Canada’s Vancouver Island is the ideal place for a road trip. There are opportunities to explore huge lakes, lush rainforest, jagged mountain peaks and pristine sandy beaches that stretch for days.
Contrary to many first-time visitors expectations, however, Vancouver Island is a pretty big place.
At a length of 460km, it is actually more than 5 times the size of Prince Edward Island (which is a whole province!) on Canada’s East Coast. Vancouver Island also has five times the population of PEI.
Despite the size, most visitors to Vancouver Island only see Victoria and the coastal town of Tofino. I can understand why, if short on time.
The coastal scenery around Tofino is simply stunning and British Columbia’s capital city has plenty of attractions of its own.
Updated Feb 2020. Please remember to Leave No Trace in the outdoors to help keep the wilderness wild (and beautiful)!
The main purpose of this post is to show that Vancouver Island offers more than just Victoria and Tofino. Vancouver Island has so much potential for other amazing adventures and trips but so few visitors get to experience it.
Here are my top three alternative Vancouver Island road trip itineraries for those who want to explore beyond the beaten path. We have personally tried and tested every suggested on these itineraries.
JR and I are former residents of Vancouver Island and still visit often. We really have explored its length and breadth.
This post includes some affiliate links. If you click on these links and then purchase an item, I receive a small percentage of the sale. I only recommend items I have personally used or would use.
Road tripping on Vancouver Island: What you need to know
Despite the large size of Vancouver Island, there are only a few major highways. The most obvious is Highway 19, running all the way from Victoria at the southern tip to Port Hardy in the north.
Highway 19 connects the majority of Vancouver Island’s larger communities, such as Duncan, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River.
The other major roads include a short spur from Victoria to Swartz Bay (Highway 17) and a smaller southern coastal road to Sooke and Port Renfrew (Highway 14).
Another major route is Highway 4, cutting through the centre of the island from Parksville to Tofino via Port Alberni.
What Vancouver Island may lack in major roads, it more than makes up for in backroads. Snaking out from behind the coastal communities into the wilderness are thousands of kilometres of dirt and gravel roads.
These are the real key to exploring beyond Vancouver Island’s beaten path and consequently, one of the below itineraries heavily features them. To navigate, you’ll need a Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook. It’s an investment well worth making.
Vancouver Island Road Trip 1: Pacific Marine Circle Route
Starting and ending in Victoria, the Pacific Marine Circle Route is ideal for travellers who want to take in Vancouver Island’s stunning coastal scenery as well as the lush temperate rainforest.
This road trip offers a similar blend in experiences to that of the classic Victoria and Tofino combination, but with far fewer kilometres. It’s much less touristed route too.
Total kilometres: Around 300km
Ideal length of road trip: Four days
Best time of year: March to November
Victoria to Port Renfrew
Leaving from Victoria early, head west out of the city. Get your first real taste of the Pacific Coast at East Sooke Regional Park and discover white sand beaches, petroglyphs and impressive viewpoints. I’d recommend parking at Aylard Farm.
Next, consider a short detour Sooke Potholes and discover beautiful, polished rock pools. Back on the coast, watch the waves break in at Sheringham Point Lighthouse.
From here, the road starts to get quiet and the scenery even more beautiful. The Juan de Fuca coast offers beach-combing, ocean-side camping and dramatic coastline.
Visit one beach, visit them all – my favourites along here are Mystic and Sombrio. At the latter, you can look for a hidden waterfall. Head south (left, when facing the ocean) from the Sombrio Beach trailhead.
Tucked away slightly inland at the end of the drive is tiny (and slightly sleepy) Port Renfrew. If you don’t have your own accommodation, Port Renfrew is a great place to stay a night or two.
The closest camping option here is Pacheedaht Campground, situated on a magnificent 2km long sandy beach. A little further out of Port Renfrew is Lizard Lake Recreation Site.
Alternatively, you can backtrack to Jordan River Regional Park (epic views!), China Beach campground or the walk-in campground at Sombrio beach.
