Vancouver Island is stunning. Sand beaches. Coastal rainforests. All sorts of wildlife. Artisan, small batch food and drink producers. It has all of our favorite things. Ever since our own road trip on Vancouver Island, we’ve been longing to get back and do more exploring. However, vacation time isn’t limitless, so it will have to wait for now.
If you’re organizing a trip to Vancouver Island, you’re in the right place. In this SUPER detailed Vancouver Island road trip itinerary, I’m going to give you all the thorough, minute details you’ll need to plan an unforgettable journey to this gem of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.
Update 2021: As it turns out, when you opt to leave your corporate employment to travel the world, vacation time is indeed unlimited! However, 2020 had other plans, and we’re still awaiting an opportunity to return to Vancouver Island.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have gained knowledge about how to travel to Vancouver Island, get around once there, see the highlights over the course of a week, find the best coffee, wine, food, and cider establishments, and identify places to stay.
In summary, this text provides all the essential information needed to plan an amazing trip.
This route closely resembles the Vancouver Island itinerary we followed on our trip, with some minor alterations based on our experiences and discoveries along the way.
Psst! Don’t fail to look at our guide to the top Airbnbs on Vancouver Island, with 16 places that we’ve contributed to our own list for that return trip.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
An Overview of this Vancouver Island Itinerary
I remember telling people “I’m going to Vancouver Island!” and folks responding with things like “Oh, I love Vancouver! Wonderful city!”
It`s important to note early on – Vancouver Island is distinct from the city of Vancouver.
Vancouver Island lies off the western coastline of mainland Canada, where renowned locations like Victoria, Tofino, and countless lesser known places that will be fallen in love with can be found. It comprises part of British Columbia, and is home to coastal rainforests, grizzly bears, orca whales, and some of the best hiking, backpacking, and water activities around.
A week wouldn`t suffice to experience the whole island. One would require several months to witness everything it offers, yet you lack that much leisure time.
Think of this as guidance highlighting some of the top attractions of Vancouver Island within a 7 day period, not as a complete guide covering EVERY PLACE worth seeing on Vancouver Island.
At the bottom, you’ll find sample schedules for 10 days and 14 days if you’ve got extra time.
It is also worth noting there are plenty of cool places to explore on Vancouver Island north of Nanaimo – such as Campbell River, Courtenay, and Port Hardy, among others – but a week provides insufficient time to integrate them into this itinerary. With extra days, looking into adding time in that region is worthwhile.
This provides an overview of this road trip journey (don`t worry, PLENTY of details below):
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria followed by a trip to Salt Spring Island
Day 2: Road excursion to Tofino
Day 3: Exploring highlights of Tofino
Day 4: Day tour to scenic Ucluelet
Day 5: Additional time in Tofino featuring wildlife, water transportation, and hikes
Day 6: Journey from Tofino back to Victoria
Day 7: Victoria departure accompanied by tears at the airport
Here’s a visual for you.
You will commence your road excursion from Victoria – specifically Salt Spring Island, requiring just a short ferry ride from Victoria. If arriving from Seattle, Vancouver, or other locations, I have included a thorough guide below outlining how to get there.
Getting Around on Vancouver Island
Getting to this road trip destination will necessitate the use of… a vehicle.
You can either bring your own transportation if you’re coming from the surrounding areas, like Seattle or Vancouver, or you can rent one in Victoria.
We advise using RentalCars.com to hire vehicles around the world because they permit comparing costs and reviews across all available companies at locations worldwide. Additionally, you can view feedback on the exact spot you`ll be picking up your car, which experience shows can diverge vastly.
Getting To Vancouver Island
This road trip starts with a day on Salt Spring Island, which is where travelers will need to arrive. It’s an uncomplicated journey from Victoria or Vancouver, but the route may involve multiple modes of transportation from Seattle.
Fear not, as I provide thorough instructions for reaching Vancouver Island from Seattle, Vancouver, and beyond.
If you’re coming from another place than Seattle or Vancouver and you’re seeking to decide where to fly into, you should fly into Victoria if possible. If you aren’t planning on exploring in Vancouver, this is the best choice, and is exactly what we did coming from San Francisco.
From Seattle
There are a couple options here, but all require use of a vehicle. You can either bring your own or rent one in Victoria – I’ve got choices for each.
