Vancouver Island

The Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and many other Coast Salish Peoples have lived here since time immemorial. Their cultures and knowledge systems remain deeply connected to this remarkable place and its land, waters, animals, and plants. Visitors can connect with these vibrant, living cultures through First Nations–led cuisine, art, and guided experiences that share stories and perspectives directly from knowledge-keepers.

These shorelines and waterways are home to a mosaic of coastal communities. Harbour cities, fishing villages, and surf towns line protected inlets and fertile valleys, while the Gulf Islands move at a gentler pace, with forested trails, hidden coves, and artist studios. From the creative energy of Salt Spring Island and the Cowichan Valley to the quiet trails and beaches of Mayne, Galiano, Saturna, and Pender, each has its own character. Farther north, the Northern Gulf Islands and Discovery Islands—Quadra, Hornby, Cortes, and others—dot the Inside Passage, where tidal channels and reefs teem with marine life, from sea stars and anemones to six-gill sharks.

The area’s mild climate and fertile valleys make it ideal for fresh, local food and drink. In the Cowichan Valley—home to Canada’s warmest mean temperatures—vineyards, farmers’ markets, and farm-to-fork dining flourish. Salt Spring Island is celebrated for its artisan producers, organic vineyards, and locavore culture. Across the Islands, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries welcome visitors, and menus feature ingredients straight from local farms and docks. In Victoria, the capital’s food scene blends creativity with a strong sense of place, while smaller towns and islands offer everything from dockside seafood to cozy cafés

With dramatic shorelines, diverse wildlife, and charming seaside communities, Vancouver Island is an invigorating escape—every bit as powerful and magnetic as the Pacific Ocean.