Looking to book a stay in Port Renfrew?
Wild Coast Chalets – Awesome ocean views
Trailhead Resort – Good value
Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages – Highly rated on Booking.com
Port Renfrew to Cowichan Lake
Before leaving town, be sure to explore the rich tide pools and fascinating geological features of Botanical Beach. It’s now time to go inland and marvel at Vancouver Island’s magical old growth forests.
Not far from Port Renfrew is Avatar Grove, a protected area featuring many ancient trees. Take note – the last couple of kilometres to Avatar Grove are gravel.
If you have a vehicle with good clearance, consider making the side trip to see Lonely Doug (the world’s second largest Douglas Fir) or even Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.
Continue on from Avatar Grove towards Cowichan Lake, a popular summer retreat for residents of Victoria. On the way, stop at the huge, mossy Harris Creek Spruce. Stretch your legs next to Skutz Falls in Cowichan River Provincial Park.
From the small town of Lake Cowichan, it is almost a straight shot back to Victoria. But why rush? Consider a stay in this area or nearby Mill Bay. Campers will find plenty of Recreational Sites around Cowichan Lake (most paid)
Cowichan Lake to Victoria
Heading down island, a must see is the impressive Kinsol Trestle near Shawnigan Lake. This bridge is one of the largest wooden railway crossings in the world.
The Kinsol Trestle easily accessible via the flat Trans Canada Trail, a 2.4km round trip from the parking lot. Take time to follow some of the winding roads to the east of Shawnigan Lake – you’ll find small farm shops, wineries and even a distillery.
An ideal next stop is Goldstream Provincial Park, where you can awe at more huge trees, waterfalls, salmon (in season) and the panoramic views from Mt. Finlayson (4km return).
Campers can stay at the large campground here (reservations recommended). For everyone else, the city of Victoria is just twenty minutes drive south. To top off your Vancouver Island experience, don’t miss a chance to see orca whales on a Zodiac boat tour.
Looking to book a stay in Victoria?
Royal Scot Hotel and Suites – Great location (and good value too)
Magnolia Hotel and Spa – Highly rated on Booking.com
The Embassy Inn – Ideal for visitors on a budget
Vancouver Island Road Trip 2: Two Coasts, Three Ferries
Stay coastal with this route on mid-Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. OK, I cheated a little and extended this road trip to a non-Vancouver Island location.
But trust me, the extra ferries make this adventure more than worthwhile! Starting and ending in Vancouver, this route can blend perfectly with a longer road trip around beautiful British Columbia.
Total kilometres: Around 400km
Ideal length of road trip: Six days
Best time of year: April to October
Vancouver to Nanaimo
Start your journey at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver. Arriving at Departure Bay a couple of hours later, make your first stop at Saysutshun – Newcastle Island.
This is a beautiful Provincial Park where only boats, bikes and hiking boots are allowed. In the evening, take a walk along Nanaimo’s waterfront and enjoy a beer or two with a view. Alternatively, visitors with a tent can stay overnight on Newcastle Island (reservations recommended)
If Newcastle Island doesn’t float your boat, consider a hike to the Abyss, an impressive 50cm wide fissure. Grab a pint/can at one of Nanaimo’s breweries after the hike (we like Longwood) or go in search for the a Nanaimo Bar.
Looking to book a stay in Nanaimo?
Maple View Bed and Breakfast – Great value
Coast Bastion Hotel – Awesome location
Buccaneer Inn – Highly rated on Booking.com (and close to the ferry terminal)
Nanaimo to the Comox Valley
Head north on Highway 19, stopping at dramatic Englishman River Falls. Closer to the coast, have a stroll on one of the sandy beaches in the Parksville area.
Qualicum Beach‘s promenade is also a great alternative. On a clear day, you can see the seemingly endless coastal mountains across the water, a fantastic backdrop from any angle.
