Top Vancouver Island Day Trips

Discover one dramatic landscape after another with the help of a guide on this full-day coach tour between Vancouver and Whistler: the Sea-to-Sky highway, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, Squamish, and Whistler Village. From the gondola, admire Howe Sound, the Squamish River, and the coastal mountain range. Enjoy plenty of free time to wander about Squamish and partake in Whistler Village activities on your own. Round-trip transport from select locations included.

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of nature on your trip to Vancouver Island, it can be tough to know where to start. On this full-day small-group guided tour, join your guide for a curated tour of Toba Inlet and take in the region’s crashing waterfalls, craggy cliffs, and dense forests. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the grizzly bears that call the area home.

Make the most of your visit to Victoria by seeing  many of the area’s highlights in just one day. This private tour packs in top sights including, Butchart Gardens, one of Canada’s oldest Chinatown neighborhoods, Craigdarroch Castle, and the famed Parliament Buildings. Plus, you’ll even have time to stop at a local winery to experience British Columbia’s burgeoning wine scene. Round-trip transportation is also included for an added convenience.

Explore Vancouver Island's magnificent scenery on a full-day, private tour from Victoria to Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Cathedral Grove, home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on the island. You'll visit a country market, hike through the rainforest and to the waterfalls, and make plenty of photo stops, while learning about Vancouver Island's nature and culture throughout the day. Traveling with a private guide means the trip can be tailored to you, and this tour is priced per-group for up to eight people.

Discover the wines of the Cowichan Valley on a wine tour from Victoria, and taste your way through part of Vancouver Island's fascinating wine trail. You’ll visit three wineries for tastings and tours, and enjoy lunch at a boutique winery surrounded by rolling vineyards. This wine tour includes round-trip transport from downtown Victoria, lunch, and tastings, for the perfect introduction to Vancouver Island wine.

Explore Victoria's history and culinary scene on this two-in-one, small-group walking tour of the British Columbian capital. Follow a guide to highlights such as the Parliament Buildings, the Inner Harbor, Fan Tan Alley, the Harmonious Gates of Interest, and the Victoria Public Market. Along the way, stop for food tastings of local products.

This small-group experience gives you the whole day to tour the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait in a speedy Zodiac boat. Stay cozy in provided floater suits, toques, gloves, and goggles as you spend the day searching for some of the abundant wildlife of the coastal waters, including humpback whales, bears, sea lions, and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Your tour will focus on finding orcas, but highlight the diverse beauty of the coast.

Embark on private, professionally guided fishing charters with your family or friends. We make the experience easy and fun for everyone, whether you are a first-time fisher or a seasoned pro. Your guide will help you target a variety of seasonal fish and is happy to teach everything from casting to reeling, Our local expert will take you to the best fishing spots in British Columbia’s rich waters. We know the best fishing grounds, which are just a short boat ride away. This means you’ll spend more time fishing and less time traveling. Your safety is our top priority. All essential safety gear, including life vests and a first-aid kit, is provided. You can relax and enjoy the trip, knowing you are in safe hands. Capacity: Max 6 guests Departure: Daily fishing charters, from Quadra Island & Campbell River Includes: Rods, tackle, fish finder, GPS, life jackets, & bottled water.

Join us for an awe-inspiring, private whale watching tour through the pristine waters of the Discovery Islands. Your expert guide will take you to known whale hotspots, offering a breathtaking journey perfect for nature lovers and photographers. We specialize in intimate, small-group tours that ensure a comfortable and personal connection with nature. NOTE: If your heart is set on seeing orcas specifically, book at least a 5-hour tour as they are usually found further north. The waters around Campbell River and Quadra Island are a haven for marine wildlife. On this tour you’ll have the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, gray whales, as well as seals and bald eagles. The comfortable boat offers excellent viewing, and your guide will provide expert insights and commentary. Capacity: Max 6 guests Departure: Tours available all year, as whale sightings are possible any month. The peak season is April to November. Includes: Binoculars, life jackets, and bottled water.

See the best of the city of Victoria—and even visit the famous Butchart Gardens—on this time-saving, half-day tour. With just your private guide for company, travel with ease aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Have time to soak up the beauty of Butchart Gardens, stroll Victoria’s Chinatown and Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf, and more.

Experience the Great Bear Rainforest’s diverse wildlife while exploring the culturally rich territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw people on this half-day small-group boat tour. After departing from Port Hardy, spend the day searching for sea otters, orcas, humpback whales, pacific white-side dolphins, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, and bald eagles, all from the comfort of a rigid inflatable (RHIB) wildlife viewing boat with comfortable shock-mitigating seats.

FOOD, WINE and SPECTACULAR SCENERY. We LOVE this revised tour to REFLECT COVID-19.Join Island Time Tours for a lovely relaxing adventure exploring the Cowichan Valley. We visit 3 (4 if time permitting) of the prettiest vineyards and do our own thing to avoid any line-ups. We offer you a wonderful experience at each vineyard.. First stop includes bubbly with orange juice (optional) w/ fresh warm bake goods. Relax, inhale and take in this beautiful countryside. LUNCH is filled with afternoon tea delights with WINE served weather permitting in the great outdoors. Dessert w/wine complete this tour at another picturesque vineyard. Great food, award winning wines and spectacular beauty. Let's go!

