Tofino, BC

An ocean-carved land of extremes that range from wild to mild, and cultured to raw, Vancouver Island is nestled on Canada’s far west coast. Visitors on holiday in Vancouver Island can paddle through serene waters off the coast, backpack inside majestic wilderness parks and marvel at black bears, orcas and the sheer abundance of wildlife. But that’s not all. Nature lovers can gaze at distant snow-capped mountains as they splash barefoot along a softly curved beach, while adventure enthusiasts surf the big waves. Riding down mountain bike trails, strolling along the seawall and looping the hiking trail, are certain to amuse. Once your fill of nature’s intoxicating resources has been had, it’s time to relax in the region’s small towns, snug harbours and cosmopolitan centres. The safe, clean communities are strategically positioned at points of astounding beauty. It is here that the traveller can indulge in picture postcard scenery, delightful wineries, the arts and the cultural experiences of the region’s First Nations peoples.

March to May and September through November offer the best times for a visit to Vancouver Island. This region experiences some of the mildest weather in the country, therefore while you might witness a light drizzle here and there, plan on enjoying comfortable temperatures in autumn and spring.

Summer is by far the most popular time for a visit, thanks to the many festivals that are held across Vancouver Island, and of course its promise of warmer and more pleasant weather. The area also welcomes a notable number of winter visitors on holiday to Canada owing to its proximity to Whistler, the prominent ski destination in Canada.

Spring Blossoms

Spring comes early on Vancouver Island, lasting between March and May and offering a pleasant time for touring the region. Nature lovers on a Canada holiday will enjoy the colours that this season brings. As winter frosts give way to the azaleas and cherry blossoms, the chilly cloud cover will retreat to reveal skies that are much sunnier. This is the best time to visit Vancouver Island as the average high temperatures range between the 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Summer Fests

Summer in Vancouver Island marks the peak season for tourism. There is plenty to do on Vancouver Island during summertime. The little rainfall and inviting temperatures create an ideal climate for outdoor excursions including whale watching, vineyard touring and bike riding. The warmer months also usher in fun festivals on the island. Music lovers on a tour in Canada will enjoy the International JazzFest and the International Buskers Festival. Other events worth attending include the Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival, Symphony Splash and the Free-B Film Festival.

Autumn Festivals

Although it can get chilly, autumn is another favoured time for visiting Vancouver Island. As the winter season approaches, the rainfall increases. Be sure to pack an umbrella and a few cosy sweaters to prevent the weather from getting in the way of your Canada tour agenda. Some of the interesting festivals you can attend during autumn on Vancouver Island include the Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival, the Victoria Classic Boat Festival and the Peninsula ArtSea Festival.

Winter Tea

While the thought of spending winter in Canada may send a shiver down your spine, it wouldn’t be wise to entirely rule out an off-season trip to Vancouver Island. This region of British Columbia experiences some of the mildest winters in Canada. Travellers willing to brave Canada’s colder months will be rewarded with a range of interesting festivals to indulge in such as the Victoria Film Festival, the Victoria Whisky Festival and the Victoria Tea Festival.