vancouver island 101 - Seasonal weather and

VANCOUVER ISLAND 101

Advice for a perfect trip to Vancouver Island featuring favorite local spots. Like all of British Columbia, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Planning ahead can make all of the difference.

SEASONAL WEATHER

Vancouver Island is a brilliant wedding location, known for its mild climate. Its prime location on Canada’s West Coast makes the area incredibly diverse when it comes to its cities, for each place has a special atmosphere that is unlike any other. Victoria, the sunny capital of British Columbia, has the most mild climate in Canada, and is a beautiful locale for its large harbourfront and expansive gardens. On the other hand, the quaint district of Tofino is known to draw couples from across the world, with its picturesque landscape and relaxed surfing culture. While there is a high chance of fog in the area, it adds an intimate feel and serves as the perfect addition for memorable wedding photos. The best time for a wedding falls between the months of April and August, especially if you want to avoid the island’s rainy season from September to March. If you’re looking for a sunny and dry wedding location, we recommend checking out Victoria in July! If you’re geared towards more of a moody vibe, definitely book Tofino for October or November. Your day will be absolutely unforgettable in Tofino’s secret season - autumn!

WHAT TO PACK

larsen photo co. Steering your guests in the right direction when it comes to packing for your wedding is sometimes difficult, but incredibly helpful. Adding a packing list to your wedding website will aid your guests in determining what to bring for the festivities. For a Vancouver Island wedding, guests should bring a pair of flip flops for the beach, and a pair of rubber boots in case the weather takes a stormy turn. A rain jacket is always a good idea on the island, no matter what the season is! Packing a sweater and a pair of sunglasses will ensure that each of your guests will be prepared for any type of day, whether it’s sunny or cool.

ACTIVITIES

Head to Vancouver Island for amazing nature walks and coastal adventures. Hikes like Cathedral Grove are well-known and well-travelled, and often home to ancient Douglas Fir and Red Cedar trees. The West Coast Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in Canada, where you will encounter a range in terrain and a rich Indigenous history. While you’re on the island you might as well take advantage of the ocean, by surfing the magnificent swells that come in to the shore. Soul Sister Surf School and Pacific Surf School are two of the highest recommend surfing companies in Tofino - you don’t want to miss out! Feel like you need a break after all of the outdoor adventures? Try beach yoga on Mackenzie Beach in Tofino!

Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Provincial Park is an amazing place to visit for a day trip on the island. Take an hour and a half water taxi trip to these geothermal hot springs, and be sure to look for whales on your way out! The hot springs are located at the end of a two kilometre stretch of boardwalks and wooden stairs. The water gets its heat from a major geological fault in the earth’s crust. The ocean water is pulled into the earth about five kilometres down and heated until boiled, before being pushed back up into the springs. Sounds like pure bliss!

When you are feeling like a day out on the town, explore Tofino, Victoria, or any of the nearby hamlets for cute coffee shops, pretty boutiques and delicious fare. Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America, and is home to the narrowest street in the country - Fan Tan Alley.