Explore the land, sea and sky this
summer on Vancouver Island
When adventure calls, Vancouver Island answers. From treetops to tidal channels, caves and remote marine passages, this is a place to play—especially in summer, when the landscape beckons. From north to south, these six experiences celebrate the adventurous spirit of the West Coast.
History on the Water Boat Tours
Operating out of the Museum at Campbell River, History on the Water Boat Tours gets visitors out on the ocean—salty air and a sea breeze—shifting the emphasis from physical play toward active learning.
Guided by a museum historian and naturalist, tours travel through the Discovery Islands, exploring places such as Seymour Narrows and Desolation Sound. Stories span Indigenous history, logging, fishing and settlement, often revealing surprising details. Some departures feature a “Believe It or Not” element that encourages passengers to question what they hear along the way.
crmuseum.ca/programs/boat-tours/
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
In the Parksville–Comox corridor, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offers an adventure beneath the surface.
Guided tours explore limestone caves carved out by water over thousands of years. Depending on the route, visitors may climb ladders, squeeze through narrow passages or wade shallow underground streams before entering larger chambers. With options ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging, the experience reveals a fascinating underground world.
Remote Passages Marine Excursions
Based in Tofino, Remote Passages Marine Excursions has been introducing visitors to Clayoquot Sound since 1986.
Travelling by Zodiac, guests can choose whale watching, bear watching, kayaking excursions or trips to Hot Springs Cove. Routes vary with conditions and wildlife activity, but sightings may include gray whales, sea lions, seabirds and black bears along the shoreline. It’s a classic West Coast adventure shaped by ocean, rainforest and weather.
The Raptors
Near Duncan, The Raptors combines education, conservation and close encounters with birds of prey.
Daily flying demonstrations showcase the speed and agility
of eagles, hawks and owls, while experiences such as the
Hawk Walk bring visitors face-to-face with the birds. The goal is to inspire awe, as well as a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.
WildPlay Nanaimo
At WildPlay Nanaimo, visitors can challenge themselves high above the Nanaimo River canyon.
Aerial courses feature rope bridges, cargo nets and ziplines that increase in difficulty as participants progress. For bigger thrills, there’s the 150-foot bungy jump and the Primal Swing, which sends riders soaring across the canyon.
Malahat SkyWalk
At Malahat SkyWalk, the adventure rises above the forest canopy.
The experience begins along the 600-metre TreeWalk before climbing a gently sloping spiral ramp to a tower 32 metres above the ground. From the summit, views stretch across Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and distant coastal mountains. The return trip can be made on foot—or by taking the giant spiral slide back to earth.