For groups, take a look at The Sanctuary, a treetop lodge just outside of the town of Ganges. Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Current schedule here. PERFECT. Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is on a small cliffside surrounded by black rock and spectacular ocean views. For ice cream, the perfect post-hike recovery food, head to Ukee Scoops. It is home to long stretches of stunning landscapes so its best for those who are looking to spend time in nature. Below is my suggested 14 day Vancouver Island road trip itinerary. The Perfect 7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip: How to Drive from Calgary Elk Falls Provincial Park is one of the best places to visit in the Campbell River region, and rightly so. It is made up of 3 separate sections: Long Beach is the most popular, accessible, and beginner-friendly region out of the 3. So pack your things for an eventful and fun seven days on the road. We were hungry when we arrived, so we decided to order a few different things to try and it was phenomenal food. Sooke is a little town located 30 minutes west of Victoria. In addition, you can take a bus that will take you directly downtown. By now, your legs are getting a little stiff, and Cathedral Grove is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs. Vancouver Island is situated off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. If you are willing to try a road trip in a campervan you might save even more money. So keep on reading to find the perfect road trip itinerary for you! Biking in Victoria is growing in popularity and is another way of getting around downtown Victoria. The car-less option is to head to Victoria by taking a flight with Alaska Airlines (more affordable) or Kenmore Air (seaplane more scenic! Today, your last day in Tofino, Id choose between two great adventures. Its such an amazing place to explore, especially if you love the outdoors. You can get a flight to try some (or all) of the different varieties they make basics like Pear, all the way to more adventurous flavors like Pineapple Amaro and Hopped Apricot or buy a bottle and share it with lunch. So on day 2 of your Vancouver Island road trip, lets hit the road and head over to the west coast of the island. Make sure you choose your swimming spot wisely-75 metres above the Middle Falls Bridge to the downstream park boundary below the Lower Falls Bridge has a strong current and is closed to swimming. Savouring the calm, natural beauty of this picturesque park was the perfect way to end our memorable 7 day Vancouver Island road trip. Driving in Vancouver and Calgary. In the morning, get up and head over to the Switchboard Cafe in Ganges, which has the best coffee on the island. It requires multiple days to finish so its not a hike for a typical visitor, but it is a Vancouver Island bucket list item for sure. It is in fact, the second-largest Douglas fir in Canada at over 70 m high! Be ready for a cardio workout and take breaks as necessary . Day 7: Franz Josef to Wanaka via Haast Pass. Taking 2 full weeks and slowly meandering your way from Calgary to Vancouver would be the ultimate experience. The West Coast Trail this 75 km backpacking trail is one of the most exciting and daunting excursions out there. A Spectacular Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary (7 Days) Explore the Beaches: Short hikes to Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay, and all the beach walks. 7 day Vancouver Island road trip itinerary. Its a small market off the highway with a parking lot thats too small, and inside youll find a range of basic to specialty grocery items, with a few gluten free items hidden on the shelves. Your Vancouver Island road trip is not complete without an excursion into the rainforest. Depending on the route you pick, you will pass by the Salish Sea, the Howe Sound, or the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Once you get past where the ferry dropped you off from Salt Spring Island, there are a couple of stops worth making on your way from Tofino to Victoria. We have decided to take our 89 year old mother/in-law on her #1 bucket list trip in May 2023! Day 1: Arrive in Victoria and head to Salt Spring IslandDay 2: Salt Spring IslandDay 3: Road trip to Campbell RiverDay 4: Campbell RiverDay 5: Campbell RiverDay 6: Campbell River to TofinoDay 7: Exploring the Tofino highlightsDay 8: Day trip to beautiful UclueletDay 9: More Tofino, featuring wildlife, water taxis, and hikesDay 10: Tofino to Port Renfrew road tripDay 11: Port RenfrewDay 12: SookeDay 13: VictoriaDay 14: Victoria & Home. A drive for the city-slicker and nature enthusiast alike, the Pacific Marine Circle Route will take you from urban sprawl to the wild west coast and back again. Cheese. This