A lighthouse, epic falls, vintage finds and five other things to do on Vancouver Island this winter
Winter on Vancouver Island comes with its own kind of magic. And speaking as a local, I recommend visiting during the off season.
It's a time that's slow, soothing, and scenic as nature's elements really bring the drama. Picture open beaches to yourself where big waves crash onto the shore. In this part of B.C., winter brings moody, stormy skies and winds that blow through the leaves of lush forests. These bring a coziness that pairs perfectly with warm cafes, diverse art galleries, and an abundance of vintage stores.
Backpackers should embrace the less-touristy season, with boots and a rain jacket, of course, because the island offers many magical moments during the colder months. Here's where to go and what to do:
1. Tofino: Walk across Long Beach to watch the waves and maybe spot a whale
Tofino's never-ending rain, gusts of strong wind and stormy skies all pair well with a stroll along this unique beach. Long Beach is 16 kilometres long of sandy shoreline nestled against old-growth forest. The beach is on the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and is the longest beach on the west coast of the island. Bundle up in waterproof layers and get to exploring with your eyes peeled for shells, crabs, starfish, seals or grey whales. This part of Tofino in winter will spoil your senses as you feel the rain, listen to the calming sounds of waves washing ashore and feel the invigorating wind.
2. Tofino: Cozy up in cafes and eat Mexican food
When checking out Tofino, you're likely to spend most of your time outside. But eventually you will venture indoors to warm up and dry off. Luckily, this West Coast surf town offers many cozy nooks to warm the soul. Grab a coffee and treat from Harbourview coffee house, and you'll leave the cold behind without missing the ocean. The cafe overlooks the water, meaning you get views of whitecaps breaking… while getting the chance to warm up. Also, enjoy some Mexican food from the original taco truck, Tacofino. I highly recommend the tortilla soup and tacos.
3. Ucluelet: Enjoy a forest walk and sunset through the Lighthouse Loop Wild Pacific Trail
Don’t be thrown off by hiking in winter. This loop is categorized as easy and has minimal hills. The walk is just over 2.5 kilometres and takes you to multiple beaches and rocky landscape views, with Amphitrite Point Lighthouse offering a perfect sunset lookout. The lighthouse, which is over a century old, was built after a shipwreck and offers a stunning lookout.
4. Cumberland: Immerse yourself in museums and good food
Cumberland is a small town, but one with a rich history and full of local gems. When you're here, be sure to stop by The Cumberland Museum and Archives (CMA) to learn about Indigenous history and the coal mining industry. Next, satisfy a hungry tummy with a stop at Riders Pizza or Niji for Asian Cuisine, and for a last stop, check out the local brewery at Cumberland Brewing Co.
5. Cumberland: Venture onto the many tree-lined trails
Embrace the natural landscape, either on foot or by bike, and head into Puntledge River Recreation Area. The trail system is multi-use and has a variety of difficulty levels and lengths. Watch for eagles and deer, and pass by lakes and rivers. Cumberland is renowned for its mountain biking, so share the space with others and lean into that sub-culture by enjoying the diverse trails, some of which feature log jumps and wooden bridges. The HI Cumberland hostel is especially popular with mountain bikers thanks to its trail-side location and bike-friendly amenities.
6. Comox Valley: Check out the falls!
Inside Nymph Falls Nature Park, you'll come across an absolutely gorgeous waterfall which is also just a short walk from the entrance. This makes it an experience that is easy and low-key but a memorable day in nature. The waterfall is more than just a rushing river; it also features fish ladders to aid spawning salmon. During spawning season (from October to November) catch fish make the difficult journey up the falls and jump the ladders. Seeing the salmon up close reveals a certain strength and beauty that can only be found in nature.
7. Nanaimo: Pop into vintage thrift stores and curate a new look
Downtown Nanaimo boasts a diverse array of stores, ranging from vintage clothing and collectibles to vinyl records and used books. All located along the main downtown strip, Commercial Street, you can walk from Fascinating Rhythm, a music store with vinyls and CDs, to Well Read Books to find a new read, to Funk Revival, where curated used clothes allow a budget-friendly closet upgrade.
8. Victoria: Books, beach, art and lights
Victoria is a perfectly-sized city; not too big, not too small and that makes it easy to get a lot done during a quick winter visit. Start the day centrally at Munros Books, an abundant bookstore, with high art-lined walls. From there, enjoy a walk through downtown towards the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the largest on Vancouver Island. After wandering through the city and enjoying arts and culture, it’s time to unwind in nature. Head to Ogden Point Breakwater, which gives an easy walk out into the wide ocean, with never-ending open sky and water views. In Victoria, enjoying a coffee or hot chocolate outdoors is a year-round activity. While it gets chilly, it never gets super cold like the rest of Canada.
