Top Things to do in Vancouver Island
What to do and see in Vancouver Island, Canada: The Best Scenic Walking Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Vancouver Island, Canada including The Butchart Gardens, Harbourfront Walkway, Rotary Sea Walk, Beacon Hill Children's Farm, David Foster Harbour Pathway, Extension Ridge & The Abyss, Tofino Botanical Gardens, Wacky woods, Fisherman's Wharf Park, Harris Creek Sitka Spruce.
Restaurants in Vancouver Island
1. The Butchart Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,216 reviews
Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.
Reviewed By F2353OMnancyr - Mount Vernon, United States
You need at least 4 hours to take in this spectacular experience. Don't miss this opportunity! Gardens include the mind-blowing quarry, the Italian garden with reflecting pool, the rose garden, the Japanese garden, the dahlia garden, with sculptures and surprises at every turn, and many small inlets for solitude, reflection and appreciation. We were lucky to hear the Victoria Symphony rehearsing while we strolled under magnificent trees and took in the breathtaking views. This is a world-class garden.
2. Harbourfront Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Reviewed By Adventurer303465
The extensive walkway at long the Nanaimo Harbour extends from Port Place Mall and Gabriela Ferry Terminal to The Departure Bay Ferry terminal. It passes th the boa basin with mixture of fishing boats and pleasure yachts. One can purchase ice creams, speciality coffees and wide selection of island gifts. Harbour Air Sewplane terminal is located on walkway. After passing the Bistro pub and restaurant you will come to Mateo-Sutton Park. Continuing on are the Yacht Club and other marine establishments.
3. Rotary Sea Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By MikeM852 - Campbell River, Canada
The seawalk stretches along beautiful beaches and awesome scenery from below the 1st street hill to Frank James Park 4 km away.....along the way there are a couple of pit toilets and one flush restroom so its quite convenient for all.
4. Beacon Hill Children's Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By N9617KVtaylorm
Such a cute spot. Friendly staff and adorable animals. The goats are a great attraction and would recommend watching the goat stampede !
5. David Foster Harbour Pathway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By MeeganD
Great walk along the water from black ball terminal area to almost the Fisherman's Wharf....an easy stroll with benches along the way to relax even for the elderly and plenty to look at...and at the World mark there is a water taxi if you want to zip back to the Empress
6. Extension Ridge & The Abyss
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Jules686 - Mississauga, Canada
I was surprised to find that the Abyss is not in any of the Nanaimo guidebooks. Especially as it comes up pretty early in Trip Advisor. But armed with the helpfulness of the reviews here, my husband and our two girls (7 & 11) set off to find the Abyss on a lovely but cool fall afternoon. I followed the advice to follow Harwood Mines Rd and park under the powerlines. We found the trailhead marker, and then soon after the stairs to the right. We were almost deterred by the notices about cougars and bears and the presence of a very large, very fresh poop on the side of the path near the trailhead that was not made by any dog! But we pressed on. The path was fairly straightforward and marked and thanks to the reviews here I knew to stay to the right. The kids had no trouble navigating the path although there were some complaints about the climbing and how long it would take. However, once we got to the Abyss that was forgotten. They were fascinated with the fissure and trying to figure out how deep it was. Definitely worth the climb and we got some interesting pictures. Next time I would like to continue the hike, but we would need to start much earlier in the day.
7. Tofino Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 361 reviews
Tofino Botanical Gardens are 12 acres of gardens, forest, and shoreline that explore the relationship between culture and nature. A network of paths and boardwalk will take you through our Cultivated Gardens, Sculpture Park, and Old-Growth Temperate Rainforest, where clearings have been transformed into a series of pocket gardens. Some of these gardens display plants that thrive in temperate rainforests around the world including Chile and Japan. Others celebrate cultural groups that have made Clayoquot Sound their home now and in the past, particularly the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, early Japanese fishing families, and, of course, hippies. The Gardens extend to the Tofino Mudflats, an incredible expanse of intertidal mud teeming with life, revealed twice a day at low tide. Events including Tofino Winterlights, Tofino Lantern Festival, Surfrider Foundation film festival, Food and Wine,Musicians, Weddings and more are hosted within the eclectic scenery.
Reviewed By Oceana1955
It felt like Nature was saying, "Yeah, you humans are good at some stuff, but look what I can do. The art was interesting and fun, but everywhere we looked, there were all these amazing and magical natural art installations, mini gardens high up on moss covered branches, delightful arrangements of ferns, moss, roots, flowers, leaves, dripping water, windy paths. It was my second visit and I was so happy to share it with my sister who had never been before. The community gardens are very well put together as well.
8. Wacky woods
9. Fisherman's Wharf Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By juliaelizabethblog - Oslo, Norway
With fishing vessels, pleasure vessels, float homes, and a commercial plaza, the wharf is a popular marine destination for residents and visitors alike. My brother and I took a particular interest in the float home village, debating whether or not we would want to live in a floating residence that belongs to such a heavily trafficked tourist attraction. Our conclusion? It's worth a visit, but living there permanently wouldn't be for us.
10. Harris Creek Sitka Spruce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
