On Island Time: Vancouver Island Road Trip
Victoria, the capital city of BC, Canada
Vancouver Island was unchartered territory for us. It was perfect timing because our bodies were aching for a new sense of adventure. Our plan for this section was to ferry from Port Angeles, Washington to the capital of BC, Victoria. Then we would slowly work our way up to the tippy top to Port Hardy to catch our ferry through the inside passage to Bella Coola (more on that REMARKABLE trip in a later post). For the "Island," we had no real camping plans lined out other than Tofino since it is most popular this time of year. Tofino was a major highlight for us. The beaches are unlike any other I've stepped foot on, and it was here that the boys first tried surfing! But what was also a surprise to us was just how memorable Canada's provincial parks would be. While the cities were much more populated on the island than we anticipated, we managed to find some wild, rugged, and stunning spots.
A rough outline of our route through Vancouver Island - starting at Victoria then slowly working our way up to Port Hardy (with an island hop over to Quadra Island).
Cheesin’ at the capital’s fountain, Victoria, BC
Snack time on the grounds of the capital, Victoria, BC
Float home village at Fishermen’s Wharf, Victoria BC
Goldstream Campground BMX Track, Vancouver Island, Canada
Just north of Victoria we discovered an incredible campground complete with river and BMX track, Vancouver Island BC
The Historic Kinsol Trestle is open to the public for cyclists, hikers and equestrians to experience the full Cowichan Valley Trail in the Cowichan Region.
Englishman River falls Provincial Park
We camped at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, and didn’t expect the adventures we would find minutes from our campsite.
That is the question…
Having fun on yet another BMX track - Canada’s Provincial Parks (aka campgrounds) are the best!
Tofino (& the Stunning Drive To!)
Cathedral Grove walk/hike/stop along the way to Tofino, BC
A quick stop along the road at Kennedy River Rapids is A MUST! Wow, this place was stunning.
We did in fact find some big a$$ trees in Cathedral Grove!
We found a million “Love Locks” at Kennedy River too. Yes, we added to it!
We made it to the end of the road, the beautiful Tofino!
Beaches near Tofino
Long Beach, Tofino. It was, well, long.
Bennett and Long Beach
Wickaninnish Beach, Tofino, BC
Tacofino!
Loaf found us some TACOS!! Tacofino, Tofino, BC
Tacofino tacos!
Chesterman Beach (Our Favorite!)
Easily our FAVORITE beach, Chesterman Beach is insanely picturesque.
Chesterman is also a favorite for kids!
Someone might be excited (nervous) to try surfing for the first time!
Out they go, Bennett and Chip, for B’s first time officially surfing!
And he is UP!
Bennett’s first ride, and his first wipe out!
Even on a rainy day, Chesterman Beach is magic.
Royston - VW Driveway Camp Friends!
We met some generous VW folks who let us sleep in their driveway one night!
Royston Shipwrecks - Historical Ghost ships
Across the street from our VW driveway were one million clams for the boys to dig up. Don’t worry, we left them there but it made for a fun discovery.
Side Trip to From Vancouver Island to Quadra Island (via Ferry)
We somehow lucked out on meeting new friends from the small island of Quadra who invited us over. So halfway up Vancouver island we cut over to Quadra Island via BC Ferries. For more on our memorable time on Quadra, click HERE! We are so glad we made the effort to check this special place out.
I spy Loaf. I spy Lindsay in Loaf.
Our new friends, Amy and Sheldon, showed up around Quadra Island all weekend long. The end of our weekend culminated with a picnic and sunset on the beach.
Woss Lake Campground - Rugged, Unspoiled, & Free
One of my favorite camping spots to date - this place screamed vibrant, mystical, and rugged Canada!
What’s Next On The Road Trip?!
…A once-in-a-lifetime ferry ride from Port Hardy through the Inside Passage and up to Bella Coola, BC. You DON’T want to miss this incredible adventure filled with hanging glaciers, orcas, mountain views, and the most scenic campground to date! Read about it HERE.
