Top Vancouver Island Outdoor Activities

Take in panoramic vistas of Victoria’s dense woodland, towering craggy mountains, and serene lakes on this visit to the Malahat SkyWalk. Traverse a 600m-high elevated walkway among the arbutus and Douglas fir treetops before climbing the 10-story spiral tower and gazing out at the region’s diverse landscapes, with views framed by Mt. Baker in the distance.

Spot native marine wildlife in British Columbia’s waters—and enjoy a more personalized travel experience—on a small-group whale-watching tour from Victoria. Grab an all-weather flotation suit, hop aboard your open-top Zodiac boat in Victoria Harbour, and set off. Your vessel is built for stability, and remains buoyant even in rough seas. As you go, watch for humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, and soak up the dramatic scenery.

Cruise the Salish Sea in comfort while you search for whales, seals, bald eagles, and otters on this half-day guided boat cruise. This whale-watching experience is led by a certified naturalist, who shares their knowledge on the area’s wildlife and natural history. If no whales are sighted, you can return for free.

Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on this half-day whale-watching cruise off Victoria’s coast. Travel out into the open ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized boat to look for native species like humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about local marine ecology from a naturalist guide, and take in fantastic views of Vancouver Island between animal sightings.

Butchart Gardens is one of Victoria's most popular attractions—but if you don't have your own transit, getting there from the city center can be tricky. Instead, make logistics simple with this round-trip shuttle service. With multiple daily departure times and transit from a central meeting point, you can leave the logistics to someone else—and save more time for a self-led, sweet-smelling stroll through the 55-acre (22.2-hectare) garden (admission own expense).

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.

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, Shannon Falls, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, and Whistler Village. From the gondola, admire Howe Sound, the Squamish River, and the Coastal Mountains. Then, enjoy plenty of free time to wander through Whistler Village at your own pace.

Get some exercise while seeing the sights of Victoria Harbour with a private self-paced walking tour accessed via an audio app. Listen to your tour guide through your smartphone, going at your own pace and stopping and starting whenever you want. You’ll benefit from the structure of a guided tour without having to chase around a live tour guide or strain to hear through the crowds.

Discover the hidden gem of Hot Springs Cove on a serene journey from Tofino. Enjoy a scenic 30 nautical mile boat ride, offering sightings of coastal wildlife, before embarking on a picturesque 1.5 km walk through ancient old-growth forests via a well-maintained cedar boardwalk. Immerse yourself in the natural geothermal pools fed by cascading waterfalls, where you can unwind amidst the stunning wilderness. This intimate tour accommodates up to 12 guests, ensuring a personal experience while exploring the unspoiled beauty of the Pacific Northwest coast. - Scenic boat ride with wildlife viewing opportunities - 1.5 km easy walk through majestic old-growth forest - Relax in natural geothermal pools for two hours - Intimate experience for up to 12 guests

Experience an up-close wildlife-spotting adventure with this half-day small-group guided kayaking adventure through the Johnstone Strait. With the chance to see orcas, sea lions, porpoises, seals, deer, mink, black bears, river otters, and bald eagles, kayak through Telegraph Cove and out towards Blinkhorn Peninsula, exploring both the shallows off Vancouver Island and even venturing out into deeper blue waters.

Enjoy winter wildlife watching in comfort and style aboard our covered vessels! Each vessel features a heated cabin with comfortable seating, full washroom facilities, and elevated outdoor 360-degree panoramic viewing decks—perfect for capturing stunning photos. Sip complimentary hot beverages and listen as your dedicated naturalists share insights about the wildlife you encounter. This luxurious, easy-going tour is ideal for all ages, especially those seeking a serene experience. WHAT YOU CAN SEE ON YOUR WILDLIFE TOURS: Humpback whales, Biggs killer whales, Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Harbour Porpoises, and more!

