Vancouver Island Marine Activities

Powerful, magical, spectacular water — it’s the source and setting for some of our most outstanding adventures.

Kayaking on the Cowichan RiverKayaking on the Cowichan River, Vancouver Island

Naturally, sailing and boating are immensely popular activities, as well as kayaking among tree-covered islands, in secluded bays and coves, or along rugged coastlines.

Intrigued by the mysteries of the underwater world? The Readers’ Choice Awards in Rodale’s Scuba Diving magazine consistently put B.C. in first place in several diving categories.

Windsurfing, kiteboarding, river rafting, canoeing, power boating, water-skiing, surfing, and even travelling aboard a working freighter — you can do it all in the Vancouver Island region!


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

Telegraph Cove Marina & RV Park

"Over the water" luxury suites are the North Island's finest accommodations; park your boat on one side & your car on the other.! Modern 130-slip marina accommodates boats up to 65 feet in length; wide docks; easy access to and from boats; power and water; showers, laundry, fish cleaning stations.! RV park is steps away; 48 fully serviced stalls; marina & ocean views; restrooms with showers; picnic tables & pavilion.! Oceanfront and view homesites available & ready to build.! Residential apartments available for purchase.!!

250-928-3163
Telegraph Cove
North Island

Photo of  Tourism Campbell River & Region
Tourism Campbell River & Region

So full of outdoor recreational adventures that the hardest decision you’ll have to make is what activity to enjoy next. World-renowned fishing, whale watching, kayaking, rafting, diving, caving, golfing, skiing, …- challenge yourself a little or a lot.  Campbell River & Region has an irresistible lure to visitors from around the world in search of outdoor experiences, tranquil beauty, spectacular scenery, and traditional First Nations culture.  Discover Your True Nature!  Call for your free Visitor Guide today

1-877-286-5705
Campbell River & Region
North Central Island

Photo of  Destination Nanaimo
Destination Nanaimo

From the protected picturesque harbour and outdoor adventures, to vibrant city amenities, Nanaimo offers countless options for visitors. Relax in a rural setting sampling cranberries, herbs, honey and visit tucked away gardens and galleries. Downtown Nanaimo offers a 5-km walkway along one of the prettiest harbours on the West Coast. While strolling, visitors can browse the shops, take in free concerts during the summer, or buy fresh fish and crabs from the Fisherman’s Wharf.

1-800-663-7337
Nanaimo
Central Island

Photo of  Tourism Tofino
Tourism Tofino

Tofino is remarkable any time of year. Summer days are full of fishing and exploring; Autumn is a photographer and foodie paradise. Winter affords you a front-row seat to the edge of the world during powerful storms. And Tofino rejuvenates in Spring; celebrating the return of the grey whales, shorebirds, black bears, and the renewed vibrancy of the rainforest. Come create your own reality here. Come be awed by the force of nature in Tofino.

250-725-3414
Tofino
Pacific Rim Region

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  Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa

Defining casual elegance and tranquility - Beachfront Suites, an award winning Spa and spectacular Oceanside Dining are nestled between old growth forest and the Georgia Straight.  Our Pacific Mist Hydropath is a one of kind spa experience.  Eagles and seals play outside your patio door.  Come visit, you deserve it.

1-800-663-7929
Courtenay
North Central Island

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  Wickaninnish Inn
Wickaninnish Inn

Discover Tofino through the only resort on Chesterman Beach. The Wickaninnish Inn offers magnificent views of the open ocean set against a backdrop of old-growth forest. A dedicated Clef’s d’Or Concierge custom creates readily available Tofino itineraries such as: wildlife viewing, fishing, ocean sports, and arts and cultural experiences. Uncompromising service and a range of in-house amenities, such as Ancient Cedars Spa and The Pointe Restaurant, make for memories reaching far beyond the tangible.

250-725-3100
Tofino
Pacific Rim Region

Majestic Ocean Kayaking

Kayaking tours of the Broken Group Islands.  Wildlife viewing, certified guides, gourmet lunch, superior equipment.  Hundreds of islands to explore with white sand beaches.

250-726-2868
Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Pacific Sands Beach Resort boasts Tofino’s only Deluxe all Suite Oceanview and Beachfront accommodation with Vancouver Island’s finest and most comfortable,  fully equipped Suites and Beach Houses. Enjoy peaceful moments at Pettinger Point or meandering along Cox Bay – our one mile beach.  Some of our popular packages include: Surfing, kayaking, whale and bear watching, storm watching, and romance.  Parents and kids enjoy free kids camps all summer long, Spring Break and every Saturday. Check us out @ http://www.pacificsands.com

1-800-565-2322
Tofino
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  April Point Resort & Spa
April Point Resort & Spa

A west coast paradise away from the crowds, April Point Resort & Spa combines natural beauty, serenity and adventure to create the ultimate vacation experience. Discover a thrilling whale watching adventure, rejuvenate with a massage at the Aveda spa, or simply relax and enjoy the best of Quadra Island, BC.

250-286-1102
Quadra Island
North Central Island

Photo of  Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.  Your relaxation destination on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast.  Modern comfort set in breathtaking ocean side wilderness.  Come and explore all the Ucluelet has to offer and enjoy the amenities available at Black Rock.  Pool, Hot Tubs, Spa and wonderful dining in the restaurant or lounge.

