Which island is home to Vancouver, Victoria, and Nanaimo in British Columbia?

Vancouver Island is home to Vancouver Island’s major cities of Victoria and Nanaimo, while the separate mainland city of Vancouver lies across the Strait of Georgia.

The island is off Canada’s Pacific coast and is separated from the mainland by several waterways, including the Strait of Georgia. Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, is at the island’s southern tip, while Nanaimo is on the east coast.

Vancouver Island stretches roughly 460 kilometres from north to south and is known for temperate rainforests, rugged mountains, and a heavily indented coastline. Its largest city is Victoria, not Vancouver.

A common mix-up is confusing Vancouver Island with the city of Vancouver. Vancouver is on the mainland, whereas the island lies west of the city and is reached by ferry, aircraft, or other marine transport.