It takes about 6 hours to drive straight through from one end of the island to the other, and about 3 hours to drive across at the widest point. You need to allow for travel time on the island, which limits how many stops you can reasonably make.
How much time do you need on Vancouver Island?
We think two weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend on a Vancouver Island Road Trip. During this time, you can do everything a 5-day trip would experience and MORE. You will have more time to take longer hikes and reach farther places, exploring more parts of the island!
Can you explore Vancouver Island without a car?
Vancouver Island offers one of the best places in Canada to travel and see a large area without needing a car. Reduce your carbon imprint by moving by foot, mass transit or bike to compensate for the flight to get here. Save money at the same time.
Can you do a day trip to Vancouver Island?
Victoria is the perfect starting point for day trips that allow you to explore Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time in Victoria too, so be sure to give yourself at least a long weekend to make the most of this corner of the world.
How do you get around on Vancouver Island?
The best way to get around Victoria & Vancouver Island is by bike or car. Central Victoria – especially the Inner Harbour – can easily be explored on foot, while bike paths will lead you to less touristy neighborhoods.
How long does it take to drive all of Vancouver Island?
It takes about 6 hours to drive straight through from one end of the island to the other, and about 3 hours to drive across at the widest point. You need to allow for travel time on the island, which limits how many stops you can reasonably make.
Is it worth going to Vancouver Island?
Combined with endless outdoor recreation options and extensive wildlife opportunities (orcas and bears anyone?), it is a great place to visit at any time of year. Take a few weeks or a couple of days, either way, you’ll definitely have a unique adventure.
Is there Uber in Victoria island?
Now that many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, tourists are returning and bars and restaurants are filling up. That has prompted the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association to renew its call to the province to allow large ride-hailing companies, including Uber and Lyft, to operate in the capital.
Do I need to rent a car in Victoria BC?
You don’t need a car while visiting Victoria. There is a bus that will take you out to Butchart Gardens (#75) and another one that will take you out to Sidney (#70). Day passes are $5.00 each. If you want to go “up island” to Nanaimo/Parksville/Cathedral Grove, you can rent a car for the day.
Is there a road around Vancouver Island?
Nanaimo to Port Hardy
Choose your own adventure along one of the longest – and most wild – Vancouver Island road trip routes. This 385 km trip from Nanaimo to Port Hardy varies in travel time depending on the season but its rugged beauty is gorgeous year-round.
Can you do a day trip to Tofino?
Tofino and Vancouver Island’s West Coast boasts flawless natural beauty accentuated by a tapestry of vibrant communities. If you only have one day to visit the West Coast, our tour offers an intimate, unique experience that embraces the awe-inspiring surroundings while showing you why this is a world class destination.
Is Victoria on Vancouver Island worth visiting?
Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, is the beautiful capital city of British Columbia. It’s a popular destination for British Columbians, Pacific Northwesterners, and other travelers, as it’s an easy ferry ride (or luxurious seaplane ride) from Vancouver and Seattle.
How long is the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
90 minutes to two hours
The ferry crossings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay) and Vancouver Island (Victoria and Nanaimo) take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on which route you take.
How do you get around Victoria Island without a car?
Be it by motor coach, bike, ferry, kayak, carriage or your own two feet there are plenty of options to get around without a car.
- Tally-Ho Carriage Tours.
- Fairmont Empress.
- Victoria Public Market at the Hudson.
- Royal BC Museum.
- The Pedaler Cycling Tours.
- Butchart Gardens.
- Moon Under Water Brewpub.
- Ocean River Sports.
Is Victoria a walkable city?
Victoria is one of the most walkable cities in Canada, according to a Seattle-based agency. Walk Score has placed Victoria’s walkability factor at 77.7, making it the third most walkable city in Canada, just behind Vancouver (78.0) and Montreal enclave Westmount, Que., (79.3). Vancouver was ranked No.
Is there public transportation on Vancouver Island?
The Vancouver Island Connector runs bus service to most communities on Vancouver Island from Victoria to Port Hardy including Tofino.
Can you do a day trip from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?
Upon arriving at Vancouver Island, drive 30 minutes south from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria. If taking public transit between downtown Vancouver and Victoria, allow about 4.5 hours each way, including the 90 minute BC Ferries crossing (see above for details) between the mainland and Vancouver Island.
How many days do you need in Tofino?
There are so many things to do in Tofino. A weekend (or 2 days) in Tofino is just the right amount of time to experience everything this laid-back surf town has to offer.
Are there bears on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island is estimated to be home to about 7,000 black bears, which marks it as the densest population for these bears. They can be found pretty well anywhere on Vancouver Island, but there are definite clusters in places like the Pacific Rim National Park!
What is the nicest part of Vancouver Island?
Top places to visit on Vancouver Island
- Tofino. This surf town on the island’s West Coast is a real little gem.
- Victoria. Victoria is Vancouver Island’s largest city and is also the capital of British Columbia.
- Hot Springs Cove.
- Pacific Rim National Park.
- Comox Valley.
- Gulf Islands.
- Chemainus – Cowichan Valley.
- Port Hardy.
What is the most beautiful part of Vancouver Island?
Mystic Beach is arguably one of the most scenic beaches on Vancouver Island and definitely one of the most beautiful along the Straight of Juan de Fuca.