If you are wondering how to get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver, the simplest answer is to take a ferry. There is no bridge connecting Vancouver Island to mainland British Columbia, but several ferry routes make the journey relatively easy. The best route depends on where you are going. Choose Victoria for the southern Island…
Choosing where to stay on Vancouver Island can completely change the cost and rhythm of your road trip. The island is larger than it appears on a map, and choosing the wrong bases can leave you spending more time driving than exploring. During my 7-Day Vancouver Island Road Trip, I mixed comfortable hotels with rustic…
Whale watching is often described as one of the best things to do on Vancouver Island, and rightfully so. The waters surrounding the island are home to grey whales, humpbacks, orcas and an incredible variety of marine wildlife. Unlike most attractions, however, there is no fixed experience. You cannot know which animals will appear, how…
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, you’ve probably seen Butchart Gardens on almost every list of things to do. But is Butchart Gardens really worth setting aside half a day for? After visiting on a beautiful summer day, my honest answer is absolutely yes. I arrived early, walked through the gardens for hours and…
Victoria is one of those cities that works surprisingly well for a short trip. The downtown core is compact, many of the main attractions are walkable, and in just two days you can experience the Inner Harbour, visit the Royal BC Museum, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, get out on the water and still make time for…
A Vancouver Island road trip itinerary should give you time to experience the island, not leave you exhausted from driving between too many places. I spent one week travelling from Nanaimo to Sproat Lake, Tofino and Victoria. Along the way, I walked among old-growth trees, kayaked beside beavers, explored Pacific Rim National Park, saw whales…