There’s something about the ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay that makes us feel like we’re escaping – escaping from a long winter – to an island awash with colour. Tulips, daffodils, cherry and plum blossom trees transform Victoria into a sea of yellows, reds, white and pinks.


The Butchart Gardens is the most visited tourist attraction on Vancouver Island and spring is arguably the best time to go there. April brings the results of the fall planting when more than 300,000 daffodil bulbs reach their height. There’s a riot of color in the beds come May when many tulip varieties vie for attention against rhododendrons, azaleas and other early perennials. This is definitely on our “must do” list.


Springtime on Vancouver Island is prime wildlife viewing time. Between March and May, some 20,000 gray whales hug the coastline of Vancouver Island en route to summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. This makes spring the best time to view whales up close and personal. And if you’re lucky you may also catch sight of grizzly and black bears emerging from hibernation to feed along the shoreline.


With daily temperatures ranging between 11 and 15C, spring is an ideal season to explore Vancouver Island before the busy summer months. Private and provincial park campgrounds haven’t filled up yet, making it easier to experience the Island without planning too far ahead. It’s pleasant hiking weather and we always enjoy exploring the freshly re-emerged trails before they turn into well-trodden highways.


There can be no question, beauty is all around Vancouver Island as emerges from winter, and taking your time in an RV, motorhome or trailer is best way to drink it all in at your own pace.