Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about a Vancouver Island road trip: Exploring Victoria, Nanaimo & Tofino.
When people hear Vancouver Island, they often picture historic harbours, misty forests, quaint surf towns, and wild beaches… and that is exactly what the island delivers ! So whether you are drawn to the call of the whales, to the scent of cedar trees after the rain or the slow pace of island life, Vancouver Island has it all !
If you’re planning a Vancouver Island road trip, the best way to explore the island is exactly as it should be explored — through scenic coastal drives, quiet forest trails, and long beach walks after a stop at an oceanfront café. This guide follows the classic route from Vancouver to Tofino, travelling via Victoria and Nanaimo along the way.
Vancouver Island road trip: Exploring Victoria, Nanaimo & Tofino.
Contents
- Getting to Vancouver island
- Victoria
- Nanaimo
- Driving to the West coast
- Tofino
- Tips and tricks for visiting Vancouver Island
- Final Thoughts : A Vancouver Island Road Trip
1. Getting to Vancouver island
First of all is the question of getting to Vancouver Island. There are many ways, but the one most favoured is a ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. Other destinations on Vancouver Island include Nanaimo (Departure Bay and Duke Point) and Comox.
From Vancouver, you can also get a seaplane to Victoria, Nanaimo or even Tofino for a super speedy journey to the island !
You can also get there from Washington State, leaving from Port Angeles or Anacortes.
If you get the ferry, you will be treated to a view as scenic as those you can expect on the island, as you go through the Gulf Islands: dark blue water with clusters of rocks full of forests — and on a clear day, you can even see the impressive backdrop of distant mountains !
Pro Tip: The ferry can book up quickly, especially in summer. Reserve your spot online ahead of time, especially if you’re travelling with a car.
2. Victoria
Arriving in Victoria, the island’s capital, feels like stepping into a city that has a strong European feel, yet the laid-back vibe of any west coast Canadian town. The town is full of historic buildings, such as the BC Parliament Buildings where you can book for lunch in the Deputes Room, and the Royal BC Museum that is known for its outstanding exhibits on natural history and Canada’s colonial past.
If you want a bit more culture, you can visit Emily Carr’s house, where the famous painter and writer was born, and you can even step into the impressive Christ Church Cathedral if you like gothic-style architecture.
But in Victoria, there is so much to see outdoors as well, such as the impressive Butchart Gardens; Beacon Hill Park, the Inner Harbour, full of life and offering a scenic waterfront view, and of course, you must wander through Fisherman’s Wharf, where colourful floating homes and seafood stalls create a lively coastal vibe.
And for those who feel a bit more active, there are plenty of activities, including but not limited to whale watching tours, kayaking and paddle-boarding.
Pro Tip: Bring a book or picnic and linger in the Butchart gardens. It’s one of the best low-key spots in to simply relax.
3. Nanaimo
To get to Nanaimo from Victoria, it is about a 90-minute drive up Highway 1. If Victoria stands as the capital, Nanaimo can sometimes be overlooked or only remembered for the delicious bars that bear its name. But far from being just a ferry town, Nanaimo has much to offer, including a beautiful waterfront perfect for evening strolls. And just like in Victoria, there are plenty of little cafés and bookshops to stop at while you explore the city.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can hike to Ammonite Falls or even explore Newcastle Island Marine Park by kayak. For those who prefer calmer activities, you can just stroll along the Harbour front Promenade on your way to dinner.
Pro Tip : Try a classic Nanaimo bar at a local bakery — it’s a fun (and delicious) way to mark your visit.
4. Driving to the West coast
Driving to the west coast from Nanaimo will offer you one of Canada’s most breathtaking drives (and the competition is tough!). Highway 4 cuts through the heart of the island, twisting through mountains, lakes, and dense rainforest. There are multiple stops along the way that are worth a few minutes of your time, such as Cameron Lake and Cathedral Grove.
If you need to refuel along the way, make sure you stop at Port Alberni before the final stretch toward the coast, as the roads get winding from then onwards.
Pro Tip: Allow plenty of time for this drive. Between the scenery (and occasional roadworks), you’ll appreciate a more relaxed pace.
5.Tofino
No Vancouver Island itinerary is complete without Tofino — once a quiet fishing village, it has become one of Canada’s most beloved coastal retreats — a mix of surfers, artists, and travellers who mix and mingle there, at the edge of the continent.
The beaches are breathtaking, especially Long Beach, Chesterman, and Cox Bay which each stretch endlessly. The town is every surfer’s dream and if you don’t surf yet, Tofino might make you want to pick up a board and take a lesson. But even without going in the water, simply walking along one of the beaches at low tide is a sight to behold. As well as its beaches, the town has a lot to offer, from cosy cafés to local galleries and fantastic restaurants.
From Tofino, you can head over to the Hot Springs Cove, accessible only by boat or seaplane, or venture into the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Just south of Tofino, Ucluelet offers a quieter alternative with the same wild beauty.
And if you visit between March and October, keep an eye on the ocean: this is whale-watching season, when grey whales migrate along the coast.
Pro Tip: Tofino books up fast. Reserve accommodation early, especially during summer and whale-watching season.
6. Tips and tricks for visiting Vancouver Island
Finally, here are a few practical tips for making the most of your Vancouver Island road trip. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall, so from May to September, as these months offer the best weather.
In order to see each town as it should be, you should allow between 7 and 9 days for your trip. As for driving, roads are well-maintained but winding between Port Alberni and Tofino — drive carefully and plan for fuel stops.
Pro Tip: For summer trips, make ferry and hotel reservations early. Vancouver Island is extremely popular, and last-minute options can be limited.
Final Thoughts on
Vancouver Island road trip: Exploring Victoria, Nanaimo & Tofino.
Here you have it, an immersive journey through Vancouver Island, a place that is both welcoming and wild ! From the elegant streets of Victoria to the forested trails near Nanaimo, and the windswept beaches of Tofino, the island invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and savour every moment.
Whether it’s a quiet stroll along the shore, a paddle through calm waters, or simply breathing in the scent of cedar after the rain, Vancouver Island promises memories that linger long after you leave. Start planning your road trip today and discover the magic that makes this island one of Canada’s most unforgettable destinations.
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