This quick trip gets you into the wilderness and wild coastline of Vancouver Island and is only a short drive away from Victoria. After exploring a number of beautiful beaches at the start, you'll overnight in Port Renfrew, known for being the jumping-off point of the famous West Coast Trail. From there, veer north through some of the island's tallest trees before circling back through the vineyards and lakes just north of Victoria.
Starting and ending in Victoria, this loop follows the southern coastline of Vancouver Island before veering north through old-growth rainforest accessed by former logging roads. The reward? Countless remote beaches, some of the largest trees on the island, and numerous great hiking trails. This is the perfect itinerary for getting off the beaten path in a short amount of time.
With 20 days, get ready for a true adventure into the remote and sparsely populated landscape of the Chilcotin Plateau and Great Bear Rainforest. After taking the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway north into Gold Rush Country, you'll veer west on Highway 20 for one of the most memorable drives of your life. Here, the frontier spirit converges with one of the best-preserved and most densely populated wildlife habitats of the Pacific Northwest. Finally, end your trip at one of the cozy coastal lodges along the Pacific Rim on Vancouver Island.
Explore the diverse landscapes of Vancouver Island where you can easily spend days hiking through the backcountry, paddling endless coastline, or relaxing at cozy retreats next to the beach. You'll pass through prime wildlife viewing habitat and have plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and sea kayaking. This is a great route for those looking to experience all that Vancouver Island has to offer without feeling rushed.
This short road trip takes you off the beaten path to explore Vancouver Island's southern coastline, following former logging roads that have recently been paved. You'll have short drives each day so you can spend more time exploring nature—old-growth rainforests, remote beaches, hiking trails, as well as smaller historical communities.
This itinerary includes two of Vancouver Island's best wildlife viewing locations as well as a diverse range of landscapes—from islands to rugged mountains to coastal rainforest. You'll have ample time to explore by paddle and by foot and to relax in cozy lodges perched along the coast. Finally, end your trip in Victoria before heading back to Vancouver for your departure.
If you love local markets, laid-back island charm, as well as outdoor adventure, this itinerary combines the best of both worlds. First, you'll head to Salt Spring Island (imagine Matha's Vineyard meets the Pacific Coast) where you'll stay in a beautiful B&B and check out the local art galleries, orchards, and wineries. After Salt Spring, head to the Pacific Rim, a wild stretch of coastline interspersed with beaches and backed by coastal rainforest along Vancouver Island's eastern shore. Here, spend your days sea kayaking, hiking, and exploring the coastline.
On this 11-day itinerary, you'll explore the alpine lakes and dramatic peaks of the Coastal Range, the old-growth rainforests of Vancouver Island, and the rough-and-tumble shoreline of the Pacific Rim. Start with two nights in Vancouver before dedicating a week to the outdoors on Vancouver Island where you can go whale watching, stroll driftwood-strewn beaches, and take in the Victorian-era architecture of the province's capital.
Explore the best of British Columbia's coastline by car and ferry on this 11-day road trip. Starting in Vancouver, head to the Sunshine Coast to explore the fjords, beaches, and seaside communities before ending your trip with three days along Vancouver Island's rugged Pacific Rim. This itinerary is a great way to combine outdoor adventure while exploring local culture and maritime history.
Visit two of the most popular destinations along coastal British Columbia—the alpine paradise around Whistler and the dramatic storm-swept coastline of Tofino and the Pacific Rim. You'll by following the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler before taking the ferry to Vancouver Island. On the island, spend three days exploring the coast by foot and by kayak before visiting Victoria, British Columbia's provincial capital.
Starting and ending in Vancouver, this road trip takes you to the rugged coastline of Pacific Rim National Park. Base yourself in a wilderness lodge or cozy B&B along the coast and spend three days exploring the beaches and rainforest around Tofino and Ucluelet as well as the remote islands of Clayoquot Sound. This trip is ideal for those looking to combine beautiful coastline with outdoor adventure.
Spend a week combining the urban highlights of Vancouver and Victoria with the rugged wilderness of the Pacific Rim National Park. This itinerary takes you by car and ferry to the west coast of Vancouver Island, famous for its coastal rainforest, whale watching, and access to some of the most rugged and magical coastline in Canada. Relax in a lodge by the beach and choose from a wide range of adventures each day.
Follow this 12-day road trip through British Columbia's Coast Mountains and Vancouver Island. Starting with three days in Vancouver, you'll drive the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler before crossing the Strait of Georgia to Pacific Rim National Park. Look for whales off the coast of Tofino, surf at Chesterman Beach, and pick up a hiking trail through ancient rainforest to the wave-whipped Pacific Coast.
Follow the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the resort town of Whistler, your base for two days of outdoor adventure. Explore nearby alpine lakes and mountains by day and enjoy great local restaurants and spas by night. After you've had your taste of the mountains, sail to Vancouver Island for two more nights along the windswept coastline around Tofino, surrounded by coastal rainforest. Finally, head to Victoria for your last night in the city.
With 10 days, you'll have plenty of time to explore the mountains around Whistler and the rugged coastline of the Pacific Rim on Vancouver Island. Starting in Vancouver, follow the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler where you'll base yourself for a few days. From there, take the ferry to Vancouver Island where you can hike, sea kayak, or take day adventures to remote islands and hot springs. Finally, wrap up your adventure in the provincial capital of Victoria.
This route is the perfect introduction to British Columbia’s west coast, combining ocean-based activities with rugged mountain trails and vibrant coastal communities. Starting and ending in Vancouver, you'll wind your way by car and ferry along the Sunshine Coast before crossing over to Vancouver Island. From there, you'll base yourself in the two beautiful nature reserves of Strathcona Provincial Park and the Pacific Rim.
With two weeks, take your time as you explore the most beautiful spots along the southern coast of British Columbia. Starting with the seaside communities of the Sunshine Coast, you'll wind your way through hidden coves and inlets over to Vancouver Island. Here, you'll divide the remainder of your time between two outdoor paradises—the mountainous Strathcona Provincial Park and the storm-swept coastline of the Pacific Rim.
Starting and ending in Vancouver, you'll follow a coastal circle route through the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island that focuses on the best outdoor adventures and most idyllic communities. On the Sunshine Coast, you'll find relaxed communities with great breweries and restaurants, while on Vancouver Island you'll end your adventure by exploring the remote islands and temperate rainforest of the Pacific Rim.
Get a taste of Vancouver before heading to the rugged coastline of the Pacific Rim National Park. Here, you'll be surrounded by coastal rainforest and beautiful coastline with ample time to explore. Head off on a sea kayaking adventure, spot whales, and enjoy some of Canada's best cuisine in Ucluelet and Tofino. Finally, stop to explore Victoria before heading home.
Experience the wild coastline of Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim. With three full days to explore the park, you can make day trips to remote islands or simply relax on the beach, sticking to the coastal trails. You'll also have a few days to experience Victoria and Vancouver's urban scene, great restaurants, and local shops.
