Essential Vancouver Island Travel Tips: What NOT to Do

Planning a Trip to Vancouver Island? Don't Make These Mistakes

Vancouver Island is a breathtaking destination, known for its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and charming small towns. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, a foodie, or a nature lover, this island has something for everyone. However, before you pack your bags, there are a few essential things you should know. Avoid common mistakes with our Nine Don'ts of Vancouver Island, ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip.

1. Don't Forget to Reserve Your Ferry Ride

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming they can simply show up and board a ferry to Vancouver Island. BC Ferries allows for only 50-60% of spots to be reserved in advance, leaving the rest for drive-up passengers. During peak seasons and holidays, ferries fill up quickly, and without a reservation, you could be stuck waiting for hours.

💡 Pro Tip: Reserve your spot ahead of time for only $18 to avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to your island adventure.

2. Don't Expect to Get Anywhere Fast

Vancouver Island may not look massive on a map, but getting around is a different story. Many of the roads are narrow, winding, and have speed limits under 60 km/h. Road construction, tourist traffic, and the island’s relaxed pace all contribute to slow travel times.

💡 Island Time Tip: Plan for extra travel time between destinations, especially if you’re heading to remote areas like Tofino or the northern part of the island.

3. Don't Try to See the Whole Island in One Trip

At 456 km long and 100 km wide, Vancouver Island is enormous. If you think you can explore it all in just a few days, think again. To truly enjoy the island, choose one or two regions and explore them in-depth.

🌟 Popular Regions to Explore:

• Victoria & Southern Vancouver Island: Historic sites, gardens, and vibrant city life.
• Tofino & Ucluelet: Surfing, storm watching, and stunning beaches.
• Central Island (Parksville & Qualicum Beach): Relaxing beach towns with warm waters.
• Northern Vancouver Island: Wildlife adventures, whale watching, and remote wilderness.

4. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Book Accommodations

Hotels, Airbnbs, and even campgrounds book up months in advance—especially in high-demand areas like Tofino, Parksville, and Victoria. If you wait too long, you’ll have fewer options and might end up paying much higher prices.

💡 Booking Tip: Reserve at least six months in advance, even for camping, to secure the best spots.

5. Don't Assume All the Water is Freezing Cold

While Vancouver Island is known for its chilly Pacific waters, there are several spots where you can enjoy a surprisingly warm swim.

🏖️ Warm Water Swimming Spots:

• Tribune Bay (Hornby Island): Often called the "Hawaii of Canada" for its soft sand and lukewarm waters.
• Rathtrevor Beach (Parksville): Shallow, warm waters perfect for families.
• Qualicum Beach: Crystal-clear waters with a gentle slope.
• Thetis Lake (Victoria): A great freshwater option with warm temperatures in the summer.

6. Don't Forget to Get Travel Insurance

If you're coming from outside Canada, don’t assume your regular insurance covers everything—especially if you plan on hiking, mountain biking, surfing, or scuba diving. Some policies exclude these activities, so double-check your coverage before your trip.

💡 Money-Saving Tip: A small investment in travel insurance can save you thousands in medical expenses if you get injured.

7. Don't Be Shocked by High Gas Prices

Gas in British Columbia—especially on Vancouver Island—is among the most expensive in Canada due to environmental and carbon taxes. If you're renting a car or driving around a lot, fuel costs can add up quickly.

🚗 Smart Travel Tip: Consider renting an electric or hybrid vehicle, as charging stations are widely available across the island.

8. Don't Feed the Wildlife (Especially the Seals!)

Feeding wildlife might seem harmless, but it’s now illegal to feed seals and other animals on Vancouver Island. In places like Oak Bay Marina (Victoria), it was once common for visitors to feed seals, but it’s now banned, with fines reaching up to $500,000.

🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Feed Animals:

• Seals become reliant on human food, losing their natural hunting skills.
• It can make animals aggressive toward humans.
• Feeding bears attracts them to human areas, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters.

9. Don't Skip Tofino – It's a Must-See!

Tofino is one of the most magical places on Vancouver Island, famous for its beaches, surfing, and storm-watching. It’s also home to some of the island’s best food, like the legendary Tacofino food truck.

🌊 Top Things to Do in Tofino:

• Surfing at Cox Bay or Long Beach
• Whale & bear watching tours
• Hiking scenic rainforest trails
• Relaxing in the natural hot springs
• Beach bonfires and storm watching

Vancouver Island is a dream destination, but proper planning can make or break your trip. Avoid these common mistakes, take your time, and soak up everything this beautiful island has to offer.