Top Vancouver Island Outdoor Activities

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

Get a closer look at Canada’s marine wildlife on this whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat—a luxurious, spacious catamaran—and set sail. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to commentary from marine naturalists on board, and look out for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and more.

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.

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.

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.

Add an extra thrill to your Victoria whale-watching adventure with this wildlife cruise aboard a fast-moving, inflatable Zodiac boat. Get closer to the water — and the whales — on a wet and wild ride through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hang on to your hat and keep a sharp eye out for native marine life such as humpback and gray whales, orcas, sea lions and harbor seals. An expert naturalist guide will help point out passing species and share insight into the amazing aquatic world of the northern Pacific.

Immerse yourself in some of British Columbia’s s most spectacular seascapes—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this small-group, half-day Ucluelet Harbour kayaking tour. Pick from several convenient start times, meet your guide on the waterfront, and get acquainted with your gear. Then, set off on the water. You’ll learn about the region’s history and biodiversity, look out for wildlife like bears and eagles, and otherwise soak up the scenery.

We GUARANTEE this will be the most fun, unique, safe and enjoyable tour of your trip—or you get a full refund. Locally run with a small team of experienced guides, we focus on personal, high-quality fun, personalized tours, not large-volume tours, with a revolving door of 40+ guides.

Get a new perspective on Victoria’s beautiful, bustling harbor on a guided kayak tour. Glide through the historic waterways in a state-of-the-art sea kayak, soaking up fantastic views of where Victoria’s stately skyline meets the harbor’s wild aquatic landscape. As you paddle, join the local traffic of seaplane, ferries and whale-watching boats, and keep an eye out for native wildlife like river otters and harbor seals.

Discover why British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to see whales and other marine wildlife on this 3-hour tour with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and a mind-boggling assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? There’s always a chance to see humpback, killer, minke or grey whales!

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).

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.

Explore the marble passages and crystal caverns created by the ‘Ice Age’ on this guided, 3-hour caving and hiking expedition in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, strap on your complimentary light and helmut, and then start your exciting introduction to ‘wild caving.’ Frolic in underground waterfall and traverse everything from tight passages to steep ramps to short climbs.

Perfect for the wildlife lovers, this tour offer plenty of opportunity to see the wild creatures in their element. If you’re looking to explore Vancouver Island’s wild west coast without going to far from the city, consider visiting the South West Coast. Better than Tofino, closer to the city, family friendly and adventurer ready. Once we pick you up at 8am, it’s off to the West Coast for some invigorating hikes and coastal exploration. We will make a stop at the awe-inspiring Jurassic Grove. There, you can witness 1000-year-old Western Red Cedars, including 3.6m large trees! On our way back down, we will see 2 more beautiful beaches, suited for your group's ability. We will stop at either Mystic Beach, Sandcut Beach or Muir Creek Beach. All of them have beautiful sandstone features and you could also witness whales crossing the strait, sea lions, seals and otters cruising by the beach or basking in the sun, millions of year old fossils and waterfalls!

The perfect introduction to Victoria for visitors short on time. Your licensed pedicab guide will take you on a scenic ride through Beacon Hill Park — one of the most beautiful urban parks in Canada — where you'll pass towering Garry oaks, manicured flower gardens, and the famous Mile Zero monument. From there, wind through the colourful, narrow alleys of Victoria's Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, rich with heritage architecture and hidden courtyards. One of the best things to do in Victoria BC — perfect for cruise ship visitors, couples, and families.

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.

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.

Encounter the marine life of Vancouver Island on a half-day whale watching tour. Unlike many other tours, this one includes beach landings thanks to special watercraft, and two dedicated seats per passenger, so you can choose whether to sit inside a warm cabin or outside in the open air. While helping you spot whales, porpoises, dolphins, and other animals, indigenous guides also share insight into First Nations culture.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales, bald eagles, and other wildlife along the dramatic coast of Vancouver Island on this half-day wildlife cruise from Cowichan Bay. In the company of just your private group of up to 12 and an expert guide, set out in a rigid inflatable boat that’s perfect for exploring the rugged coast and Gulf Islands.

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.

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.

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!

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.