Vancouver Island Guide

The Official Vancouver Island Guide showcases the Islands unique geographic regions and highlights the top destinations and attractions as well as hidden gems. Download the app today to unlock the possibilities with Vancouver Island's #1 must have travel app.

Within the app:

-Adventures

-Things to Do

-Savings

-Maps

-Weather

-Transportation

-Local favorites and secrets.

-& More

There is simply so much to see and do:

Fishing, Skiing, snowboarding, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, camping, underwater exploration, diving, museums, boating, kite boarding, bungee jumping, skydiving, surfing, mountain biking, skateboarding, paddle boarding, oceanfront hiking trails, wilderness camping, rock climbing, cycling, wildlife watching expeditions, zip lines, scenery, wineries, golf, sport fishing, sailing, beaches, museums, art galleries, gardens, landmarks, restaurants, lakes, rivers, etc. The list goes on.

The Vancouver Island region is a year-round destination blessed with the most moderate climate in Canada. From the charming and historic capital city of Victoria in the southwest to Cape Scott’s windy beaches and rugged terrain of its northern tip, Often referred to as "Canada's Hawaii", Vancouver Island is paradise for travelers seeking both indoor and outdoor experiences. Vancouver Island has the most comfortable year-round conditions in the country. The region is one of the world's premier locations for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon, halibut, bass, trout fishing. Much of the island is protected parkland. It contains many pockets of old-growth fir and cedar forests. It has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems: The beauty and tranquility of this region has long been a draw for tourists, newlyweds, retirees, artists and outdoors men. Mountains, oceans, rivers, lakes, rain forests, marshes, meadows, and beaches, create habitats for a wide variety of wildlife species. Art galleries, studios and shops selling unique, locally produced arts and crafts are found in many population centers, particularly on the Gulf Islands.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Visitor Centers across the Island are eager to help with advice, brochures, maps and free wireless Internet services.

Vancouver Island is a large region, sparsely populated area, encompassing Vancouver Island, as well as the Gulf Islands. The Island has yet again retained its status as the #1 Island in Continental US and Canada in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2014 World’s Best Awards. The warm welcome our visitors receive from locals is a big part of the appeal, and it’s no surprise that Victoria was recently voted the third friendliest city on the planet behind only Melbourne and Auckland in a CN Traveler readers’ poll. The island is 460 kilometers (290 mi) in length, 80 kilometers (50 mi) in width at its widest point, and 32,134 km2 (12,407 sq mi) in area. It is the largest island on the West Coast of North America. Victoria is also home of The University of Victoria (UVIC) is a public research university located in Saanich and Oak Bay within Greater Victoria, northeast of downtown Victoria.

Helpful Tips:

Border/Customs - In general, visitors from other countries, including the United States, must have approved documentation and identification, such as a valid passport, visitor visa, or alien card permitting entry.

Alcohol Laws - The law in BC prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under 19. Alcoholic beverages can be consumed only on licensed premises or private property.

Taxes - In BC, a provincial sales tax (PST) of 7 percent and a goods and services tax (GST) of 5 percent is levied on most financial transactions, including retail purchases, attractions, tours, and accommodations. Food purchases are exempt from PST.