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Covered in lush temperate rainforest, surrounded by pods of killer whales, inhabited by very few humans and resident to many genera of flora and fauna, Vancouver Island is a beautiful introduction, or farewell, to your road trip around Canada. Victoria is the biggest city and serves as the Capital of British Columbia. The highlights of the island are further north in the rainforests and on the west coast. If you are road tripping across Western Canada and starting or ending your trip in Vancouver, consider adding a few more days to your itinerary for a side trip to Vancouver Island.
The best way to get around the Island is by campervan. It gives you the freedom of being in the right place at the right time without having to worry about hotel bills. The best place to search for camper vans is on the most extensive campervan price comparison website Motorhome republic. Make sure you book your campervan well in advance! Canada is a popular destination for RV holidaymakers! I always use and recommend Discover Cars for that purpose.
Vancouver Island can be partial to some pretty bad storms, most of which come from November to February. That being said it is the quietest time of the year too. The off-season lasts from November to April.
Many of the shops, and most of the campsites, in places such as Tofino and Port Alberni are closed for the winter season. When the longer days start to bring warmth back to the Island and the darling buds of May start to blossom, the island springs back to life. The spring shoulder season of May and June is a great time to visit. After the summer rush, everything slowly winds down in the shoulder season, from September and October. Not a bad time for road tripping either.
Below you can find the map of the itinerary. If you click on the top left of the map you will find separate layers marking the destinations, photography spots, hikes and accommodation. You can also click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I have marked. I will be talking about them as I break the itinerary down day by day. To get to Vancouver Island you will need to take a ferry. There are two major ferry terminals in Vancouver from where the ferries leave: Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
Tsawwassen is closer to the city centre and Horseshoe Bay is out to the West. I prefer Horseshoe Bay for several reasons:. You can make reservations, and check prices and the timetables for all ferries from Vancouver to Vancouver Island on the BC ferries website. I was travelling in the shoulder season and bought my ferry tickets right at the terminal. Only cash or credit cards were accepted. Head north on Highway 19 until you reach the turnoff for scenic highway 4. It is a stretch of km mi pristine curvy road through the mountainous rainforest.
There are several stops you can make on the way to Tofino and back. The park is home to several waterfalls most notable — the Upper and Lower Qualicum Falls.
The walk around them, with stops for photos, could be done quickly. Take it all in and give yourself at least an hour. On a still day, it offers reflections of the surrounding mountains. Some of the trees are over years old and almost 3m in diameter!! Bear in mind that parking next to the Cathedral Grove trailhead is right by the main road and it can get pretty busy , especially in the peak summer months. After Cathedral Grove, continue along on your epic road trip. You should be close to Port Alberni.
A superb place to have some food and take a short stroll to The Hole in the Wall Waterfall. The waterfall can be tricky to find. Once you get to Port Alberni follow the signs for the visitor centre where you can pick up a detailed map that will lead you straight to the waterfall. After Port Alberni the road then continues to wind through the mountains stopping at various viewpoints such as Sproat Lake and Kennedy Lake.
Whalers on the Point Guesthouse. Ecolodge — Tofino. Long Beach Lodge Resort. Tofino and the surrounding islands were once small fishing villages inhabited only by the First Nations. Peaceful places where the local communities only took what they needed and left the rest to flourish. We could learn a lot from the way they used to, and still, try to live. Today Tofino is mostly known for being an awesome surfing hub and popular tourist destination. Speaking of tour operators. Most of them offer 3 different kinds of speciality tours.
Bear watching, whale watching and hot springs tours. I have opted for the tour to the hot springs cove with a local company called the Whale Centre and was it the right choice! By choosing the latter I felt like I had just shot not two but three birds with one stone! Here is why. On the way to the hot springs, which takes 90 minutes by boat btw, we spend some time looking for grey whales. As luck would have it we found 2 of them hanging out in one of the bays. We watched in awe as they resubmerged to catch a breath a few times.
Our tour then continued to the hot springs cove. Upon arriving we hiked for 20 minutes through one of many beautiful rainforests on the Island. The natural hot springs were a delight. Because we were one of the first ones to arrive, the area was peaceful. However, as we were getting ready to leave it got busier and busier.
