Lush rainforests and rocky cliffsides hug the coastline of the island, interrupted by stretches of sandy beaches. Exploring this Canadian destination involves diving into emerald green swimming holes, wandering the small town streets, and walking among ancient trees.
Vancouver Island in B.C. is as special as it sounds, with some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Famed for its scenery, communities, and wildlife the island makes it onto countless rankings and lists every year. The new year is no different, as it’s once again under the spotlight for being a must-visit destination.
CNN Travel crafted the list of the best places to visit in 2025, curating spots from all over the world. Vancouver Island came in at the 24th place on the ranking of 25 places and it was the only Canadian one to make it.
Everything from the rugged beauty to the city streets that make up the island work to make it special, and deserving of the praise.
While the natural beauty of the island is the main intrigue, the often-overlooked city of Victoria holds its own with a bustling food scene, cobblestone streets that are reminiscent of European cities, and idyllic waterfront views.
Just outside the city are hidden natural wonders, scattered around the large island. You can drive just 45 minutes from Victoria and you’ll reach the Sooke Potholes, which consists of unique rock formations naturally formed over thousands of years and filled with emerald green water.
Keep on driving and you’ll reach Juan de Fuca Park, with its scenic rocky beaches, hiking trails, campsites, and wildlife.
Mystic Beach is here, and it’s just as magical as it sounds. To reach the beach you’ll have to hike through a flourishing forest and walk over a suspension bridge. The payoff for the journey is stepping onto the secluded beach, which has sea caves and an ethereal-looking waterfall that cascades off a cliffside down into the ocean.
The waterfall is what the beach is famous for, and it’s a pretty spectacular sight to take in.
Then there’s a whole other side of the island, one that draws in visitors from all around the world. Tofino is the small town and summer oasis that beach-going dreams are made of. The waves here are world-renowned, and all summer long you’ll see surfers out on the water enjoying them.
You’ll also find kilometres of sandy shoreline here, alongside thick rainforests with old-growth trees.
The little town is as charming with restaurants, cafes, breweries, shops, and a waterfront with views of the rolling mountains.
Although one of the busier spots on the island it’s a worthwhile trip, especially in the summer when the rainy season is over and you can take advantage of the summer heat.
For a quieter beach-going experience you can journey to the beautiful San Josef Bay, which is about an hour and a half away from Port Hardy. Although in a remote area this beach has untouched beauty with sea stacks scattered around the soft sand and clear blue water rolling onto the shore.
While the coastline of Vancouver Island is incredible, there’s also unbelievable beauty inland, with mountainous parks like Strathcona Provincial Park and quaint towns waiting to be explored.
There are endless things to do on Vancouver Island, and it’s undoubtedly a worthy bucket-list destination for this new year.
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