Vancouver Island, off of Canada’s Pacific coast, is known for its beautiful rugged beaches and remote coastal communities. You will find rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and rugged coastlines. It is one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. Here are 10 towns you can visit on Vancover Island:
10 Towns on Vancouver Island
1. Sidney by the Sea
The picturesque town of Sidney by the Sea is situated within the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ People on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The community is located along the shores of the Salish Sea on the Saanich Peninsula, amidst the Gulf Islands with Mount Baker standing in the distance. In SENĆOŦEN, the language of the W̱SÁNEĆ People, the land which the Town of Sidney sits on is called SET,TINES, which means “chest sticking out,” in reference to the way the land juts out into the water.
2. Victoria
Victoria, capital of British Columbia, sits on the craggy southern end of Vancouver Island. With abundant parkland, it’s known for outdoor activities. The city’s British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture, including stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion.
3. Nanaimo
Nanaimo is a city and ferry port on the east coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. At its heart, the Nanaimo Museum displays exhibits on the city’s industries and indigenous peoples. Near the Harbourfront Walkway, the Bastion is an 1853 wooden tower with cannon firings in summer. Shops and cafes fill the Old City Quarter.
4. Ucluelet
Ucluelet is a district municipality on the Ucluelet Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Ucluelet means “people of the safe harbour” in the indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth language.
5. Tofino
Tofino is a small coastal village at the western edge of Vancouver Island. It sprawls on a peninsula within Clayoquot Sound. It is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
10 Towns on Vancouver Island
6. Port Alberni
Carved by glaciers, sheltered by mountains, the Alberni Valley is a brilliant ecosystem, protected by a group of communities working together and enjoying this amazing space. There are old growth forest and west coast beaches, waterfalls and mountain views.
7. Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach is located on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island. You will find beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque views and amazing biking and hiking trails.
8. Campbell River
Campbell River or Wiwek̓a̱m is a city in British Columbia on the east coast of Vancouver Island at the south end of Discovery Passage, which lies along the 50th parallel north along the important Inside Passage shipping route.
9. Courtenay
This century old city is currently the fourth largest city on Vancouver Island. Courtenay is located in the geographic centre of the Comox Valley. Its residents are able to enjoy the natural beauty of the area on a daily basis.
10. Parksville
Parksville is a city on Vancouver Island known for its large, sandy beaches at Parksville Bay and Craig Bay.
10 Towns on Vancouver Island
And there you have it. 10 beautiful towns in Vancouver Island. If you’d like to view more of Vancouver Island, click here for a YouTube playlist devoted solely to many places on Vancouver Island. For more British Columbia travel destinations click here.
