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Final Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary
I grew up on Vancouver Island and nonetheless reside on this lovely a part of Canada. For these of you who could also be planning a go to, to to the west coast of; 🍁 British Columbia, Canada, I’ve put collectively an in depth …
🌺 Vancouver Island Highway Journey
This put up will cowl; quite a few island locations, standard websites & points of interest and rather more, that I personally suggest together with in your journey.
First, try this very good 🌷 Victoria BC Tourism 📹 video, providing a glimpse of this lovely Metropolis on Vancouver Island.
Uncover Vancouver Island BC Tourism – Youtube Video
About Vancouver Island, British Columbia – Canada
Vancouver island is 460 kilometers or 290 miles lengthy and 100 kilometers or 62 miles, at its widest level. It’s the largest island on the West Coast of the Americas.
“Together with the Gulf Islands, this rugged paradise combines old-growth forests, snow capped mountains, and untamed shorelines to create one of many planet’s most numerous ecosystems.”
Vancouver Island is likely one of the world’s finest locations for whale watching, birding and fishing.
It’s an out of doors lovers dream come true!
From the Pacific Ocean & its spectacular shoreline and seashores, to snow packed mountains nice for winter and summer season actions & picturesque cities scattered all through the island.
You couldn’t ask for a greater place to spend a trip!
BC Ferries To Victoria – British Columbia
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Begin
For many of you, your journey will most likely have you ever arriving within the Metropolis of Vancouver on the mainland. I positively suggest spending a couple of days there, earlier than or after your journey on this superb metropolis.
Try my put up & images on …
🌆 Reasons WhyVancouver Tourism Is Soaring 🌆
I’ve listed some nice issues to see & do throughout, your keep within the metropolis.
Get pleasure from a trip with ⛴ BC Ferries from Vancouver to Victoria BC. The journey takes 1 ½ hours and the surroundings is … Spectacular!
This can be a world class passenger and automobile ferry, operated by the; BC Provincial Authorities.
You may try my put up on …
🛳 Experience British Columbia Ferry Travel 🛳
with all the data it’s good to start your journey over to Vancouver Island.
You’ve gotten a alternative of ferry crossings to and from the mainland. Ferries go away from simply exterior Vancouver, crusing to/from Victoria or Nanaimo on the island, relying in your journey plans.
In my put up, I’ve included a 📹 video and direct ⛓ hyperlink to the official ⛴ BC Ferries web site in your comfort. 🙂
Despite the fact that the ferries run repeatedly from morning to night, I strongly urge you to make advance reservations for the crossing. This particularly so, in case you are touring in your Leisure Automobile and between the months of; Could-September.
Victoria British Columbia
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Victoria
Also known as one of many “Most Stunning Cities In The World”…
is the right place to begin your Vancouver Island Journey Itinerary.
Remember to make some extent of spending a couple of days on this, the Capital Metropolis of British Columbia.
Located on essentially the most Southern tip of Vancouver Island, there are countless excellent issues to see and do in and across the metropolis. Check out this Victoria BC tourism video providing a glimpse of this Stunning Metropolis on Vancouver Island.
Victoria British Columbia – YouTube Video
We now reside simply a few hours up island from town, in a small seaside group.
I may go on and on concerning the many fantastic websites and points of interest town has to supply, however it might take all day.
⚓ Visit Victoria BC’s Beautiful Inner Harbour ⚓
Chemainus & Ladysmith BC
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Chemainus & Ladysmith
As you permit Victoria and begin making your method up Island, there are two pretty small communities that you could try alongside the way in which.
Chemainus
Initially was based in 1858 as a typical small logging group, Chemainus is now well-known for attracting guests from all around the world. They arrive to view their Outside Painted Murals on their buildings on the town.
Right this moment, there are 63 superb murals and varied sculptures which might all be considered on foot, one year a 12 months. The themes of the murals differ from indigenous heritage and logging lore, to rail historical past, nature and immigration.
It’s positively price a cease to take a break, stretch your legs and take some pictures of those murals. The drive is simply over 1 hour from Victoria metropolis limits on Freeway 1 in good flowing site visitors.
For extra full particulars on these lovely murals on the town, I’ve included a hyperlink to the Chemainus Murals Society listed beneath.
📸 Chemainus Festival of Murals Society 📸
Ladysmith
Stick with it only a few minutes up island and you’ll come to the small group of Ladysmith. This can be a excellent picnic or lunch cease as you make your method up Island on at the present time of journey.
“Ladysmith is a spirited group that values
its small city high quality of life, the place we work collectively as stewards of our heritage,
atmosphere and financial system.”
A stunning picturesque city with all of the facilities you want for touring. On the town there’s fuel, eating places, parks and extra. Remember to go to {Outdated City Bakery} situated proper downtown, particularly for his or her; Signature Cinnamon Buns!
Switch Seashore Park
That is one among our favourite Parks to cease at when touring to and from Victoria from our residence up Island. This can be a lovely seaside household park in Ladysmith.
It’s an incredible spot for a swim in the summertime, a picnic, canine off leash space, fabulous children spray park, playground, washroom services and extra.
