explorer. The island is 460 kilometres (290 mi) in length and 80 kilometres (50 mi) at it’s widest point. It’s major cities include: Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtney, Campbell River, Parksville, Quadra Island, Tofino, and Port Alberni.
The island is remarkable not only for its beauty and its rugged west coast, but for its wilderness as well. The southern and eastern parts of the island are part of the Temperate Rainforest Biome, home to luscious moss, ferns, and unique trees and plants. The northern and western parts of the island contain the large old growth coniferous forests associated with BC, with 10 times more precipitation than the southern/eastern parts. The sunniest area is between the cities of Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtney/Comox, Quadra Island, and Parksville-Qualicum beach. The coastal towns of Tofino and Ucluelet are popular destinations for surfing, and exploring the old growth forests and rugged west coast.
These are just some of the great outdoors activities you can participate in: chartered fishing, whale watching, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, road biking, zip lining, crabbing, boating, golfing, surfing, skiing, Butchart Gardens, and many more. The Island is also home to countless museums, theatres, festivals, music acts, First Nations culture, shopping, wineries, spas, and dining. Discover what Vancouver Island has for you!
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