Vancouver Island - things to do

Vancouver Island named the #1 Top Island in Continental U.S. and Canada by Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2012.

WELCOME TO NANAIMO

"On behalf of all of our Tourism partners in Nanaimo we welcome you to one of the most desired regions in Canada"
People around the world are captivated by our oceans, mountains, clean air and our open trails that let you explore all that nature has to offer. What they find is our thriving culinary and organic foods offerings, state of art professional theatre productions, and honoured heritage. Home of the best commercial downtown street in Canada and the best cold water diving internationally. Our range of attractions, festivals and events will have you thinking... maybe we should stay a little longer.

Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet BC

The Wild Pacific Trail is a seven phase trail system skirting the shoreline of the west coast of Vancouver Island in Ucluelet . Overlooking Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands towards the open Pacific Ocean, it offers viewing platforms to rest and take in the vistas along the route.

Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park 

Come visit Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park on Highway 4. Here you’ll find Douglas fir trees 800 years old – measuring 250 feet in height and 25 feet around. It's definitely a "walk" as opposed to a true "hike". . There's information about the trees and the forest as you walk through, so it's an education experience as well. This is probaly one of the more popular provincial parks on the island. It is in an easy spot for visitors to get to. It's 15 km east of Port Alberni along Highway 4. . Cathedral Grove has excellent trails for getting around as some trails are even wheelchair accessable.

Chemainus -The Little Town That Did

The Little Town That Did earned its nickname after 5000 Chemainus residents hired painters in which murals were painted around the town. Through the dreams, imagination and energy of the community, huge heritage murals were painted on the sides of buildings, transforming the small coastal mill town into the world's largest outdoor art gallery. Today there is around 36 murals to enjoy outside and now has become "world famous." Chemainus Theatre is a fully professional theatre nestled in the seaside community. They feature some of the finest performers and performances in Canada, Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo

Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history in our new museum located in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Our award winning replica coal mine is a special treat. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson's Bay Company post built in 1853. Don’t miss the gift shop! Museum Hours: 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday Summer Hours: Open Daily 10am - 5pm «

Horne Lake Caves & Campground - Qualicum Beach 

Crystal clear water, amazing caves & spectacular scenery make Horne Lake one of the best camping & adventure destinations on Vancouver Island. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offers a complete range of programs from family-oriented tours to wild "Extreme" expeditions roping down underground waterfalls! Try the 3 hr Ice-Age Adventure - see ancient fossils & amazing crystal formations.   Come see why Horne Lake was voted "Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC" by Attractions Canada. Open Year-Round!