Are you looking for things to do on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada? You came to the right place. Here are 7 unique things that we did on Vancouver Island in May and June of 2018.
Smell the Flowers at Butchart Gardens
Hunter was concerned that there would not be many flowers blooming so early in the season. He had nothing to worry about because there were many flowers in bloom. Even the rose garden had blossomed. I enjoyed finding the roses with a strong scent. To do this, I kneeled down to every rose bush. As you might have guessed, we were in the rose garden for a long time.
Walk the Abandoned Railroad Tracks to the Historical Last Spike
Near Shawnigan Lake, the last railroad spike for that line was driven in on August 13, 1886. We were very lucky to find this unique historical site. Hunter was searching on an internet map and noticed a marker and zoomed in. The marker said historical site. We were staying in a place that was within walking distance. So, we thought we would take a look. We walked on the abandoned railroad tracks and found it. There was a bench to rest at and a large marker.
Visit Railroad Trestles at Kinsol and Goldstream
Both Kinsol and Goldstream’s trestles were different. Kinsol Trestle had railings and a good solid walkway where the railroad used to be. For more about Kinsol Trestle check out the blog 15 Pictures that will make you want to Visit Kinsol Trestle. Goldstream Trestle had no railings and was the railroad. Therefore spaces between, that I could see down below. I chose not to walk across this one because I was afraid. However, there was another couple that walked across and back on it just fine.
Take a Photo with the Largest Douglas Fir Tree at Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove has a great walking path that was easily accessible from the main road. There are parking lots on both sides of the road. Cathedral Grove has massive sized trees with the biggest tree about 800 years old and reportedly measured 75 m (250 ft) in height and 9 m (29 ft) in circumference. I gave the Douglas Fir tree a big hug so that you could have a sense of its size.
Sway on Bridges at Sombrio Beach and Elk Falls Provincial Park Suspension Bridge
Hunter enjoys bridges and when no one is on them, he will run across to get the bridge to sway. Sometimes he will jump up and down on them to see how much it will move. He was able to do both activities on the Sombrio Beach Bridge because no one was there. He chose not to do either activity on the Elk Falls Provincial Park suspension bridge because there were many people on the bridge. Others similar to me were holding on the railings to walk across and it would not have been nice for those people if the bridge was swaying.
See Canada’s Gnarliest Tree at Avatar Grove
The day we were visiting, it had rained earlier and we arrived about 3 hours before dark. The road to the parking lot was not easy and therefore only a few cars were there. Avatar Grove is made up of old-growth trees. The trail has ups and downs, manmade steps and nature made steps. We ducked under fallen trees on the path to get to the Gnarliest tree in Canada. The Western Red Cedar is reported to be measured 37 feet or 11 meters in circumference (12 feet or 4 meters in diameter) near the base of its trunk. The tree has a lump (the burl) that is reported to be 10 feet or 3 meters in diameter. The few other people that were there to take photos had tripods and some were doing dog photos with the tree.
View Waterfalls at Sombrio Beach and Elk Falls Provincial Park
Waterfalls are amazing. We visited many waterfalls on Vancouver Island. To check more waterfalls visit our blog 8 Beautiful Waterfalls On Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Sombrio Beach is where to find the Hidden Waterfall. The waterfall is tucked back in an inlet from the beach and therefore very private. No one was there when we arrived. Elk Falls is massive and very public. It is much easier to find (because there are signs, maps, and pathways) directly to it. Because of its size, it is not hard to miss. There were multiple people on the trail to and from the Elk Falls.
7 Things to do on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
There you go. 7 things to do in Vancouver Island. I trust this list helps you to explore a few locations that you would not have thought of to visit. We would love to hear about other things that you have done while on Vancouver Island, share below.
i would love to walk the railroad!! looks like so fun
Yes, it is fun. Thanks for your comment
I’m so happy to hear you saw the last spike! It’s not very well marked considering its historical significance. I would think most residents of Shawnigan Lake wouldn’t know it was there!
Another suspension bridge in the Cowichan Valley is at Bright Angel Park. If you’re ever back in the area, it’s worth a visit.
Thanks for your information, we plan to visit the gnarliest tree sometime soon. I love all the other spots you highlighted.
Thank you so much. Your local knowledge of these amazing places helped us to have wonderful adventures. Since there are still many more locations, like the suspension bridge in the Cowichan Valley, we get to plan another trip back and stay at your awesome HomeAway home that was in the center of all these places. 🙂
Tough choice so I’ll cheat & go in order..1.View the water falls 2.Sway on bridges 3.Check out t bg e gnarliest tree.Such beautiful pictures & great background info. Makes me want to visit Canada even more.
That is a great order to go in. You will love it.
I would want to see the waterfalls!
The waterfalls are amazing.
Canada’s Gnarliest Tree at Avatar Grove
Amazing how natures imperfection can be so beautiful
I wish we were able to see the same beauty when someone is imperfect challenged or crippled
Nature is amazing.
I have been to the beautiful gardens before so I would have to pick the waterfalls! Or the gnarly tree!
That is awesome that you have been to the gardens. Yes, you would love the waterfalls.
Oh my those nature shots are incredible! And some interesting railroad history too. Who knew? I’ve not been to BC yet, but this looks like great reasons to go!
I love it when you arrive at a new location and you have a plan and then locals give you even more ideas. That is when you find the great locations.
Beautiful photos and descriptions. Now I need to wander on over the BC. Thanks.
You are welcome. 🙂
I would make a beeline for the gardens. I love sitting amongst (and smelling!) all the flowers
They have many benches all around the gardens for people do to just that.
I love Vancouver! But I have not visited Vancouver Island. Sounds like a lot of fun opportunities there. Impressive falls!
Yes, I agree. the falls are impressive.
That suspension bridge looks absolutely incredible!
It was, you can stand in the middle and look down at the river below.
I loved all of the green. Being from Phoenix, AZ,the foliage alone would make me wish to visit. As you were there in March, I wondered what months were considered the best to visit.
They get snow there and have snow days where there is no way to travel. I suggest the spring because the water has melted and the waterfalls are full. A local shared with us that some of the waterfalls are not as impressive in the fall because the lower level is down.
We’ve had Vancouver on our travel list for so long – and still hope to get there soon. This list will definitely be part of our planning!
You will have a wonderful time.
Butchart Gardens is one of my favorite places I’ve been! I’d love to visit the waterfall though. It’s just amazing!
I was amazed by the variety of flowers at Butchart Gardens.
The waterfalls look incredible! Canada has been on my bucket list for ages and you have now given me a ton of stuff to do!
You will love viewing the waterfalls.
I came back to view your posting again. Wanted to review the possibilities. Thank you.
You are welcome. 🙂