An Ocean-lover's Guide to Vancouver Island

This map of Vancouver Island is a classic. 

The map is not a chart. It is not meant for navigation. And it is not meant for landlubbers. BUT! It is labeled like a chart in that it only has features that are important to a waterperson. The colours are not like a chart because they are blue and green and bright and vibrant and colours that feel like the BC coast feels. Maybe you're cruising the Gulf Islands or chasing surf on the West Coast. You could be timing the currents to paddle a kayak through the Broughton Archipelago, or rounding Cape Scott for a long downwind sail south. No matter what you're doing, Vancouver Island is a waterperson's paradise.

Vancouver Island is a big island. The island is 456 km (283 mi) in length, and it is 100 km (62 mi) at its widest point. It weighs in at roughly 32,100 km² (12,400 sq mi), making it the 11th largest island in Canada, and the 43rd largest island in the world. You can (not saying you should) drive end to end, non-stop, in about 6 or 7 hours if you don't get stuck in traffic/traffic-lights mid-island. The shortest amount of time I've done it, end to end, in a sailboat is 5 days (with summer day length and stopping overnight because there are too many logs and crab floats in the water to safely move around at night in a fiberglass sailboat). 

Everywhere you go on Vancouver Island you'll see maps of the island. There's bumper stickers with the silhouette of the island on vehicles. You'll find t-shirts of varying quality and creativity that show the island. I see a Vancouver Island tattoo a few times every summer when the weather finally gets warm enough for people to show some skin. It's the kind of place that has an iconic shape that people want to carry around with them.

The map of Vancouver Island in my online map store was my very first map. It is, arguably, the map that started this whole map shop idea. I wanted to make something that was clearly from an ocean perspective with a colour palette that actually FEELS like Vancouver Island. Hence the green that feels like a douglas fir-hemlock mixed forest and a blue that has that cold slate gray so common on the water here.

I will admit that this first iteration of the coastal BC maps are from a sailor's perspective but I think the features that matter to a sailor also matter to a kayaker, or someone sport fishing, or a commercial fisherman moving up and down the coast. We all care about the big headlands, the shallow bars, the key lighthouses, and the towns that are good for provisions are also a good place for starting adventures in smaller, more portable watercraft. 

Anywhere in coastal BC is tough to map because the region has such a complex shoreline, with massive 50 mile fjords that cut inland, and an infinite number of nooks and crannies to explore. Making this map was an exercise in redaction. I had to constantly ask if something needed to be on the map or if I could remove it to make more space. But it's hard when everywhere feels important. When every lighthouse or aid to navigation has a role to play in getting us around the coast, and every little anchorage I've stayed at feels significant. 

Prioritizing what to do while exploring Vancouver Island is also a challenge because there are so many options and it changes with the seasons. The island is home to all sorts of annual water events. From the sailboat racing circuit with things like the Swiftsure International Yacht Race, The Van Isl 360, the first half of the Race to Alaska, and the start of the Vic-Maui race. There are also smaller local summer sailing races like the Saltspring Race out of Ganges every August. If you aren't participating in any races but still love boats then you might be interested in the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. Which, admittedly, is not on Vancouver Island, but is on this map. 

There are two aquariums on the island: the Shaw Ocean Discovery Center in Sidney, and the Ucluelet Aquarium on the west coast (which does catch and release as has a fantastic end of year "release party." Seriously, you should go). The map of Vancouver Island also captures the Vancouver Aquarium, which is worth a visit because of things like fur seals, and there is another community aquarium in Gibsons. 

There are wildlife tour operators that run out of most towns for whale watching, bear viewing, and just general awe inspiring scenery. Fishing charters happen out of every marina, harbour, and boat launch. There are a handful of dive charter companies, freediving adventures, and lots of water taxis that will drop you on remote beaches to camp, hike, or kayak.

10 Vancouver Island Ocean Activities

1. ➡️ Hike a coastal trail: Any trail will do. The Juan de Fuca Trail on the south-west coast is magic. The trail to Cape Scott on the north island is also a gem. Both will not disappoint.
2. ➡️ Go Whale Watching: I have a deep love for Race Rocks, a little island off the most southern tip of Vancouver Island. You have a good chance of seeing Killer Whales and Humpback Whales, maybe Grey Whales. And for sure something awesome like Sea Lions or Elephant Seals while passing through the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.
3. ➡️ Ferry Hop the Gulf Islands: every island is different. Accommodation is easy, beaches are endless, and you will find all sorts of interesting and quirky islanders to add flair to the stories you tell about your holiday.
4. ➡️ Go to the beach: Go to Hornby Island and explore Tribune Bay.
5. ➡️ Give a little love to a small town on the north-west coast: Everyone knows about Ucluelet and Tofino, but if you don't like crowds or just like things a little less mainstream then check out one of the smaller west coast towns like Thasis or Winter Harbour. 
6. ➡️ Go scuba diving or snorkeling: Wilson's Dive Shop in Victoria is my favorite dive company. They do PADI training, gear rentals, and charters. 
7. ➡️ Try paddling: it could be on a SUP (stand-up paddle board), a kayak, or even a canoe. They're all fun options and they are available for rent all over the island.
8. ➡️ Go sailing: there are several sail training and sail charter companies on the island. 
9. ➡️ Go fishing: every marina has fishing charter companies that will take you fishing in some beautiful places. 
10. ➡️ Go surfing: Pacific Rim National Park and the town of Tofino have lots of surf options. Rentals are easy to come by and the Park is amazing.

It's a long list, and to be honest, it doesn't even begin to capture all the things you can do on this not-so-little island that raised me. The map of Vancouver Island will certainly help you imagine your trip and tell the stories to go with your pictures. It makes a great gift for anyone who has spent time on the island, whether they live here or are just visiting. 

 

Follow this link to get a closer look at the map of Vancouver Island