Spoiled for summer fun choices on Vancouver Island

There is no better place to spend summer in Canada than Vancouver Island. It is the southern-most point in Canada, which provides a climate that makes a visitor want to “do everything.” With a combination of rainforest and agriculture land, it is full of broad vistas and some of the oldest forests in the world.

Outdoor adventures

Vancouver Island has wildlife in abundance, as well as mountain-biking in Courtenay, hiking (check out the world-famous West Coast trail or Cape Scott), ziplining and a choose-your-own adventure approach to water and beach fun. Like waves? Head to Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Renfrew. Prefer a lake? There are lakes which are ideal for kite-boarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding, houseboating, canoeing, or simply floating in a tube. Want ocean but not waves? The eastern side has great access for paddleboarders, kayakers, pleasure boaters and more. Opportunities to go fishing abound, as do chances to try spelunking or go river paddling and tubing.

Where to stay

At the end of a busy day of fun, one of the dozens of campgrounds can provide a comfortable place to pitch a tent or a trailer if accommodation choices from extreme luxury (not usually on a student budget) to a simple room in an AirBnB do not suffice.

Eating and shopping

If extreme adventure is not your thing, the climate provides an abundance of growing options, which leave foodies feeling spoiled for choice. Check out Merridale Cidery or the Cedar Farmers’ Market. If you’re looking for great shopping and a vibrant waterfront experience, both Nanaimo and Victoria will provide fun ways for urbanites to while away the day.

Because Vancouver Island is quite large – about the size of England – staying somewhere central, like Nanaimo, where Vancouver Island University is located, enables access to all the island has to offer.