Exploring Vancouver Island
Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo
From the vineyards of the Cowichan Valley to the golf courses and parks of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island’s second-largest city, find an exciting variety of attractions and activities for the whole family.
- Cowichan Valley (Duncan) to Nanaimo — 51 km (31 mi); 47 min.
Cowichan Valley
Equidistant between Victoria and Nanaimo, the rolling hills of the Cowichan Valley are home to several wineries and a cidery that offer tours and tastings. From Cowichan Bay, a variety of tours are available including grand circle tours, wine and cheese sailing tours and ESL tours.
Duncan
Plan for a self-guided walking tour of more than 80 totems in Duncan, the commercial centre of the Cowichan Valley. The Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre offers demonstrations of Native aboriginal arts, storytelling, music, dance and presents an audio-visual presentation. Minutes north of Duncan, the BC Forest Discovery Centre is a 40-hectare museum park offering: exhibits, demonstrations, historical collections, special events and a steam train.
Chemainus
Known worldwide, Chemainus is Canada’s largest outdoor art gallery with more than 30 professional wall-sized murals. Guided and self-guided tours are available. The Chemainus Theatre offers year-round dinner theatre with special family productions during the summer.
Nanaimo
Vancouver Island’s second-largest city, Nanaimo offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from golf, kayaking, hiking and diving, to the beautiful Inner Harbour, parks, nature sanctuaries and even bungy jumping. Nanaimo has an airport and two major BC Ferries terminals and is an important gateway to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Oceanside
Glorious beaches, lush golf courses, and awe-inspiring scenery make the Oceanside Region a spectacular vacation destination.
- Oceanside (Parksville) to Port Alberni — 50 km (31 mi); 45 min.
Parksville
Take Highway 1 north from Nanaimo to Parksville, a charming resort town famous for beaches, hiking, golf courses, cosy bed and breakfasts and oceanfront resorts.
Coombs
Travelling west along Highway 4, this tiny community is famous for its country market which has goats grazing on the roof.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Waterfalls, walking trails and a large picnic area provide outdoor amusement.
Pacific Rim Region
Long sandy beaches, lush coastal rainforest and quaint fishing villages are featured on this 338 kilometre journey to world-famous Pacific Rim National Park Reserve ( in the Tofino/Ucluelet area).
- Port Alberni to Ucluelet — 96 km (60 mi); 1 hr, 28 min.
- Port Alberni to Tofino — 122 km (75 mi); 1 hr, 52 min.
MacMillan Provincial Park/Cathedral Grove
Visit the famous stand of old-growth forest, with walking trails and interpretive signs.
Port Alberni
Salmon fishing, golf and hiking are recommended activities in this bustling city on the Alberni Inlet.
MV Lady Rose
Scenic tours on this passenger and cargo vessel depart from Port Alberni and follow the Alberni Inlet to Ucluelet (in summer only) or Bamfield (year-round). Transportation for kayakers is also available.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The most easily-accessible area of this park is Long Beach, which boasts 16 kilometres of spectacular shoreline.
Wickaninnish Centre
Stop by the interpretive centre at Long Beach; it focuses on the history, ecology and culture of this region.
Ucluelet and Tofino
These picturesque villages are located 42 kilometres apart, at either end of Long Beach. Unique shops and galleries, fine dining, resort accommodation and a wealth of outdoor adventure opportunities make these communities excellent visitor destinations.
Gray Whale Watching
Open Zodiac or covered boat tours to see whales are available from Tofino and Ucluelet.
Winter Storm Watching
Try this thrilling and increasingly-popular activity along the West Coast of the island throughout the winter and spring months.
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