When you figure Vancouver Island is about the size of Switzerland (population 7.4 million) and is inhabited by only 723,000 people, you begin to understand just how much wilderness covers the Island.
Set out on your own or with a guide on hundreds of excursions around the area. No matter where you explore – rainforests, mountains, lakes, or beaches – you’re sure to find adventure in uncrowded spaces and amazing places. Choose your Challenge!
Kayaking - is one of the best ways to explore the scenic and serene beauty of the Pacific. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board, join a single day or multi-day journey with an experienced guide, great for beginners or experienced paddlers. It’s not unusual for kayakers to see a surfacing whale or dolphin or watch a bald eagle dive for its dinner.
Cycling -with a network of over 80 kilometres of multi-use pathways, guests love traveling the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Lochside Regional Trail and the E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector, picturesque converted railway lines which move through urban, rural and wilderness scenery, past farmland, over forest, alongside ocean views and to parks - all within a day's travel of Victoria.
Hiking – Victoria is the ideal playground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Outdoor activities are possible year-round in our temperate climate. From beginner to pro, from Oceanside to mountain top visitors will delight in the wild beauty of the island.
Wildplay Parks – involves: Zip-lining (guests soar between rocky canyon edges), Monkido Aerial Adventure (Guests navigate log ladders, cargo nets, rope swings, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, and more aerial surprises that gradually become higher and more challenging. Bungy jump(a 150-foot leap from a cool trestle bridge – naked if you prefer!) Primal Swing (Giant pendulum ride hurtles you through an awesome natural abyss).
Whale watching - from mid-May through mid-October, orca (killer whale) watching is at its peak, although you can participate in nature cruises beginning in late April. The waters surrounding Vancouver Island also offer a diverse selection of other fascinating marine mammals including Minke whales, Humpback whales, Harbour seals, Steller sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoises.
Bear viewing - has rapidly become one of the most exciting tours available. Black bears are plentiful throughout Vancouver Island but grizzly bears do not inhabit the area. Tours depart from the north island area of Telegraph Cove or Port Hardy by helicopter, boat or float plane to Knight or Smith Inlets, locations on the mainland where sightings are common.
Snorkelling with the salmon - this is becoming an increasingly popular activity and is suitable for everyone. Experienced guides will lead you down the Campbell River and give you an incredible opportunity to see what the fish see.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort – go hiking, mountain biking, play a round of disc golf, or hop on a scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Mount Washington and enjoy the spectacular view. In winter, Mount Washington offers some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing you’ll experience anywhere.
Horne Lake Caves -find out why Vancouver Island is known as the ‘Island of Caves’ You can explore on your own or join a guided tour so you don’t miss a thing and even try your hand at rock rappelling.
Scuba Diving - check out the amazing scenery below the ocean’s surface rated by the Jacques Cousteau Society as second to only the Red Sea for clarity and diversity of marine life, the waters around Vancouver Island offer countless sites for exploration. Six-gill sharks, wolf eels, Pacific octopus, sea anemones, kelp greenlings and longfin sculpins are just some of the dramatic sights to behold among the walls, reefs, and wrecks that exist in these pristine waters.
Golfing - is another great way to relax here. With more than 40 golf courses throughout the Island, you’ll never tire of trying for that hole-in-one. We have some of the most beautiful courses around, and, with our mild climate, you’ll be able to play no matter what time of year you visit.
These multi-day tours are personally guided by an Island specialist. They can be customized to individual interests and come with many delightful surprises along the way. Four & Five Star accommodations can be arranged in each location. This is only an example of the great outdoor adventures that we would be delighted to develop for you on your first or next escape to Victoria on Vancouver Island - AKA Paradise!