island is, after all, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the country! Flying into Victoria? This is the perfect base for those who are looking for epic outdoor adventures. Then our last night we shall be back in Victoria. We spent a lot of our time on The Island (as us Western Canadians call it) since it has a little bit of everything- great beaches, whimsical towns, gorgeous provincial parks, and romantic gardens. A ticket for each person is anywhere from $15 to $25, depending on which route you take. These destinations are an absolute delight and for those who love road trips, this longer drive is a must-do! Park and walk along the beach to the south end, then back up the beach to Sunset Point for the sunset. Take a stroll around the 200-acre Victorian Beacon Hill Park near the edge of Victoria. Vancouver Island has one of the warmest climates in Canada. When the tides are low, you can walk between the numerous little tide pools to spot wildlife of all shapes and forms. While Victoria is the central city, multiple buses operate throughout downtown Victoria. Salt Spring Island Nestled in the Strait of Georgia, Salt Spring Island is the largest of British Columbia's Southern Gulf Islands and renowned for unique cultural activities and bustling local markets. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and the first stop on your 7-day Vancouver Island road trip. Explore the British Vibe downtown, or head outside the city to Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest. You can totally camp near for the night or just stop for a bit (plan for at least 2 hours). Learn about the prehistoric animals that once called this place home, learn about the beautiful rainforests that cover much of the island, and learn about the Aboriginal people of British Columbia. All sorts of wildlife. Your email address will not be published. Want a super unique stay on Salt Spring Island? In Coombs, British Columbia, theres a great market you need to check out called Old Country Market, aka Goats on Roof. This is ideal for those who are looking to do lots of hiking, camping, canoeing, or spending lots of time outdoors in general. Then head over to Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm and take a stroll through the purple blooms (at least in summertime), and visit their shop to pick up some locally made gifts. Its a hike up one of the tallest mountains in the Clayoquot Sound, and waiting for you at the top of the 3.5km climb are stunning views across the sound and beyond. If you have even more time, add 7 days and drive east toward Alberta to visit Yoho, Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks. And, usually, they aren't too disruptive. The Discovery Passage is home to an abundance of marine life including seals, sea lions, whales, and even dolphins. Thats exactly what we did, and I think this is the easiest route. Our first stop was Qualicum Beach. 2022 Travel? A trip like this definitely has the potential to make or break you as a couple. Explore the very best of British Columbia and Alberta on this 12-day Western Canada road trip between Vancouver and Calgary. I was a bit intimidated at first too but there are plenty of shops that offer lessons and Canadians are some of the friendliest people around. However, there are ropes in those locations to help you out in those specific spots. The sunrise is spectacular on a clear day, but I also like coming here early to have some quiet time and all the space all to myself. Although one week is certainly not enough time to fully experience this magical island, it should be plenty of time to hit all the highlights. Id get an early start so that you have time this afternoon to explore Victoria a little bit. Once on the Canada Line, you want to get on the train to Bridgeport Station; after you get off, head to station bay 12 and get on the 620 Tswwassen Bay Ferry Express bus. The Most Epic Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary - Best Stops to Know before you go: to reach Big Lonely Doug, you need to drive up a dirt logging road for half an hour. Having said that, I think the best way to get around Vancouver Island is by renting a camper van. The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip: Day-by-Day Guide If you happen to be visiting from September to November, keep your eyes out for salmons spawning in the river. We traveled from Tsawwassen to Duke's Point, Nanaimo. Only 12-minutes away by car and 28-minutes by transit. I remember telling people Im going to Vancouver Island! and people saying things like Oh, I love Vancouver! Its short, but its straight up. Check out these four routes that are sure to show you the very best this island has to offer. Some enthusiasts will actually insist that you need at least two