Vancouver Island Planner

Discover the wild beauty of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

Vancouverislandplanner.com is a directory and guide for all that Vancouver Island has to offer. Vancouver Island has a rich history and is one of the most beautiful spots to visit on the west coast. Once you visit this beautiful part of Canada, you dream of the day you can return. Many people visit once and find themselves coming back year after year to enjoy the laid back west coast lifestyle, along with all the rugged beauty.

Vancouver Island has all the amenities you could desire for a luxurious vacation including beautiful spas and numerous, fantastic restaurants. At the same time, Vancouver Island also has many stunning hikes, walks and activities you won’t want to miss. It is worth taking the time to visit the many beaches and enjoy the crashing surf along against uncrowded beaches.

From its southern tip to the far reaches of the north, Vancouver Island is a wilderness lover’s dream.

Ranging in size from tiny road-side strips to the 250,000 hectares of wilderness in Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island provincial parks cater to millions of visitors annually. Whether it’s beachcombing on a sandy beach, exploring fascinating tidal pools, camping, hiking through the towering trees of Cathedral Grove, climbing to the summit of 2,200-meter Golden Hinde, adventuring underground at Horne Lake Caves or meandering thousands of kilometers of trails, the island’s parks – there’s nearly 100 – offer something for everyone. Many parks have visitor centers, interpreters, organized programs, fully equipped campsites, and other amenities. Others are true wilderness, where visitors have to fend for themselves.

Vancouver Island is also home to one of the most spectacular coastal parks anywhere. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, considered one of the top 10 parks in the world, is actually three segments along the west coast of the island. There’s the famed 75-kilometer West Coast Trail, the Broken Islands, and incredible Long Beach, with its 11-kilometers of sand and pounding surf.

Check out the directory of services, as well as the blog for many tips about the area! Vancouver Island is a popular area for surfing year-round, and offers unique aspects such as great storm watching, rugged nature and beautiful beaches.

For more specific information about Ucluelet and Tofino you can check out www.ucluelet-info.com and www.tofino-info.com.

Check out the Vancouver Island Planner Blog:

• Where to Ski on Vancouver Island
  Mount Washington Mount Washington is legendary in North America for its crazy amount of snowfall. An average year will see over 10 metres of snowfall. That’s over 30 feet! Providing choice terrain for those on a snowboard or skis, the runs vary from steep and difficult to extremely kid friendly (including a series of new “Magic Carpets” that transport beginners up the bunny hill with ease. Experience the thrill of Mt Washington’s Snow Zone. Whether you’re a novice or a… Read more: Where to Ski on Vancouver Island
• The Magic of East Sooke Park
  Drifting Towards the Elements By Sandy Carter We walk with purpose along the dirt trail and come to a large fallen Douglas fir. I adjust the strap on my tripod so it rests securely on my back and position my camera protectively. Placing both hands on the trunk for balance, I raise my leg up onto the tree, steady myself and climb awkwardly up to the top. I carefully stand while readjusting my gear. Then, grabbing hold of my tripod,… Read more: The Magic of East Sooke Park
• Elk Lake Park
  ‘Elk’lectic Lake By Jeremy Leete Patiently watching his rod tip, looking for the slightest quiver, Josh awaits his next bite. Fingertips soiled in fish egg slime, he brings his half-smoked cigarette to his lips and takes a satisfying drag. “Any luck so far?” I inquire. “Lotsa bites,” he mutters without turning his head. “These rainbows are getting good at stripping my hook.” On the dock beside Josh’s beat up Ol’ Pal tackle box lies his bait – an open jar… Read more: Elk Lake Park
• Freshwater Fishing Locations
  With hundreds of lakes and rivers, Vancouver Island offers plenty of opportunities for freshwater fishing. Many lakes are stocked, mainly with a variety of trout including rainbow and cutthroat. The Ministry of Fisheries publishes an annual booklet on freshwater fishing. Available at and marine stores, this booklet tells you what restrictions apply. Note: Some areas have been closed to fishing due to stock limits. Try your luck at some of the hotspots listed below. SOUTH ISLAND RIVERS Sooke River –… Read more: Freshwater Fishing Locations
• The Ultimate Kayaking Routes on Vancouver Island
  Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a first-timer, Vancouver Island has literally thousands of spots where you can paddle away a day, a week or longer. Before you put in the water, check for water conditions, skill level needed for specific routes, tides and currents. While you can put in anywhere, here are some of the hotspots: The Gulf Islands – Stretching from Victoria north to Nanaimo, the Southern Gulf Islands offer numerous spots for kayaking. The inside waters between… Read more: The Ultimate Kayaking Routes on Vancouver Island