How long is the Vancouver Island Grand Loop route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Victoria, BC to Victoria, BC in British Columbia, Canada.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure.

Vancouver Island Grand Loop

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The route · 7 stops

1
Victoria
2 nights
BC's capital opens this loop in style. Whale-watching charters leave the Inner Harbour for Juan de Fuca Strait orca sightings, Butchart Gardens bloom 20 minutes north, and the Royal BC Museum ranks among Canada's finest. Two nights lets you breathe before the driving begins.
BC's capital opens this loop in style. Whale-watching charters leave the Inner Harbour for Juan de Fuca Strait orca sightings, Butchart Gardens bloom 20 minutes north, and the Royal BC Museum ranks among Canada's finest. Two nights lets you breathe before the driving begins.
Book whale watching and Butchart Gardens online before arriving. The Saturday evening fireworks at Butchart sell out weeks ahead in July and August.
2
Cowichan Valley
1 night50m · 60 km from previous
Vancouver Island's only official wine region makes a satisfying first overnight after 60 km of easy driving. Visit small-batch wineries along the Cowichan Wine Trail, stroll Duncan's totem-pole walk, and take in panoramic views from the Malahat SkyWalk above Saanich Inlet.
Vancouver Island's only official wine region makes a satisfying first overnight after 60 km of easy driving. Visit small-batch wineries along the Cowichan Wine Trail, stroll Duncan's totem-pole walk, and take in panoramic views from the Malahat SkyWalk above Saanich Inlet.
Most wineries open Wednesday to Sunday; book tasting appointments a day ahead in summer. Fill the tank in Duncan before heading west toward Port Alberni.
3
Tofino
2 nights3h · 216 km from previous
Canada's surf capital sits at the end of a rainforest peninsula with Pacific breakers rolling onto long, sandy beaches. Two nights is the minimum: rent a board at Cox Bay, paddle into Clayoquot Sound's old-growth cedar forest, or book a boat to the natural hot springs on Flores Island. The dining scene is exceptional for the town's size.
Canada's surf capital sits at the end of a rainforest peninsula with Pacific breakers rolling onto long, sandy beaches. Two nights is the minimum: rent a board at Cox Bay, paddle into Clayoquot Sound's old-growth cedar forest, or book a boat to the natural hot springs on Flores Island. The dining scene is exceptional for the town's size.
Accommodation books out weeks ahead in July and August. Cox Bay suits intermediate surfers; Chesterman Beach is calmer for families and paddlers. Fill the tank in Port Alberni, 141 km east.
4
Comox Valley
1 night1h 36m · 115 km from previous
A quieter valley with genuine year-round variety. Hike alpine trails at Mount Washington in summer, visit the Courtenay Museum's 85-million-year-old Elasmosaur fossil, and seek out craft breweries along Cliffe Avenue. Strathcona Provincial Park, BC's oldest, is 45 minutes west for a morning detour.
A quieter valley with genuine year-round variety. Hike alpine trails at Mount Washington in summer, visit the Courtenay Museum's 85-million-year-old Elasmosaur fossil, and seek out craft breweries along Cliffe Avenue. Strathcona Provincial Park, BC's oldest, is 45 minutes west for a morning detour.
Pick up a Strathcona Provincial Park map from the Courtenay Visitor Centre before heading west. Forbidden Plateau has the most accessible day hikes in the park.
5
Campbell River
1 night44m · 53 km from previous
Billed as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River anchors the north of the loop. Join a half-day salmon fishing charter on the Discovery Passage, scan for orcas and humpbacks from the waterfront, or book a guided grizzly bear excursion up Bute Inlet.
Billed as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River anchors the north of the loop. Join a half-day salmon fishing charter on the Discovery Passage, scan for orcas and humpbacks from the waterfront, or book a guided grizzly bear excursion up Bute Inlet.
Salmon runs peak July to September. Discovery Passage whale watching departs daily May to October. Book charters at least 48 hours ahead in summer from the downtown wharf.
6
Nanaimo
1 night2h 24m · 173 km from previous
The island's second city rewards a slow final evening. The 1853 Hudson's Bay Bastion fires a noon cannon May to September; Newcastle Island, a five-minute ferry from downtown, has old-growth forest trails and a sandy beach. It's also the main BC Ferries departure point for the mainland.
The island's second city rewards a slow final evening. The 1853 Hudson's Bay Bastion fires a noon cannon May to September; Newcastle Island, a five-minute ferry from downtown, has old-growth forest trails and a sandy beach. It's also the main BC Ferries departure point for the mainland.
Newcastle Island foot ferry departs Maffeo Sutton Park; check last sailing times before heading over. Petroglyph Park, 3 km south, has ancient Indigenous rock carvings worth a short detour.
7
Victoria
1h 40m · 120 km from previous
The loop closes back in the capital. Consider a final stop at Goldstream Provincial Park, 15 minutes north of the city centre, where a waterfall trail threads through tall Douglas firs before you hand back the car or board the ferry.
The loop closes back in the capital. Consider a final stop at Goldstream Provincial Park, 15 minutes north of the city centre, where a waterfall trail threads through tall Douglas firs before you hand back the car or board the ferry.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is 26 km north of downtown. Allow 30 minutes from the city centre, or 45 if returning a hire car.

Vancouver Island Grand Loop

The route · 7 stops

Victoria

Cowichan Valley

Tofino

Comox Valley

Campbell River

Nanaimo

Victoria

Route highlights

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Vancouver Island Grand Loop

The route · 7 stops

Victoria

Cowichan Valley

Tofino

Comox Valley

Campbell River

Nanaimo

Victoria

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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