Vancouver Island, British Columbia 10-Day Trip Itinerary

BC Ferries Crossing

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island).

Keep an eye out for marine wildlife!

Book your ferry reservation in advance, especially when traveling with a vehicle. Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

Check-in to Lodge

Drive from Swartz Bay to Sooke and check into your accommodation.

Explore Victoria's Inner Harbour

Stroll along the picturesque Inner Harbour, admire the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, and view the Parliament Buildings. You might catch street performers or local artists.

Royal BC Museum Visit

Discover British Columbia's natural and human history through engaging exhibits.

See totem poles, natural history dioramas, and First Nations artifacts.

Check seasonal closing times; some museums close earlier in the fall. Booking tickets online is recommended.

Dinner in Victoria

Enjoy fresh, local cuisine at one of Victoria's many excellent restaurants.

Consider a spot in the charming Old Town or near the Inner Harbour.

Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria

Embark on a comprehensive tour including the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, the enchanting Butterfly Gardens, a wine tasting experience, and the historic Craigdarroch Castle. A luxurious way to see Victoria's best.

This package is a fantastic way to cover multiple top attractions efficiently. Tours typically include pick-up from downtown Victoria, a 1-hour drive from your lodge in Sooke.

Dinner in Sooke

After a full day, enjoy a relaxed dinner near your lodge in Sooke.

Many local restaurants feature fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients.

Seaside Homes and Gardens Tour

Experience Victoria's historic James Bay neighborhood and the spectacular Beacon Hill Park with a knowledgeable guide, learning about the local heritage and beautiful homes.

An excellent walking tour to appreciate Victoria's charm. Tour typically starts near the Inner Harbour.

Explore Beacon Hill Park

Wander through the expansive Beacon Hill Park, home to manicured gardens, serene ponds, and the world's fourth-tallest totem pole.

Keep an eye out for peacocks!

Lunch in Victoria

Grab a casual lunch in downtown Victoria.

Many cafes and eateries offer quick and tasty options.

Victoria Scavenger Hunt

Discover Victoria's highlights from a unique perspective on a self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt.

Solve riddles and clues leading you to new locations.

A fun and interactive way to explore the city at your own pace.

Relax at Vancouver Island Lodge

Return to your lodge in Sooke and enjoy some downtime.

Relax by the water or simply unwind.

Dinner at the Lodge or Nearby

Enjoy a quiet dinner at your accommodation or explore another local Sooke eatery.

Indigenous Cultural & Wildlife Tour

Experience the best of marine wildlife and First Nations culture with this half-day, small-group tour.

An immersive, hands-on adventure combining whale watching with land-based cultural exploration.

This tour offers a unique blend of nature, wildlife, and cultural insight, perfect for your interests. Wear layers and bring binoculars!

Lunch in Sooke

Enjoy a post-tour lunch in Sooke, perhaps at a cafe with ocean views.

Walk the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Take a leisurely walk through Sooke Potholes Provincial Park.

The unique geological formations and clear waters of the Sooke River provide beautiful scenery, especially in the fall.

Seafood Dinner Experience

Indulge in a fresh seafood dinner, a highlight of the coastal experience in Sooke.

Many local restaurants offer exquisite dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Hiking East Sooke Regional Park

Embark on a spectacular hike along the rugged coastline of East Sooke Regional Park.

Choose from shorter loop trails or portions of the challenging Coast Trail for breathtaking ocean views and ancient forests.

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring water. The Coast Trail can be challenging but offers incredibly rewarding views.

Lunch in Port Renfrew

Drive further west to Port Renfrew, often called 'The Tall Tree Capital of Canada', and enjoy lunch at a local pub or cafe.

Explore Botanical Beach

Discover the incredible tide pools and unique rock formations at Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

Low tide reveals a vibrant ecosystem of marine life.

Check tide tables beforehand for the best viewing opportunities. Wear appropriate footwear for rocky, slippery terrain.

Scenic Drive Back to Sooke

Enjoy the scenic drive back to your lodge in Sooke, taking in the rugged coastal landscapes.

Relaxation and Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a free evening to relax at your lodge, perhaps by a fire, and have a final dinner in Sooke before preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Drive to Nanaimo

Enjoy a scenic drive from Southern Vancouver Island north towards Nanaimo, the central hub of the island.

The journey offers picturesque views as you transition into a new region.

