Perfect 7 day itinerary on Vancouver Island
This post covers a 7 day itinerary linking Vancouver to Vancouver Island, covering the highlights across the island to give you an introductory feel for this gorgeous place.
Day 1 – Slow travel to Tofino
Arrive on the Island by way of plane or ferry. More information about getting to the island can be found in this first timer’s guide to Vancouver Island.
Drive to Tofino on the far western coast of the island. This will take 3 hours from Nanaimo, 4.5 hours from Victoria, or 5 hours from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Take your time and make this a travel day. Stop at pulloffs and viewpoints along the way, enjoying the ride.
Grab dinner in Tofino at Big Daddy’s Fish Fry and watch the sunset. Check in to your hotel and rest up for your adventure.
Day 2 – Watersports in Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park
Grab donuts and coffee at the popular Rhino Coffee house.
In the morning, get in the water – Tofino is known for it’s great surf! Consider taking a lesson or renting a board for the day at Swell Tofino. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can check out a night stand up paddleboard activity or rent kayaks.
Stop for a quick to-go lunch at Wildside Bistro before heading out in the afternoon to take an easy walk in the rainforest in Pacific Rim National Park. The Rainforest Trail offers a quiet and beautiful respite.
Grab dinner at Shelter Bistro. Make sure to make a reservation to snag some gorgeous seaside views!
Day 3 – Whale watching and lighthouse hike
In the morning, sign up for a whale watching tour (March through October only) in order to see these magical creatures up close.
Do as the locals and tourists do and grab tacos at the famed original Tacofino taco truck.
In the afternoon, head over to Ucluelet and hike the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop to the Ucluelet Lighthouse for spectacular sea views.
Visit Ucluelet Brewing Company for dinner.
Day 4 – Hot springs adventure day
Take yourself on a unique adventure by booking a tour to Hot Spring Cove – only accessible by boat and with an organized tour group, as this land is managed by the indigenous community. This will be a nearly full day adventure, so make sure you have a big breakfast and lunch packed before heading out.
Upon return, order a pizza to go from Basic Goodness Pizza and head over to Chesterman or Cox Bay beach to catch the sunset.
Day 5 – Drive to Victoria
Start the long but scenic drive to Victoria. You’ll drive by Nanaimo, another major city on the island. Stop for fantastic sushi at Nori Japanese Restaurant (reservations recommended!).
Continue on your journey, and if you have the time and energy consider a stop at Goldstream Provincial Park for some short hikes and waterfall views.
Check in to your hotel in Victoria and grab dinner at Red Fish Blue Fish, followed by drinks at Whistle Buoy Brewing.
Day 6 – Explore Victoria
If you are in Victoria on a weekday, make sure to book a tour of the British Columbia Capitol (legislative building). Depending on your ferry times on day 7, you can consider doing high tea at the Fairmont Empress instead of Butchart Gardens (see below).
Otherwise, start your day with brunch at Floyd’s Diner. Then walk around the main downtown area, which is essentially Government St. from Toronto Street to Pandora Avenue.
Grab lunch at Bodega before continuing your walking tour in Beacon Hill Park. Make sure not to miss the Mile Zero Monument, the Beacon Hill Lookout or the Beacon Hill Totem Pole. Head down to Finlayson Point and watch the paragliders!
In the evening, grab dinner at Ithaka and then a gin cocktail at Bartholomew’s.
Day 7 – Butchart Gardens and return to Vancouver
Say goodbye to Vancouver Island with a visit to Butchart Gardens. Take it up a notch and grab a reservation for high tea in their dining room. Then head to the ferry in Swartz Bay and find your way back to Vancouver!
If you are looking for more adventures beyond Vancouver Island, check out:
