Home
Destinations- British Columbia
- Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island Holidays
Just off the west coast of Canada, a short ferry ride from the city of Vancouver lies Vancouver Island. Being the size of Scotland and featuring it's own temperate microclimate it is a truly unique place to visit. Explore evergreen rainforests, golden sandy beaches, and dramatic coastal views all while encountering the iconic wildlife that calls this island home. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in the surroundings, every moment on Vancouver Island is extraordinary.
-
-8 hours
Time Difference -
English
Language Speaking -
13.5 hours
Flight Time -
$CAD
Currency -
Victoria International
Nearest Airport
Special Offers
Take a look at our selection of special offers from across Canada
Included Rail Upgrade
Enjoy an included service upgrade on rail holidays
Book a rail holiday in the Canadian Rockies and get an included service upgrade. Rail tours sell out quickly so book now to avoid disappointment. Book by 31st August 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
Rocky Mountaineer Offer
Save up to £160 per person on Rocky Mountaineer holidays
Applicable for selected 2025, 2026 & 2027 two or three-day rail only journeys on Rocky Mountaineer's Canadian routes. Book by 31st August 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
5GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 5GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 5GB data on us. Book by 31st August 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
Whistler In-Resort Vouchers
Receive up to $250 CAD in vouchers
Receive up to $250 CAD in dining vouchers to spend in Whistler resort. This is a limited time offer.
Accommodation in British Columbia Offer
Receive up to a 58% discount on hotel stays
Save up to 58% across our extensive hotel range in the province of British Columbia. Offer valid for selected dates and hotels for the 2025/2026 seasons. Call us today for more information.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
Best time to visit Vancouver Island
The island welcomes visitors all year round, but your experience will vary depending on the season you choose.
Spring (March-May) – Blooming meadows and wildlife awakenings make this a magical time.
Summer (June-September) – Warm, sunny days are perfect for relaxing on the beach or exploring the trails.
Autumn (October-November) – Stunning fall foliage and quiet trails offer a truly serene vibe.
Winter (December-February) – Watch powerful ocean storms from the comfort of cosy accommodations or enjoy the unique experience of storm-watching on the coast.
No matter when you visit, a Vancouver Island holiday guarantees an unforgettable escape.
Average temperatures by month
- JAN 6°
- FEB 6°
- MAR 7°
- APR 8°
- MAY 11°
- JUN 14°
- JUL 15°
- AUG 16°
- SEP 14°
- OCT 11°
- NOV 7°
- DEC 5°
Contact our travel experts to start planning your holiday to Vancouver Island
Contact usExplore Vancouver Island
Discover Vancouver Island's top attractions with our interactive map
City / Destination
Point of interest
Recommended Vancouver Island holidays
Explore a collection of our handpicked holidays to Vancouver Island below
Adventure
Bear Watching
Canadian Affair Recommends
Cruises
Escorted Tours
Fly Drive
Motorhome
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Pacific Rim Whales & Bears
Experience it all on this 7-day action packed tour, its full of wildlife searching & picturesque scenery around the beautiful Vancouver Island.
6 Nights From
£2,049
ppOverview
Experience it all on this 7-day action packed tour, its full of wildlife searching & picturesque scenery around the beautiful Vancouver Island.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- Scheduled Transfer from Vancouver to Victoria
- 3 hour whale watching tour in Victoria
- Scheduled flight from Victoria to Tofino
- 2 hour bear watching tour in Tofino
- Transfer from Tofino Hotel to Tofino Airport
- Scheduled flight from Tofino to Vancouver
Alaska Cruise With Vancouver & Victoria
Explore the beautiful coastal cities of Vancouver and Victoria before setting off on an unforgettable cruise to Alaska along one of the most scenic waterways in the world.
12 Nights From
£2,079
ppOverview
Explore the beautiful coastal cities of Vancouver and Victoria before setting off on an unforgettable cruise to Alaska along one of the most scenic waterways in the world.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- 7 nights on board Holland America Line in an inside cabin
- Full Board on Holland America Line
- Scheduled transfer by coach and ferry from Victoria bus terminal to Vancouver downtown hotel
Vancouver Island Explorer
From the historic capital of Victoria in the south to windswept beaches and rocky headlands at its northern tip, this self-drive gives you time to explore the best of Vancouver Island and some of the hidden gems in between.
14 Nights From
£2,349
ppOverview
From the historic capital of Victoria in the south to windswept beaches and rocky headlands at its northern tip, this self-drive gives you time to explore the best of Vancouver Island and some of the hidden gems in between.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- 13 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
- BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
Surf & Turf With Campgrounds
Experience the best that Western Canada has to offer in this expertly curated motorhome holiday.
23 Nights From
£2,429
ppOverview
Experience the best that Western Canada has to offer in this expertly curated motorhome holiday.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 1 night in a Vancouver airport hotel
- 23 days motorhome hire
- 4,000 km package
- Personal & vehicle kits
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
- Expertly curated motorhome itinerary with prebooked campsites
- Easy to follow roadbook with pre-planned stops & things to do along the way
Unlimited Adventures
A spectacular adventure that takes you through a mosaic of landscapes, from the towering mountains of the Rockies to the rugged coastlines of the Pacific.