In the Comox Valley you’ll find more spectacular ocean and mountain views. Kayak, golf, hike, swim, fish….you can do a bit of everything here, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Pampering is on offer at the Kingfisher Resort and Spa, also my recommendation for a place to stay.
Take a trip out to Goose Spit for views of both Vancouver Island and mainland mountains behind the ocean. Point Holmes and Kin Beach also offer fantastic panoramas.
For cooler temperatures and alpine flowers, make the easy drive up to Mount Washington and explore the Paradise Meadows area. There is a beautiful boardwalk trail, ideal for all abilities of hiker. Walk-in campsites at Lake Helen MacKenzie can be accessed from this trail.
Comox Valley to Campbell River
If waterfalls and whale watching take your fancy, don’t miss driving further up Highway 19 to Campbell River. The beautiful coastal views on the slower Highway 19A is well worth the trip alone.
Campbell River is the gateway to northern Vancouver Island. Here, things start to get a bit wilder. It’s also a less visited than the southern end of the island.
Book in for an afternoon whale and bear watching tour before heading out of town for a trip to Elk Falls. This magnificent waterfall is viewed from a suspension bridge. Prepare to have your breath taken away!
The nearby Quinsam provincial campground is a great choice for an overnight stop. In town, there’s a reliable and well placed Comfort Inn plus numerous excellent inns and B&Bs. For something a little fancier, check out Painter’s Lodge.
Campbell River to Powell River
Return to the Comox Valley to take the ferry over to Powell River on the British Columbia mainland.
Perched where the mainland mountains and the waters of the Georgia Strait meet, Powell River is a little gem of a town. Once reliant on heavy industry, Powell River is a haven for creatives and those who love the water.
If you want to go paddling, this area is paradise, with Desolation Sound to the north, Savary Island to the west and the Powell Forest Canoe Circuit to the south-east. Kayak rentals and tours are available to rent in Lund, a cute harbour village at the end of the highway.
Hikers are catered for too, with the 180km long Sunshine Coast Trail starting in Lund and passing very close to Powell River. Go on a day-hike or stay overnight in one of the free trail huts. Tin Hat Mountain is a definite highlight.
Alternative overnight options include the characterful Old Courthouse Inn (a very short walk away from the excellent Townsite Brewery) and scenic Inland Lake campground. There are also numerous free or low cost Recreation Site campgrounds to be found in the Powell Forest.
Powell River to Vancouver
There are two more ferries to take on the way back to Vancouver, but whatever you do, be sure not to rush. The highway winds its ways along the coves and bays of the pretty coastline, offering wonderful views everywhere you look.
Be prepared to stop often and drive slowly. Those wanting to extend their trip should consider an overnight stay in Sechelt or Gibsons. Adventurous campers can take a ferry or water taxi to Keats Island and stay at Plumper Cove Marine Provincial Park.
A must stop is the Skookumchuck Narrows, a whitewater wonder of the world. An easy and mostly flat 8km return hike leads to a viewing area where, twice a day, you can watch as the saltwater flow changes direction and creates huge waves and whirlpools. Be sure to time it right during your own visit! Another worthy hike is the ascent of Soames Hill.
My top recommendation would be to take a boat tour out to Princess Louisa Inlet. One of the most beautiful places I have been anywhere in the world, this magnificent fjord ends with a roaring waterfall.
Vancouver Island Road Trip 3: Northern Escape
Looking for a Vancouver Island road trip that is truly off the beaten track? This is the one. Northern Vancouver Island is almost a different world to the southern parts with huge mountain ranges, rugged rainforest and very few communities.
In consideration of the latter, it is preferable to bring your own accommodation in the form of a tent or campervan for this road trip.
If camping isn’t your thing (or you’re limited to a basic rental car), you can still get a taste of the wilderness of Northern Vancouver Island by visiting Elk Falls, Strathcona Park, Telegraph Cove and Alert Bay.
Please note that phone signal is very limited beyond Campbell River. Bring extra supplies (food, water, clothing etc) in case of emergency or delay. Be sure to have a good spare tire and know how to change it. Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
Total kilometres: Around 750km
Ideal length of road trip: Seven days
Best time of year: May to early October
Warning – unpaved roads ahead!
