Recommended itinerary: 3 Destinations, 5 Days
EXPERIENCE
Pacific Marine Circle Tour
Credit: TJ Watt/SRTA
Explore Vancouver Island’s hidden gems
Take a trip through the scenic landscapes of Vancouver Island; through small, peaceful towns like Port Renfrew, and popular tourist destinations like Victoria. Explore scenic seaside communities and awe-inspiring ancient forests along your adventure.
Use this recommended itinerary as a guide for planning your trip through Southern Vancouver Island.
RECOMMENDATION 1
Metro Vancouver to Ladysmith
Catch the ferry to Nanaimo, keeping an eye out for coastal wildlife as you enjoy the picturesque ride. Once you arrive on Vancouver Island, head south to the seaside town of Ladysmith. Spend the day exploring local trails, including Stocking Creek Waterfalls, Christie Falls, and the Stocking Creek Trail.
Ferry route:
Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point)
Credit: DestinationBC Vancouver Nelson Mouellic
RECOMMENDATION 2
Ladysmith to Port Renfrew
Enjoy breakfast at one of the local cafes and begin your drive towards Port Renfrew. Once you’re there, spend time the beach and take in all the marine life around you. Head to Botanical Beach for low tide to see tidepools brimming with sea anemones, sea urchins, starfish, crabs and much more.
Credit: CC Image Courtesy of Pierre Mariotta on Flickr
RECOMMENDATION 3
Port Renfrew
Start your day in Port Renfrew with a stop at a local cafe for coffee or pastries, then head into the lush rainforest to explore Avatar Grove, home to some of Canada’s largest and "most gnarled" old-growth trees. Head to a rocky beach to lookout for marine wildlife, then enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.
Credit: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck
RECOMMENDATION 4
Port Renfrew to Victoria
Departing from Port Renfrew, driving to Victoria is approximately 2 hours. Drive straight there, or make stops along the way in places like Jordan River, Shirley or Sooke. Once you have arrived in Victoria, try delicious local dishes and craft beer, visit the Royal BC Museum and the picturesque Inner Harbour, or go shopping on Government Street. For a true taste of Victoria, wander down to Fisherman's Wharf for fish and chips by the water.
Book activities:
Adrena LINE Guided Canopy Zipline Tour
Credit: Destination BC / Tanya Goehring
Credit: Destination BC / Tanya Goehring
RECOMMENDATION 5
Victoria to Metro Vancouver
Wrap up your Vancouver Island adventure with brunch at one of the many local spots downtown, or take a detour to explore Butchart Gardens or Butterfly Gardens before hopping on the ferry back to Vancouver.
Book activities:
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen)
Credit: Destination BC / Tanya Goehring
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.
15% OFF
Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages
PORT RENFREW, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Apr 30, 2026. 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
Wild Renfrew West Coast Trail Lodge
PORT RENFREW, BC
Enjoy 20% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Apr 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Wild Renfrew Forest View Domes & Studio
PORT RENFREW, BC
Enjoy 15% off the best available rate with a minimum of 2-night stay when you book online using the link below.
Valid for stays through Apr 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
20% OFF
The Vic, Ascend Hotel Collection
VICTORIA, BC
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Valid for stays through Sep 30, 2026. Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Inn at Laurel Point
VICTORIA, BC
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Blackout dates may apply.
15% OFF
Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
VICTORIA, BC
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Blackout dates may apply.
10% OFF
Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza
VICTORIA, BC
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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.
20% OFF
Days Inn on the Harbour
VICTORIA, BC
Get 20% off the best available rate when you book online using the link below.
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
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.
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.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.
