How many days do I need on Vancouver Island?
We think two weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend on a Vancouver Island Road Trip. During this time, you can do everything a 5-day trip would experience and MORE. You will have more time to take longer hikes and reach farther places, exploring more parts of the island!
How long does it take to drive all of Vancouver Island?
It takes about 6 hours to drive straight through from one end of the island to the other, and about 3 hours to drive across at the widest point. You need to allow for travel time on the island, which limits how many stops you can reasonably make.
Where can I base myself on Vancouver Island?
You’ll base yourself in four main locations: Desolation Sound, Strathcona Park, the Pacific Rim, and Salt Spring Island. Activities range from sea kayaking to waterfalls hikes to exploring the galleries and farmers’ markets of Salt Spring Island.
How do I spend 2 days in Victoria BC?
2 Days in Downtown Victoria B.C.
- Jam Cafe. Start your day on this beautiful island off right with a delicious and hearty breakfast at Jam Café.
- Market Square.
- Harbor Walk.
- Red Fish Blue Fish.
- Explore the Streets.
- Butchart Gardens.
- Yates Street Taphouse.
- Ocean Island Inn.
Do you need a car on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island offers one of the best places in Canada to travel and see a large area without needing a car. Reduce your carbon imprint by moving by foot, mass transit or bike to compensate for the flight to get here. Save money at the same time.
Can you drive from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
Victoria is on Vancouver Island, 107 kilometres (76 miles) southwest of Vancouver. The trip by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, takes approximately 4 hours each way from downtown Vancouver.
Is Nanaimo worth visiting?
With a revitalized downtown core, Nanaimo offers a plethora of unique shopping and dining options, great trails, and unique attractions that will please any history buff. I am here to show you that Nanaimo is more than worth the stop!
What is the nicest part of Vancouver Island?
Top places to visit on Vancouver Island
- Tofino. This surf town on the island’s West Coast is a real little gem.
- Victoria. Victoria is Vancouver Island’s largest city and is also the capital of British Columbia.
- Hot Springs Cove.
- Pacific Rim National Park.
- Comox Valley.
- Gulf Islands.
- Chemainus – Cowichan Valley.
- Port Hardy.
How many days do you need in Tofino?
There are so many things to do in Tofino. A weekend (or 2 days) in Tofino is just the right amount of time to experience everything this laid-back surf town has to offer.
How many days do you need in Victoria Island?
We recommend you spend at least two days in Victoria, preferably three days if your itinerary allows it. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of things you should do on your next trip to Victoria.
What is the best time of year to visit Vancouver Island?
Best time to visit Vancouver Island
Anytime from mid-May to early October. Mid-September to October is best for witnessing the salmon run, though temperatures will likely be cooler. Rain is possible at any time of year, making the island a popular spot for storm watching.
How do you get around on Vancouver Island?
The best way to get around Victoria & Vancouver Island is by bike or car. Central Victoria – especially the Inner Harbour – can easily be explored on foot, while bike paths will lead you to less touristy neighborhoods.
How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
90 to 120 minutes
The crossing between Vancouver Island and the Mainland typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. Trips between Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast are are around 30 minutes.
Is it worth visiting Vancouver Island?
It is one of the best and most reliable places to get out and see black bears and whales in their natural environment. If you’re planning a holiday to Canada’s West Coast, make a little time in your itinerary for Vancouver Island and you won’t be disappointed. Read on to find out the best places to visit on the island.
How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Nanaimo?
90 minutes to two hours
The ferry crossings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay) and Vancouver Island (Victoria and Nanaimo) take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on which route you take.
What is Nanaimo known for?
Nanaimo’s most noted annual event is the “bathtub weekend” (during its Marine Festival), when “tubbers” from around the world race in motor-powered bathtubs from Nanaimo Harbour to Departure Bay. The Bastion, a HBC fort built in 1853, is the oldest preserved HBC fort in Canada.
What is the best time of year to go to Vancouver Island?
What is the best month to visit Tofino?
The best time to visit Tofino is June-July
Tofino can be visited year-round, but based on the ideal climate conditions, cost of travel, and avoiding peak holiday periods, June-July is the best time to go. In summer, temperatures can reach as high as 19℃ (66℉) in the middle of the day.
Is it worth going to Tofino?
We’ve been to Tofino many times and it’s always a charming place to visit. Whether it’s walking along the beach in the evening to witness some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country or hiking along the coast in beautiful lush rainforest, Tofino is one of our favourite places to visit in British Columbia.
How long is ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?
BC Ferries offers 90 minute sailings to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal from the Tsawwassen terminal, approximately 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver. Ferries run at least every two hours (at the top of the hour), increasing to hourly during peak season. These ferries take both vehicles and walk-on passengers.
When can you see bears on Vancouver Island?
Firstly, in Canada generally and on Vancouver Island the peak months for tourists are July and August, so by delaying your Canada wildlife holiday until September, you not only avoid the crowds and keep accommodation costs down, you also maximize your wildlife viewing and opportunities to see bears and whales.
Is it easy to get around Vancouver Island without a car?
✗ Don’t rent a car
Vancouver is tiny, difficult and expensive to park in, and easy to get around by foot, bike, or public transit, so a rental car is not the best way to explore the city. Only consider renting if and when you’re heading out of the city.
What is the best time to visit Vancouver Island?
What is the best time of year to visit Butchart Gardens?
Best time to go : The Butchart Gardens are open year-round. Each season brings its different flowers and charm. Peak season is July and August when the paths can be congested between 11am and 3pm. Best time to go is early morning or late afternoon.
What days are seniors free on BC Ferries?
B.C. seniors 65 or older, possessing either a BC Gold Carecard or a valid BC Services Card, receive a 100% discount on passenger fares Monday to Thursday, excluding statutory holidays on all routes, except the northern routes.