VICTORIASOOKE

PORT RENFREW

BAMFIELD

UCLUELET

TOFINO

PORTALBERNI

COOMBS

NANAIMO

PARKSVILLE

QUALICUM BEACH

COMOX

QUADRA ISLAND

CAMPBELL RIVER

WOSS

ZEBALLOS

TAHSIS

GOLD RIVER

SAYWARD

PORT HARDY

COURTENAY

CUMBERLAND

SIDNEY

DUNCANLAKECOWICHAN

PORT MCNEILL

PORTALICE

TELEGRAPH COVE

ALERT BAY

SOINTULA

VANCOUVERISLAND.TRAVEL

MY MUST SEES

“Beautiful and well worth it. Travelled to Victoria 7 times to see this garden. Just love it!” Wanda B., Portland, OR The Butchart Gardens 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC butchartgardens.com | 250-652-4422

@thebutchartgardens @butchartgardens

DENMAN ISLAND

HORNBY ISLAND

GABRIOLA ISLAND

GALIANO ISLAND

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MAYNE ISLAND

SATURNA ISLAND

PENDER ISLAND

SALT SPRING ISLAND

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“Kayak trip of a lifetime in the Broken Group Islands with the best company ever!” Janice, London, ON Majestic Ocean Kayaking 1167 Helen Road, Ucluelet oceankayaking.com | 1-800-889-7644

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“We loved our stay. The rooms were so well equipped, very clean and perfect for our family.” Bree, Kingston, ON Sunrise Ridge Resort 1175 Resort Drive, Parksville sunriseridge.ca | 250-248-4674

@sunriseridgeresort

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“Absolutely WOW! Victoria’s HIDDEN Gem! Beautiful Themed Gardens. Open Year Round. A true ‘Gardener’s Garden’.” Dawn, Edmonton, AB The Gardens at HCP 505 Quayle Road, Victoria hcp.ca | 250-479-6162

@hcpgardens

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“The Duncan Farmers Market is a small window into the delicious soul of the Cowichan Valley.” Mia Stainsby, The Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Duncan Farmers Market | Tourism Cowichan Saturdays - 200 Craig Street, Duncan duncanfarmersmarket.ca

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“Awe-Inspiring & Well Run Grizzly Bear Expedition! We would do it again in a heartbeat.” Linda, Rock Hill, South Carolina Discovery Marine Safaris 760 North Island Hwy, Campbell River adventurewhalewatching.com | 1-866-501-6722

#marinesafaris

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“The team worked seamlessly together and also taught us so much about the animals, the environment and conservation. Top notch.” Megan, Ottawa, ON Prince of Whales Boardwalk # 24, Telegraph Cove princeofwhales.com | 1-888-383-4884

@princeofwhaleswhalewatching

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“Second trip to Comox and I-Hos Gallery was definitely on list of places to return to!” Rachel, Suffolk, United Kingdom I-HOS Gallery 3310 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC ihosgallery.com | 250-339-7702

@IHosGallery @IHosGallery

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Use the spaces below to plan your must-stop destinations!

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GULFISLANDS

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GULFISLANDS

Vancouver Island consists of seven unique regions, each boasting their own distinctive charm and experiences. Find out which communities are the best fit for your lifestyle by taking our quiz at:

VancouverIsland.Travel/region-quiz to find out where you should start your Island road trip.

Plan your journey by choosing between one (or more!) of the four most popular routes.

Prince of Whales 1 Boardwalk #24, Telegraph Cove 9 812 Wharf Street, Victoria

princeofwhales.com | 1-888-383-4884 @princeofwhaleswhalewatching @princeofwhaleswhalewatching

9Share your experiences with us using #ExploreVancouverIsland

PACIFIC MARINE CIRCLE ROUTE

VICTORIA TO TOFINO & UCLUELET

NANAIMO TO CAMPBELL RIVER

NANAIMO TO PORT HARDY

FERRY TO MAINLAND

LADYSMITH

CHEMAINUS

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VANCOUVERISLAND.TRAVEL

@vancouverisland.travel@tourismvancouverisland

Photo Credits: Destination British Columbia: Andrea Johnson, Ben Giesbrecht, Boomer Jerritt, Graeme Owsianski, Jordan Manley, Mike Seehagel, Reuben Krabbe, Sean Scott, Shayd Johnson, Steven Fines

VANCOUVER ISLAND ROAD TRIPS

Welcome to Vancouver Island, where the west coast ends and adventure begins. A place, seemingly at the edge of the world, where natural elements and culture combine. From memorable views to friendly communities and experiences for every type of explorer, there’s something for everyone in search of a little Island time. All you need to do is plan your trip, rent a car (or bring your own), and hit the road.

Whether you are in Victoria or Telegraph Cove, take advantage of the fact that you are surrounded by one of the most abundant marine ecosystems in the world. Prepare for unforgettable marine wildlife encounters on board state of the art floating classrooms with Prince of Whales Marine Wildlife Adventures. Choose from a variety of half and full day adventures that will take you into the heart of the Salish Sea and Johnstone Strait in search of orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, otters, marine birds and much more.