If you bring your own vehicle, take 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 plan).
You could also drive north from Seattle to the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen, British Columbia (around 2.5 hours) and catch one of the daily ferries traveling south to Salt Spring Island ( see schedule here) which would add another two and a half hours to your trip. This is a rather lengthy journey. It`s advisable to make reservations for the ferry portion of this route in advance.
Traveling without a vehicle to Victoria is possible by taking flight withAlaska Airlines(more affordable option) or Kenmore Air (seaplane ride – more scenic!), or the ferry service calledVictoria Clipper, then renting a vehicle in Victoria and heading to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for the ferry to Salt Spring Island.
From Vancouver
If possible, take the 7am ferry for an early start to your day, otherwise the 11am departure will still work well. Advance reservations are advised for the ferry crossing on this route.
From Victoria
Arriving into Victoria? Excellent. That is exactly what we did, and I think this is the simplest route.
Unfortunately for us, we did not learn about this kayaking opportunity until we started creating this guide, because it perfectly matches our interests. Head out early in the morning to the beautiful Tierra Bomba Island, where you`ll find pristine white sand beaches (NOT BOCAGRANDE).
The Best Time to Visit Vancouver Island
Exploring Vancouver Island is best undertaken during the summer months, when lengthy days and beautiful weather will create memories to last a lifetime. This is also whale season, allowing participants to embark on whale watching excursions along the island`s coast or kayaking trips to witness the abundance of fauna calling the surrounding straits and sounds home.
Shoulder season in late spring and early fall (through mid-September) are also a superb time to explore the island with less crowds. We were on Vancouver Island the week after Labor Day, and the weather was great except for up in Tofino, where it was essentially a torrential downpour.
We were informed it was the initial storm of the “storm season,” which draws individuals in the winter to see dramatic ocean swells and waves crashing on the jagged cliffs. Storm season in Tofino starts in mid-to-late September and continues through the winter.
The Complete Guide to Planning Your Vancouver Island Road Trip
Generally, this section goes something similar to “no, X days is not enough time to see everything, but you can experience at least the highlights!”
Day 1: Arrive in Victoria, Head to Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island was the unanimous (between Alysha and myself, to be clear) most astonishing part of our road trip. It’s a small island community of around 10,000 people in the Gulf Islands just off of the coast of Vancouver Island. To get there, you’ll necessitate taking a brief ferry ride from Victoria (or a longer one from Vancouver).
On the off chance that you appreciate moderate living and handcrafted nearby craftsmanship, sustenance, and drink items, you’ll love Salt Spring Island. It’s simultaneously an incredible spot to unwind, and it additionally has bunches of things to investigate on the off chance that you need to be dynamic. Not at all like my experience in some littler networks, the locals were exceptionally inviting and joyful that we were there.
Needless to say, a single day is insufficient time to fully explore the island`s attractions, though adequate to offer a taste of what defines it as distinctive, kindling anticipation for future Gulf Islands visits.
Colter Bay Campground: A large 324-site campground near Jackson Lake, with stunning views of Mt. Moran. It has many facilities located nearby.
How to Get to Salt Spring Island
To arrive at Salt Spring Island, you’ll need to take a ferry, but it’s relatively basic to get to thanks to BC Ferries.
From Vancouver, travel to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and catch one of the three daily ferries to Salt Spring Island ( current schedule here) which will take around two and a half hours. If possible, catch the 7am ferry to obtain an early start. Advance reservations for the ferry on this route are suggested.
From Victoria, you’ll want to take the ferry from the Swartz Bay terminal (located near Victoria’s airport) to Fulford Harbor – this route has more daily departures than the route from Vancouver, and takes just over 30 minutes. Current schedule here. Arrive 15 minutes prior to departure to ensure securing a spot.
Where to Stay Overnight on Salt Spring Island
On Salt Spring Island, visiting Airbnb is likely to result in discovering an amazing lodging at a reasonable cost.
If visiting as a couple, stay at this Hidden Retreat near Fulford Harbor on the tranquil side of the island. You’ll be able to rise and walk to the seaside!
In search of an exceptionally distinctive residence on Salt Spring Island? Another option for couples is this Oceanfront Treehouse, which possesses spectacular scenery.