A relatively high clearance vehicle is recommended for this road trip due to the extensive use of unpaved roads. The Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook should be considered essential for navigation and locating free recreational campsites along the way. Be prepared to meet large logging trucks on gravel roads.
If you’re planning to rent a vehicle on Vancouver Island, it is essential that you book with a rental company that allows driving on unpaved roads. FarOut Wilderness, for example, is one of the few that does. Their fully kitted out high clearance 4X4 trucks with rooftop tents are ideal for travelling the backroads of Vancouver Island. Contact FarOut with the code FOW-OTT-5 for a 10% booking discount.
Campbell River to Gold River
From Campbell River, head west along Highway 28 towards Strathcona Provincial Park. Stop at Elk Falls just outside of town for a short hike ending in a suspension bridge and dramatic views of the 25m waterfall.
There are more chances for hiking once you pass into Strathcona, British Columbia’s oldest Provincial Park. There are also two provincial campgrounds along the shores of the deep and brooding Buttle Lake. Stay overnight here or continue towards Gold River.
Turn off Highway 28 at Gold River, and follow the gravel Gold River and Head Bay roads to Upana Caves. Vancouver Island is a hotspot for caving, with more explored limestone caves here than the rest of Canada combined.
There are fifteen entrances to Upana’s cave system, with caves ranging from tiny passageways to large openings. Be sure to take a couple of light sources and enjoy exploring.
Gold River to Port McNeill
After the caves, head back to the Gold River Road and head north, later crossing onto Nimpkish Main South logging road. Muchalat Lake, around 20 minutes in, is a good option for an overnight stay.
Nimpkish Main South continues to Vernon Lake and then heads right to Klaklakama Lake Rec Sites. Woss Lake to the west offers more yet free camping, fishing, hiking and paddling opportunities. Another alternative is Schoen Lake, a small provincial campground with beautiful views.
From Klaklakama or Woss Lakes, you are just a few kilometres from paved Highway 19. In between here and Port McNeill there are more caves in Little Huson Regional Park, just south of the very windy Nimpkish Lake. There are further options for free camping here too at the surrounding lakes.
Port McNeill is the jumping off point for trips to the islands of Sointula and Cormorant. Alert Bay, on the latter, has a lot to offer, with rich First Nation culture and plenty of wildlife opportunities.
A short drive from Port McNeill is Telegraph Cove, an attractive former fishing and cannery village. It is worth a stop for a walk on the boardwalk and a visit to the whale museum, but be prepared for busy parking lots in the summer. If you have the time, join a small group whale watching tour.
Port McNeill to Cape Scott
Now to the end of Vancouver Island! Just before Port Hardy, turn off and follow the signs for Cape Scott Provincial Park. A good few hours of driving on occasionally rough gravel roads driving is ahead of you, but it’ll be worth it.
Visit San Josef Bay (Cape Scott Provincial Park) or Raft Cove Provincial Park for a coastal experience like no other on Vancouver Island.
This area offers a wilder version of Tofino; rugged coastline, jagged rocks, beautiful beaches and incredible Pacific Ocean views.
Best of all, you’ll probably only share it with a handful of people, if any at all. If you’re up for a challenge, consider a multi-day hike to Cape Scott’s lighthouse (around 45km return).
Cape Scott to Campbell River
If you’ve still got time and a sense for adventure, consider a side trip to the Port Alice area before returning to Port McNeill.
Not only are there plenty more lakes to fish and paddle, there are a number of geological oddities near Port Alice to discover, such as the Eternal Fountain, Devil’s Bath and Vanishing River. The gravel roads are a bit rougher down here but are fairly quiet.
Heading east on Highway 19, you’ll be on a straight run all the way back to Campbell River. Enjoy the mountain views and stop at the many rest areas to soak up the scenery.
