Vancouver Island Vacation Rentals

Visitors to Vancouver Island interested in arts and culture won't be disappointed, as there are several fine museums and galleries in Victoria and beyond. Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the local First Nations people and European settlers in this part of British Columbia, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a cultural treasure – a few hours spent there will enrich your time on the island. In addition to browsing the exhibitions, make sure to attend the lectures and discussions taking place regularly at the museum.

Fans of live theatre and music will be happy to hear that Victoria is also the home of several great performing arts spaces. The world-class Alix Goolden Performance Hall, in the heart of the city, hosts a range of Canadian and international performances throughout the year, and in a historic church in nearby Fernwood, the Belfry Theatre focuses on Canadian productions.

An ideal holiday destination for visitors of all ages, Vancouver Island provides plenty of fun things to see and do for even the youngest members of the family. Kids will love joining their parents to walk, cycle, or beachcomb on the various scenic beaches, and older children may enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, or Segway tours. An unforgettable experience for young animal lovers would be spotting orcas on a whale-watching cruise, or visiting wildlife centres such as the wonderful North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre or the Morrell Nature Sanctuary.

Victoria's larger cultural institutions also offer terrific activities that will entertain and inform children. The Royal British Columbia Museum holds regular family events such as the weekly Wonder Sunday program, which includes engaging presentations and activities inspired by current exhibitions.

Vancouver Island is a nature lover's paradise, and there are plenty of ways that visitors of all ages can appreciate its many attractions. An enjoyable excursion is hiking in some of the island's breathtakingly beautiful national and provincial parks, such as spectacular Pacific Rim National Park and Cape Scott Provincial Park. There are plenty of trails suitable for all levels of fitness, ranging from short and easy strolls to demanding hikes such as those along the iconic West Coast Trail and Juan De Fuca Marine Trail. Above all, make sure to see the awe-inspiring giant redwoods in MacMillan Provincial Park's Cathedral Grove. The landscapes in the park are other-worldly – in fact, some Star Wars scenes were shot here. Afterwards, get an idea of Vancouver Island's diversity by heading to one of the area's stunning beaches, such as Chesterman Beach, a local favourite, or Long Beach, which – you guessed it – is one of the area's longest sand beaches, at 16km.

Other energetic outdoor excursions on Vancouver Island include cycling or kayaking adventures. Adrenaline seekers will want to hit the waves around Ucluelet and Tofino, considered among Canada's top surfing destinations – you can take to the water year round here, thanks to the mild weather. Alternatively, visitors wanting a more relaxed vacation could take a road trip to places of historical interest, artisanal and farmers' markets, and local beauty spots. Joining a sightseeing tour is yet another way to appreciate Vancouver Island's natural beauty and wildlife. There are plenty of guided bus tours available, as well as whale-watching and other short boat cruises.

Although most festivals and larger events take place on Vancouver Island during the warmer months, there is almost always something exciting happening. One of the island's most popular festivals is the annual Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival, which takes place each May. Featuring Scottish pipers and drumming, Highland dancing, a tartan parade, and the Clan Torchlight Ceremony, it's been a much-anticipated event on the island for over 150 years.

Festivals celebrating contemporary culture on Vancouver Island include the Victoria International JazzFest, Sunfest Country Music Festival, and Victoria Pride. Foodies aren't left out either, with several terrific festivals showcasing local produce and fine food such as Taste Victoria, The North Island's Gourmet Picnic, and the Cider Harvest Festival. Last but not least, many of Vancouver Island's best festivals are child-friendly events with loads of fun, hands-on activities for kids. These include smaller gatherings such as community fairs as well as larger events like the Vancouver Island Children's Book Festival.

Boasting some of the best ski terrain around, Vancouver Island is the place for families seeking a ski vacation. Tucked into the Vancouver Island Ranges, Mount Washington Resort attracts families for its easy-to-use trails, a kids snow playground, and tubing activities. Find adventure in the year-round resort’s 1,700 acres of terrain and its beautifully groomed trails. You'll find yourself surrounded by magnificent local native forests.

During the winter ski season, glide down Mount Washington's 505 metres of vertical alpine terrain, and over 20km of snowshoeing trails. For Nordic skiers, there's also 55km of cross-country terrain to explore. Ski by night on well-lit slopes, as you admire starry skies on your way down.

With private and group sessions, the kids' program at Mount Washington serves junior skiers of all abilities. There's a kids ski camp for 3 days of exciting lessons, games, and lunches. The resort also has a daycare and babysitting referral program that lets you get away for some quality time on your own. When you need to refuel, enjoy food and drink made from fresh ingredients, from the signature fries at Marmot Express to the local craft beer at Ted’s Bar + Grill.