Adventure Routes
Start with a route. End with a story.
Not sure where to go? We’ve mapped out the good stuff for you.
These are our go-to Vancouver Island road trips, the kind you’d get from a local friend who’s done them all. Think scenic pull-offs, hidden beaches, forest swims, and just enough structure to keep things easy without killing the adventure.
Pick a route, follow it loosely, take a few detours, and let the Island do its thing. That’s usually when the best moments happen anyway.
Explore RoutesNew Adventure Route
The Spirit Loop
A 4-night Vancouver Island road trip packed with warm lakes, wild beaches, old-growth forest, hidden waterfalls, tidal pools, and one very happy Westy.
Start at Base Camp in Mill Bay, roll west through Lake Cowichan and Port Renfrew, slow down along the Juan de Fuca coast, then loop back through Sooke, Goldstream, and the Malahat. It’s adventurous without being overwhelming, our favourite kind of road trip.
Plan This Trip
ISLAND HOPPER
Explore the Gulf Islands and San Juan archipelago in a classic camper van! Ride ferries through the Salish Sea from Lopez Island to Salt Spring Island, where winding summer roads are perfect for frequent stops. Travellers twist between hamlets where stopping and continuing either by horse or bicycle is a recommended way to experience the incredible biodiversity of this region. Local summer markets and a truly-island vibe make this route a fan favorite.
SALT SPRING ISLAND — HORNBY ISLAND — QUADRA ISLAND — CORTES ISLAND
WEST COAST GETAWAY
This route makes stops at iconic natural landmarks like the Juan De Fuca Trail and Clayoquot Plateau Provincial Park, where travellers can experience giant Douglas-fir forests and the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest aboard a classic camper van!
Look for our friends at Pacific Surf School for your surfing rental needs and a 10% discount on Surf Lessons!
SOOKE — FRENCH BEACH — PORT RENFREW — LAKE COWICHAN — TOFINO
WEST COAST BACK ROADS
Buckle-up it's a bumpy ride. This route starts along the iconic Juan De Fuca Trail, and once in Port Renfrew a Burger at the Coastal Kitchen Cafe is recommended before the fun begins. Follow the maps to Nitinat Provincial Park, Pachena Bay, and Bamfield, all located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Hike sections of the West Coast Trail and catch parts of the Island seldom seen. Once in Tofino look for our friends at Pacific Surf School for your surfing rental needs and a 10% discount on Surf Lessons!
PORT RENFREW — LAKE COWICHAN — BAMFIELD — PORT ALBERNI — TOFINO & UCLEULET
SOUTH COAST LOOP
If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, this route is perfect for you. You'll get to explore the stunning scenery of the Juan De Fuca Trail, a 47-kilometer hiking trail along the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island. Along the way, you'll stop at some of the most iconic natural landmarks, such as Mystic Beach, Sombrio Beach, and Botanical Beach. You'll be amazed by the diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforest to rocky tide pools. And you'll have the best views of the Salish Sea and the Olympic Mountain range from the comfort of your classic camper van.
SOOKE — PORT RENFREW — JUAN DE FUCA — SALTSPRING ISLAND
NORTH ISLAND GETAWAY
Discover the North Island of Vancouver Island, a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Start your journey in Campbell River, renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing and the chance to swim with these magnificent fish. Venture to Gold River to experience stunning snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests. In Telegraph Cove, enjoy calm waters perfect for fishing and whale watching, especially during the salmon run in June and July. Finally, reach Port Hardy at the island’s northern tip, where challenging trails like Cape Scott and San Josef Bay offer breathtaking hikes through old-growth forests and diverse wildlife.
CAMPBELL RIVER — GOLD RIVER — TELEGRAPH COVE — PORT HARDY
Keep exploring
Not ready to stop planning?
There’s a lot more out there, and honestly, that’s kind of the point.
If you want even more ideas, local events, or a few extra hidden gems along the way, Tourism Cowichan has some great curated guides to help you go deeper into the region. Think of it as your bonus layer of adventure.