The North Coast Trail is an exciting yet difficult 43km long coastal hiking adventure along the northwestern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This guide features a detailed trail description, with comprehensive campground information, itinerary inspiration and more.
Vancouver Island
Traversing some of the muddiest and wettest terrain anywhere in British Columbia (and indeed, in North America!), the North Coast Trail has the reputation of being one of the most difficult backpacking trips around. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare to hike the North Coast Trail including shuttle details, fee information, safety tips and more.
Uncover the essence of BC’s beautiful Salish Sea on a Coastal Circle Route road trip, taking in both Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The Coastal Circle Route is an ideal road trip for anyone looking for a satisfying and scenic driving loop located slightly off the beaten path.
Travel from Vancouver Island’s east coast to west through its mountainous core, alongside huge lakes and waterfalls on a Campbell River to Gold River road trip. The 100km drive to the terminus of Highway 28 beckons adventurous travellers to disconnect and revel in the beauty of nature, with no phone signal or Wi-Fi in sight.
North of Campbell River, Vancouver Island becomes a much wilder place to explore. A Campbell River to Port Hardy road trip is the best starting point for an unforgettable North Vancouver Island adventure.
Looking for a Vancouver Island adventure further away from the beaten path? Consider a Nanaimo to Campbell River road trip. This coastal adventure offers the chance to stroll along spectacular sandy beaches, take in dramatic waterfalls, eat local seafood and hike through the temperate rainforest.
Perched on the edge of the ocean and endless wilderness, Campbell River is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. It’s one of our favourite cities in BC! Here are 27+ ideas of things to do in Campbell River, including our ultimate top ten activities.
Perched unassumingly on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, the small city of Courtenay is an ideal destination for anyone seeking nature with the comforts of an urban locale. Discover more than 40 great things to do in Courtenay and the wider Comox Valley area.
The Pacific Marine Circle Route is one of Vancouver Island’s best road trips. This post shares our top picks for places to stop along the 263km long route, as well as useful tips to make the most of the journey.
The Juan de Fuca Trail is a 47km coastal hiking trail on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The challenging route traverses technical forest and beach terrain, with the roaring Pacific Ocean as an ever present backdrop. Read on to discover the essential details you need to know to explore this beautiful coastal trail.
The Nanaimo to Tofino road trip is one of British Columbia’s best and it is easy to see why. The curving route travels from one side of Vancouver Island to the other, passing peaceful lakes, old growth forest, golden sand beaches and misty mountain ranges.
While the rewards of the West Coast Trail are plentiful, hikers need to be completely self sufficient and prepared to endure potentially extreme weather conditions. Bringing the right equipment is key!
If you have only one chance (and two weeks) to explore Western Canada, this is the road trip for you. As well as including all of the ‘must sees,’ this two week Western Canada road trip itinerary many of the contrasting landscapes that make this region so unique. Think temperate rainforest, desert and mountains, all in one road trip!
With beautiful views, well-maintained facilities, a convenient location and just the right amount of challenge, the Sayward Canoe Circuit is a great choice for a paddling trip for novices and veterans alike. It’s a unique Vancouver Island paddling experience to rival other canoe trip experiences in British Columbia.
The Cape Scott Trail is a 47km hiking adventure through lush rainforest, sand dunes, stunning beaches and interesting history in Cape Scott Provincial Park, at the very northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. Discover everything you need to know about this spectacular multi-day hike!
Newcastle Island is a little haven from Nanaimo’s city bustle and makes for a lovely day or afternoon trip from Vancouver Island, especially for paddlers and hikers
Hidden in the deep green valleys of Vancouver Island’s Strathcona Park is the Della Falls trail to Canada’s highest waterfall. Read about our experience and follow the guide to visit Della Falls yourself
A cathedral of magnificent trees on Vancouver Island, Carmanah Valley is a magical place for any nature lover to visit. A pilgrimage is definitely worth making despite the more difficult access. Here’s everything you need to know
With so many pristine natural areas (and over 3000km of coastline!), Vancouver Island is the perfect place to go camping. Read on for a complete guide to camping on Vancouver Island, including 25+ of the best campsites, insider tips and essential safety advice
Discover 15 magical places to see magnificent big trees around Vancouver Island, British Columbia, ranging from magical old growth groves and remote valleys to coastal hiking trails and scenic campgrounds