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Vancouver Island


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Vancouver Island

Britich Columbia Canada's Vancouver Island offers many things to do from hiking, backpacking, photography, whale watching, wildlife viewing, camping, and exploring nature. Enjoy a multi-day trip to visit its cities and wild areas.

getting there

  • From the Olympic Peninsula take the Port Angeles-Victoria Ferry.
  • From Anacortes, take the Anacortes-Friday Harbor and then Friday Harbor-Sidney Ferries.
  • There are other ferries and air services that access the island worth exploring depending on your itinerary.

about the island

Vancouver Island is one of the few places left with incredible nature in the wild. Hike in majestic wilderness parks. Enjoy watching and photographing orcas, black bears and the sheer abundance of furred, feathered and finned wildlife. Gaze at distant snow-capped mountains while hiking along curving beaches. Even the urban areas have something for everyone. Some options for a multi-day trip include:

  • Gold River: Take a 12 hour cruise around Nootka Sound to photograph wildlife.
  • Campbell River and Goldstream: Day hikes for exploring nature and photography.
  • Victoria: An urban walking adventure to the capitol of British Columbia.

Information for Leaders

Scheduling

This route/place is for scheduling global adventure-like outings to Vancouver Island. For trips to a specific trail, peak, park, etc. please choose or add an appropriate route/place.

Considerations for international travel

  • Start by reviewing the latest regulations.
  • Everyone will need a passport or other valid ID such as a NEXUS card.
  • NEXUS cards can save a lot of time but only work if everyone in the car has one.
  • Make sure your vehicle insurance is valid for Canada.
  • Make sure your health insurance is valid for Canada.
  • Border crossing regulations are strict in both directions. Know what you’re allowed to take and declare everything to avoid problems.
  • You may be able to save time by checking alternate border crossings. Find apps that show updated times and other good tips.
  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Naturalist, Photography, Urban Adventure, Urban Walking
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
  • Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Gold River, BC
  • Campbell River, BC
  • Victoria, BC
  • Sidney, BC
  • Vancouver Provincial Parks
Resources

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