Vancouver Island Travel Forum

Hi. I am a bit stumped on where to go for a 40th b-day trip for my husband. Our parents/family will be joining us and my hope is to find an area that has an abundance of outdoor activities in close proximity (sea kayaking, freshwater & ocean fishing, hiking, nice beaches, whale watching, boating etc) with good availability of rental homes and a nice little town area that we could hit a pub/good restaurant if anyone wanted. I am tossing around Quadra Island or Tofino. Any suggestions on these or other areas? Thanks!

Both Quadra and Tofino are LOVELY, and they're both small, plus if you're into surfing you can do that in Tofino, there are lots of lovely beaches there, the ones in Quadra are more rocky though.

WCVI is a better option for fishing-Tofino will suit but you'll pay a lot and there's generally a 3 night minimum.

I met a woman on BC Ferries whose family was having a reunion on Salt Spring Island. They were staying at a B&B, but maybe Salt Spring would also have rental homes.

I would recommend north vancouver island for the best combination. It's less touristy and has the best whale watching, fishing is good. Cobble beaches on Malcolm island / Sointula - can camp and hike at Bere Point. Fishing charters leave from there, Port McNeill, Port Hardy. San Joseph beach west of Port Hardy is a nice sandy beach. Cape Scott has endless hiking. Good kayaking in the Broughton Archipelago.

You could try port renfrew for fishing, hiking the Juan de Fuca trail, beaches, nice rainforest in Carmanah.