For groups, take a look at The Sanctuary, a treetop lodge just outside of the town of Ganges. It sleeps six with three bedrooms, two baths, and stunning views from the outdoor deck.
What to Do on Salt Spring Island
VisitSacred Mountain Lavender Farm
Alysha`s most favorite activity is visiting lavender farms and exploring amongst the beautiful purple blooms. Sadly, on the day of our visit to the island, the farms were closed, or we may have missed out on the other destinations. The farm offers self-guided tours of the lavender fields during summer flowering season, plus an assortment of goods made with lavender like honey and tea available in their shop.
Sample regional beverages at Salt Spring Island Wild Cider
For us, two cider lovers, this was the standout of the trip to Salt Spring Island. They make amazing ciders from local fruits, and they fall on the dry side of the spectrum – just how we like it!
You can take a flight to try some (or all) of the different varieties they produce – basics like Pear, all the way to more adventurous flavors like Pineapple Amaro and Hopped Apricot – or purchase a bottle and share it with lunch.
Staff provided helpful guidance not only on cider ingredients but also crafting a superb tasting selection. They determined yes to gluten-freeness but advised avoiding barrel-aged varieties containing bourbon.
Oh yeah, did I mention lunch?
The establishment provides small portions of food known as “farm style tapas” according to their own description. All products are completely free of gluten and totally delicious. As the customers reached feeling quite hungry, they opted to order several different menu items to sample, which turned out to be remarkably good food. The standout dish was sausage braised in hard cider.
This is a fantastic place to go for lunch, and I’d head straight here from the ferry. They’ve got relatively limited opening hours – 12-5pm daily – so grab a bottle to enjoy at home tonight.
Drink all the drinks!
Cider is not the only product made on Salt Spring Island, although that’s my favorite stop as I have Celiac Disease and can’t consume gluten, including most beers.
Salt Spring Island offers a variety of craft beverages to sample.
If you enjoy craft beers, head to Salt Spring Island Ales to sample some island-made brews.
Garry Oaks Winery offers wine lovers a lovely vineyard setting and tasting room. Salt Spring Vineyards is another option, where visitors can sample 4 pours for $5, waived with a purchase, along with various artisan food products made on the island.
Hungary is an Eastern Europe destination that’s attracting widespread popularity. The country is renowned for its vividly rigid structures. Hungary also boasts one of Europe`s largest backpacker populations.
Experience artisanal cheeses at Salt Spring Island Cheese
Another thing Alysha enjoys, which I do as well, is cheese. Salt Spring Island Cheese is located only a brief distance from where the Victoria ferry docks, and merits a stop as you disembark from the ferry. Inside their compact shop, you can sample various cheeses – like garlic chevre and spicy feta – and of course, purchase some. It’s also a working farm, and the animals can be seen behind the shop. Walk by and say hello!
Hike to spectacular views of the surrounding islands
There are plenty of excellent hiking routes to select from on Salt Spring Island, but the two I’d propose are the Mount Erskine Loop – which takes hikers 3.9km round trip through forestland to a lookout featuring panoramas across the Gulf Islands, returning back down – and Baynes Peak, leading to the top of Mount Maxwell.
Kayak the coast
Following our amazing early morning kayaking adventure during our New Zealand south island tour, which was my first time using a kayak, I’ve grown quite fond of kayaking.
On Salt Spring Island, you have the option to take a daytrip or a multi-day kayaking expedition with Salt Spring Adventures to explore the harbor, coastline, or surrounding islands. They now provide night tours as well! We did not participate in this on our initial trip to Salt Spring Island, but it`s at the top of my list for our next visit.
Visit the Weekend Market
Farmers markets are of great interest to me, so I was disappointed that our midweek visit meant missing the Saturday Market on Salt Spring Island. If one finds themselves on the island on a Saturday, I surely recommend checking it out. Many of the aforementioned vendors have stalls at the market. What draws people in is their “homegrown guarantee” – “Vendors must `make it, bake it, or grow it` themselves, and all products must be `vendor produced and sold`.”
A Perfect 24 Hours on Salt Spring Island
Beginning your trip to Salt Spring Island is very enjoyable! Arrive on the island from Victoria or Vancouver around noon, and head over to Salt Spring Island Cheese, which you’ll find a short distance away from where the ferry docks from Victoria (Fulford Harbor), and pick up some cheese and crackers to enjoy later.