There’s additionally a big additional parking space for these of you touring in your Leisure Automobile.
Nanaimo & Parksville
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Nanaimo & Parksville
I like to recommend spending your first night both within the Metropolis of Nanaimo or simply quarter-hour additional up the island to the seaside group of Parksville.
Parksville BC Metropolis Seashore Park
Nanaimo is a quick rising {Harbour Metropolis}, situated a simple 2 hour drive from downtown Victoria. It’s additionally a couple of 3 hour drive to world famend Tofino BC, situated on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island.
Rathtrevor Provincial Park
Relying in your time and mode of journey (tenting or different lodging), each communities supply nice services. In case you are tenting, I do suggest; Parksville and Rathtrevor Provincial Park Campground.
Rathtrevor is a spectacular seaside campground, with lovely previous progress treed websites with a large sandy seashore, glorious swimming to take pleasure in throughout your keep.
Advance Reservations are a should in the summertime months. You can also make reservations on the BC Provincial Parks web site I’ve listed beneath in your comfort.
🚌 BC Provincial Parks – Reservations 🚌
Coombs – Little Qualicum Falls – Cathedral Grove
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Coombs, Little Qualicum Falls, Cathedral Grove,
Port Alberni
You merely can’t journey to Vancouver Island with no go to to world well-known Lengthy Seashore, on the rugged west coast. A few 3 hour drive from Parksville, there’s quite a few scenic stops alongside the way in which, that additionally have to be seen.
Coombs
In case you blink, you’ll miss this tiny touristy group of Coombs, as you make your method simply exterior of Parksville. It’s well-known for its “Goats on the Roof”. These guys have been on the rooftop of the Coombs Nation Marketplace for over 40 years, and vacationers from throughout make some extent of visiting.
Right this moment, spend a while and stroll by way of the numerous native galleries, artisan outlets, eateries and rather more at this now well-known Island attraction.
Little Qualicum Falls
Subsequent in your listing of “Should Stops” is Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. This lovely Park and its Falls straddle the Little Qualicum River, and take up the whole southern shore of Cameron Lake.
Take a simple hike alongside these picturesque waterfalls that move down a rocky steep gorge in a densely forested setting. Remember to deliver your digicam with you for some superb images.
In case you’re fortunate sufficient to go to within the Spring, the Falls are intense! With the snow melting from the mountains, the Falls are raging and a spectacular web site to see.
There’s washroom and picnic services situated right here and a Provincial Park Campground subsequent door as properly.
Try my put up and images right here for extra detailed info.
🌊 Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park – Vancouver Island 🌊
Cathedral Grove
Formally often called MacMillan Provincial Park, the Douglas Fir timber in Cathedral Grove are among the many oldest on the Island, over 800 years and the tallest in Canada as properly. Some timber attain 9 meters large and 76 meters tall.
A super cease on the way in which to Tofino and Ucluelet, Cathedral Grove is situated immediately on Freeway 4 between Coombs and Port Alberni. Parking could be very restricted, so attempt to arrive early when you can, particularly throughout the peak summer season months.
There are picnic and washroom services at each areas in your comfort.
Port Alberni
With a inhabitants of roughly 18,000, Port Alberni is a big deep Port Metropolis located on the fringe of the Alberni Inlet. The realm has a powerful First Nations Historical past and its fundamental financial system is the Forestry Trade.
The town can also be a very talked-about start line for World Class Salmon Fishing. There’s every part you want from purchasing facilities, eating places, tenting and lodging, do you have to select to spend some additional time right here.
In case you do, I extremely suggest a go to to the Alberni Heritage Community and Steam Practice Locomotive. The youngsters will love the prepare which takes you out to the enjoyable and Interactive Heritage Sawmill.
You may see my put up and images of our go to at …
🚂 Alberni Valley Heritage Network – Port Alberni BC 🚂
Ucluelet – Tofino
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Ucluelet & Tofino
As you enter the T-Junction to the city of Ucluelet and Tofino, you will note the; Tourism & Nationwide Park Vacationer Data Heart. This can be a should cease, earlier than heading in both path.
You will have a Nationwide Park Allow, when you intend on staying within the Park for; tenting and parking.
You should buy your go right here, together with a bunch of maps and basic vacationer info, for each areas.
There’s additionally a 2nd vacationer middle {picture above}, situated additional down the freeway, as you’re heading in the direction of Tofino.
Ucluelet
Ucluelet means “Folks of the Protected Harbour” within the indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth language. The Ucluth peninsula has a big First Nations historical past; having been inhabited by the Yuu-tluth-aht folks for 1000’s of years.
“Come uncover the pristine shoreline, temperate rainforest and secluded seashores nestled alongside Vancouver Island’s prime rated Wild Pacific Path.
A laid again fishing village perched on essentially the most westerly fringe of Canada surrounded by the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve.”
In Ucluelet, you’ll discover eating places, B&B’s, artisan outlets to take a look at. There’s the spectacular Wild Pacific Path that travels alongside the shoreline, full with viewing decks so that you can benefit from the beautiful views.
