By Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Jan 3, 2012

One of the most romantic places in Canada? We say Vancouver Island!

Many travelers limit their British Columbia visit to just Vancouver. But for those that jump on the ferry to this enchanting island, it’s one of the great outdoor experiences in North America.

Vancouver / Victoria / Vancouver Island - What's the Difference? In case you're wondering: Vancouver is a city on the west coast of British Columbia, the most westerly province in Canada. Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia (but smaller than Vancouver), is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

For details on how to get from Vancouver to Victoria, see below. Now, let's discover some of the most romantic spots on Vancouver Island...

Romantic Oceanfront Resort on Vancouver Island

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa - situated in a gorgeous spot by the beach on Vancouver Island near Courtenay BC. Luxury rooms and suites at this romantic Vancouver Island resort offer wrap-around oceanviews, in-room whirlpool tubs, and massaging showers-for-2.

You'll love melting away your stress in the terrific West Coast Steam Cave, plus there's a heated outdoor pool, sauna, fitness room and romantic dining in their waterfront restaurant.

*Number 3's Free Special*: from now up to Feb 28, 2012, when you book a 2 night stay at the Kingfisher, the third night is free!

Romantic Sooke, BC

• One of the most romantic places to stay on Vancouver Island is here - the Sooke Harbor House. It's a romantic oceanfront inn with space to unwind and enjoy some quiet time with the birdlife, otters and seals nearby. Theme rooms feature local art and jetted soaker-tubs, and the dining room sits above one of the best wine collections in Canada.

• To see more reviews and deals on romantic Vancouver Island B&B's and lodges, click here.

The Southern Gulf Islands

They're quiet, slow-paced sleepy little places that are home to retirees, artists and nature-lovers. Secluded beaches and coves, cute little villages and funky off-beat shops and stands make the Gulf Islands a perfect weekend getaway or retreat for a few days.

We are particularly fond of Saltspring Island, with it's colorful Saturday Market, and the lovely meadows and valleys. A hike up Mt.Maxwell is fantastic on a sunny spring day.

Parksville & Qualicum Beach

• Cathedral Grove is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Vancouver Island. 800 year-old Douglas Fir, some 200ft high and over 20 ft thick! The canopy of old growth forest is so dense above you that you’re in semi-darkness even at high noon! It's located just off highway 4 between Parksville and Port Alberni.

• Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is fun for exploring the sandy beaches and hikes.

• Golf in any of the 5 championship courses which are open year-round.

• Little Qualicum Falls Park is a beautiful spot in the summer where you can even go for a dip in Little Qualicum River.

Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park

Maureen and I both think Long Beach is the best beach in Canada, and the combination of whale watching, exploring the rain forest and beachcombing are unbeatable.

• Cozy nights by the fireplace listening to the crashing Pacific ocean during a winter storm in Tofino are very romantic! You can overnight in everything from a cabin to an eco-lodge or luxury resort.

For more on a romantic getaway on Vancouver Island in Tofino, check out our page on Tofino Resorts.

Vancouver Island Spa Resorts

We’ve put together some listings of both well-established and new resorts on our Vancouver Island Spa Resorts page, so check it out soon.

Travel to Vancouver Island

Is Vancouver Island difficult to reach? Not really. Getting on one of the B.C. ferries to Vancouver island is easy.

Vancouver Island Ferry: Ferries to Victoria, B.C. depart from Tsawwassen, B.C., which is 31 km (19 miles) south of downtown Vancouver. Car, taxi or bus is the best way to get there. Sailing time from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (the ferry port for Victoria) is about 1.5 hours.

Or, you can sail from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island (Nanaimo is 113 km/70 miles north of Victoria). Fares and sailing times are very similar. Find out more about the ferry to Vancouver Island here.

Seattle to Vancouver Island: High-speed catamarans can take you to downtown Victoria in about 2.5 hrs. Price is approx. $120/return.

For a quick look at a Vancouver Island Map, Click Here.

What's YOUR Favorite Vancouver Island Romantic B&B, Resort or Cabin?

Do you know of a romantic Vancouver Island Bed and Breakfast, Hotel or Cabin that other travellers should know about? A Spa Resort or Cottage that would be great for a honeymoon or vacation getaway?

Please share it with us - we (and our readers) would love to know!

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