Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Vancouver Island This Winter

If you’re looking for a beautiful Canadian destination to explore this winter, we’re here to tell you all about Vancouver Island. This hidden gem features everything from wildlife excursions to once in a lifetime hiking experiences; so hold on tight, we’re going to walk you through five reasons you must visit Vancouver Island this winter! 

Wildlife 

Vancouver Island is a very special place that sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also home to a temperate rainforest, which means there is no lack of wildlife and biodiversity to enjoy. From bears and eagles to seals and whales, thousands of species call this place home. Speaking of whales, you will definitely want to add whale watching to your itinerary because this exhilarating experience is one you won’t forget! Orca Spirit Adventures is located in Victoria and their Winter Whale Watching tours offer the chance to see sea lions, seals, humpback whales, otters and so much more. Plus, they guarantee a whale sighting on their tours, so get your camera ready!

If you want to get up close and personal with the wildlife, you might want to try scuba diving in Campbell River, located on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Dive Campbell River offers diving services at multiple sites where you will be able to see star fish, eels, octopus, and hundreds of species of fish. So much life exists just below the surface of ocean waters, now is your chance to explore it! 

If water isn’t your thing, there are many other ways to learn about and view the wildlife that inhabits Vancouver Island. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a rehabilitation centre focused on caring for birds, bears, and other animals who are injured. Their goal is to reintroduce as many animals back into the wild as possible and educate the public about the critical role these animals play in our environment. They are open from 9:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m daily, plus kids enter for free!

Hiking

With mild winters being the norm on Vancouver Island, you can easily enjoy amazing hiking all winter long. Elk Falls is just over five minutes away from the heart of Campbell River and features an amazing suspension bridge and epic 25 meter waterfall! With vibrant old-growth forest all around you, it’s a family-friendly hike that is unforgettable. 

If you’re looking for a waterfront hike, Neck Point Park offers scenic trails and dreamy beaches where it’s possible to sight sea lions, otters, and sometimes even whales! Located just 15 minutes from downtown Nanaimo, you can choose from rugged cliff hikes to pebble beach walks that are perfect for every age. 

Another one of Vancouver Island's most beautiful hikes is Englishman River Falls. Just a short drive from Parksville, this well maintained trail leads to two beautiful cascading waterfalls that flow into a canyon. Along the way you will cross two bridges that provide exceptional views of the falls and with the fresh forest air, you’ll leave knowing why island life is the best life! 

Unique Experiences

We all like to enjoy a delicious Nanaimo bar from time to time, but if you really want to experience the origins of this delectable dessert, visiting the Nanaimo Bar Trail is a must! From the classics to creative adaptations, there is an extensive list of local businesses that offer their own version of this tasty treat. There’s no prize for tasting all of them, but bragging rights are up for grabs! 

Just 35 minutes away from Parksville is Horne Lake Caves and if you’re in the mood for adventure, it’s the perfect way to experience a completely different view of this magical land. Home to more than 1,000 caves, Vancouver Island is also known as the “Island of Caves”, and if you want to discover this expansive underground world, they have the perfect exploration package for you!  

If these weren’t enough, you may want to add the Victoria Butterfly Gardens to your bucket list. When you arrive, you’ll be transported into a jungle-like experience where you can see poison dart frogs, iguanas, flamingos, carnivorous plants and of course - butterflies! Not only will the kids love it, but it’s a great rainy day activity if you can’t get outside. 

Food & Beverage Experiences

Ok foodies - this one's for you! Vancouver Island is home to amazing restaurants, wineries, and distilleries. At the top of our list for must visit restaurants is the Blue Crab Seafood House, located inside Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA. Dubbed the “best seafood spot in Victoria”, the dishes feature Dungeness and other locally caught seafood. We highly recommend trying their famous crab cakes - you can thank us later!  

If you’re a cheese lover like us, you’ll want to make a pitstop at Qualicum Cheeseworks. This small family run cheesemaking facility is located on beautiful Morningstar Farm in Parksville. But don’t let the word small fool you, their cheese packs BIG taste! They offer self-guided tours around their farm where you can interact with the animals and of course - taste some fresh cheese. 

Once you have your cheese, all you need is some wine! Vancouver Island boasts about 30 wineries that can be found from the North to the South. 40 Knots is located in Comox, about 40 minutes south of Campbell River. As one of the largest wineries on Vancouver Island, they focus on sustainability and ethical wine making. Visit their tasting room, grab a glass of one of their amazing wines, and take a stroll around the vineyards! 

Less Crowds & More Savings

One of the best parts about going to Vancouver Island is that many of these amazing locations aren’t as busy as other tourist locations, especially during the winter months. You end up getting all of the best experiences it has to offer, without waiting in lines or wading through large crowds. Traveling during off season also means you get the best rates possible on excursions and accommodations. Coast Hotels has fantastic central locations throughout Vancouver Island such as Nanaimo, Campbell River, Parksville, and Victoria. 

We hope you enjoy your west coast vacation and be sure to check out the above websites for all the best Coast Hotels accommodation specials!