5 Must-Do Vancouver Island Road Trips for Your Next Adventure
Vancouver Island is a beautiful year-round destination, famed for its breathtaking scenery, lively cities and charming towns. If you’re planning a road trip to explore Vancouver Island, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the five must-do road trips that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes and charming towns on the island.
1. Pacific Rim Highway
The first road trip we recommend is the Pacific Rim Highway. This journey will take you through the rugged beauty of the island’s west coast. You’ll start in the picturesque town of Port Alberni and drive through the Pacific Rim National Park. The park boasts endless stretches of pristine beaches, perfect for surfing, sunbathing or just relaxing. You’ll be able to spot gray whales, sea lions and even bald eagles along the way.
2. Comox Valley and Campbell River
The second road trip on our list is the Comox Valley and Campbell River drive. This 200-kilometer scenic journey will take you through charming towns, lush green forests, and crystal-clear lakes. In Comox, you’ll see the picture-perfect views of Comox Glacier. Near Campbell River, you’ll visit Strathcona Provincial Park, which offers a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
3. Victoria to Cowichan Valley
Our third road trip starts in British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, and takes you to the Cowichan Valley. En route, you’ll see the majestic Butchart Gardens, the idyllic town of Sidney, and numerous wineries, farms and orchards. In the Cowichan Valley, there are lots of opportunities to try locally grown produce, as well as hike through old growth forests.
4. North Island and Telegraph Cove
The fourth road trip we recommend will take you through the north of the island. Drive from Campbell River to Telegraph Cove to see some of the island’s most stunning wildlife, including black bears, orcas, and humpback whales. Along the way, stop in Port Hardy and hike along the wilderness trails in Cape Scott Provincial Park.
5. Nanaimo to Tofino
Last but not least is the scenic drive from Nanaimo to Tofino. This 300-kilometer journey takes you along the coast, passing through quaint seaside towns, such as Parksville and Qualicum Beach. You’ll also drive through the old-growth forests of MacMillan Provincial Park. Finally, you’ll end your road trip in Tofino, a surfing mecca with a relaxed hippie vibe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vancouver Island is a mecca for road trippers and adventurers alike. The island has everything from rugged coastlines to old-growth forests and charming towns. By taking one or all of the five road trips on this list, you’ll experience the best of what Vancouver Island has to offer. Just don’t forget to bring your camera!
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