You’ll never be short of things to do during your trip to Vancouver Island. Outdoor enthusiasts, in particular, will be in their element. On the west coast, you can explore Pacific Rim National Park, famous for its age-old rainforest and dramatic coastline. The challenging Wild Pacific Trail stretches for 45 miles, but the Wild Pacific Trail makes a fantastic – and much shorter – alternative. Port Renfrew also has a number of day hikes, which lead to pretty areas like Botany Bay.

You’ll find lots of water-based activities, too. Catch a wave in the popular surfing hub of Tofino, or go kayaking at Long Beach. On the calmer east coast, meanwhile, Parksville’s beaches are ideal for swimming and paddle-boarding. If you’re hiring a car, why not drive inland to Cameron Lake or Sproat Lake? With crystal-clear waters and fir-lined shores, these beauty spots are ideal for wild swimming.

Vancouver Island majors in wildlife. The waters surrounding the isle are home to seals, sea otters and a variety of whales. Black bears shuffle through the forests. And, if you look above the mountains, you’ll see soaring bald eagles, easily recognised by their white head.

Your wildlife-watching opportunities begin before you even reach Vancouver Island. It’s common to see dolphins and orcas from the ferry, as you sail over from the mainland. Don’t worry if you don’t spot any, though, as whale-watching trips are also available from Victoria.

But, when it comes to wildlife, Tofino takes the crown. Brushed by Clayoquot Sound, this tucked-away westerly town is where you’re most likely to see orcas, grey whales and humpbacks. And, between April and October, you’re practically guaranteed to see black bears in these parts. Take a boat trip at low tide to watch the bears overturning large rocks in search of crabs.

Amid Vancouver Island’s impressive wilderness, Victoria offers a dash of culture. British Columbia’s capital is teeming with grand architecture and must-see sites, so it’s worth spending some time here during your Vancouver Island holiday.

Go for a stroll around the picturesque Inner Harbour and watch the boats bobbing in the water. The harbour is overlooked by the famous Fairmont Express – where you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea – and the Parliament Buildings. Why not take a tour of these stately rooms? Or, to find out more about BC’s history, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum.

You can see First Nations’ totem poles in Thunderbird Park, or admire the Craigdarroch Castle’s ornate architecture. A 20-minute drive from the city, Butchart Gardens should also be on your list. Filled with exotic blooms and leafy pathways, it’s a lovely place to while away an afternoon. And, during summer, there are live music performances every evening.

May to September is the best time to visit Vancouver Island, when the days are generally dry and warm. Temperatures hover in the high teens during May, and rise to around 22°C in the height of summer. And, if the weather alone isn’t enough to convince you, this is also the best time of year to see bears and whales.

It can be quite busy during July and August, so getting around might take a little longer than normal. If you’re keen to avoid the crowds, we’d recommend booking your Vancouver Island trip for May, June or September. In May and June, you’re also likely to see bear cubs.

Generally, winter here is cold and wet. Rain is frequent between November and January, so this time of year is best avoided.