250-726-4800
Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Painter's Lodge
Painter's Lodge

Nestled on the pristine shores of Vancouver Island, Painter’s Lodge offers exhilarating outdoor adventure in a stunning natural setting.  From legendary salmon fishing, whale watching and wildlife viewing to relaxing in the new Aveda spa, experience the best of British Columbia at Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River.

250-286-1102
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Jamie's Whaling Station
Jamie's Whaling Station

Celebrating our 30th Anniversary as the West Coast's Original Whale Tour Company!  Whale & bear watching, Hot Springs Cove, Meares Island, kayaking, scenic flights, sunset cruises & more! Vessels suitable for all ages, gift shops & FREE parking - for RVs too! What in the WILD do you want to do?!

1-800-667-9913
Tofino & Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Port Alberni Port Authority
Port Alberni Port Authority

With 1 commercial and 3 recreational marinas, the Port Alberni Port Authority provides the various settings and services to meet the needs of all boaters and fishers.  Whether you require a ramp to simply launch your boat or a full-service marina and campground to enjoy an active and scenic west cosat experieince, we encourage you to visit our website to see what we have to offer. Visit Port Alberni: The Ultimate Fishing Town!

250-723-5312
Port Alberni
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Quarterdeck Inn & Marina Resort
Quarterdeck Inn & Marina Resort

40 Deluxe rooms, most with ocean view of Hardy Bay, restaurant on site, full service marina, liquor store and pub.  Sport fishing trips can be arranged through us!

1-877-902-0459
Port Hardy
North Island

Photo of  Marine Link Tours
Marine Link Tours

Explore the spectacular & remote central coast of British Columbia aboard a working freight boat, the "MV Aurora Explorer". Enjoy fabulous meals, incredible scenery, abundant wildlife & marine life.  Visit secluded villages, logging camps, fishing lodges & destination resorts, meeting many unique characters that work & live along "Aurora's Coast".

250-286-3347
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Steep Island Lodge
Steep Island Lodge

Spectacular Private Island Lodge, all inclusive fishing and adventure packages, day trips, eco-tours, kayaking, private cabins with ocean views capacity 22, reserve lodge for group of 12 or more exclusively. Ideal for wedding, family reunions and corporate retreats.

250-830-8179
Campbell River, Steep Island
North 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  Lady Rose Marine Services
Lady Rose Marine Services

Cruise spectacular Barkley Sound on the Frances Barkley. There are year-round sailings to Bamfield, and June-September sailings for Ucluelet and the Broken Group. You can also rent kayaks, book a stay at our scenic Sechart Lodge in Barkley Sound, or make a reservation for our convenient Sechart-based connector water taxi. Visit our website for full schedule details.

250-723-8313
Port Alberni
Pacific Rim Region

Mothership Adventures Inc.

Explore remote coastal British Columbia in luxury! Sea kayaking and cruising tours to Desolation Sound, Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest aboard the immaculate heritage vessel Columbia III. 3-10 day tours. Certified crew and ship. Spectacular wildlife viewing!

1-888-833-8887
Heriot Bay
North Central Island

Photo of  Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures
Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures

Join us kayaking with the orcas of Johnstone Strait. Our four-day “Orca Waters Base Camp” tour is designed to responsibly view orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals and other wildlife from the comforts of a permanent base camp. No experience is necessary and family friendly departures are available.

250-956-4617
Port McNeill
North Island

Majestic Ocean Bed & Breakfast

A friendly seaside retreat.  Waterfront hot tub, front entrance rooms, premier amenities, gourmet breakfast.  Surrounded by nature, trails and parks.

250-726-2868
Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Tourism Chemainus
Tourism Chemainus

Chemainus is one of the most beloved places by visitors to Vancouver Island.  An Arts & Cultural Destination that is famous for its well over 40 murals painted on the towns various walls.  Golf, diving, shopping and exploring our natural surroundings in this seaside village.

250-246-3944
Chemainus
Cowichan Region

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  Wya Point Resort
Wya Point Resort

The stunning new Wya Point Resort offers the only beach front camping south of Long Beach National Park. With over 1 km of private beaches the resort offers up 40 camping sites and 15  glamping sites in fully furnished beach front Yurts. The resort also provides surfing lessons and rentals with a 10% discount offered to guests at the Wya Point Surf Shop Cafe.

250-726-3435
Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge
Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge

A nature based, oceanfront property offering privacy and seclusion with an 1100 acre forest on the southern tip of Quadra Island, just a 10 minute ferry from downtown Campbell River.  Tsa-Kwa-Luten's ocean front location offers spectacular views of historic Discovery Passage and the upper reaches of the Beaufort mountain range from all main lodge or beachfront cottage accommodation.  West Coast seafood cuisine abounds in the casual yet elegant atmosphere of the seaside dining room.

250-285-2042
Quadra Island
North Central Island

Photo of  Long Beach Lodge Resort
Long Beach Lodge Resort

Luxury oceanfront resort on the sandy beach of Cox Bay; relaxed inspirational West Coast setting & award winning architecture.  Iconic Great Room with oceanview dining.  Complimentary continental breakfast.  Beachfront Lodge rooms most with oceanviews, gas fireplaces, double soaker tubs and balconies.  Cottages ideal for families or extended stays each with two bedrooms, full kitchen, fireplace & hot tub.  Surf Club offers on-site surf lessons & rentals.  Private Marine Adventures (fishing, wildlife viewing &/or photography) offered on heated vessel.

1-877-844-7873
Tofino
Pacific Rim Region