Vancouver Island: Rainforest, Surf and Wilderness
Vancouver Island is one of those rare places that has everything: surf beaches and old-growth rainforest on the wild west coast, a refined capital city in Victoria, whale-filled waters, and barely-touched wilderness in the north. It's big — 460 km long — but the roads are good and a campervan unlocks all of it.
This guide covers the ferry, the best stops and a suggested itinerary for a 7–10 day loop.
💡 Tip: Pick up your van in Vancouver, drive it onto the BC Ferries sailing, and you're on the island in 90 minutes. Compare van hire from Vancouver on CamperCompare.
Suggested Itinerary
| Stage | Nights | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 1–2 | Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens, orcas |
| Cowichan Valley | 1 | Wineries, farm-to-table food |
| Tofino & Ucluelet | 2–3 | Surf, Wild Pacific Trail, hot springs |
| Comox Valley | 1 | Ski hill, Strathcona Park |
| Campbell River / north | 1–2 | Salmon fishing, whale watching |
Victoria
BC's charming capital sits at the island's southern tip. Walk the Inner Harbour, tour the Butchart Gardens, and book a whale-watching trip to see resident orcas. Victoria has a milder climate than Vancouver and a walkable downtown with excellent food. Camp at Goldstream Provincial Park (20 minutes north) for rainforest and salmon runs.
Tofino & the West Coast
The drive across the island to Tofino is an adventure in itself — the road climbs through towering old-growth at Cathedral Grove before crossing the mountains to the Pacific. Tofino is the surfing capital of Canada, with long sandy beaches, world-class restaurants and a rainforest backdrop. The Wild Pacific Trail in nearby Ucluelet is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in BC. Camp at Green Point in Pacific Rim National Park for a front-row surf beach.
The North Island
For travellers with more time, continue north through the Comox Valley and Campbell River to the wilder, less-touristed north. Port Hardy is the jumping-off point for the Inside Passage ferry to Prince Rupert — a bucket-list voyage through coastal wilderness.
Tips for Vancouver Island
Book the Ferry Early
BC Ferries (bcferries.com) is essential. Book ahead in summer, especially for larger vehicles — campervans fill the vehicle deck fast. The Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay route is busiest on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
Weather on the West Coast
Tofino gets a lot of rain — even in summer, bring layers and waterproof gear. The east coast of the island is noticeably drier. Embrace the west coast's moody beauty; storm watching in shoulder season is legendary.
Combine With the Mainland
A two-week trip combining Vancouver Island with the Sea to Sky Highway or the Okanagan Valley makes for the ultimate BC summer road trip.
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