Self-catering holiday homes: Vancouver Island / Victoria

Make a holiday rental apartment or accommodation in Vancouver Island, Canada your home away from home

Vancouver Island is a huge island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. Holidays to Vancouver Island are rich in outdoor activities, stunning historic buildings and culinary excellence, meaning that Vancouver Island tourism thrives with discerning travellers who wish to explore this wonderful island independently.

Things to do on holiday in Vancouver Island, Canada

Vancouver Island’s wildlife is amazing. Vast trees cover most of the island, interrupted only by the snow capped peaks that rise above the tree line, large glaciers and gushing rivers which carve their way to the rugged coast. There are thousands of mammals, reptiles and bird species which live here, making Vancouver Island accommodation the perfect destination for bird watchers and animal lovers. Black bears, cougars and many other large species can sometimes be seen in the inland areas, while holidays to Vancouver Island’s coastline enable you to view a staggering diversity of marine life, ranging from humpback whales to dolphins and from Orcas to porpoises. Whale watching and Vancouver Island wildlife tours can be arranged from many coastal resorts on Vancouver Island.

A holiday rental in Vancouver Island’s coastal regions also offers a stunning base for sailing holidays. There are a large number of smaller islands in the Vancouver Island region, with inspiring names like Cabbage Island and Rum, and even more inspiring scenery. The scuba diving is also incredible from Vancouver Island accommodation. Second only to the Red Sea for water clarity and wildlife diversity, the whole area is a diver’s paradise. The coastal region is also a surfer’s paradise, whether you are a pro looking for large barrelling reef breaks or easy beach breaks for beginners.

Inland, the rivers and lakes are a haven for fishermen. Vancouver Island fishing is simply exceptional, with amazingly large fish being caught with surprising regularity. There is never any shortage of expert advice available from Vancouver Island accommodation, and the locations of the best beats are readily available from the Vancouver Island tourist information office.

Despite the fact the Vancouver Island has a remarkably mild climate which means you can play golf, walk, cycle or ride horses through the lower level country all year round, you can also ski and snowboard in the higher reaches. There is some exceptionally tough pistes available and some fearsome off-piste.

Places to visit on holiday in Vancouver Island, Canada

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located in the forested lowlands of Vancouver Island. The stunning inner harbour of Victoria should be on the attractions list of anyone staying in any Vancouver Island accommodation, and you will certainly not be disappointed the first time you lay eyes on it.

Sooke is a year round holiday destination on the coast. Offering some of the finest fishing, sailing and hiking in the area, it is little surprise the Vancouver Island holiday rentals in Sooke are so highly sought after.

Weather in Vancouver Island, Canada

Vancouver Island has the mildest climate in Canada, with warm summers in which daily temperatures often reach into the mid 20’s (˚C). Evenings can be cold, and in winter, temperatures can average as little as 0˚C, but during this time, the island has a magical sense of serenity, and winter is a great time to visit Vancouver Island accommodation.

Cheap flights to Vancouver Island, Canada

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the main airport on Vancouver Island, and the main one for visitors arriving from international destinations. From the UK, visitors must change flights in a larger American airport, but the trip is more than worth it.

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