The island is 456 kilometers (283 miles) long, 100 kilometers (62 miles) wide, and 32,134 km2 (12,407 sq mi) in area. It would take you about seven or eight hours to drive from one end to the other end, and that’s without stopping to explore or for food.
How long does it take to drive around Vancouver Island?
It takes about 6 hours to drive straight through from one end of the island to the other, and about 3 hours to drive across at the widest point. You need to allow for travel time on the island, which limits how many stops you can reasonably make.
How many days do you need to tour Vancouver Island?
7 days is the optimal time to complete our main Vancouver Island itinerary but we also have a bonus section if you have some extra time or if you just want to plan another trip to Vancouver Island.
How many miles is it across Vancouver Island?
The island, averaging 50 miles (80 km) in width and extending for 285 miles (460 km) along a northwest–southeast axis paralleling the mainland, is actually the top of a partially submerged mountain system.
How long is the drive from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
Victoria is on Vancouver Island, 107 kilometres (76 miles) southwest of Vancouver. The trip by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, takes approximately 4 hours each way from downtown Vancouver. Alternatively, the trip is a 35 minute flight.
Is Vancouver Island bigger than Hawaii?
Vancouver Island is 3x bigger than the island of Hawai’i (10,430 km²) and bigger than all the Hawai’ian islands combined (28,311 km²).
Does Vancouver Island have grizzly bears?
Grizzly Bear. Grizzly bears do not live year round on Vancouver Island however you can go on one of the bear watching trips to view the mainland Grizzlies. There are almost 14000 Grizzly Bears in British Columbia and many coastal Grizzlies feed along the shorelines for shellfish as well as during salmon season.
What is the best time of year to visit Vancouver Island?
The best times to visit Victoria and Vancouver Island are March to May and September to November. The region sees some of the country’s mildest weather and the driest summers, so while you might experience a light drizzle here and there, plan on comfortable temperatures in the spring and fall.
Do you need a car on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island offers one of the best places in Canada to travel and see a large area without needing a car. Reduce your carbon imprint by moving by foot, mass transit or bike to compensate for the flight to get here. Save money at the same time.
Is it worth staying on Vancouver Island?
The small town is known as both Canada’s surfing capital and a storm watcher’s paradise in winter. No matter whether you’re into kayaking, wildlife-watching, fishing, hiking, or surfing, you can do it all in tiny Tofino. It’s also a great place to learn more about the island’s First Nations history.
How many cougars are on Vancouver Island?
There are an estimated 4000 cougars that live in BC and an estimated 600-800 live on Vancouver Island making it the highest concentration for this mountain lion in North America.
Is New Zealand bigger than Vancouver Island?
Not the size, New Zealand eclipses the island by more than 8.5 times. Surrounding oceans are similar but different, South West Pacific vs. North East Pacific. Parallel hemispheres.
How many bears are on Vancouver Island?
7,000 black bears
Vancouver Island is estimated to be home to about 7,000 black bears, which marks it as the densest population for these bears.
Is a day trip to Victoria worth it?
Even though there’s much more to see and do, a day trip to Victoria is totally worth it! Just make sure you plan wisely and book any tours or tea reservations on board the Victoria Clipper or Coho ferry so you can make the most of your time and not have to worry about logistics.
How much does it cost to take a car to Vancouver Island?
What does the Vancouver – Victoria ferry to Vancouver Island cost? These prices are current as of Jan 3, 2020 in Canadian dollars, and include fuel surcharge, but not GST: Cost for adult passenger only: $17.20. Cost for Car & Driver: $74.70.
Is there a road around Vancouver Island?
Nanaimo to Port Hardy
Choose your own adventure along one of the longest – and most wild – Vancouver Island road trip routes. This 385 km trip from Nanaimo to Port Hardy varies in travel time depending on the season but its rugged beauty is gorgeous year-round.
Is Vancouver Island rising or sinking?
Land along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island is rising at about 25 centimetres per century, while vertical land motion of Prince Rupert is negligable, thus explaining the approximately 25 centimetres difference in sea-level change between Tofino and Prince Rupert.
Are there moose on Vancouver Island?
That’s right travellers, Vancouver Island has no moose. I know Canada is known for a few iconic animals but, who knew, the excitement surrounding moose was so big.
What is Vancouver Island known for?
Vancouver Island is renowned for wild, untamed beaches that are an idyllic summer sanctuary, and a hub for storm-watching and surfing in the winter. In addition to its endless list of hiking, camping, and paddling adventures, the Island offers ample opportunities to unwind on its scenic golf courses and lush vineyards.
How common are bear attacks on Vancouver Island?
Again, an attack is incredibly unlikely and most bears, if you even see any, will simply run away. The bears are often just as scared of us as we are of them, and nobody wants a fight. Bear safety is an important one, as they are a fairly common sighting in the forests of Vancouver Island.
Why are there so many cougars on Vancouver Island?
Living in mainly forested mountain areas, their territory is continually expanding due to human interference. That being said, a large majority of the cougars on the island tend to stay on the eastern side where there is less climatic variation and a higher density of deer.