Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Nature & Wildlife Areas in Vancouver Island
THE 10 BEST Vancouver Island Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nature & Wildlife Areas in Vancouver Island
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Recommended Outdoor Activities (78)
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
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What travellers are saying
- EJ BWhite Rock, Canada421 contributionsIt starts off with some interesting insect exhibits before hitting the tropical gardens! No jacket required! LoL. There was a variety of butterflies and a few butterfly friendly birds including a pink flamingo. I definitely felt the butterfly area could have used way more information stations or a brochure or something. It was a reasonable price for a few hours of entertainment.Written 26 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sherry J1 contributionA beautiful mostly easy hike with gorgeous scenery. Ample (free) parking when we arrived, perfect weather, cool and sunny. Well maintained trail is a loop, downhill to start and of course uphill back to the trailhead. Forested path weaving along the water with multiple areas to explore among the rocks and take in the views (looking across The Strait of Juan de Fuca to the most NW part of the contiguous US, WA) Be aware of the tides, low tide will be best for time on the shoreline. Busy but not crowded. Recommend binoculars for wildlife viewing, we saw whale spouts on our first visit. This was our 3rd visit and it didn’t disappoint.Written 27 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jdglekVictoria, Canada259 contributionsWe visited The Raptor Centre because we were exploring the island as we travelled up north. This is a very small place with a few cage enclosures, a demonstration area and a rehabilitation space that is not open to the public. Yet, we found their work so fascinating, the birds so needy, that we bought a membership. Every chance we can, we stop and watch the demonstration where several birds of prey are brought out and talked about. It has certainly changed our opinion on vultures. BC now has 1/3 of the world's population of bald eagles and this is entirely due to the conservation work of several of these bird sanctuaries and research centres.
Each demonstration shows of a different set of birds so we haven't seen the same shows twice. They are only open Mar to Oct but a membership is worth it. We have brought many friends with us to watch these amazing creatures.Written 11 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - brianjm_11London, UK36 contributionsBeautiful place for a good walk
Enjoyed thecpot holes for a swim in clear water and a good hike on the coast.Spendimg time walking I'm the rain forestWritten 30 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Staci SVancouver Island, Canada61 contributionsFor my husband's birthday, we decided to celebrate by taking a trip down memory lane. We headed over to Newcastle Island near Nanaimo, where he used to go camping with his friends as a kid. Despite living in Cowichan Valley for over 35 years, I had never been there before. We explored the island, enjoyed the stunning views, and strolled along the beach during low tide. We even treated ourselves to some ice cream from the concession stand, where the staff was incredibly friendly. I'm already looking forward to going back for an overnight stay. The ferry ride was quick and easy to book online, but finding parking near the ferry terminal was a bit of a challenge. Despite that, I highly recommend a day trip or even an overnight stay at Newcastle Island.Written 10 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- pattic2017Prince Albert, Saskatchewan5 contributionsSuch an interesting and heartwarming experience. The creatures there are so obviously very well cared for. It was the highlight of our trip to this area.Written 10 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Danika DiStefano BQuebec, Canada144 contributionsSuch a cute spot for a short walk - bring your dog! Very scenic routes and not too busy. Plenty of paths to choose from, a go-to after work.Written 8 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CdnMinkManitoba, Canada187 contributionsAlthough not a major attraction tourist wise, this walk through the forest and along the river provides another delicious taste of Van Is outdoors. It doesn't take long when you have other goodies to see but it certainly gives one a good look at some rapids and falls (subdued at present by lower flows)and geology as well as a taste of rainforest along with a bit of exercise. Well worth a couple hrs of a nature lovers time.Written 24 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 20x20Manchester113 contributionsWe visited on the morning of 17th September, 2024. The long track takes you down to the hatchery - with limited parking. Take heed, you could be parking mere metres from the bears! Their website offers good advice - so read it!
Access to the viewing area is very easy - a short walk from car parking.
Initially, it seemed quite quiet, and there were no Salmon in the river at all. After speaking with one of the volunteers, they said the tide may influence Salmon upstream, so we debated returning later that day.
1 minute later, the first bear ambled down the stream and across the hillside towards the river bridge.
It was a great morning! We saw about 3 Black Bears and learnt a lot about the hatcheries valiant efforts.
Its FREE - but we left a large donation, as these guys are doing sterling work!
Well worth the visit - but remember there are no guarantees bears will appear... enjoy the place anyway ;-)
All images taken on the morning, from the viewing area / walkway.Written 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jawsome Sauce33 contributionsThe bluff and cliffs were really cool, the trees were very tall and i found some great rocks on the beach. The ground was pretty flat and not tiring to walk on. I had a very good time.Written 12 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dana ADuncan, Canada2 contributionsWe enjoyed some summer sun on the beach and trails.
Plenty of nature distractions to keep us occupied all day. The kids were extremely delighted with the crashing waves and many sea shells.Written 6 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jet Setter 🌴79 contributionsGreat easy trails with stunning views of the ocean! With a convenient and free car park.
This area is within East Sooke regional parkWritten 16 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Redkitewatcher64Andover, UK2,219 contributionsWe didn't actually make it to the hatchery as we visited in the morning and late afternoon and each time the hatchery wasn't open. However from the car park at the hatchery itself there are a series of footpaths that run alongside the Quinsam River . We were very keen to see bears and our accommodation provider recommended taking a walk along the river , this we did from the hatchery and also by parking in the lay by just before the hatchery and walking through the bushes on the footpath. Its a lovely walk along a well made path through the trees and right along the river bank and takes you from the lay by right to the hatchery. In a couple of places there are wooden broadwalks and steps up some of the steeper areas. As well as a wealth of small woodland birds we also got close up sightings of Turkey Vultures and Bald Eagles eating the dead salmon. However the highlight of our visit was being able to watch black bears fishing on the river, made very special that we were the only people there. We went every morning and evening for three days and each time we watched several bears fishing. However be careful they are wild animals , and a visit is not for the faint hearted. Our landlady said that the previous week some guests were fishing and a bear came down and started examining their rucksacks they had left on the bank. We kept our distance but at one point the bear took us by suprize and changed direction and jumped up on the path we were walking on. Luckily we had read up on what do in bear encounters : walked backwards slowly ( although we realised the bear could walk faster towards us then we could walk backwards!), made ourselves as big as possible whilst saying Whoa bear. The bear stopped about 20 feet in front of us , took a look and then walked off into the woods. Although we didn't need them , we were glad that our landlady had given us a warning alarm and bear spray, so enjoy this beautiful place and its wildlife but be careful.( Photos were taken over several days and with a zoom lens on camera)Written 26 November 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ToniEdmonton, Canada1,573 contributionsNature at its finest what a hike.Lived every part of hiking to the lagoon.so many birds and nature.
it was a great way to spend time.Written 9 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SeattleReebsSeattle, WA1,052 contributionsTook the camper van down to the beach and cooked two meals on a recent trip to Victoria. Absolutely beautiful spot with a choice of the lagoon side or the ocean side. Great bird watching- tons of herons. Saw a few seals too. Can see Royal Roads University from here if you are far enough out on the spit. Typical West Coast beach with lots of logs to sit on. Not a lot of beach at high tide but tons at low tide, if you want to beach walk you may want to plan accordingly.Written 8 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
