Vancouver Island Island-Hopping & West Coast

From Victoria via Salt Spring Island to Tofino, returning to Vancouver via the East Coast.

Enter the island by ferry, stay two nights in Victoria, spend a short stay on Salt Spring Island, head north along the east coast, pass through Cathedral Grove to Tofino on the west coast, and finally return to Nanaimo via Campbell River to cross the sea. This route adds the Gulf Islands and the northern part of the island to the conventional seven-day itinerary. With many ferries and marine activities, it is perfect for families and couples seeking a slow summer trip.

Summer is the most stable season for marine activities; the storm-watching season from November to March offers a different kind of appeal.

Day by day

Day 1 · Cross the Sea to Victoria

Victoria (British Columbia)（Butchart Gardens, Victoria、Inner Harbour & Fairmont Empress）

Take the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (approx. 95 minutes), then drive for about 40 minutes.

It is highly recommended to reserve vehicle ferry spots for summer weekends.

Stay: Inner Harbour and downtown

Day 2 · Victoria Downtown

Victoria (British Columbia)（Royal BC Museum、British Columbia Parliament Buildings、Victoria Chinatown & Fan Tan Alley、Victoria Whale Watching）

Focus on walking around the Inner Harbour; whale watching boats depart from the Inner Harbour wharf.

Whale watching takes about 3 hours and may be adjusted depending on sea conditions.

Stay: Inner Harbour and downtown

Day 3 · Ferry to Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island（Fulford Harbour、Ruckle Provincial Park、Ganges）

Take the ferry from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (approx. 35 minutes), then drive on the island for about 20 minutes.

Inter-island ferries cannot be reserved; line up early.

Stay: Ganges

Day 4 · Salt Spring Island Markets and Mountain Views

Salt Spring Island（Salt Spring Saturday Market、Salt Spring Island Cheese、Mount Maxwell Provincial Park）

Drive on the island; the trip from Ganges to Mount Maxwell takes about 30 minutes.

The Saturday Market runs from April to October; on other days, visit local studios instead.

Stay: Vesuvius Bay

Day 5 · Ferry and East Coast Drive to Parksville

Nanaimo（Chemainus Murals Town、Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway、Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park (Parksville)）

Take the ferry from Vesuvius to Crofton (approx. 25 minutes), then drive for about 1.5 hours.

Stay: Parksville

Day 6 · Through Ancient Forests to Tofino

Nanaimo（Coombs Old Country Market、Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park)） → Tofino & Pacific Rim（Long Beach、Chesterman Beach）

Drive along Highway 4 to Tofino (approx. 170 km, about 3 hours).

The mountain section of Highway 4 has many bends and may close temporarily due to rockfalls or high winds.

Stay: Tofino Town

Day 7 · Boat Trip to Hot Springs Cove

Tofino & Pacific Rim（Hot Springs Cove、Clayoquot Sound、Tofino Harbour）

Take a boat from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove (approx. 1.5 hours each way, about 6 hours total).

Trips may be canceled during poor sea conditions; book at least one week in advance.

Stay: Tofino Town

Day 8 · Rainforest Trail and Transfer to Campbell River

Tofino & Pacific Rim（Rainforest Trail） → Campbell River（Discovery Pier）

Drive from Tofino to Campbell River (approx. 300 km, about 3.5 hours).

Stay: Downtown Waterfront

Day 9 · Elk Falls and Return Ferry

Campbell River（Elk Falls Provincial Park & Suspension Bridge） → Vancouver

Drive south to Nanaimo (approx. 155 km), then take the ferry for about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Book the Departure Bay ferry in advance to avoid missing your sailing on the day.