Residents of Vancouver Island and the BC Gulf Islands are proud of the hundreds of British Columbia Provincial Parks, Marine Parks, Regional Parks, Protected Areas, Conservancy Areas, and Ecological Reserves and particularly the two National Parks; Pacific Rim National Park and Gulf Islands National Park. Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest park in BC, rugged Cape Scott Provincial Park provides superb wilderness hiking and camping, while the enormous old-growth trees in Goldstream Park, Carmanah Walbran and Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park will leave you staring up in awe at these 800-year-old trees.

Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Vancouver Island – North Island

Born from volcanic rock, the rugged North Island region features a largely uninhabited wilderness of forests, lakes and snow-capped peaks – a unique, natural paradise. Most of Vancouver Island once looked as the North Island still does today, with much of the remaining wilderness now preserved.

Vancouver Island – Central Island

With its warm ocean temperatures, sheltering mountains, tranquil lakes, fabulous fishing and exceptional golf courses, the lush Central Island region is a year-round holiday destination. The Island Highway winds past well-kept farms in this serenely rural part of Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island – Pacific Rim (West Coast)

The Pacific Rim is a region of wild landscapes, never-ending beaches and spectacular weather – be it long summer sunsets or fierce winter storms. Prepare yourself for the quintessential wilderness experience in this moss-laden landscape of mist and surf, thunderous ocean and prevalent peace.

Vancouver Island – South Island

A rare combination of rural charm and elegant sophistication, the South Island region is home to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. The region presents a remarkable diversity of landscape and recreational opportunities, with beaches and views the likes of which are found nowhere else on the coast.

Gulf & Discovery Islands

With their ancient forests, rocky shorelines and miles of beaches teeming with marine life, the Northern Gulf Islands are remote, serene places that soothe the soul. Blessed with a balmy climate and an idyllic landscape, the Southern Gulf Islands are each unique in character, but share a gentle, bucolic charm.