Then head over to the Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm for a walk amongst the purple blooms (at least during the summertime), and visit their shop to pick up some locally crafted gifts.
For lunch, head to Salt Spring Island Wild Cider and get a sampling of their incredible dry ciders alongside some farm-inspired small dishes (the whole menu was gluten free when visitors were there). Their outdoor seating area is a great spot to bask in the sunshine and sip on some amazing ciders. Grab a bottle or two of your favorites to enjoy later in the road trip.
Next, head to do some wine, beer, or spirit sampling at one of the previously mentioned places, depending on your preferences.
For sunset views, make your way to either Mount Erskine or Baynes Peak to savor the breathtaking dusk panorama over Vancouver Island. Bring along cheese and crackers for a lovely al fresco meal, before heading to your lodgings for the evening.
In the morning, get up and head over to the Switchboard Cafe in Ganges, which serves the best coffee on the island. Grab breakfast in town and then go to the Vesuvius ferry terminal for the short ferry ride back to the mainland to start your journey to Tofino.
Day 2: The Road Trip to Tofino
This day of driving will take some time, however there are numerous captivating stops along the way to break up the trip.
Catch the Vesuvius Ferry in the morning to return to the Vancouver Island mainland, and head north.
Here are some stops to make along the way.
We stayed in an amazing apartment – Letters to Juliet – across the river from the center of Verona in the city’s oldest neighborhood called Veronetta.
A bakery and cafe that is 100% gluten free with amazing sandwiches, burgers, and naturally, baked sweet treats.
Nanaimo
Regard Coffee Co, Country Grocer, and Greenrock Liquor are all located near each other.
Consider has some of the best coffee on Vancouver Island and deserves a stop for coffee lovers. Or to transport you into a caffeine-induced road trip dance celebration for the rest of the drive. In any case.
Country Grocer is my preferred grocery store on Vancouver Island, and is a adequate place to stock up on snacks, drinks, and groceries if you’re intending on cooking for yourself – there isn’t one in Tofino.
And an alcohol retailer was one of my favorite locations on the trip, with a huge selection of cider, wine, and beer (though I can’t drink that).
Pirate Chips serves various fried dishes, such as fish and chips prepared gluten-free in a dedicated fryer. It`s worth visiting if you skipped Wild Poppy, and is centrally located along the waterfront in the downtown area. Also a good stop if arriving by ferry from Vancouver.
The Vault is a good spot in downtown Nanaimo for coffee.
Coombsand the Old Country Market
Clean, comfortable, and basic lodging in a central area, featuring a rooftop terrace where a buffet breakfast is offered. Guest rooms are available in either double, triple, or quadruple configurations. Accessible rooms for wheelchairs are available and the hotel has an elevator. The hotel is very close (300 m.) to the island’s place of pilgrimage church, Our Lady of Tinos, and steps to the Archaeological Museum of Tinos. Pets permitted, complimentary transfers to and from the ferry port provided.
Cathedral Grove
By now, your legs are starting to feel stiff, and the Cathedral Grove forest is the perfect place to get out and stretch them. There are two fairly short walking trails (I hesitate to call them hikes) on either side of the road. You`ll be able to stroll amongst the moss-covered 800 year old Douglas Fir trees inhabiting the Cathedral Grove area.
It`s a stunning walk full of greenery – the moss dangling from the tree branches, the ferns sprouting between trees, and the towering trees that required tilting one`s neck back to see. You may have to park along the road as parking spaces available at the entrance to the park were shockingly scarce.”
Walk the Rainforest Trail near Tofino
Situated in Pacific Rim National Park, the Rainforest trail is a brief stroll through an old-growth forest. It’s a distinctive spot – there aren`t many coastal temperate rainforests around, but this is one of the premier places to see one (along with Olympic National Park in Washington).
There are two loop routes – A & B – each focusing on a different facet of the forest`s ecosystem, and experiencing both is worthwhile. It`s a straightforward flat walk along the boardwalk for most of the way. Trail A starts across from the parking area, Trail B begins at the parking area.
Day 3: Tofino
For days 3-5 of this road journey itinerary, you’re going to situate yourself in Tofino.
