The places to visit on the West Coast of Canada are Vancouver, Whistler, Campbell River, Tofino, and Victoria. Each destination offers a distinct combination of natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and regional experiences. The region presents a variety of locations suited for scenic travel and outdoor exploration, from coastal cities and alpine resorts to rainforest trails and wildlife corridors. Each place reflects the character of British Columbia, where mountain ranges meet the Pacific Ocean and many communities honour Indigenous heritage.
1. Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal city where the Pacific Ocean meets the Coast Mountains, offering a rare blend of natural scenery and urban culture. Vancouver is known for its temperate climate, clean environment, and proximity to outdoor recreation. The city serves as the western gateway to the Canadian Rockies, making it a popular start or end point for scenic train tours across Western Canada.
Why Vancouver is considered one of the best laces on the West Coast of Canada?
Vancouver is considered one of the best places on the West Coast of Canada because it combines scenic landscapes with cultural richness and direct rail access from the Rockies. VIA Rail connects Vancouver to major interior destinations, allowing travellers to transition from mountain corridors to coastal experiences without leaving the train network. Vancouver offers world-class attractions, walkable neighbourhoods, and a multicultural atmosphere influenced by Indigenous heritage and international communities.
Things to Do in Vancouver
- Explore Stanley Park and walk or bike along the seawall surrounded by ancient rainforest and waterfront views.
- Visit Granville Island and experience artisan markets, local food vendors, and working studios.
Ride the Capilano Suspension Bridge and cross through the forest canopy for sweeping views of the canyon below.
- Stroll through Gastown and Yaletown to discover historic charm, boutiques, cafes, and modern city life.
- Enjoy Pacific seafood and dine on fresh-caught dishes in restaurants featuring oceanfront views.
2. Whistler
Whistler is a mountain resort town located north of Vancouver in British Columbia. Surrounded by alpine peaks, dense forests, and glacier-fed lakes, Whistler is known for its year-round outdoor recreation and resort amenities. The town sits at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, making it one of the most popular alpine destinations in Canada.
Why Whistler is considered one of the best laces on the West Coast of Canada?
Whistler is considered one of the best places on the West Coast of Canada because it offers four-season adventure, luxury accommodations, and scenic access to mountain wilderness. It is included on a Rocky Mountaineer route with tour packages that connect Whistler with Vancouver and Jasper. The resort is known for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking, biking, and lake activities in summer. Its walkable village, cultural venues, and dining options add to its appeal as a balanced retreat for nature and leisure.
Things to Do in Whistler
- Ski or snowboard on Whistler Blackcomb and experience one of North America’s largest ski resorts with extensive terrain and modern lifts.
- Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and view the mountains from above on a record-setting lift connecting Whistler and Blackcomb.
- Explore Whistler Village to shop, dine, and relax in the alpine-inspired pedestrian village.
- Walk the Valley Trail and discover lakes, forests, and parks on a scenic multi-use trail.
- Visit the Audain Art Museum to view Indigenous and contemporary art in a modern architectural setting.
3. Victoria
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Victoria blends heritage charm with coastal beauty, known for its mild climate, British colonial architecture, and scenic harbor. The city serves as a gateway to island travel and connects easily with Vancouver and the Gulf Islands by ferry or seaplane.
Why Victoria is considered one of the best laces on the West Coast of Canada?
Victoria is considered one of the best places on the West Coast of Canada because it offers a balance of historic character, walkable neighborhoods, and natural settings. The city features well-preserved landmarks, including the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Its Inner Harbour acts as a cultural and recreational hub, while nearby parks, gardens, and oceanfront trails provide access to nature. The presence of museums, art galleries, and Indigenous cultural centers strengthens its appeal as a destination rooted in tradition and diversity.
Things to Do in Victoria
- Visit Butchart Gardens and wander through themed floral displays across 55 acres of cultivated grounds.
- Walk the Inner Harbour and enjoy waterfront views, historic buildings, and street performers in the heart of the city.
- Tour the Royal BC Museum and explore exhibits on natural history, Indigenous culture, and provincial heritage.
- Ride the Harbour Ferry and take a small boat across the harbor for views of the city and marinas.
- Stroll through Beacon Hill Park and discover manicured gardens, walking trails, and wildlife near the waterfront.
4. Campbell River
Campbell River is a coastal city on the east side of Vancouver Island, known as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town blends oceanfront access with nearby forests, rivers, and mountains, making it a center for nature-based travel. Campbell River lies between the Discovery Passage and the Vancouver Island mountain range, offering close encounters with wildlife and marine ecosystems.
Why Campbell River is considered one of the best laces on the West Coast of Canada?
Campbell River is considered one of the best places on the West Coast of Canada because it provides direct access to land and marine wildlife, along with small-town charm and Indigenous cultural experiences. Campbell River serves as a base for grizzly bear viewing tours in nearby Bute and Knight Inlets, as well as orca and humpback whale watching in Johnstone Strait. The city balances recreational activity with educational experiences, supported by local guides, eco-lodges, and interpretive centers. Its location allows easy access to Strathcona Provincial Park and the Discovery Islands.
Things to Do in Campbell River
- Join a wildlife tour to spot grizzly bears, orcas, sea lions, and eagles on guided boat or floatplane excursions.
- Walk the Discovery Pier and enjoy a stroll or fish from Canada’s first saltwater fishing pier with views of the coastal mountains.
- Visit Elk Falls Provincial Park and hike to a waterfall viewpoint and suspension bridge surrounded by dense forest.
- Explore the Museum at Campbell River and learn about the region’s First Nations heritage, logging traditions, and fishing history.
- Take a kayak trip and paddle along calm coastal waters while exploring nearby islands in the Discovery Passage.
5. Tofino
Tofino is a small coastal town on the western edge of Vancouver Island, located at the tip of the Esowista Peninsula within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Tofino is known for its raw natural beauty and tranquil pace, surrounded by temperate rainforest, rugged coastlines, and the Pacific Ocean. The town borders the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region and serves as a popular destination for eco-tourism.
Why Tofino is considered one of the best laces on the West Coast of Canada?
Tofino is considered one of the best places on the West Coast of Canada because it offers direct access to the Pacific Ocean, remote wilderness, and Indigenous heritage in a single location. Visitors come for storm watching, beachcombing, and wildlife tours throughout the year. Long stretches of surfable beaches, hot springs, and coastal trails add to its appeal. The town features a strong environmental focus, supported by eco-lodges, local food culture, and conservation-based experiences that highlight its coastal setting and cultural identity.
Things to Do in Tofino
- Walk Long Beach and stroll along expansive sandy shores backed by forest and waves from the Pacific.
- Join a whale watching tour to view gray whales, humpbacks, and sea otters in Clayoquot Sound.
- Relax in Hot Springs Cove and take a boat or seaplane to soak in geothermal pools surrounded by forest.
- Visit the Tofino Botanical Gardens and explore coastal plant species and local artwork set within rainforest trails.
- Experience Indigenous culture through guided interpretive walks or by visiting local art galleries featuring Nuu-chah-nulth artists.
