Day 1: Whistler to Ucluelet (288 km)
Dear Diary,
Today marks the beginning of our epic 16-day road trip on Vancouver Island! We picked up our cozy campervan in Whistler from TryVanLife and packed it with all our essentials. We started our journey early, catching the sunrise as we drove south along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. The views of Howe Sound were simply breathtaking.
We arrived at Horseshoe Bay in the morning and boarded the BC Ferry to Nanaimo. The ferry ride with BC Ferries was spectacular, offering stunning views of the coastal mountains and the possibility of spotting some marine life.
Once in Nanaimo, we drove west towards Ucluelet. The drive along Highway 4 was a winding journey through lush forests and past pristine lakes. We arrived in Ucluelet by late afternoon and checked into our campsite at the Ucluelet Campground.
We spent the evening exploring the Wild Pacific Trail. The rugged coastline and the sound of crashing waves were incredibly invigorating. Dinner was a simple yet delicious meal cooked in our campervan, followed by a cozy night under the stars.
Day 2-4: Exploring Ucluelet and Surroundings
We dedicated three full days to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Ucluelet and its surroundings. On the first day, we went kayaking with Majestic Ocean Kayaking in the serene waters of the Ucluelet Inlet. The calm waters made for an enjoyable paddle, and we even spotted some seals!
The next day, we visited the Ucluelet Aquarium, a unique catch-and-release aquarium showcasing local marine life. In the afternoon, we took a whale-watching tour with Subtidal Adventures and were thrilled to see several gray whales and orcas.
On our final day in Ucluelet, we hiked the Bog Trail, a lesser-known but beautiful trail offering a unique look at the region's bog ecosystem. In the evenings, we savored fresh seafood at Norwoods Restaurant and took peaceful walks along the beach, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Day 5-10: Surfing and Exploring Tofino and Surroundings (40 km)
Today, we made the short drive from Ucluelet to Tofino. The road took us through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where we made several stops to explore its beautiful beaches and rainforests. We visited the lesser-known Florencia Bay and Halfmoon Bay, enjoying the solitude and stunning natural beauty.
We set up camp at the Bella Pacifica Campground in Tofino, right by the beach. We spent the next six days fully exploring Tofino and its surroundings, with a focus on surfing and beach activities.
On the first day, we took a boat tour to Hot Springs Cove with Ocean Outfitters. The journey through the Clayoquot Sound was stunning, and soaking in the natural hot springs was pure bliss.
The following day, we explored the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve more thoroughly, hiking the Rainforest Trail and Long Beach. We also visited the secret Tonquin Beach, a hidden gem known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful views.
The next few days were dedicated to surfing. We took multiple lessons with Surf Sister Surf School at Cox Bay. The waves were perfect for beginners, and by the end of our stay, we felt much more confident on our boards. We also explored Chesterman Beach and Mackenzie Beach, both popular surf spots with stunning views.
In addition to surfing, we visited the beautiful Schooner Cove and Radar Hill. Schooner Cove offered a peaceful retreat with its quiet beaches and clear waters, while Radar Hill provided panoramic views of the surrounding area.
On our last day in Tofino, we went on a bear-watching tour with Jamie's Whaling Station. We saw several black bears foraging along the shoreline, an unforgettable experience. In the evening, we treated ourselves to a gourmet dinner at Wolf in the Fog, savoring the fresh, local flavors.
Day 11: Tofino to Comox Valley (187 km)
We said goodbye to Tofino this morning and headed east towards Comox Valley. The drive was scenic, with views of mountains and forests. We arrived in Comox Valley in the afternoon and set up camp at Seal Bay RV Park.
After settling in, we visited Goose Spit Park for a relaxing beach walk. The views were spectacular, and we even caught sight of some seals. Dinner was a delicious meal at Locals Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table cuisine.
Day 12-13: Exploring Comox Valley
We dedicated two days to exploring Comox Valley. On the first day, we hiked in Strathcona Provincial Park, taking the Paradise Meadows trail. The alpine scenery and vibrant wildflowers were stunning.
The next day, we visited the Comox Valley Farmers' Market and sampled some local delicacies. In the afternoon, we explored the Cumberland Forest, a beautiful area with lush trails and historical sites. Dinner was at Atlas Cafe in Courtenay, where we enjoyed a diverse menu featuring local ingredients.
Day 14: Comox Valley to Victoria (223 km)
Today, we headed south to Victoria. The drive along Highway 19 and then Highway 1 was smooth, with beautiful coastal views along the way. We arrived in Victoria in the early afternoon and set up camp at the Fort Victoria RV Park.
We spent the afternoon exploring the Inner Harbour. We visited the Royal BC Museum and enjoyed high tea at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Dinner was at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe, where we savored their creative, healthy dishes.
Day 15: Exploring Victoria
Victoria is a city full of charm and history. We started our day with a visit to Butchart Gardens, where we spent the morning wandering through its stunning floral displays. In the afternoon, we took a whale-watching tour with Prince of Whales and were lucky to see several orcas.
We ended the day with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle, an impressive historic mansion. Dinner was at Il Terrazzo, a beloved Italian restaurant in the heart of the city.
Day 16: Victoria to Nanaimo (111 km) and Ferry to Horseshoe Bay
The final day of our road trip! We set out early, driving north on Highway 1 back to Nanaimo. The drive was scenic, with beautiful coastal views along the way. We arrived in Nanaimo by late morning and explored the Nanaimo Waterfront. We enjoyed lunch at The Nest Bistro, known for its delicious local fare.
In the afternoon, we boarded the BC Ferry back to Horseshoe Bay. The ferry ride was a perfect way to reflect on our incredible 16-day journey. We are grateful for the unforgettable experiences and the stunning places we visited.
This road trip has been the adventure of a lifetime, and we can't wait to plan our next campervan journey!
Tips for Fellow Travelers:
- Plan Ahead: Reserve campsites and ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Pack Wisely: Bring versatile clothing, cooking essentials, and outdoor gear.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared for changing weather and have backup plans.
- Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of wildlife.
- Savor Every Moment: Take your time to explore and enjoy each destination.