The coastal town of Tofino is paradise for all kinds of people – surfers and outdoor adventure fans to name a couple. The mix of lush greenery, sandy beaches, and sometimes stormy weather make it one of the most distinctive places I’ve ever visited.
Tofino itself is a small, walkable town situated at the northern tip of a peninsula extending into Clayoquot Sound and the vast Pacific Ocean. Along the coast on the west side, you’ll find incredible sandy beaches, along with the best surfing in Canada.
Regardless of whether it’s Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, or Long Beach, those shores should be a focal point of your time up in Tofino. It’s simple to appreciate the spectacular oasis that Tofino has become when you’re watching the surfers and absorbing an epic sunset on the shore. Which, allow me to tell you, Tofino has plenty of.
In winter, Tofino transforms into a premier destination for storm viewers, and while we were there in mid-September, we got to witness exactly what that means for one of our days. Imagine sideways rain, huge waves crashing onto the shoreline, and wind whipping the edge of your jacket off your head. It was quite a spectacle – certainly not appropriate conditions for hiking, to say the least.
Where to Stay in Tofino?
, which was a fantastic choice. It’s small – perfect for a couple – but it has everything you might need in a home base for exploring Tofino, and it’s walkable to the entire downtown area.
At the Shoreline Tofino, you’ll find cabins tucked away from the busy areas (though busy is a stretch) of Tofino. I’m half joking about the Instagram-ready part. It’s located about 1km away from the downtown Tofino area, yet still walkable to places like Rhino Coffee.
The Tofino Resort & Marina offers a more standard hotel option – they have 63 recently renovated rooms providing value, which is an unusual combination, and their helpful team can assist with crafting the ideal experience in Tofino. Their slogan emphasizes adventure after all. It’s easily accessible to downtown.
Among the last options worth exploring are the coastal resorts and lodgings situated along the shoreline south of downtown Tofino. You`ll exchange proximity to the city center for stunning beachfront properties, an exchange worthwhile considering for certain travelers. Consider the Middle Beach Lodge (most rustic style, Long Beach Lodge and Pacific Sands (my top selection of the trio), all just outside of town.
What to Do in Tofino?
There are almost countless things to do and see in Tofino, but here are a few ideas to start with. Don’t worry, you’ll find a detailed day-by-day itinerary below to help plan an amazing couple of days!
Explore the Coastlines: Brief hikes to Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay, as well as all the walks along the shore.
Learn to Surf! What better place to learn how to ride the waves than Tofino, Canada’s capital of surfing? Here is a highly-rated surfing lesson on Airbnb experiences.
Hike Lone Cone: Regrettably, we did not complete this route as the weather was rather poor on our final day, which was when we had arranged to do it. It`s a climb up one of the tallest peaks in Clayoquot Sound, and awaiting you at the top of the 3.5km ascent are stunning views crossing the sound and beyond. It was extremely foggy and raining forcefully, so we skipped it, but I wish we`d had an opportunity to do it. It`s short, but it`s directly upwards. You`ll need to take a water taxi from Tofino to arrive there. Here are some helpful details about the hike.
Wildlife Viewing: Many whale watching and bear viewing tours operate from Tofino. Whale watching tours take visitors offshore into the Pacific Ocean to search for gray whales, humpback whales, and orca whales depending on the season. From June to September provides the best opportunity to see whales. We opted for a bear viewing tour, which explores the scenic islands and inlets of Clayoquot Sound at dawn or dusk. We wanted to explore the picturesque islands and inlets of the sound, so we chose to search for bears. We used Ocean Outfitters, and were pleased with them. We spotted a couple bears, seals posing for photographs (see below), and a bald eagle.
Sample local brews: In a cool storage facility outside town, you’ll discover Tofino Brewing Co. They lacked any gluten-free choices for me, so we didn’t linger long, but it’s an intriguing space and important stop for beer aficionados in Tofino.
Where to Eat & Drink in Tofino?
Here are some of the top spots to dine and drink in Tofino:
- Bravocados: 100% vegan and delicious restaurant. While eating there with Alysha, I was so impressed by the cauliflower wings that I surprisingly said we may not need meat with a mouthful, something I never thought would happen. Many gluten free choices and a dedicated fryer.
