The 15 best things to do in Vancouver Island (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Victoria Guided Food and History Tour

   Outty Ranking90

   This award-winning, owner-operated 2-hour tour begins at the Phillips Brewing Tasting Room (2000 Government St) and includes stops at The Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Govern. 90+ Club at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 2,250 traveler reviews, 2h from $83, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

   Outty Ranking89

   Come and meet the locals—the flippered, furred and feathered kind—on this guided 3.5-hour or more whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.9/5 from 2,344 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $137, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Whistler Tour from Vancouver + Sea to Sky Gondola + Shannon Falls

   Outty Ranking88

   Experience one of British Columbia's most scenic drives aboard a modern executive motorcoach as you travel the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. Relax in comfort with spacious seating, climate control, and an onboard washr. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.8/5 from 1,019 traveler reviews, 10h from $152, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

   Outty Ranking88

   Hop aboard Salish Sea Eclipse – a high-speed, luxury, custom-built catamaran. This 95 passenger catamaran was engineered and built in Canada with the safety of our beloved marine wildlife and our guests as priority numbe. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.9/5 from 2,758 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $156, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Vancouver Island Multi-Cave Experience

   Outty Ranking86

   This thrilling 3-hour caving trip explores a series of marble passages and crystal caverns created by the power of the Ice Age. See an underground waterfall, marvel at the amazing crystals and squeeze through the ceiling. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 250 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $61, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour

   Outty Ranking84

   Discover why British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to see whales and other marine wildlife on this 3-hour tour with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covere. Exceptional at 84/100, 5.0/5 from 395 traveler reviews, 3h from $133, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Victoria City Highlights Pedal or E-Bike Tour - Hoods & Legends

   Outty Ranking84

   Weave your way along Victoria’s picturesque streets by bicycle as you learn about the history of British Columbia’s charming capital on this 2+ hour tour. Explore neighborhoods like Fernwood, Chinatown and Cook Street Vi. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 299 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $65, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver

   Outty Ranking83

   Explore the best of Victoria on this full-day guided tour from Vancouver! Travel in comfort through the city, then enjoy a scenic 90-minute BC Ferry ride across the Georgia Strait through the Southern Gulf Islands. Dis. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.7/5 from 668 traveler reviews, 13h from $185, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Cowichan Bay Half Day Whale & Wildlife Adventure

   Outty Ranking83

   Our Half Day 3.5 – 4 hour Whale and Wildlife Adventures focus on Orca Whales, Transient Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls a. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.9/5 from 425 traveler reviews, 4h from $164, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria

    Outty Ranking83

    Behind Victoria’s old-world charm lie tales of eccentric characters, heroic deeds, intrigue, love, humour, hangings, murder and ghosts! During your 1 hour walking tour, expect to hear great storytelling as you travel thr. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.7/5 from 983 traveler reviews, 1h from $17, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

    Outty Ranking83

    Join us as we head out in search of marine wildlife in the waters of British Columbia on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria! Hop aboard your open-air vessel in Victoria’s inner harbour and enjoy an intimate. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.8/5 from 1,090 traveler reviews, 3h from $148, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Pedicab Tour of Victoria from Cruise Ship Terminal

    Outty Ranking83

    This tour is specifically designed for cruise ship guests arriving to Victoria, BC, Canada. It includes easy and convenient pick up directly at the cruise ship terminal in Victoria and guaranteed on time return to the te. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 484 traveler reviews, 3h from $174, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria

    Outty Ranking83

    This small-group culinary experience explores Canada’s oldest Chinatown and the atmospheric streets of Old Town through the lens of Victoria’s most exciting restaurants. Designed and curated by award-winning food writer. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.9/5 from 340 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $93, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Victoria Whale Watch Tour

    Outty Ranking81

    Encounter majestic wildlife of the Salish Sea onboard our Ocean Cruiser departing from downtown Victoria's scenic inner harbour. No matter the time of day, be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime! The 61-foot comfor. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.8/5 from 569 traveler reviews, 3h from $122, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Victoria Bites and Sights Walking plus Ferry

    Outty Ranking81

    Discover Victoria through its food, drinks and history on a walking tour combining the city's must-see sights with local flavours. Explore the Inner Harbour, Chinatown, Market Square, Bastion Square and Old Town while y. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.8/5 from 311 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $72, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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