Vancouver Island Ten Day Travel Itinerary
A ready-made itinerary for Vancouver Island
Orcas can be a common sight throughout VC Island’s waters | Jeroen Mikkers / Shutterstock
With lush temperature Pacific rainforests, rugged coastlines where it’s almost impossible not to see a whale breach, and sleepy towns plus a historic city to explore, Vancouver Island makes for an unforgettable adventure.
With this 10-day Vancouver Island itinerary, you’ll have enough time to explore it all, plus a day to see the city of Vancouver on the mainland. Let’s dive in!
Day One: Arriving in Vancouver
Vancouver (city) is the only real gateway to Vancouver Island, with the vast majority of visitors either arriving into or traversing through it. Therefore, the journey starts and ends here, but you can tweak your trip if you’re arriving from other local destinations.
First things first, getting from the airport. There are multiple ways to travel from Vancouver International to downtown. However, the easiest and fastest is the Vancouver Skytrain with its 3 high frequency lines connecting British Columbia and the city. Taking a taxi is a good option if you want to be delivered to your hotel lobby, but the Skytrain will give you the opportunity to soak in the elevated views of the city and get your bearings.
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Depending on when you arrive, dump your bags at the hotel and go explore – your legs will appreciate the stretch after having been in a 30” seat space unless you were lucky enough to arrive in style (business class – the dream!)
The seawall from Canada Place to English Bay is a beautiful 5km walk along the waterfront and takes in green spaces like Stanley Park, views of the North Shore mountains and local beaches.
Then grab dinner, get settled for the night and get ready for a full day of exploring in the morning!
Day Two: Exploring Vancouver
Vancouver’s skyline and marina | Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
Today is ‘go explore Vancouver day’. You may have walked through Stanley Park yesterday, but rent some bikes and do the full loop to appreciate this huge public park. Don’t miss the Stanley Park Train, water parks and plenty of places for picnics and a chill.
Then, SkyTrain or bus over to Granville Island where you can explore the Food Market and this Artisan District, known for its handmade crafts and unique gifts. Don’t leave without grabbing lunch at the Granville Food Market which is a foodies dream - local farm produce and food fresh from the ocean.
Maybe the whole trip shouldn’t revolve around food, but you will be totally spoilt in VC. If you can splurge then book St. Lawrence in advance, it is well worth it for French Canadian cuisine.
Another favourite is The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant which overlooks Granville Island, and a great way to end the day before heading to Vancouver Island.
Day Three: Taking the Ferry to Vancouver Island
The ferry that links Vancouver Island and Vancouver | Spiroview Inc / Shutterstock
To make the most of this trip, hire a car and head to Tsawwassen ferry terminal to the south of Vancouver. You’ll need to book in advance to ensure your space, so head to BC Ferries and select your dates.
The ferry whisks you straight to Duke Point ferry terminal in Nanaimo, which is on the SE coast of Vancouver Island, in a couple of hours or less. This is your entry point to this amazing Island.
Once you land you head towards Tofino, which is a good 3-4 hour drive. Having the flexibility of a car means you can stop enroute to take in Cathedral Grove for a forest walk and postcard views but if you are using public transport then a bus will take you to Tofino, just make sure you check out the bus timetable.
Assuming you’ve booked your accommodation, head there to dump the car and bags and head straight to the beach. Chesterman or Cox Bay are both close by and beautiful. Enjoy dinner and a beer and chat with the locals – enjoy!
Day Four: Bears Galore
Black bears are native to Vancouver Island | Mark Caunt / Shutterstock
Book a morning Vancouver Island bear-watching tour, where you can spot bears along the clam inlets and rocky headlands. You will hopefully get that Instagram shot of black bears foraging in the forest and perhaps playing in the shoreline. Get your cameras ready and long lenses at the double. The best season to see these incredible creatures is April through October. You might be lucky enough to see bald eagles, seals and porpoises along the way.
If you’re less into furry creatures, then Tofino offers Whale Watching as well. A truly epic experience to see grey whales and Orcas from either a family-friendly cruiser or, for the thrill seekers, a Zodiac.
Alternatively, hike the Tonquin Trail and lounge on Long Beach or watch surfers at Cox Bay.
Day Five: Winding the Wild Pacific Trail
The rugged coastline is best explored on the Wild Pacific Trail | Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock
Grab the car and head south to Ucluelet. Take in the Wild Pacific Trail and specifically the Lighthouse Loop which is a 3km walk over rugged coastline whilst you get covered in ocean spray. You get to take in views of Barkley Sound and Amphitrite Lighthouse. After any excerise you’ll need refreshments after so head to Zoe’s Bakery which is popular in Ucluelet
There is a small aquarium in Ucluelet open March to November which has rave reviews from families and visitors alike and is worth a visit in support of a local attraction. Depending on where you are staying the night, then Pluvio has an incredible menu using local ingredients.
Day Six: Drive Inland to Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park sits right in the middle of Vancouver Island and is the oldest park in British Columbia. The 25,000 hectares include glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain peaks. There’s an extensive network of trails for all levels of fitness, so even the once-a-year walking boot wearer can enjoy the scenery.
There is a long scenic drive to get here, so set off early from Ucluelet or Tofino in your rental and make sure you get fuel and supplies in Campbell River, as there is nothing in the park.
Plan in advance where you want to hike in the park and take into account the elements and time of year you are going — you don’t want to end up having to call Canadian emergency services because your sandal has fallen off the side of a mountain.
Your Day 7 hike is best accessed via Buttle Lake (via Highway 28) or Paradise Meadows (from Mount Washington and Highway 19), depending on which route you choose.
Day Seven: Hiking and Wilderness in Strathcona
Stratchona Provincial Park is remote, wild and beautiful | Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
From Buttle Lake there are various hikes ranging from a 3km to Upper Myra Falls to a longer 6km challenging trail to Crest Mountain. There is another option to rent a canoe and spend the day paddling on Buttle Lake, which sounds like a perfect tranquil day. You’ll have the lakes and mountains to yourself, no signal, busy cafes or people!
The trails advertised from Paradise Meadows are more accessible and include alpine meadows carpeted with flowers and sub alpine lakes with mountain vistas. Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed and you may even be thinking about how you extend your stay
Day Eight: Travel Day to Victoria
Your final long travel day takes you to the capital of Vancouver Island, Victoria. This will take approx 5 hours and you can choose either to take the inland highway (19) or the scenic route via Cowichan Bay and Duncan.
One place to stop is the Blue Grouse or Averill Creek wineries. They both produce cool climate wines and tastings are available (depending on who is driving)
You’ll arrive in Victoria late afternoon so settle into city life with a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner.
Day Nine: A Full Day in Victoria
Victory is a great place to explore the island’s colonial past | Marc Bruxelle / Shutterstock
Victoria has lots to offer as a city and you might enjoy the crowds after being in the wilderness for a few days. Explore Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley and the shops around Lower Johnson and finish the day with a beer or local wine whilst scrolling through your photos.
If you’d rather enjoy nature, then head to Butchart Gardens to sip a coffee and stroll. After, walk along Dallas Road waterfront or take a look at what Galloping Goose Trail has to offer. This 55km multi use rail trail that goes to Sooke is popular for cycling, running and horseback riding, if you still have energy to burn.
Day Ten: Ferry Back to Vancouver and Home
Sadly, every trip must come to an end and you’ll need to hand back the rental car and potentially Skytrain back to Vancouver airport. Enjoy the ferry back to Tsawwassen and soak up the final sweeping views before heading home.
Now upload those photos to Instagram, make your friends and enemies jealous and visit Atlas & Globe to plan get holiday inspiration for your next holiday!
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