- Wolf in the Fog: If avoiding gluten, I`d recommend elsewhere as menu very restricted. But otherwise great for a nice evening out. Nice ambiance, cider selection, and food quite good. Restricted choices my personal issue, not theirs. Make reservations – busy Tuesday night.
- Shed: Not worth it for gluten avoidance, but recommended by several including Airbnb hosts. Burgers, pizza, casual venue with beer selection.
- Rhino Coffee House and the Tofitian Cafe best coffee in Tofino, but latter further out. Rhino best in town but busy. Grab to-go coffee and enjoy waterside on nice day.
- SoBo: Their smoked salmon chowder! Had to order third bowl so incredible. Highly thought of restaurant, answered gluten queries helpfully before and during.
- Tacofino: Original location! Chose not to eat due to focus on fried items/tortillas risky for celiacs. Recommended if gluten not an issue since now various BC locations but this beginning.
- Chocolate Tofino: Most chocolate gluten free and quite delicious. Found truffles, caramels despite stormy, regretted passing ice cream.
How to Spend Your First Day in Tofino
On your initial day in Tofino, begin slowly. Walk to Rhino Coffee for your morning energy boost, and obtain breakfast before strolling from town down to Tonquin Beach, a pleasant straightforward 1.5km walk through the forest. Add on a side trip to Third Beach too, while you’re at it.
Head back into the city center for a simple and prompt lunch, either at home or at Shelter, and hop in the vehicle for the drive outside to Cox Bay. Take a surfing lesson here, or only relax at the beach. Park and walk along the shoreline heading south, then back up the beach to Sunset Point for the dusk spectacle.
Day 4: Half Day Trip to Ucluelet
Today, you`re going to head down to the southern end of the peninsula (I`m not entirely sure if that`s the accurate term for it, but it`s close enough) to check out the town of Ucluelet.
A Morning in Ucluelet
Travel south down highway 4 from Tofino and make a stop at the Tofitian for some of the best coffee in the surrounding Tofino area. It’s a nice spot to enjoy a quick breakfast too – they offer a good selection of pastries – but those needing to eat gluten free should look elsewhere.
Drive all the way to the south end of Ucluelet to the route for the Wild Pacific Trail, which was the highlight of Ucluelet for us. There are a few great hikes in the place that make up the Wild Pacific Trail, and you should do your best to complete a handful of them.
Begin at the Lighthouse trail, which serves as the trailhead as earlier specified, and then return to your vehicle to head towards the other section of the route, starting at Big Beach Park and going north along the coastline. According to this brochure map, there appears to be a way to link the two trails on foot, however we were unable to determine the connection and decided the motor vehicle was the best choice.
This online map provides a detailed outline of the hiking trails around Ucluelet. The route from Big Beach to the Rocky Bluffs is especially recommended if your fitness level allows for it.
After your hike, explore the town of Ucluelet. For an afternoon pick-me-up, head to the Foggy Bean for a nice cup of coffee (tea lovers head to nearby Thay Tea – it’s right around the corner).
There were several places to eat along Peninsula Road, but none were safe options for those with Celiac disease, so we packed sandwiches for lunch. If gluten is not a concern, consider Zoe’s Bakery & Cafe and the Blue Room which have received high praise, though I have not tried either restaurant myself.
For sweet treats, the perfect post-hike recovery food, head to Ukee Scoops.
The Ucluelet Aquarium is worth a visit if travelling with children, otherwise it can be skipped.
Back to Tofino You Go!
On the way back up to Tofino, there are a couple stops worth making.
First, the main trailtrail through the woodsto embark on a casual hike leading to the ocean viewpoints of Florencia Bay and Halfmoon Bay. It’s an effortless trek through the lush greenery until reaching a set of wooden stairs guiding down to the shore. Admire the sandy coastline extending to your left side, with jagged, rocky cliffs towering above the ocean waves. On the return, walk the brief side route to Halfmoon Bay.
Next, consider stopping at the popular beach location of Long Beach to enjoy some walking along the shoreline. What a romantic activity. Here is a map of the beach to assist in deciding where to park and stroll.
Thirdly, stop at the Chocolate Tofino for crucial restorative nourishment – handcrafted truffles and frozen treats. It’s adjacent to the Tofitian, where you made a pit stop this morning on the way to Ucluelet. Nearly everything, except the cones, was gluten free, and they even offered to change gloves and wipe down the scale for me as they were weighing out my chocolate. WITHOUT ME REQUESTING IT.
