Vancouver Island Land Adventures

Bungy jumping at WildPlay Element Park - Nanaimo, Vancouver Island
WildPlay – Bungy Jump – Nanaimo, Vancouver Island

In the Vancouver Island region, we have land adventures that will invigorate your body, inspire your mind, and open your eyes to the beauty of nature.

Hiking opportunities range from easy hikes through old-growth forests and along beautiful beaches to multi-day treks along challenging coastal and inland trails. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you’ll find walking routes that highlight scenic or historic areas in many communities.

Cycling is an activity and form of transportation that is pursued here in every season. Several communities have designated cycling routes and many cyclists travel the entire region on two wheels. For even more thrills, check out the myriad mountain biking routes in the region.

And just because the weather is so mild doesn’t mean there’s no snow. For the most part, snow just stays where it should: on the mountains. The region’s two ski resorts are havens of wintery fun.

Horseback riding, caving, rock climbing, bungy jumping, and ziplining — Vancouver Island has some excellent ways to enjoy the great outdoors.


Photo of  Duncan Business Improvement Area Society
Duncan Business Improvement Area Society

Shopping in Downtown Duncan is fresh, fun and fabulous! Our jem of a town boasts hundreds of remarkable shops and services.  The quality and diversity of what we have to offer surprises and delights visitors from near and far. Just one hour from Nanaimo or Victoria on Vancouver Island, with plenty of free 3-hour parking spots or parking for $1-2 dollars for extended visits.

250-715-1700
Duncan
Cowichan Region

Photo of  Parksville and Qualicum Beach
Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Parksville and Qualicum Beach is Canada’s best family friendly beach destination according to Better Homes and Gardens. The Globe & Mail called these towns “Canada’s Riviera”. Relax by the sea, explore huge old-growth forests, or rappel down a 7-storey underground waterfall. Then pamper yourself with a spa experience, endless dining options, and a quiet sunset stroll along our famous beaches. Stay on the beach and save with seasonal Web Specials.

1-888-799-3222
Parksville / Qualicum Beach
Central Island

Photo of  Vancouver Island North Tourism
Vancouver Island North Tourism

The Vancouver Island North region is a paradise of natural splendour, located within a day’s travel from Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle. Here, black bears roam on the Island, grizzly bears can be viewed on the mainland coast and a population of some 260 fish-eating orcas known as the “Northern Residents” are often in the area pursuing salmon. Rich also in history and First Nations culture, Vancouver Island North offers an internationally renowned cultural centre.

250-902-8281
Vancouver Island North

Photo of  Tourism Cowichan
Tourism Cowichan

The Cowichan region encompasses verdant farmland, deep ocean bays, whitewater rivers, numerous lakes and low rolling mountains. Cowichan’s pretty towns and villages – including Chemainus, Ladysmith, Duncan, Cobble Hill and Cowichan Bay – offer art galleries, outdoor murals, fishing piers and farmers markets.  One of the top culinary destinations in Canada, Cowichan is home to medal-winning wineries, organic farms and artisan food-producers who have created a thriving agritourism industry based on the mantras of fresh, local, seasonal and sustainable.

250-746-1099
Duncan
Cowichan Region


Photo of  WildPlay Element Parks, Nanaimo
WildPlay Element Parks, Nanaimo

Unleash your wild! Primal fun and games are just a climb, zip, jump, and swing away at WildPlay Element Parks. Kids, teens, and adults enjoy conquering suspended wobbly bridges, hanging nets, zip lines and more surprising obstacles on the Monkido® Aerial Adventure courses. Extreme thrill-seekers earn bragging rights on the 150’ Bungy Jump, and g-force King Swing. Zip lovers can’t resist soaring across the Nanaimo River Canyon. Visit http://www.WildPlay.com for videos and Park details.

1-888-716-7374
Nanaimo
Central Island

Photo of  WildPlay Element Parks, West Shore Victoria
WildPlay Element Parks, West Shore Victoria

Unleash your wild! Primal fun and games are just a climb, scramble and zip away at WildPlay Element Parks. Kids, teens, and adults enjoy conquering suspended wobbly bridges, hanging nets, zip lines and more surprising obstacles on the Monkido® Aerial Adventure courses. Visit http://www.WildPlay.com for videos and Park details.

1-888-856-7275
Victoria
South Island

Photo of  Best Western Plus The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre
Best Western Plus The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre

As Courtenay's only full-service hotel providing a host of convenient hotel facilities.  From an onsite restaurant, lounge, pub and specialty wine and liquor store to a heated indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, enjoy great value and complimentary at-home extras including hot buffet breakfast, internet, parking and local phone calls.

1-800-668-7797
Courtenay
North Central Island

Horne Lake Caves and Campground

Voted "Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC" by Attractions Canada.  Discover an outdoor-lover's dream with crystal-clear water, lakefront camping and Vancouver Island's coolest adventures.  Explore the caves, get out on the lake or simply relax on the beach.  Visit the new Cave Theatre and Museum, hike the trails, rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board, try rock rappelling and camp in a teepee!  The choice is all yours.

250-248-7829
Horne Lake
Central Island

Photo of  Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre

Let our wilderness lodge be your comfortable home base for exploring the beauty of Strathcona Provincial Park.  Overlooking the shores of Upper Campbell Lake and a procession snow capped peaks, our accommodations include timber-framed chalets and cottages.  Adventure options include:  rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, white water paddling, backpacking, survival skills, ropes course and zipline, wildlife viewing.

1-250-286-3122
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

Nestled in the district of Errington, BC on Vancouver Island NIWRA has a park like setting with a peaceful rustic atmosphere.  When visiting the centre you will be able to view eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and black bears.  This is truly a "Wildlife Experience for the Whole Family".

250-248-8534
Errington
Central Island

Photo of  Reef Point Cottages
Reef Point Cottages

Vancouver Island's hidden gem, Reef Point Cottages offer an exciting, intimate and self-indulging experience for those who want to explore what British Columbia’s most spectacular and natural landscape has to offer. With clean fresh air, idyllic scenery and breathtaking activities, we are casually situated in the middle of raw nature.

1-877-726-4425
Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Riptide Lagoon
Riptide Lagoon

Vancouver Island's Premier Adventure Golf! Riptide Lagoon offers two challenging 18 hole themed courses.  Play through "Wandering Willie's" snug little harbour, have your picture taken with the "Catch of the Day", enjoy an ice cream on the patio.  Bring the whole family and experience mini golf at its finest.  NEW! Laser Tag Bumper Cars!

250-248-8290
Parksville
Central Island

Photo of  Harbour Quay
Harbour Quay

The Harbour Quay is the centre of life and play in Port Alberni.  It features gift shops, art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, a park, boardward, Farmers Market and marine businesses.  See current weather and waterfront activities on ourHarbour web cam at http://www.portalberni.ca

250-723-2146
Port Alberni
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  WestCoast Wild Adventures Ltd.
WestCoast Wild Adventures Ltd.

Eco-educational Adventure Zipline - Zip 6 lines (2 hours) in Ha'uukmin Tribal Park, Tla-o-qui-aht traditional territory.  Experience ancient growth rain forest and a narrow sculptured canyon carved deep by rushing clear water. Flight Seeing - an Eagle eyes view of the big picture. River Kayaking - monumental wilderness "Grab the Adventure, keep the Memories"

1-877-992-9453
Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Great Bear Nature Tours
Great Bear Nature Tours

Journey with us to the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest to view and photograph grizzly bears. Using our charming floating as your base, you will venture into a remote wilderness valley with our experienced wildlife biologists.  Open May through October, maximum 10 guests.

1-888-221-8212
Port Hardy
North Island