Vancouver Island sightseeing tours explore natural and historic attractions by bus, boat, train and plane or on foot.
Sightseeing bus tours allow visitors to relax between stops at attractions such as Coombs Country Market and Qualicum Cheeseworks. See the island’s rugged coastline on a flightseeing tour or aboard a working freighter boat tour. Other ways to see Vancouver Island's sights by boat include whale-watching tours and bear-watching tours.
Prefer to sightsee at your own pace? Then take advantage of one of the many scenic driving routes on Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island is dotted with wineries – take a wine tour to combine sightseeing with locally crafted wines.
Flightseeing Tours
Take a flightseeing tour from a glider plane out of Port Alberni and ascend up to 2,133m/7,000ft in complete silence. Look out at waterfalls, farmland, lakes and the Beaufort Mountains. Daredevils can take an aerobatic flight that includes loops, spins and wingovers!
Go on a Tofino floatplane tour for spectacular views of remote beaches, Clayoquot Sound, Della Falls (one of Canada’s highest waterfalls) and the glaciers of Strathcona Provincial Park. Options include a stop at Hot Springs Cove or a layover in Bamfield to roam Brady’s Beach or visit the Marine Science Centre.
Other flightseeing adventures take off from Campbell River, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Sidney, Cowichan Bay and Ucluelet.
Bus Tours
Sightseeing on a bus tour is a relaxing way to visit some of Vancouver Island's top attractions. Depart from Nanaimo to walk amongst 800 year-old Douglas firs in Cathedral Grove, followed by a visit to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre to view orphaned or recovering eagles, bears and other local animals. Continue to Ucluelet and Tofino, where highlights include Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and hiking along the Wild Pacific Trail.
On a bus tour from Victoria, stop at Coombs Country Market for shopping, lunch and to see the famous goats on the roof. Stroll through Cathedral Grove before exploring Parksville and Morningstar Farm, home to Qualicum Cheeseworks and MooBerry Winery.
Boat Tours
Vancouver Island offers numerous cruising options for sightseeing by boat. Take a cruise on a working freighter to visit a WWII military site or the location of the first European visit to BC (Friendly Cove) while ships deliver freight to fish farms and remote villages. Bring a camera to capture the rugged coastal geography and wildlife. Working freighter cruises depart from Gold River, Port Alberni and Menzies Bay (just north of Campbell River).
Looking for something a little more relaxing? Hop aboard BC Ferries for a scenic cruise out of Port Hardy on the Discovery Coast Passage route to Bella Coola or the Inside Passage route to Prince Rupert. Sit on the open-air deck to take in the scenery while the crew announces points of interest such as lighthouses and wildlife.
Walking Tours
Self-guided walking tours are available in most communities, and maps can be picked up in Visitor Centres. In Duncan, simply follow the painted blue footsteps to discover more than 40 totem poles in town, or learn about the ancient art of totem carving on a free guided walking tour during summer. For a bit of exercise in Chemainus, follow sidewalk footprints for a self-guided tour of 40 murals and sculptures; mural tours are by horse-drawn carriage or simulated steam train are also available.
Driving Routes
Vancouver Island driving routes offer plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Take the BC Ferries Route along the east coast of Vancouver Island to see coastal scenery, snorkel with salmon in Campbell River and relax on the white sand beach in Cape Scott Provincial Park. Looking for an ideal sightseeing day trip? Drive the Comox Valley Route and visit Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, Comox Air Force Museum and Seal Bay Nature Park.
Practical Points
- The peak season for sightseeing is from April to September although some tours and most self-guided trips can be done year-round.
- Most guided sightseeing tours require reservations, but some can be booked on the spot.
- Sightseeing tours may require a minimum number of people. Check with the sightseeing tour operator to ensure tours are running.
Visit local Visitor Centres for information on tour operators, and help with trip planning and transportation.
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