But whale watching is just the beginning. We’ve highlighted several must-stop attractions along each of the Island’s top routes to help you make the most of your journey.

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1919A

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road trip map 2019

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NANAIMO

COURTENAY

CAMPBELL RIVER

SAYWARD

NANAIMO

CAMPBELL RIVER

SAYWARD

PORT MCNEILL

PORT HARDY

DUNCAN

SIDNEY

VICTORIA

PORT RENFREW

SOOKE BASIN

VICTORIA

SIDNEY

TOFINO

UCLUELET

PORT ALBERNI

PARKSVILLE

NANAIMO

DUNCAN

PORT RENFREW

“The picture perfect summer family getaway: pool, outdoors, luxury, and most importantly, time together.” Jamie, Adventureawaits.ca The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa, Victoria 1999 Country Club Way, Victoria bearmountain.ca | 250-391-7160

@westinbearmountainresort @BearMountainResort @bearmountain

Victoria to Tofino & Ucluelet (317 km)

“The trip on the Frances Barkley is always the beginning of a wonderful adventure – we love it!” Erin, Duncan, BC Lady Rose Marine Services | Alberni Valley Tourism 5425 Argyle Street, Port Alberni ladyrosemarine.com | 250-723-8313

Pacific Marine Circle Route (293 km)

Nanaimo to Port Hardy (387 km) Nanaimo to Campbell River (156 km)

“Beautiful Park, short walks. The fish ladder is intriguing! Fun for everyone.” Saskia, Zeist, Netherlands Stamp River Provincial Park | Alberni Valley Tourism Stamp River Provincial Park, Beaver Creek Road, Port Alberni env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/stamp_rv

“One of Vancouver Island’s most interesting historical sites…a unique heritage treasure.” Leanne, Victoria, BC McLean Mill National Historic Site | Alberni Valley Tourism 5633 Smith Road, Port Alberni, BC mcleanmill.ca | 250-723-1376

@McLeanmill

“We love walking the trail; the views of the rugged cliffs and endless ocean are breathtaking.” Katie, Calgary, AB

“The comfort and beauty of this seaside town combined with a picturesque high-street made for a lifetime of memories.” Michael, Nottinghill London, England

Tourism Ucluelet PO Box 698, 1604 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet discoverucluelet.com | 250-726-4600 @TourismUcluelet TourismUcluelet #myucluelet #ucluelet

Downtown Sidney by the Sea sidneybia.ca | 250-893-0093 @exploresidney @exploresidney @MySidneyBC

“Amazingly delicious hand-crafted spirits and a wonderful tour experience. A must see and taste!” Steve, Vancouver, BC Sheringham Distillery 6731 West Coast Road, Sooke sheringhamdistillery.com | 778-528-1313

@sheringhamdistillery

“A memorable experience for us all! Wildlife viewing, history and crabbing all in one trip.” Christine, Richmond, BC True Key Adventures 6971 West Coast Road, Sooke truekeyfishing.com | 778-352-3474

@truekeyadventures

“Simply put, we have already booked our next visit. Everything was beyond our expectations.” Chris, Germany Wild Renfrew 17310 Parkinson Road, Port Renfrew wildrenfrew.com | 250-647-5541 ext. 1

@wildrenfrew @wildrenfrew @wildrenfrew

“This fabulous living history artifact is part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and the most spectacular and impressive of the eight trestles along the trail.”BroadenYrHorizons, Nanaimo Kinsol Trestle | Tourism Cowichan Glen Eagles Road, Shawnigan Lake cvrd.bc.ca/1379/Kinsol-Trestle

“Great experience for both the fearful and fearless!” Jennifer, Victoria, BC

Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours 5128C Sooke Road, Sooke adrenalinezip.com | 1 (866) 947-9145

@adrenalinezip @AdrenaLineZip @adrenaline_news

“The accommodation exceeded our expectations! The week we were there was the best that we ever experienced.” Rob, Fort Saskatchewan, AB SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort 1000 SookePoint Place, Sooke sookepointresort.ca | 250-642-2635

@sookepointresort

“It was better than advertised. We wanted for nothing and had a great time around the town.” Chris, Warlingham, United Kingdom Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina 6971 West Coast Road, Sooke sookeharbourmarina.ca | 250-642-3236

@sookeharbourresort

“The perfect relaxation getaway. Superb friendly service, excellent accommodations, delicious food & true relaxation at the spa. Highly recommend!” TC_B_Family, Vancouver Island, Canada

Tigh-Na-Mara 1155 Resort Drive, Parksville tigh-na-mara.com | 1-800-663-7373 @tighnamara

