British Columbia boasts nearly 1,000 Provincial Parks, National Parks, Marine Parks, Regional Parks, Protected Areas, Conservancy Areas, and Ecological Reserves. Born from volcanic rock and full of beauty and natural splendour, Vancouver Island and the BC Gulf Island and Discovery Islands offer magnificent rain forests, towering mountains, sparkling blue seas, remote shell beaches, and secluded bays. Rugged Central and North Vancouver Island feature a largely uninhabited wilderness of forests, lakes and snow-capped peaks. The Pacific Rim on the West coast delivers wild landscapes, old-growth forest, and never-ending sandy beaches. Victoria and South Vancouver Island present a remarkable diversity of landscape and recreational opportunities. Vancouver Island is a unique, natural paradise awaiting exploration.

Lower Myra Falls cascading into Buttle Lake, Strathcona Provincial Park, Central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Quick Links:

Parks on Vancouver Island – North Island

Born from volcanic rock, the rugged North Island region features a largely uninhabited wilderness of forests, lakes and snow-capped peaks – a unique, natural paradise. Most of Vancouver Island once looked as the North Island still does today, with much of the remaining wilderness now preserved.

Parks on Vancouver Island – Central Island

With its warm ocean temperatures, sheltering mountains, tranquil lakes, fabulous fishing and exceptional golf courses, the lush Central Island region is a year-round holiday destination. The Island Highway winds past well-kept farms in this serenely rural part of Vancouver Island.

Parks on Vancouver Island – Pacific Rim (West Coast)

The Pacific Rim is a region of wild landscapes, never-ending beaches and spectacular weather – be it long summer sunsets or fierce winter storms. Prepare yourself for the quintessential wilderness experience in this moss-laden landscape of mist and surf, thunderous ocean and prevalent peace.

Parks on Vancouver Island – South Island

A rare combination of rural charm and elegant sophistication, the South Island region is home to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. The region presents a remarkable diversity of landscape and recreational opportunities, with beaches and views the likes of which are found nowhere else on the coast.

Parks on the Gulf Islands & Discovery Islands

With their ancient forests, rocky shorelines and miles of beaches teeming with marine life, the Northern Gulf Islands are remote, serene places that soothe the soul. Blessed with a balmy climate and an idyllic landscape, the Southern Gulf Islands are each unique in character, but share a gentle, bucolic charm.

Sunshine Coast Parks close to Vancouver Island

While the Sunshine Coast is not part of Vancouver Island, a number of parks on the Sunshine Coast are in close proximity to Vancouver Island, and are easily accessed by boat from the island. We therefore provide information on the parks listed below: