Vancouver Island Road Trip Guide: Tofino, Cowichan & Beyond

A Vancouver Island road trip doesn’t begin and end with Victoria or Nanaimo.

Beyond those urban hubs lies a coastline carved by storms, forests older than cities, and communities where time slows down. Whether you’re after surfing in Tofino, wine tasting in Cowichan, or enjoying eco-adventures on the North Island, this place delivers.

And the best way to see it all? Get in the car and start driving.

Why Take a Road Trip to Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island is huge. Way bigger than most first-timers expect. It has surf towns, ancient forests, sleepy valleys with wineries, and pockets of wild that feel far from the mainland’s city buzz.

It’s not just about beaches or rainforest trails—it’s about the mix of it all. The quiet towns. The winding roads. The ocean that never leaves your side.

• ✅ Wild coastlines and peaceful beaches. Think Long Beach in Tofino or the driftwood-strewn shores near Parksville.
• ✅ Small-town charm. Places like Cowichan Valley are packed with local farms, cider houses, and cafes that don’t try too hard.
• ✅ Epic road trip views. Highway 4 cuts through rainforest mountains. Highway 19A hugs the ocean.
• ✅ Outdoor adventures everywhere. Surfing, kayaking, caving, hiking—you won’t be bored, even if you try.
• ✅ Local food that actually delivers. From salmon tacos in Tofino to fresh oysters in Fanny Bay or artisan cheeses in the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island is a foodie heaven.

This short trip is perfect for curious travellers, outdoor lovers, and anyone who just needs a break from city noise. It’s about 3–5 hours from Vancouver, depending on where you go, but it’s worth every second.

Why You Shouldn’t Take a Road Trip to Vancouver Island

• ❌ It’s not that fast. Between the ferry and driving, you’ll burn a good part of your first and last day getting there.
• ❌ You’ll need wheels: It’s difficult to navigate beyond the major centres without a vehicle.

If your idea of a weekend is zero logistics and max relaxation, this one might take a little more effort. But even then—it pays off fast.

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🔎 Vancouver Island Road Trip Destinations

Most people are quite familiar with Victoria and Nanaimo, so for the purposes of this article, let’s explore the island a little deeper.

• Tofino: A rugged surf town with laid-back vibes and serious scenery. Whale watching, wild beaches, and amazing food.
• Cowichan Valley: Rolling farmland, Indigenous art galleries, and vineyards hidden among cedar trees.
• Comox & Courtenay: Small towns with ocean access, mountain views, and cozy cafes. You might spot sea lions while sipping your latte.
• Parksville & Qualicum Beach: A relaxed beach and resort area on the island’s east coast.
• Port Hardy & the North Island: A raw, remote part of the island with untouched beauty and incredible wildlife.
• Ucluelet: Tofino’s quieter cousin. Storm watching, hiking the Wild Pacific Trail, and great seafood.
• Cathedral Grove: A grove of ancient Douglas firs—some older than Canada itself. Feels like a slice of prehistoric wilderness.

⛴️ Still looking to hit Victoria? I can’t blame you; I love it, too. Check out our 27 Best Things to Do Victoria to fill out your weekend itinerary.

📋 Vancouver Island Must Sees

Tofino: Surf, Sand, and Seriously Good Food

There’s a reason Tofino has become synonymous with west coast cool. Nestled on the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this laid-back surf town draws wave-chasers, storm-watchers, and food lovers alike.

Long Beach stretches on for miles, making it the perfect place to learn how to surf—or just soak up the salty air. After a morning on the water, you can warm up with local fish tacos, sip ethically roasted coffee, or go all out with a reservation at one of Tofino’s many acclaimed restaurants.

And if you’ve never experienced a rainforest walk that ends in ocean views, a trip to Tofino is where you start.

Cowichan Valley: Wine, Views, and Small-Town Charm

South of Nanaimo and just north of Victoria lies the Cowichan Valley, a warm, fertile stretch of rolling vineyards, riverside trails, and artisan communities. It’s the kind of place where you’ll lose track of time hopping between Cowichan wine tours, sampling local cheeses, or stumbling upon handmade goods in Quw’utsun’ villages and roadside markets.

Don’t skip the Malahat SkyWalk, a soaring spiral tower with sweeping views of the Saanich Inlet. It’s wheelchair-accessible and absolutely photo-worthy.

The region is known as Vancouver Island’s Napa Valley, so it’s a slow-travel paradise—perfect for a sunny afternoon or an indulgent overnight stay.

The North Island: Wild and Remote Ecotourism

If you’re craving solitude and natural spectacle, the North Island is where the road gets real. Here, the towns are smaller, the trees taller, and the wildlife encounters unforgettable.

Places like Telegraph Cove and Port Hardy serve as launchpads for kayaking adventures, whale watching tours, and backcountry hikes where you’ll hear more eagles than engines.

You can paddle alongside orcas, spot bears on the shoreline, or simply sit at the edge of the world and listen to the wind through the trees.

It’s rugged, it’s raw, and it’s a must-see for anyone serious about BC’s untamed side.