Explore the charming streets of Victoria, BC, on an exhilarating pedicab tour that takes you through iconic areas like Chinatown at night and Beacon Hill Park. Each tour is tailored to your personal interests, ensuring a unique experience filled with fun and adventure. Your knowledgeable guides not only navigate the city but also capture your memories with photos and videos, making it easy to share your journey. With daily tours available, pick-up and drop-off at your desired location, and special discounts for seniors and children, everyone can enjoy the sights of this vibrant city. - Tailored pedicab tours through Victoria's top attractions - Visit lively Chinatown and picturesque Fisherman's Wharf - Guides capture photos and videos of your adventure - Daily tours with pick-up/drop-off at your location

Soar through the air like an eagle in flight on this zipline adventure! Just a half hour from central Victoria, this Vancouver Island zipline park features eight different ziplines that span more than 1,000 feet (305 meters). Your small group will also go on a 10-minute ATV ride and you'll traverse two suspension bridges high above the forest floor. Two tour guides accompany you on this two-hour tour; they'll share insight about the environment and answer any questions to ensure a safe, fun and exhilarating experience in the British Columbia temperate rainforest.

Indoor and outdoor viewing areas set this Victoria whale-watching tour apart from its competitors. Travel in luxury and style as you look out for whales in their natural environment in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits: some of the best whale-watching regions around. Other sightings may include marine birds, seals, and sea lions, making this the ideal way to see more of the region's wealth of wildlife. Gratuities are not included.

The waters around Vancouver Island teem with marine life—and on this small-group whale-watching tour, you'll have the best chance of discovering these giants of the deep. Head out into the Salish Sea with your guide, an experienced naturalist who will take the time to help you learn about the region's wildlife. On this tour, you can look out for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and more.

Weave your way along Victoria’s picturesque streets by bicycle as you learn about the history of British Columbia’s charming capital on this 2.5 hour tour. Explore neighborhoods like Fernwood, Chinatown and Cook Street Village; cruise along bike paths through parks such as Beacon Hill and Ross Bay; and pass by the glistening waters of the buzzing Inner Harbour. See Craigdarroch Castle, one of the tallest totem poles in the world and Victoria’s famous breathtaking architecture. This ride will show you why Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly and most livable cities in Canada.

Explore Victoria on a private pedicab tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Ride through beautiful gardens, historic streets, and hidden gems while hearing engaging stories and discovering unique spots most visitors miss. This relaxed 2-hour experience is designed to show you the best of the city comfortably, with time for photos, short stops, and a personalized pace.

Share the waters with whales, orcas, and more on a wildlife watching tour. In addition to animal sightings, the aquatic adventure also offers great views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, plus the Howe Sound. Stay warm inside the cabin, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Your ticket comes with a whale sighting guarantee, with a free tour should you not spot any whales.

Enjoy round-trip travel from Vancouver to Victoria, and discover top attractions in British Columbia on this Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip from Victoria. Take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and enjoy fine views over the beautiful Gulf Islands. Dock in Swartz Bay, and visit the famous Butchart Gardens, exploring the grounds at your leisure. Then, enjoy free time to explore the city, perhaps walking through Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, before returning to Vancouver by ferry.

Set out on the Pacific Ocean off Victoria, British Columbia, in search of whales, and get closer to wildlife than you could otherwise, on this immersive, small-group tour by open-top Zodiac. Travel through the Haro Strait and the San Juan de Fuca Strait, visiting Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites and Race Rocks Ecological Reserve to see diverse marine wildlife, with a guide onboard to provide insights.

After picking you up, your guide will take you on a guided tour of the Historical Butchart Garden. The countless blooms and Victorian-era structures are unique and sure to impress. Following this, we will meet all the residents of the Salish Sea Aquarium. Many fish, anemones, jellies and colourful creatures inhabit our waters. The aquarium also features a touch pool where you can experience a finger hug from urchins, sea stars and anemones. For our last top, walk amongst giants in the Rainforest of the Pacific Northwest and up a small canyon with a gorgeous waterfall. Many 800+ year-old trees await your visit and will greet you alongside eagles, migratory birds and the seasonal salmon run. After this tour, you can be dropped off at your accommodation, downtown or at the airport or ferry terminal.

Explore the beautifully historic center of Victoria, then trade downtown streets for the flower-lined paths of Butchart Gardens (entry own expense) on a half-day, private tour of the city. You'll start with a trip to Fisherman's Wharf, then see the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park, and Craigdarroch Castle, following scenic roads through the Vancouver Island countryside. With departures throughout the day, this tour ensures a flexible, personal experience.

Step into a tropical jungle just outside Victoria. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located close to Butchart Gardens and is a great way to extend your garden time. The Butterfly Garden houses approximately 70 species of butterfly, in addition to poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Don’t miss the creepy crawlies in the Insectarium.