Vancouver Island Road Trips

This near-300km loop takes you from the capital of Victoria through some of the island's most gorgeous towns and cities, including Sooke, Port Renfrew, and Duncan. From its windswept beaches to the towns nestled in forests, this geographically diverse island makes for a variety of communities and lifestyles, offering great people-watching and insight into the local cultures that vary from city to city. Popular activities en route include surfing at Jordan River and fishing at Sooke Harbour.

On Vancouver Island's eastern coastline, this 160km road trip is a great option for those interested in some active exploration. Head to the attractive beach at Parksville before heading north for some hiking in the Comox Valley, and roaming through Strathcona Provincial Park, home to the island's tallest mountain. This park is one of the island's oldest settlements, which makes it a great stopover for history enthusiasts.

This route takes visitors from the island's east to its west and is a great first trip for those looking to get acquainted with Vancouver Island. Explore attractive cities like Ladysmith, home to independent stores and boutiques, and stop at Port Alberni to hike through the forest trails running past waterfalls in Stamp River Provincial Park. This route can take from 220-350km depending on the number of stopovers you take, or how many hidden wonders you discover along the way!

For a road trip off the beaten track, drive from the east coast point of Campbell River and venture into the northern, and often less explored, part of Vancouver Island. Between 200-250km long, this is one of the best Vancouver Island road trips for camping fanatics who love escaping into nature. Some of the island's most awesome natural sites include Elk Falls, the limestone Upana Caves, the First Nations historical sites at Alert Bay, and the old fishing village at Telegraph Cove.