Explore Cities

Visit the lush and beautiful oceanfront city of Victoria. The city is rich in British heritage, has the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and is home to the historic BC Parliament Buildings. You can enjoy lots of water and land activities, and taste a variety of craft beers and fresh seafood.

Known as the Garden City, Victoria is always in bloom and has one of the mildest climates in Canada—perfect for a trip any time of the year. 

Drive 30 minutes north from Nanaimo to visit Parksville, offering long sandy beaches, lots of water sports, and plenty of arts and crafts to suit all tastes. Known as Canada's Riviera, Parksville is the perfect destination for romantic getaways and family fun. 

Explore Tofino and the majestic beauty of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The village of Tofino has a laid-back surfers vibe, with a wide selection of restaurants and lots of wildlife watching and storm watching opportunities. The surrounding area is made up of lush, old-growth forests and expansive white sandy beaches. This incredible area is the perfect starting point for exhilarating activities, like coldwater surf lessons or kayaking, or relaxing getaways. 

Escape to Ucluelet to enjoy a quiet town on a peninsula adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park, and just 30 minutes from Tofino. You can explore the rainforest along the coast, watch wildlife like whales and sea lions swimming in the area, and visit nearby white sandy beaches. 

Take the ferry from Vancouver to visit Nanaimo—the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, with plenty of outdoor activities and adventures for everyone, situated along one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Canada. 

Drive along the Pacific Marine Circle Route (Highway 14) to the picturesque seaside town of Sooke on winding, scenic coastline roads, past beautiful beaches, rainforest and parks. Relax at one of many local beaches and parks, or take part in a variety of land or sea outdoor activities.

Drive 90 minutes from Nanaimo to the heart of beautiful farming landscapes on Vancouver Island to visit Courtenay—the urban centre of the Comox Valley. Downtown Courtenay boasts charming streets filled with art galleries, theatres, shops, artists’ studios, boutiques and gardens, and out of town there are sandy beaches, forests, mountains, parks and lakes. Plus, drive just 15 minutes to the local ski hill.

Located on the East Coast, Comox is rich in agricultural land, forests and mountains. Relax on a beach in summer, or go skiing in winter at Mount Washington, but whenever you visit, head to Fisherman’s Wharf to buy fresh fish right off the boat.

Travel to the north of Vancouver Island to the active community of Port Hardy—providing lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors all year long, or somewhere to simply relax before boarding the ferry to travel to northern British Columbia.

Located on the east coast, Campbell River has been known for the past century as the Salmon Capital of the World. But there’s more to Campbell River than fishing—with lots of provincial parks, beaches, restaurants and wildlife, there’s something for everyone. 

Chemainus has won international acclaim for its successful revitalization project, which began in 1982 with the unveiling of five large murals, all professionally painted onto existing downtown buildings. It is also home to great theatre, restaurants and natural beauty. 

The waterfront fishing village of Cowichan Bay sits at the head of a beautiful and natural harbour, which is the main focal point of the town, where shops, cafés, galleries and homes float on the water. Dine out on some of the best seafood in the area, relax in waterfront cafés, or take part in a variety of water activities.