Vancouver Island is stocked with museums. Dating back to the early settlements of cities on the island, the residents realized the importance of the history they were living through and made efforts to preserve it. The first museum went up in 1886, now the Royal British Columbia Museum. Today the museum, centrally situated on Victoria's Inner Harbour, proudly boasts an incredible collection that tourists flock to all year.

In Victoria's surrounding area, you will find Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site and the associated Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site. Star gazers can enjoy an evening at the Centre of the Universe Observatory.

Whale watching is a huge attraction on Vancouver Island; to get started with information on these incredible creatures you can head to the Alberni Valley Heritage Center's Maritime Discovery Center which will educate you on them and much other marine life. They have educational programs aside from the discovery center, a museum, a winery and more. Please note that the discovery center is only open during the summer.

Whale watching tours are a more adventurous way to get educated and up-close-and-personal with the whales. They are one of the most popular tourist attractions on Vancouver Island. Visit the British Columbia's online tourist board's page dedicated to whale watching tours for complete information.

To explore the lush forestland, head to the BC Forest Discovery Center which will have you riding a train and hiking in the woods all in one. The Centre is located off the #1 highway in Duncan, one hour north of Victoria.