Last in the recommended trio of recovery foods along with ice cream and chocolate, enjoy some local craft beer at Tofino Brewing Co. They did not have any gluten-free options available for me, otherwise more time would have been spent there in the industrial, warehouse-like space.
Return to your living quarters and unwind before dining out in Tofino. If you prefer something casual, head to Bravocados for excellent plant-based meals (many gluten free choices) that prompted me to question my need to eat meat. If you’re searching for something a bit more upscale, make a reservation for Wolf in the Fog, or head to SoBo(AND ORDER THE CHOWDER).
Day 5: Tofino
Today, your last day in Tofino, I’d opt for two great adventures. If you’re undecided, you could do both, but it will be a lengthy day.
Your first option is whale watching or bear viewing. We opted for a bear viewing tour with Ocean Outfitters, which took us out on an inflatable boat into the inlets of Clayoquot Sound.
Exploring further into the waterway proved the primary attraction, rewarding efforts with scenes of misty forests, photogenic seals, and a couple of bears nearby. The experience yielded interest, with tours at dawn and dusk when bears tend to approach the shoreline.
Whale watching is also a terrific choice, and we only avoided it because I’ve participated in numerous whale watching excursions (having grown up in Seattle), and wanted to explore the inner reaches of the Sound. If you’ve never observed an orca whale in the wild, this is one of your best chances if you’re in Tofino over summer.
The secondary choice is hiking Lone Cone, the mountain towering over the Clayoquot Sound and offering breathtaking views on a clear day. If the weather is unfavorable like heavy rain or thick fog, I`d likely skip it. Here is an excellent guide on how to accomplish the hike.
You could, theoretically, accomplish both activities in one day if you wanted. I’d do wildlife watching in the morning, and Lone Cone in the afternoon.
Day 6: Road Trip from Tofino to Victoria
The time spent in Tofino has come to a close, and completing the loop back to Victoria is the next step. An early start is recommended to allow time this afternoon to explore Victoria somewhat.
Stop periodically to stretch your legs at any of the places you missed on the route from Victoria to Tofino.
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.
First is Westholme Tea Farm, which as you may have guessed, is a tea plantation. It`s a little ways off the highway, and Alysha really enjoyed it. You can either purchase their loose leaf teas sourced from around the world, sample their tea of the day for free, or sit down in their little tea garden and enjoy a cup of tea of your choosing.
Next is Merridale Cider, which is a cidery and distillery (complete with an apple orchard) in Cobble Hill near Cowichan. They have an intriguing tasting room where visitors can sample some of their ciders while admiring their orchard.
They also have a full menu in case hungry. Their cider isn`t a favorite – particularly in a place with such superb selections of amazing ciders, but certainly worth a stop.
We actually spent an evening in one of their yurts on the orchard, and it was fantastic! It was our honeymoon, so it felt like the appropriate time to treat ourselves. Highly recommend it – you get to amble around the orchard at sunset after everyone else has gone home, and we saw a bear!
The last is the Goldstream Trestle, a picturesque train route through forestland and over a bridge, making for a quick 3km walk off the highway. Walking on the bridge itself is precarious, especially for those afraid of heights or prone to accidents…like myself.
After arriving in Victoria and dropping off your vehicle at your lodging accommodation, head to Be Love for an evening meal. This entirely plant-based and gluten-free establishment offers an excellent dining experience. The quality of dishes is such that I would gladly dine there again without hesitation.
Where to Stay in Victoria
In Victoria, your best option is to stay somewhere with parking, since you’ll still have the car at this point. Regrettably, you’ll have to pay for parking at hotels, so I’d recommend finding an Airbnb that includes parking.
Surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, this cozy lodging offers a secluded retreat in the midst of the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Here are some great options in Victoria that caught my attention.
Amazing Views and Modern Luxury Overlooking the Empress (1 bedroom + sofa bed, 1 bathroom)
Charming Suite in Victoria with Parking (1 bedroom / 1 bathroom)
Spotless 11th Floor with Gorgeous Mountain Views, Sleeps Six (2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom)
Day 7: Victoria, Fly Home in the Evening
Ah, Victoria! It’s a charming port town with a relatively small downtown region that quickly transitions into residential zones, which are replete with hidden gems – independent booksellers, coffee shops, and some underrated boutiques.
