Vancouver Island Among the Top 20 Places to Visit Worldwide
Selecting only 20 locations worldwide, CNN editors list Vancouver Island among the best places to visit in 2020. Citing “…pristine forest and beaches punctuated by small, artsy towns, and a cosmopolitan capital city”, enjoying the island (according to the article) can be done in a number of different ways. Suggesting a two-town visit – Tofino (a coastal paradise), followed by Victoria (the capital city), or instead, planning one’s vacation based on themes like a romantic getaway, a rugged outdoor adventure, or a nature nirvana.
If you’ve yet to visit Vancouver Island, appropriately listed among international destinations like Sri Lanka, Jamaica, St. Petersburg, and Zambia, here’s everything you should know.
Vancouver Island
Located off Canada’s most western coast in the province of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is accessible by plane, boat, or ferry. Roughly 160 kilometres long, and home to roughly 775,000 people (as of 2016), the Island is home to snow-capped mountains, untouched rainforests, picturesque beaches, orca whales, soaring eagles, majestic wildlife and more.
The Capital City
A small, yet metropolitan city with a temperate climate, Victoria is also known as The Capital City. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and home to the province’s parliament, Greater Victoria is home to over 300,000 residents. Offering visitors boutique shopping, decadent dining, world-class golf courses, luxurious spas, awe-inspiring hikes, Canada’s largest Chinatown, and relaxing parks, there’s something there for everyone.
Tofino
Known first as a surfers paradise, Tofino is a roughly four-and-a-half drive (320 kilometres or 200 miles) from Victoria. Those who drive will pass through a lush old-growth rainforest in Cathedral Grove – marked by 800-year-old, 250-foot towering trees (with some measuring upwards of nine feet in width). On your arrival, in addition to sensing the laid-back vibe, you can expect to see white sandy beaches scattered with an abundance of surfers dressed in black wetsuits sharply contrasted by the white spray of powerful rolling waves.
Other Vancouver Island Communities
Beyond Tofino and Victoria, Vancouver Island leaves much to explore. In the Great Bear Rainforest, (featured recently by IMAX), there’s the chance you’ll spot a rare white Grizzly known as the Spirit Bear. Then, there are the wineries of Cowichan Valley or the nearly untouched wilderness of Haida Gwaii. By boat, one can cruise through Desolation Sound or head to unforgettable destinations like Princess Louisa Inlet.
Whether you look to visit for a day or longer, our team at Victoria International Marina will help you curate an unforgettable adventure.
For all your yacht provisioning call our concierge desk at 778-432-0477. If you’re looking for a superyacht marina we accept 65′ to 180′ vessels. Book your next yacht rendezvous with VIM! Phone or book online to reserve your slip.