🥇 Best Thing to Do on a Road Trip to Vancouver Island

If I had to pick just one, I’d say Tofino is worth the trek. It’s like nowhere else. You can sit on a beach surrounded by rainforest and watch surfers ride waves framed by misty mountains.

Other standouts? Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait. Sipping pinot gris in the Cowichan Valley. Hiking the West Coast Trail on the rugged west coast.

📋 The Perfect Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary (Excluding Victoria & Nanaimo)

I’ve included a 4 day Vancouver Island road trip below to simulate a prospective long weekend trip. However, due to the island’s diversity of landscapes, activities, and attractions, I’d encourage you to spend longer—if you have the time.

Day 1
Catch an early ferry to Nanaimo.
Drive to Parksville, stopping for lunch in Cedars Restaurant.
Explore Rathtrevor Beach and relax.
Overnight in Parksville or Qualicum Beach.

Day 2
Head west to Tofino, stopping at Cathedral Grove and Wally Creek for photos.
Arrive mid-afternoon. Walk Long Beach or Chesterman Beach before dinner.
Overnight in Tofino.

Day 3
Breakfast in Tofino, then hike the Rainforest Trail or surf.
Check out the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery or hit up the Hot Springs. Dinner at Wolf in the Fog.
Overnight in Tofino.

Day 4
Drive south to Cowichan Valley.
Lunch at Blue Grouse Estate Winery, then visit the Malahat Skywalk.
Catch a ferry home via Victoria or drive back up to Nanaimo.
Arrive in Vancouver by evening.

🚀 How to Get to Vancouver Island

Victoria and Nanaimo are the primary ports of entry from Vancouver. Both cities are well-connected via the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals and the Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Base.

A trip from Vancouver to Victoria is preferable if you’re looking to spend some time in the capital. But otherwise, I’d suggest heading to Nanaimo, owing to its central island location.

This will give you better access to Tofino, Ucluelet, the Comox Valley, and the North Island.

• 🚗 By Car: About 4–5 hours, including the ferry. Budget around $120–150 total (fuel + BC Ferries).
• 🚌 By Bus: Around 5–6 hours via the BC Ferries Connector. Expect to pay about $100 one way.
• ✈️ By Seaplane: Harbour Air offers seaplane service to Victoria and Nanaimo, from $200 one-way.
• ⛴️ By Ferry: About 1.5–2 hours crossing. $18 per person + $70+ for a car. BC Ferries info here.
• 🧭 Guided Tour: Prices vary. Some multi-day packages cover Tofino, Cowichan, and the west coast with all transport and lodging.

👩🏻‍🎓 Learn more: Our guides to the Victoria Seaplane, Nanaimo Seaplane, Tofino Seaplane, Vancouver to Victoria ferry, and Vancouver to Victoria bus cover travel to and from Vancouver Island in more depth.

😎 Easiest Way to Do a Vancouver Island Road Trip

Driving’s the way to go.

I’ve done this trip by bus and even once by a patchwork of ride shares and local transit. It works—but it eats your time and limits where you can go.

With a car, you’re free to hit the less touristy spots, like swimming the Sooke Potholes, kayaking the Johnstone Strait, or pulling over at every bakery that catches your eye.

If you don’t drive, a guided tour is your next best bet. They handle the planning, and you can just chill and enjoy the view.

If you’d prefer to rent a vehicle, you can price out your Vancouver Island road trip using the widget below:

🙋 Is a Road Trip to Vancouver Island Worth It? My Experience

Every time I’ve gone, I’ve left feeling like I barely scratched the surface.

The first time I took a road trip beyond Victoria, I spent most of it in Tofino. I remember standing on Chesterman Beach during sunset, wind in my face, and not a single noise except the surf. It’s weirdly peaceful in a way I didn’t expect.

On another trip, after a couple of nights in Victoria, I went inland to the Cowichan Valley. I hit up the stunning Malahat Skywalk, then stopped at a roadside cider house and got talking with the owner for an hour about apples. The drink was great, but the chat made the stop memorable.

On another occasion, I went up island to explore the Johnstone Strait. We spent the weekend kayaking, whale watching and checking out off-the-radar spots like Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, and Sointula.

On the island, the opportunities are endless.

My tip? Don’t over-plan it. Leave space in your day to pull over or follow a sign that looks interesting.

One thing I’d skip? Rushing to do Tofino in one day. This coastal gem is deserving of more time.

Vancouver Island doesn’t wow you with flash. It sneaks up on you with quiet places and small moments that stick. That’s what makes it worth it.

Vancouver Island Roadtrip FAQ

How do I take a day trip to Vancouver Island from Vancouver?
Catch a ferry from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay to either Victoria or Nanaimo, then drive or join a tour to explore from there.

What’s the best time of year for a road trip to Vancouver Island?
Late spring through early fall. July and September are my personal favourites—fewer crowds but great weather.

Can I do a road trip to Vancouver Island without a car?
Yes, but it’s trickier. Bus connections work, but you’ll miss some of the island’s best out-of-the-way spots.

Are there any hidden costs to be aware of?
Ferry prices can add up—especially if you bring a car. Budget for fuel and food stops too.

What should I pack for a road trip to Vancouver Island?
Layers, even in summer. Good walking shoes, a rain jacket, and snacks for longer stretches without services.