With a total area of more than 12,000 square miles, Vancouver Island, Canada, is the largest island on North America's Pacific coast.
Despite its size, and its location just a 90-minute ferry ride from the cosmopolitan bustle of Vancouver, it has a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere, with many charming little fishing villages to explore. The first stop on most Vancouver Island tours is Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. The city's historical sights and landmarks form many of its best attractions, including the grand Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum. Further afield, Butchart Gardens delights visitors with its vast array of perfectly manicured floral displays.