15 Nights From
£2,469
ppOverview
A spectacular adventure that takes you through a mosaic of landscapes, from the towering mountains of the Rockies to the rugged coastlines of the Pacific.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 15 nights hotel accommodation
- 16 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
- BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
- Easy to follow roadbook with pre-planned stops & things to do along the way
BC Spa & Winelands
An incredible BC fly drive adventure starting in Vancouver and travelling through some of Canada's finest wineries and most spectacular scenery.
13 Nights From
£2,559
ppOverview
An incredible BC fly drive adventure starting in Vancouver and travelling through some of Canada's finest wineries and most spectacular scenery.
What’s included?
- International Flights from the UK based on economy class
- 13 nights hotel accommodation
- 13 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- Return BC Ferries' journey between Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
- Downtown Food & Walking tour in Victoria
- East Kelowna Bench tour in Kelowna
Western Delights
A quest through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to experience the true delights of Western Canada at your own pace.
14 Nights From
£2,589
ppOverview
A quest through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to experience the true delights of Western Canada at your own pace.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- 12 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
- BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
- Banff Trail Rides Cowboy Cookout
- East Kelowna Bench Winery tour
- Gastronomic Gastown tour
- Easy to follow roadbook with pre-planned stops & things to do along the way
Pacific Wild With Campgrounds
Experience the best that Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast has to offer in this expertly curated motorhome holiday.
14 Nights From
£2,629
ppOverview
Experience the best that Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast has to offer in this expertly curated motorhome holiday.
What’s included?
- International flights in economy class
- 1 night in a Vancouver airport hotel
- 14 days motorhome hire
- 1,500 km package
- Personal & vehicle kits
- Expertly curated motorhome itinerary with prebooked campsites
- Easy to follow roadbook with pre-planned stops & things to do along the way
- BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, Comox to Powell River, Saltery Bay to Earls Cove and Langdale to Horseshoe Bay
Whales, Bears & Vancouver Island
Go in search of Canada’s iconic wildlife as you explore Vancouver Island.
13 Nights From
£3,429
ppOverview
Go in search of Canada’s iconic wildlife as you explore Vancouver Island.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 13 nights accommodation
- 11 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- Morning with the Bears: Sunrise Excursion
- The Great Bears of Bute
- Whale watching by Covered Boat in Ucluelet and Victoria
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
- BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
Vancouver Island Premium Tour
Experience dramatic landscapes, memorable wildlife encounters, windswept beaches, diverse plant life in the old growth rainforests and a relaxed pace of life and indigenous experiences on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island with your fun and friendly guide.
10 Nights From
£3,709
ppOverview
Experience dramatic landscapes, memorable wildlife encounters, windswept beaches, diverse plant life in the old growth rainforests and a relaxed pace of life and indigenous experiences on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island with your fun and friendly guide.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- Small coach transportation
- Experienced, fun and friendly guide
- 7 breakfasts
- Return BC Ferries between Vancouver and Vancouver Island
- Admission to Butchart Gardens
- Admission to Sea Cider Tasting
- Admission to Malahat SkyWalk
- Admission to the Ucluelet Aquarium
- All park fees
Recommended hotels on Vancouver Island
Explore a selection of our Vancouver Island hotels below
Frequently asked questions about Vancouver Island holidays
Vancouver Island is home to incredible wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, black bears, sea lions, and bald eagles. Whale watching is popular from March to October, while bear viewing tours run from spring to autumn.
Some of Vancouver Island's many highlights include Victoria’s historic sites, Tofino’s beaches, the wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park, and the scenic beauty of Butchart Gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love hiking the West Coast Trail and exploring the inlets by kayak.
There are dozens of ways to experience Vancouver Island on holiday. We would recommend combining your visit with a trip to Vancouver itself – one of the world’s most beautiful cities. From there you can venture deeper into the natural splendour of British Columbia, visiting nearby attractions such as the Canadian Rockies and Whistler. You can rent a car in Vancouver or even add a trip aboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer for a truly epic adventure.
Yes! Our bespoke Vancouver Island holidays are designed to cater to your unique interests and preferences, allowing you to create the perfect trip. Contact our Canada travel specialists to begin planning your adventure.
You may also like...
Explore similar destinations to Tofino below
Recommended articles
Your guide to the ultimate Canada road trip
Oliver Moughan
10/09/2024
With 900,000 km of driving routes, Canada has enough roads to circle the globe 22 times, making it a great place to take a road trip.
The best drives you can enjoy in a motorhome in Western Canada
Oliver Moughan
10/06/2024
There are a thousand and one ways to experience Canada but one of the very best is certainly in a motorhome. Canada is made for touring and boasts spectacular vistas with glorious wide roads, just waiting to be explored.
A guide to the best Canadian cities to visit
Amy Jeffery
04/12/2023
Canada is home to some amazing cities, each with its own unique vibe, culture, and range of activities. Choosing a city break for your Canada holiday is a brilliant way to experience this incredible country.
Discovering the best coastal towns in British Columbia
James Dart
22/02/2023
If you are visiting Canada's west coast, you will inevitably be heading to British Columbia, and one of the best ways to explore this beautiful province is to drive around it.