If you have time, stay overnight at Pye or Stella Lake, about an hour north of Campbell River. These lakes are accessible via the reasonably well maintained Rock Bay FSR and provide a number of excellent Recreation Sites with free camping.
On the way back to Campbell River, make a quick stop at the Ripple Rock lookout (marked on Google Map at top of itinerary).
Ripple Rock is an underwater mountain in the narrows between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island. It was a marine hazard until 1958, when it was partially destroyed in one of the largest non-nuclear planned explosions ever.
After that knowledge ‘bomb,’ you’ll be back in Campbell River in no time!
How to extend your Vancouver Island road trip
Here are some additional ideas to extend and enhance your road trip on Vancouver Island.
Salt Spring Island – Laid back and artistic with a side of hippy, Salt Spring is the third largest of the Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. Be sure to check out Ruckle Provincial Park and the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company shop. If you have a kayak, consider a trip to Wallace Island.
Denman and Hornby Islands – Located just south of the Comox Valley, relaxed Denman Island is accessible via a short cable ferry ride. Marvel at the magnificent old growth trees in Fillongley Provincial Park. Hornby Island is just another ten minute ferry ride away. On Hornby, a trip to the beautiful white sand shores of Tribune Bay is a must.
Quadra and Cortes Islands – Easily accessible from Campbell River, these islands offer fantastic coastal views and a slower pace of life. Visit the Cape Mudge lighthouse on Quadra and canoe on the Main Lakes network. On Cortes, take a refreshing swim at Hague Lake.
Explore a cave – Vancouver Island has the highest concentration of caves in North America. Aside from those already mentioned at Upana and Little Huson, you can also explore cave systems at Horne Lake (near Nanaimo). Short, accessible tours are available as well as adventurous caving trips.
Victoria – Staying in Victoria for a while? Some other fun things to do include wine touring, a trip to Butchart Gardens, zipling, a harbour kayak tour or a guided hike.
The Inside Passage – For the ultimate departure from the Island, consider travelling up the Inside Passage via Port Hardy. It’s expensive, but a great alternative to driving to Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii!
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Sylvia
Sunday 14th of March 2021
Please remember that the people living in the smaller communities on Vancouver Island do not have hospitals that can deal with Covid 19 outbreaks. Until everyone is vaccinated we are being asked to stay in our own health zones. If you see fit to travel anyway, please do not drag the virus along with you!
Gemma
Sunday 14th of March 2021
Absolutely! This article, like all our blog posts, are intended for to be used for inspiration and planning during the pandemic. And, of course, local residents may also find these type of articles helpful to discover new places in their backyard. As noted at the top of the article, it was last updated in early 2020. We are following BC government public health recommendations to stay local at this time and assume our readers are too.
Larry
Saturday 27th of February 2021
It's these types of post that cause over crowding and ruin the areas. Thanks for posting.
Gemma
Saturday 27th of February 2021
This is a concern for us too, which is why we don’t use Instagram or feature any places not already mentioned in publications like Backroad Mapbooks or on government websites like Sites and Trails BC. Even then, we are careful to avoid mentioning more sensitive locations or those with limited facilities. We also encourage readers to follow Leave No Trace principles. This post was originally published (and since updated) in 2014.
Lance
Monday 15th of February 2021
Very well done. Just one correction: at approx. 32,000 square km, Vancouver Island is nearly 6x the size of PEI (not 2X)
Gemma
Tuesday 16th of February 2021
Hi Lance,
Vancouver Island is more than twice the size of PEI, but yes, saying more than five times is more accurate. :) Thanks!
jacqueline spencer
Thursday 28th of January 2021
this is ALL amazing. I'm planning a trip incorporating approx 10 nights on vancouver Island. What would your route be if you were planning on staying in one place for 5/6 nights?
Gemma
Saturday 30th of January 2021
If it's your first time to Vancouver Island, you could easily spend 4/5 days around the Tofino area and see some amazing places. If it's off the beaten path you're specifically looking for, I'd head to North Vancouver Island.