Vancouver Island is known for producing great wines in a beautiful environment. Visit well-regarded wineries on Saanich Peninsula on this tour from Victoria, which includes private wine tastings at each location, a behind-the-scenes tour of a local winery, and a guide with extensive knowledge about the industry. This small-group tour is limited to 15 passengers or fewer for a more intimate experience.

Take to the skies on a short seaplane adventure over Victoria and its stunning surroundings, including the Inner Harbour, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, shimmering inlets, and landmarks as you soar above southern Vancouver Island. With thrilling water take-offs and landings, this small-group experience offers an unforgettable introduction to seaplane aviation.

Venture out to the sparkling waters of the Toba Inlet on this brand new, full-day tour hosted by our sister nation, Klahoose First Nation. Cruise alongside cascading waterfalls and scenic mountains as you scan the landscape for grizzly bears, majestic humpbacks and orcas, and a variety of other wildlife. Join us in Campbell River before crossing the Salish Sea, one of the world’s best whale-watching spots. You’ll soon reach Toba Inlet, an area densely populated by grizzly bears. The first of its kind, the TOBA BEARS AND WILDERNESS is a collaborative partnership between the Homalco and Klahoose First Nations. Join your Klahoose guides as they take you to their home Territory. Hear stories and learn about the vibrancy of the living Klahoose culture. The toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) peoples have lived here on the west coast of BC since time immemorial. We invite you to see the beauty of Toba Inlet through our eyes and share in our traditions, which have been handed down through generations.

This is your opportunity to get as close to wild grizzly bears as it’s possible to safely get. Explore the wilderness of Bute from the water, discover its hidden natural gems, and keep a look out for its furry local inhabitants, also known as the Great Bears of Bute. Watch for whales on the inlet, and visit the Campbell River and meet the indigenous people who own this river.

Explore more of the Cape Scott Provincial Park than you’d be able to alone on this small-group guided tour. Witness the towering sea stacks in San Josef Bay—eroded by the ocean over thousands of years—learn the historic town of Holberg’s logging heritage, keep an eye out for the region’s diverse wildlife, and much more.

This is our flagship private Victoria tour - a full-day immersion into all things Victoria: its food, culture, history and architecture. Able to pick you up at your hotel or cruise ship, but this is essentially a guided walking tour. Tour includes: Chinatown, Old Town, Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum, in-house Legislature Buildings tour and lunch. Tour runs daily. Max 4 pax Private tour - just you with our fun and informative guide!

Experience an unforgettable journey from Victoria to Vancouver with ease. Start with a scenic 35-minute flight offering stunning views of the coast and Gulf Islands, landing in downtown Vancouver. Take a complimentary shuttle bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, featuring 27 acres of attractions (admission included). Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Vancouver’s vibrant city center before returning to Victoria on a convenient afternoon flight of your choice.

Explore the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, Malahat Skywalk and Victoria’s iconic city highlights in a fun-filled 5-hour family adventure. This private, customizable shore excursion is ideal for cruise guests looking to experience Victoria’s highlights at a relaxed, flexible pace. Begin with a scenic drive to the Malahat SkyWalk, where elevated walkways and panoramic views showcase forests, islands, and coastline from above. Continue on to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, with time to explore its beautifully landscaped gardens at your leisure. Scenic return drive to downtown Victoria with short stops and drive-by highlights, including Chinatown, the Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the BC Legislative Buildings. Note: Entry tickets to Malahat Skywalk and Butchart Gardens not yet included.

Spend the day cruising the Salish Sea in search of bears, whales, and dolphins on this six hour, small-group tour. Learn about the region’s nature and wildlife from your certified naturalist guide and captain as you relax with complimentary snacks and drinks. This tour highlights the diversity of the coastal waters and marine life, and provides great photo opportunities before you take a break with an onshore lunch accompanied by homemade baked goods.

Explore the beauty within the Cowichan Valley on a guided wine and cider tour! Enjoy a relaxed and informative tasting experience while learning about the renowned region’s unique terroir and artisanal production methods. Visit local wine and cider innovators at Enrico Winery, Unsworth Winery, and Merridale Cidery to see (and taste) how the magic happens for yourself. Enjoy 2-3 tasting glasses at each spot while taking in the beautiful scenery. Why Choose Us? - Premium Comfort: Luxury vehicle with a black tie driver-guide. - Expert Narration: Engaging, fully narrated tours. - Trusted Operator: Primary cruise line operator. - Affordable Excellence: Largest and most affordable tour company in Victoria. - Sustainability Certified: Travelife Certified and Biosphere committed.

We will then paddle out into Barkley Sound and experience the open Pacific Ocean. Your guide will point out some spectacular views of the rocky shores, gigantic kelp beds, and perhaps an ancient first nations whaling beach or some incredible nearby rock formations. Sea lion colonies, black bears, seals, and whales may all be spotted by kayak on this day trip. After a couple of hours paddling in the morning, your guide will take you to one of the nearby sandy beaches to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and a short rest. Your tour will continue for another couple of hours before returning to our dock for an estimated arrival time of 3:00pm.