Lunch in Nanaimo

Grab lunch at one of Nanaimo's local eateries.

Consider a spot along the waterfront for nice views.

Plenty of options along the harbour or in downtown Nanaimo.

Vancouver Island Whale Watch

Embark on an unforgettable whale watching tour from Nanaimo.

Experience BC's coastal wilderness, home to killer whales, humpback whales, sea lions, and other marine wildlife.

Dress in layers, as it can be cooler on the water. Fall is still a great time for whale watching as humpbacks migrate.

Nanaimo Waterfront Stroll

Enjoy a relaxing walk along Nanaimo's scenic waterfront promenade, taking in the harbour views and local atmosphere.

Ideal for a gentle walk after your boat tour.

Dinner in Nanaimo

Dine at a local restaurant in Nanaimo.

Many options offer fresh seafood.

Waterfalls, Coombs and Cathedral Grove Rainforest Tour

Embark on a full-day guided tour exploring some of Vancouver Island's best outdoor adventures. This private tour takes you past Nanaimo to the Coombs area, featuring waterfalls, the famous Cathedral Grove rainforest, and local highlights.

This tour is a fantastic way to experience 'walking' and 'nature' with a knowledgeable guide. The description mentions starting from Victoria, but it is a private tour so can be adapted for pickup from the Nanaimo area. Dress for hiking and variable fall weather.

Dinner near Lantzville

Enjoy a quiet dinner near your accommodation in Lantzville or return to Nanaimo for more dining options.

Scenic Drive to Ucluelet

Embark on a beautiful drive across the island to the rugged west coast.

The route takes you through Port Alberni and then into the winding roads of the Pacific Rim, offering stunning forest and mountain views.

The drive from Nanaimo to Ucluelet is approximately 3-4 hours. Be prepared for winding roads, especially past Port Alberni. There are a few stops like the 'Goats on the Roof' in Coombs if you want a quick break.

Lunch in Ucluelet

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in the charming west coast town of Ucluelet.

Ucluelet has a great selection of casual eateries.

Walk the Wild Pacific Trail

Explore sections of the iconic Wild Pacific Trail, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, ancient forests, and crashing waves.

This trail is perfect for 'walking' and 'nature' exploration.

The Lighthouse Loop is a popular and relatively easy section. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for potentially wet conditions. The trail is well-maintained and offers several viewpoints.

Dinner in Ucluelet

Enjoy dinner at one of Ucluelet's cozy restaurants, many offering local ingredients and fresh seafood.

Short Drive to Tofino

Take a short scenic drive north from Ucluelet to the iconic surf town of Tofino.

Coastal Bear Watching Tour

Join a boat tour from Tofino to observe black bears foraging along the shoreline at low tide.

This is a fantastic opportunity for 'animal' viewing in their natural habitat.

Bear watching tours are popular in the fall. Book in advance. You'll stay on the boat to observe bears safely. Dress warmly and bring binoculars.

Lunch in Tofino

Enjoy lunch at one of Tofino's renowned food trucks or casual cafes.

Tacofino or The Fish Store and Oyster Bar are popular choices.

Chesterman Beach Walk

Stroll along the expansive and beautiful Chesterman Beach, known for its soft sand, tide pools, and iconic 'Frank Island' at low tide. Perfect for 'walking' and enjoying the 'nature' of the Pacific coast.

Check tide tables if you wish to walk out to Frank Island. Ideal for beachcombing and storm watching in the fall.

Dinner in Tofino

Experience Tofino's vibrant culinary scene.

Consider a restaurant with ocean views.

Pacific Rim Rainforest Trail

Before heading back, take one last immersive 'walk' through the ancient temperate rainforest of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The Rainforest Trail (Loops A & B) offers boardwalks through towering trees and lush vegetation, a quintessential 'nature' experience.

Located just outside Tofino/Ucluelet on Highway 4. A National Parks Pass may be required. The boardwalks can be slippery when wet.

Drive back to Nanaimo

Begin your journey back across Vancouver Island towards Nanaimo to catch your ferry connection to the mainland.

Late Lunch / Snack

Grab a late lunch or snack on your way to the ferry terminal.

Ferry Check-in

Arrive at the BC Ferries terminal (Departure Bay or Duke Point) in Nanaimo for your scheduled sailing back to Vancouver.

It's highly recommended to book your ferry reservation in advance, especially for a fall weekday. Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before your sailing.