The sun is shining and the mountains are calling – here are our 3 favourite summertime road trips on Vancouver Island:
1) The Port Renfrew Loop – (4.5 hours round trip) Popular among cyclists and motorists alike, the Port Renfrew loop is arguably the most breathtaking drive on the Island. Starting out in Victoria, you work your way through Langford, and onto the Sooke Highway. On this serene drive you will crest the ocean and get beautiful glimpses of sun peeking through the trees. Passing by Island summer hotspots like French Beach, Sombrio Beach, and Jordan River, you will be serenaded by the sweet sounds of crashing waves upon the shore.
photo: vancouverisland.com
Once, along this drive, I even spied a young bear playing in the tallgrass along the side of the highway! At the conclusion of the southern portion of the drive, you find yourself right at the entrance to Juan de Fuca Provincial Park (perhaps a nice pit stop for a picnic?). Now at this point you may choose to turn around and go right back down the way you came – sometimes you can’t get enough of the scenery! But if you’re looking for a change of pace, head North, and circle back home through beautiful Cowichan Bay, where there are lots of spots to grab a bite or do some window shopping.
photo: huffingtonpost.com
2) The Tofino Trek – (9 hours round trip) This round trip will take some time, but in most cases you will choose to spend a few days in beautiful Tofino to break the road trip in half. Now, we could talk about all of the amazing things that you will be able to experience and do in Tofino (because there truly are tons), but if we’re talking strictly road trips, this one may be the most fun! We recommend taking a smaller vehicle for this jaunt because there are so many twists and turns along the way – it is just too much fun in a car! Now, this isn’t to say that you cannot road trip in your truck, heck – I’ve done it before, but if you’re driving to enjoy the journey and not simply to reach the destination, then opt for a car.
photo: chrisistace.com
There is tons to see along the way, including waterfalls, rushing rivers and even a small love lock fence! We recommend taking your time and stopping along the way at Cathedral Grove and any other fun pit stops.
3) The Bamfield Cruise – (9 hours round trip) This roadie will get you pretty close to Tofino and Ucluelet, but the route traveled is quite different. You will mirror the Tofino itinerary until you reach Duncan, at which point you will head West. This road trip varies from the traditional Vancouver Island views – there is no ocean in sight, but instead there is lush forest and stunning lakes, reminiscent of the beauty of the interior of BC but paired with the greenness of the coast. Along your drive you will tour Cowichan Lake.
photo: campingonvancouverisland.com
We recommend you take a pit stop here to take in the view! After 4 and a half hours of driving you will find yourself in Bamfield, a fantastic pioneer town rich in marine life. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway and some serious fishin’, this is the trip for you!
photo: rockypointcharters.ca
Do you have a favourite road trip on Vancouver Island? Is there a Sunday cruise that is too good to be true? Let us know at @VictoriaHype on Facebook.
feature image: vancouverislandliving.com