TAKE IT OUTSIDE!

In the Vancouver Island region, our definition of outdoors is just a little different than it is anywhere else.

When we say forest, we don’t mean a few trees with a fence around them; we mean hundreds of hectares of dense pine, spruce, cedar, and Douglas fir trees with hiking trails that wind — cool, green, and silent — to bluffs with 360-degree views of ocean, mountains, and islands.

When we say beach, we don’t mean umbrellas and admission fees; we mean several kilometres of sparkling wave-thrashed sand along a jagged shoreline backed by coastal rainforest. And when we say wildlife, we don’t mean in a zoo; we mean pods of glossy black and white orcas (killer whales) frolicking in the Pacific Ocean, thousands of grey whales migrating along the west coast of the Island, and bears fishing for salmon and foraging for crab.

So when we’re talking about outdoor activities, we’re talking about everything from kayaking, diving, and surfing to cycling, hiking, caving, and camping in settings that are truly spectacular, pristine, and all-natural. That’s why Vancouver Island was voted the Top Island in Continental US and Canada in the Travel + Leisure 2012 World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey and number one island in Canada in 2012 by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

The climate here is a big bonus. The Pacific Ocean not only provides us with breathtaking views, delicious fresh seafood, and myriad opportunities for adventure, but it also keeps our climate moderate, turning almost every activity we pursue into year-round recreation. When it comes to outdoor activities, there is really no such thing as an off-season here. In fact, the quieter times from November to May are preferred by many outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy the novelty of combining skiing with activities like kayaking, golfing, and cycling on the same vacation.

So what do you want to do? Whether you want to plan your own itinerary and explore on your own or enjoy the carefree luxury of your perfect vacation package, the list of options and activities is long and exciting in the Vancouver Island region. Within this website, you’ll find an overview of the very best places to experience the exhilaration of the outdoors as it is defined here in Canada’s paradise on the Pacific.