weeks to take it all in! If youre looking for something a bit more upscale, make a reservation for Wolf in the Fog, or head to SoBo (AND ORDER THE CHOWDER). She has always wanted to see the Pacific Rim Trail/ Ucluelet / Tofino area. Day 3: Mount Cook to Tekapo - hike Hooker Valley Track or Red Tarns in am, drive to Tekapo. While I think the other seasons here have their own beauty and charm, I would recommend visiting the island in the summer if this is your first time here. Start off your last day on Vancouver Island by catching the sunrise from the Discovery Pier. If you are looking to get an introduction to surfing, then this is the place to be (Mackenzie Beach nearby is also very pretty). The Embassy Inn a mid-range hotel that offers all the essential amenities; breakfast is included. You do have the option of making a vehicle reservation, which will guarantee a spot on your desired ferry. Here are some stops to make along the way. Shoulder season in late spring and early fall (through mid-September) are also a great time to explore the island with less people. Explore The Pacific Marine Circle Route . Enjoy lunch at an outdoor caf in Ganges, then make the short ferry hop to Swartz Bay, gateway to Victoria and home to the centrally located Magnolia Hotel and Spa. They offer a combination of lodges and cottages, making them suitable for all types of travelers. If you are on a budget, travelling during those months mentioned above will most likely be cheaper compared to going during the summer. Alyshas favorite thing to do in the whole wide world is visit lavender farms and frolic amongst the beautiful purple blooms. To or from Nanaimo you take the Horseshoe Bay ferry out of West Vancouver. Day 4: Tofino to Campbell River. No sweat, you can still plan a memorable road trip by renting something that perfectly suits your travel needs. Mar 25, 2019 - Our 7 day Vancouver Island road trip itinerary experiences the best of the island including beaches, whimsical towns, provincial parks, wildlife, and romantic gardens. Explore Road Trip. Vancouver Island Road Trip {Itinerary} - Gr8 Travel Tips The drive from Calgary to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway is approximately 975 km (606 miles) long, which will take at least 11.5 hours to drive. Prices are slightly higher for RVs and larger vehicles that are over 20 ft in length and 7 ft high. Having been named as one of the worlds top gardens by National Geographic and CNN, the Butchart Gardens is certainly a bucket list worthy attraction. Arrive on the island from Victoria or Vancouver at about noon, and head over to Salt Spring Island Cheese, which youll find a few minutes away from where the ferry from Victoria drops off (Fulford Harbor), and grab some cheese and crackers for later. Sep 26, 2022, 7:33 PM. UNESCO designated Clayoquot Sound a Biosphere Reserve because of the areas commitment to conservation,sustainable development, and support for research, education, and training. Their cider isnt my favorite especially in a place with such a great selection of amazing ciders, but its certainly worth a stop. Just before Qualicum Beach you take Hwy 19 (Inland Island Highway) The Highway travels along the . It sounds brilliant and just the sort of thing were looking for. Take it easy while enjoying all the natural wonders Vancouver Island has to offer with this leisurely oceanside trip from Nanaimo to Campbell River. The drive is incredibly scenic, and it's well worth stopping off at Cathedral Grove . 7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip: How to Drive from Calgary to Vancouver. My favourite treat was the Root Beer ice cream! Its sketchy to walk out onto the bridge, especially if youre afraid of heights and are somewhat accident prone like me. It is located near Port Alberni and can be accessed via an old gravel road. Long Beach is the largest of them all and it is incredibly wide when the tide is low. Do some stargazing. After years of being on our list to visit, we made it our honeymoon destination. If you know your itinerary, its a good idea to make your reservations in advance since campsites fill up in the busy summer months. Even with a reservation, you still need to check in at least 30 minutes before sailing or the reservation will not be valid. You'll see that we broke up our roughly 7 days of travel into 2 destinations: Victoria & Tofino. If you bring your own car, grab the ferry from Anacortes (~2 hours north of Seattle) to Sidney, BC, and drive up to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to catch the ferry to Salt Spring Island (your first stop on this road trip itinerary). Those who love road trips, this longer drive is a little bit of amazing ciders, but certainly. 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