While Victoria has some positives, it didn`t fully appeal to my personal preferences. It`s not the most thrilling location in my opinion, which is why I`ve allocated a single day on this itinerary. If you have over a week on Vancouver Island, spending an added day in Victoria would be reasonable, but no more than that. Some truly amazing outdoor spaces for nature lovers exist just outside Victoria – like Sooke to the west and the Tod Inlet to the north.
On your last day, explore the downtown area of Victoria in the morning, and head to the airport in the afternoon for your return flight.
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The following text contains a hyperlink for a self-guided walking tour through the inner harbor of Victoria: “
Next, explore the inner harbor of Victoria on your own with a self-guided walking route.
Head back to check out of your accommodations, hop in the car, and head north to make a few stops on your way to the airport.
First is Butchart Gardens, which I have been privileged to visit a few times now thanks to a few trips to Victoria with my family while I resided in Seattle. It’s beautiful, but I wouldn’t call it mandatory.
Secondly mentioned is Sea Cider, my favored cider on Vancouver Island. And potentially in all of British Columbia. I’ve found a few of their ciders down in the United States, and every single one I’ve tried is excellent. Their Bramble Bubbly is outstanding.
In any case, they have a sampling room up in Saanichton (open 11am-4pm) where you can enjoy a flight of their craft ciders in a sampling room overlooking their apple orchard. It’s extraordinarily cool, and is a good stop on the way to the airport to catch your flight home.
If available, try their autumn special – a mildly sweet beverage brimming with cinnamon and spices – you won`t regret it.
Sadly, it’s now time to head to the airport and catch your flight home, bringing your trip around Vancouver Island to an end.
What to Add to with More Time
With 10 days on Vancouver Island, spending an additional day in Victoria, Sooke, and Port Renfrew would create a well-rounded itinerary. Here is how that schedule may be structured:
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria followed by a visit to beautiful Salt Spring Island
Day 2: Road trip to the Pacific coast town of Tofino
Day 3: Exploring top highlights around Tofino
Day 4: Day trip to the scenic community of Ucluelet
Day 5: Additional time in Tofino including wildlife viewing, water taxis, and hiking trails
Day 6: Drive from Tofino to Port Renfrew along the coast
Day 7: Port Renfrew sights
Day 8: Victoria suburb of Sooke
Day 9: Victoria city and attractions
Day 10: Final day in Victoria before returning home
With two full weeks on Vancouver Island, follow the proposed 10 day itinerary above and add three extra days North of Nanaimo, as well as one more day on Salt Spring Island. Here’s a guide to highly recommended activities in Campbell River.
Fourteenth Day: Arrival in Victoria city and travel to Salt Spring Island
Second Day: Activities on Salt Spring Island
Third Day: Road trip beginning in Campbell River
Fourth Day: Time in Campbell River
Fifth Day: More of Campbell River
Sixth Day: Journey from Campbell River to Tofino
Seventh Day: Exploration of highlights in Tofino
Eighth Day: Day trip to the beautiful location of Ucluelet
Ninth Day: Additional time in Tofino with wildlife viewing, water taxis, and hiking
Tenth Day: Travel from Tofino to Port Renfrew by road
Eleventh Day: Port Renfrew
Twelfth Day: Sooke
Thirteenth Day: Victoria
Fourteenth Day: Victoria & departure
At the airport, if you’re like myself, you’ll likely be making plans to return to British Columbia. It’s such an amazing place to explore, particularly if you enjoy the outdoors. One week is enough to get a taste for it, but you’ll need a lifetime to fully experience it.
Be sure to check out our other Canada posts to aid you in planning the perfect Canadian adventure.
- Locating Gluten Free Options in Vancouver, BC
- Finding Gluten Free Alternatives in Victoria, BC
- Lodging Options in Vancouver, BC
- Top Weekend Escapes from Vancouver, BC
- A Complete Weekend Schedule in Vancouver
- A Full Canadian Rockies Road Trip Agenda
- Top Hiking Routes in Banff
- A 3 Day Program in Banff
- Gluten Free Dining in Banff
- Accommodations in Jasper
