Recommended itinerary: 8 Days, 5 Stops
EXPERIENCE
Vancouver Island Extended Circle Tour
Windswept adventures, relaxing beaches and coastal beauty await
Soak up the best of Southern Vancouver Island on this seven-night self-guided tour. Start your adventure in Victoria, touring historic buildings, walking the cobblestone streets, and eating your way through the tasty cuisine. Or, start your trip in Nanaimo roaming the Old City Quarter or exploring the city’s local arts scene and nearby trails before continuing to Parksville – famous for its long stretches of white sand beaches.
Take a scenic drive to the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, where you can spend a few nights' in Ucluelet or Tofino, walking along the Wild Pacific Trail, surfing the waves, and catching some spectacular sunsets.
Use this recommended itinerary as a guide for planning your trip to Southern Vancouver Island.
RECOMMENDATION 1
Metro Vancouver to Victoria or Nanaimo
Soak in the breathtaking views on a scenic BC Ferries sailing across the Strait of Georgia. After you check in at a local hotel, shop at some of Victoria or Nanaimo’s local boutiques, or grab something to eat or drink at one of the many downtown restaurants.
Ferry option 1:
Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria (Swartz Bay)
Ferry option 2:
Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point)
Credit: DestinationBC Vancouver Nelson Mouellic
RECOMMENDATION 2
Victoria or Nanaimo
Head out to discover Victoria’s natural beauty with a walk or bike ride through Beacon Hill Park. Check out the bustling Inner Harbour, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, or spend the afternoon at the award-winning Royal BC Museum or Butchart Gardens. Starting your epic road trip in Nanaimo? Dabble in local arts and culture at the Nanaimo District Museum or Nanaimo Art Gallery, or explore natural wonders like Little Qualicum Falls or Horne Lakes Provincial Park.
Book activities:Royal BC Museum - Victoria
Vancouver Island Whale Watch Signature Tour
Credit: Destination BC / Reuben Krabbe
Credit: Tourism Victoria
RECOMMENDATION 3
Victoria/Nanaimo to Parksville
Fuel up with a tasty brunch before embarking on your scenic road trip to Parksville. Along the way, stop in Chemainus to stretch your legs and check out the renowned outdoor murals, or visit Red Arrow Brewing Company in Duncan to fill up your growler. Later, watch the sunset from the Parksville’s famous Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Credit: Destination BC / Ben Giesbrecht
Credit: Red Arrow Beer
RECOMMENDATION 4
Parksville
Spend the day enjoying Parksville’s scenic viewpoints or local spas; equipped with relaxing saunas, hot tubs and indoor pools, or take advantage of the year-round mild climate and famous beach with a stroll along the Waterfront Walkway.
Book activities:
Paradise Fun Park Mini-Golf
Paradise Fun Park Ultimate Fun Package
RECOMMENDATION 5
Parksville to Ucluelet
Enjoy your last morning in Parksville, before the scenic drive to Ucluelet. Along the way, stock up on goodies at the Old Country Market in Coombs—home to the famous Goats on the Roof. Take a detour to wander around Cathedral Grove to admire giant Douglas firs more than 800 years old.
Credit: Destination Canada / Brian Caissie
RECOMMENDATION 6
Ucluelet
Discover what makes Ucluelet an outdoor paradise as you hike the Wild Pacific Trail, and explore the windswept rugged beaches that stretch for miles. Visit a local spa and wrap up your day by savouring fresh, West Coast cuisine at one of the local restaurants.
Credit: Unsplash/Bannon Morrissy
RECOMMENDATION 7
Ucluelet to Tofino
Continue exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast by making the short drive north from Ucluelet to Tofino. From whale watching to local hikes and strolls along Cox Bay Beach or Chesterman Beach, there is plenty of outdoor adventure at your fingertips.
Book activities:
RECOMMENDATION 8
Tofino to Metro Vancouver
Spend the morning at one of the many artisan coffee shops or farm-to-table restaurants in Tofino, or simply chill on Long Beach, famous for surfing, before you drive to Nanaimo to catch the ferry back to Metro Vancouver.
Ferry route:
Nanaimo (Duke Point) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen)
Credit: Destination BC/Albert Normandin
15% OFF
Hotel Grand Pacific
VICTORIA, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate when you use code BCFRIENDS online to book your next stay.
Blackout dates may apply.
25% OFF
The Tide's Inn
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 25% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online using the link below. Plus, enjoy unlimited minigolf at Paradise Fun Park with your stay.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.10% OFF
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
TOFINO, BC
Get 10% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply. Not applicable for stays in Jul & Aug.
15% OFF
Canadian Princess Lodge
UCLUELET, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
20% OFF
Bayside Resort
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate with a minimum 2-night stay. To book, call the hotel directly at 1-800-663-4232.
Blackout dates may apply. Not applicable for stays in Jul & Aug.
20% OFF
The Vic, Ascend Hotel Collection
VICTORIA, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate on your next stay when you book with the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
10% OFF
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
NANAIMO, BC
Enjoy 10% off the best available rate when you use the link below to book.
Blackout dates may apply.
20% OFF
Coast Parksville
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below. Plus, enjoy unlimited minigolf at Paradise Fun Park with your stay.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
10% OFF
Tofino Resort & Marina
TOFINO, BC
Enjoy 10% off the best available rate when you use code BCFERRIES online to book your next stay.
Blackout dates may apply.
UP TO 15% OFF
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
VICTORIA, BC
Enjoy up to 15% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply.
20% OFF
Beach Club Resort
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate when you book at Beach Club Resort using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply. Not applicable for Jun - Sep
15% OFF
Inn at Laurel Point
VICTORIA, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
VICTORIA, BC
Get 15% off the best available rate on when you book online using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply.
10% OFF
Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza
VICTORIA, BC
Enjoy 10% off the best available rate when you use code FERRY62063 online to book your next stay.
Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate with a minimum 2-night stay when you use code BCFERRIES online to book your next stay.
Valid for stays through Jun 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
10% OFF
Hotel Feng, Best Western Signature Collection
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 10% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply.
25% OFF
The Spot, A Boutique Hotel
NANAIMO, BC
Enjoy 25% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.20% OFF
The Buccaneer Inn
NANAIMO, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate on your next stay when you book with the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Sea Edge Beachside Hotel
PARKSVILLE, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
10% OFF
Parkside Hotel & Spa
VICTORIA, BC
Enjoy 10% off the best available rate when you use code FBCF online to book your next stay.
Blackout dates may apply.
UP TO 15% OFF
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
UCLUELET, BC
Get 10% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online with code BCSAIL.
Valid for stays through Apr 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
NANAIMO, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate when you use code TRS online to book your next stay.
Blackout dates may apply. Guests must enter the promo code in the Corp/Promo Code field under Special Rates at the time of booking.
15% OFF
Middle Beach Lodge
TOFINO, BC
Get 15% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book with code BCF2026.
Valid for stays through May 16, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
20% OFF
Days Inn on the Harbour
Save 20% off the best available rate when you book using the link below.
Blackout dates may apply.
OVER 35% OFF
Waters Edge Shoreside Suites
UCLUELET, BC
Enjoy over 35% in savings plus a bonus $10 restaurant gift card when you book using the link below.
Valid for stays through May 15, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
20% OFF
Long Beach Lodge
TOFINO, BC
Get 20% off the best available rate with a minimum of 3-night stay when you book with code BCFSPRING.
Valid for stays through May 31, 2026. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