It’s a simple relaxed path to stroll for all to take pleasure in!
Under, I’ve included a hyperlink beneath to the Official Ucluelet Tourism web site web page so that you can try, on this west coast group.
Tofino
Sandy seashores together with world famend Lengthy Seashore, Tofino presents year-round browsing for all ranges, very good coastal mountaineering trails and rather more.
Between Ucluelet & Tofino is the very talked-about Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve, one among Canada’s Premier Nationwide Parks.
Tofino is a small coastal village on the western fringe of Vancouver Island and wealthy in historical past and the standard territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation folks.
Whether or not you’re tenting or on the lookout for lodging, there’s lots accessible in each communities to swimsuit most all budgets. Spend a while right here and benefit from the spectacular coastal surroundings, simple mountaineering trails, eating places and outlets.
You’ll love your keep on this a part of the Island. 🙂
Under, be sure you try the Official Tofino Tourism web site web page for extra info.
Persevering with additional up the Island, it’s good to head again to; Parksville/ Qualicum Seashore. From right here and relying in your time, you have got 2 selections for persevering with as much as the Metropolis of Campbell River.
There’s the choice of taking the quick 4 lane divided Freeway 19, or the older unique and extra scenic coastal drive on Freeway 19A. It’s about 1 hour on the divided stretch or double that on the two lane slower coastal freeway.
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Campbell River
Campbell River
Campbell River is on the coronary heart of the “North Central Island” and surrounded by 5 Provincial Parks; Strathcona, Miracle Seashore, Morton Lake, Loveland Bay and Elk Falls.
Ultimately depend, the Metropolis of Campbell River has a inhabitants of over 35,000 and has been recognized across the Globe because the “Salmon Capital of the World“.
There’s every part you want within the metropolis, from waterfront parks, purchasing, lodging, fishing and whale watching excursions, simply to call a couple of issues to maintain you busy for days!
An important place to top off on requirements, when you’re planning to go to the realm’s lovely; 🏞 Provincial Parks and lakes. Try the hyperlink beneath to the official {Uncover Campbell River Tourism} web site,
for extra full journey info.
🌲 Discover Campbell River Tourism 🌲
From Campbell River, it’s a couple of 2 hour drive to my subsequent extremely beneficial cease; Telegraph Cove.
From there, you’re only a hop, skip and soar to the north tip of Vancouver Island and the group of Port Hardy.
Telegraph Cove & Port McNeill
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Telegraph Cove & Port McNeill
Flip off Freeway 19 onto Beaver Cove Highway, previous to Port McNeill. It’s a simple 15 minute drive, into Telegraph Cove.
A stunning picturesque fishing group and standard vacationer attraction.
In Telegraph Cove you’ll discover …
➳ Whale Museum & Interpretive Heart;
➳ Whale Watching Excursions;
➳ Grizzly Boat Excursions;
➳ Eating places;
➳ Lodging & Tenting.
Make time to go to or keep some time on this pretty historic fishing village. There’s additionally the bigger group of {Port McNeill}, simply minutes up the freeway.
Remember to try my put up and images right here of our excellent and extremely beneficial whale watching tour with …
🐳 MacKay Whale Watching Tours 🐳
Their superb boat excursions depart proper from downtown; Port McNeill.
Port Hardy – British Columbia
Vancouver Island Highway Journey Itinerary – Port Hardy
With a inhabitants over 4,000, the Group of Port Hardy is the most important on Vancouver Island North and serves because the crossroads for air, ferry and marine transportation networks.
It’s also the central gateway to the world famend {Cape Scott} and {North Coast Trails}, providing distinctive rugged surroundings for outside lovers and hikers alike.
Port Hardy’s pristine atmosphere serves as a gateway to many outside actions for each locals and vacationers. There’s sport fishing, world class scuba diving, caving, kayaking, leisure boating, mountaineering, and nature viewing.
Port Hardy is also the house of {BC Ferries} most Northern Terminus for its well-known “Discovery Coast” run and Inside Passage to the Metropolis of Prince Rupert BC, situated again on the mainland’s northern coast.
For these of you desirous to discover Northern British Columbia and past to the Yukon Territories and Alaska, chances are you’ll need to contemplate taking this BC Ferry from Port Hardy.
Though dear when you’re touring with a leisure automobile, this 22 hour journey could also be properly definitely worth the expense for time saved and additional journey bills.
Many guests additionally decide to do that very talked-about circle route. Taking the ferry to Prince Rupert after which touring again right down to Vancouver, or achieved in reverse. That is particularly standard for these of you who’re on a tenting trip.
Under, I’ve listed the official BC Ferries web site hyperlink, directing the web page to their web page on the Northern Expedition ship, the place you’ll be able to take a digital tour, entry ship schedules, fares and rather more.
BC Ferries Ship – Northern Expedition
☞ Vancouver Island North Tourism
Take a while, try the tourism web sites I’ve listed on this put up and create a journey that can swimsuit you finest and one crammed with recollections that can final a lifetime!
🗺 Remember to try the {Google Map} field on the backside of this put up for Vancouver Island’s actual location. 🗺
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