Our Picks for Best Vancouver Island
Hidden Gems

Looking for Vancouver Island hidden gems?

The little “hidden away adventures" can be some of the very best! You've come to the right place to find out where they are.

WE'VE EXPERIENCED THESE GEMS. And they've made it onto our site, so you know that they're great and worthwhile adventures!

"How do you keep finding all this cool stuff?"

It's easy... because, as you know, we live here! We keep our ear to the ground for great new things to see and try. Or... we just happen to stumble upon something really cool to do when we're out and about.

Our picks for best hidden gems are a handful of Vancouver Island attractions that you might not see on the surface, and can get easily overlooked.

THAT'S WHERE WE COME IN.

Check out what we've found...and keep checking back as we'll be adding to our list!

Best Vancouver Island Hidden Gems

Not-to-miss: take the incredible guided Hawk Walk. This tour is where you'll walk a forested trail with a guide, and you'll get one hand gloved. The guide calls down a hawk and it will land on your arm, where you'll feed him a chunk of salmon.

Seriously… one of the most incredible things we’ve ever done on Vancouver Island.



West Coast Wild - Zipline Adventure - We've just found the BEST zipline on Vancouver Island! WHAT A RUSH!

This is truly one of Vancouver Island's BEST hidden gems. Tucked away off the highway between Port Alberni and Ucluelet, and set into the wilderness, there's a series of 6 incredible ziplines set up in a forest canyon. The entire zipline's built over a rushing river and over boulders, with the mountains overhead. Incredible. Hike short trails to each zipline. The tour takes 2 hours to complete. Reserve on-line through their site, or call ahead to find out tour times.

Open from about May through September. Cost is $100/person, but is totally worth it. Our thanks to Adam and Joel... you guys were awesome guides! We'll be back!



Ucluelet Aquarium - Set up in a small shack on the Ucluelet dock and not much to look at, but this tiny, no frills aquarium is very well done, and shouldn't be missed. A good variety of marine exhibits are displayed, with 3 open touch tanks where you can reach in and feel starfish, sea cucumbers, and more of those gooey creatures you thought you'd never touch.

What's unique... this place houses only local marine life, and is the world's only catch-and-release aquarium. Quite fascinating to hear about. If you want to know some of the creatures inhabiting our waters, check it out. Open: March to October. Admission is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for kids.



The Whale Interpretive Centre - Known locally as the Telegraph Cove Whale Museum, this small museum, anchored quietly at the end of Telegraph Cove’s boardwalk, is just excellent. If you're going to be heading up to the northern Island, this is a worthwhile stop.

Small, but packed with life-sized bone reconstructions of whales, porpoises, otters and more fascinating exhibits of mammals inhabiting Island waters.

You don't have to be a museum junkie to enjoy the exhibits and content of this place - it's worth it.



Love finding travel gems? Check out this adventure travel website for more ideas...

Adventure Travel Advisor Online - A beginner's guide to adventure travel planning and destinations. Experience new cultures and explore the world's most exciting off the beaten path locations.

Enjoy these Vancouver Island hidden gems. Stay tuned as we keep exploring!


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