“The Pier offered the most social fishing setting you’ll ever see, we loved it.” Holly, Clearwater, BC Discovery Pier | Destination Campbell River 655 Island Hwy, Campbell River campbellriver.travel/attractions/discovery-pier 250-914-1868 @discoverypier

“Breathtaking…history that leaves you wanting more the moment you walk out the door.” Croatianbriar, Christchurch, New Zealand Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way Nanaimo nanaimomuseum.ca | 250-753-1821

@NanaimoMuseum

“Elk Falls is a must stop, the suspension bridge is breathtaking.” Jesse, Vancouver, BC Elk Falls Suspension Bridge | Destination Campbell River Highway 28, Turn Right onto Brewster Lake Road, Immediate right into Park campbellriver.travel/attractions/elk-falls-suspension-bridge/ 250-286-6901 @discovercampbellriver

“ABSOLUTELY THE BEST! This was our first whale watching trip and certainly won’t be our last.” Christie, Chilliwack, BC Stubbs Island Whale Watching P.O. Box 2-2, Boardwalk #24, Telegraph Cove stubbs-island.com | 1-800-665-3066

#stubbsIsland

“Thank you for sharing your Nanaimo with us. What an incredible trip.” Jason, Vancouver

Tourism Nanaimo Info Centre located at 2450 Northfield Road, Nanaimo tourismnanaimo.com | 1-800-663-7337 @TourismNanaimo @TourismNanaimo

“Fun. Tidy. Friendly staff. Lots to do.... mini golf, arcade, bumper cars, food, ice cream. Good parking.” Matthew, Parksville, BC Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf 1000 Resort Drive, Parksville riptidelagoon.com | 250-248-8290

@RiptideLagoon

“Our E-bike tour was full of laughs, scenery & wine, equaling pure bliss. Tx BCebike.” Vicki, Calgary, AB BCeBike 2334 Maxey Road, Nanaimo bcebike.ca | 250-616-7414

@backcountryebike bcebike.ca“A hidden gem, the area’s history is respectfully brought to life in front of you.” Mark, Twickenham, England Museum at Campbell River | Destination Campbell River 470 Island Hwy, Campbell River campbellriver.travel/attractions/arts-culture 250-287-3103 @museumatcampbellriver

“I could not rate this trip highly enough and judging by the other reviews, it is consistently excellent.” Lucy, Hungerford, United Kingdom Discovery Marine Safaris 760 North Island Hwy, Campbell River adventurewhalewatching.com | 1-866-501-6722

#marinesafaris

“First Avenue exhibits all of the qualities one would expect from a great street…artistic details, places to rest, and places to gather.”Canadian Institute of Planners, Ottawa Ladysmith’s First Avenue | Tourism Cowichan Ladysmith, BC10

“Best neighbourhood spot to quench your thirst with excellent award winning craft beer.” Brian, Parksville, BC Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company 109-425 Stanford Avenue E, Parksville arrowsmithbrewing.com | 250-951-0125

@MABrewing

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“Unique art work that embodies the community’s nature, found in iconic local spots.” Barb, Edmonton, AB Drifted Creations Sculptures | Destination Campbell River Various Locations, Campbell River campbellriver.travel/attractions/arts-culture | 250-286-6901

@driftedcreations

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LADYSMITH

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QUALICUMBEACH

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Traversing the southern half of Vancouver Island, this road trip will take you across distinct regions and landscapes, through cities, rolling countryside, winding mountain roads, and along the ocean. Around each bend is a new sight, whether it’s landmark Douglas Firs towering over the highway or sparkling blue waters of the ocean inlets.

Go full circle on Southern Vancouver Island with the Pacific Marine Circle Route. A road with varied landscapes, stops, and views, the loop is a popular trek amongst driving fiends.

The longest of the routes, this trek affords the opportunities to take things at full (but safe) speed. A stretch of 114 kilometres between Parksville and Campbell River is set at 110 kilometres an hour. Beyond that, the double yellow lines are like beckoning beams, pulling the car deeper into the dense forest of North Vancouver Island with the canopy overhead, while the pavement is the only indication that civilization lies beyond. It’s just you, the road, and nature.

The Oceanside Route of Highway 19A is a slower pace compared to its sister highway, but it’s a seamless fit with its surroundings. From oceanside ribbons of road to stretches through valleys and over tall peaks, the Oceanside Route between Nanaimo and Campbell River is a quieter, more nature-focused journey.

PARKSVILLE

“Best place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Northern Vancouver Island is truly a must-see experience for everyone.”Hans, Victoria BC Vancouver Island North Tourism vancouverislandnorth.ca | 250-902-8281

@vancouverislandnorth @vancouverislandnorth.ca @vinorthtourism

CHEMAINUS

QUALICUMBEACH

COOMBS

LAKECOWICHAN

ALERT BAY

TELEGRAPH COVE

SOINTULA

ZEBALLOS

WOSS

QUALICUM BEACH

COMOXCOURTENAY

COMOX

CUMBERLAND

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PORT ALICE

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