A tip from me would be to go as early as possible. During the return journey our captain, born and raised on one of the little islands around Tofino, managed to spot a mama bear with two small cubs hanging out on the shore, a lone wolf right on the beach and a sea otter playfully cleaning its fur as we drove by!!
Now you know what I mean when I got 3 tours in 1. The professionalism and contagious enthusiasm the staff at the Whale Centre showed us, made it really easy for me to recommend them.
The peak is located on Meares Island to the north, right across from Tofino and should take around 4 hours to complete. You can also pay for a water taxi to get across. The ride only takes a few minutes and operates on a telephone request basis.
The trail to Pettinger Point heads out toward the beach. The view from the much larger outcrop is a fantastic spot to watch sunset or surfers waiting for the perfect wave. It should only take you around 15 minutes to get from the road to the point but you could easily spend a few hours there, like I did, watching the world go by. To access the viewpoint park your car in a public parking lot near Cox Bay Resort, across from the visitor centre. Walk towards the beach through the resort grounds.
Once at the beach turn right and walk towards the forest until you see a path. The path will take you to the rocks where you can find a spot to sit down and watch the sunset. The walk will only take 15 minutes one way, but I would recommend taking sturdy shoes when walking on the rocks. There are loads of hikes and paths in the Pacific Rim National Park, most of which are short affairs that end up on the beach. The national park, which hugs the western shoreline receives a lot of precipitation, about mm a year to be precise, which is caused by the coastal mountains.
As a result, the catchment area is flooded with continual moisture culminating in a dense lush temperate rainforest and many marshes and bogs. Directly in front of you will be a small outcrop, possible to walk around. This is only doable at low tide, do not attempt it otherwise.
On this outcrop crabs, starfish and sea enema are a common sight. Take some lunch to eat, whilst sitting on the rocks and listening to the sound of the ocean. Check the tide times on the Tofino website. Inland from Long Beach, the figure of eight-track is located on both sides of the highway in two separate 1km loops. Both along raised boardwalks through thick foliage offer a fantastic opportunity to take in the sights and smells of the area. The trail encompasses steps so is not as easy as a flat 2 km hike, but even with stops at the informative trail plaques and photography opportunities, it should take no longer than an hour.
The road back the way you came will be just as exciting as the first time you did it. You also probably missed some roadside pullouts as well so make sure to visit them on the way back along Highway 4. You can leave Tofino late in the afternoon and catch the last ferry from Vancouver Island back to the mainland. A lot of the cafes and other businesses in Tofino are only open 6 months a year they do not accept cards. The ATMs here are scarce and will charge you for withdrawal.
Remember cash is king. Unless you are visiting in the winter carrying bear spray is essential. Know how to use it as well.
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The Lobster Man is hosting their annual cook out with lobster and corn on the cob between am and pm. There are also a variety of activities for kids to enjoy on Canada Day at Granville Island. The activities are available from am until pm. Granville Island is also home to a spray park which is a great place for kids to beat the summer heat. For a full list of activities available this year check out the Canada Day Schedule. There is usually entertainment in the plaza by the waterfront, in Triangle Square in front of the Public Market, and in one or two of the theatre venues, plus multiple other locations.
Granville Island visitors are treated to live jazz music at various times during the festival, but especially so all afternoon and evening on July 1st. More than 10 bands usually participate, and each performs at different times and locations. Check out our article on Free Jazz Festival Concerts to see the full schedule. In addition to the live jazz, there are usually roving performers and buskers found all throughout Granville Island on Canada Day.
It all makes for a fun, affordable and family-friendly time. Granville Island is a popular place for shopping. The food court has everything from pizzas to fish and chips. There was a small artisan market on Canada Day in that took place from am until pm in Triangle Square, which is just across the street from The Public Market.
The Net Loft building is nearby and it contains many unique specialty stores. The Kids Market is a favourite place for children to explore. The building contains two floors of amazing stores that sell specialty toys, kites, clothes, sweets and more. They run from until about pm. The free family-friendly celebrations in Coquitlam include food trucks, outdoor concerts and evening fireworks. Click Coquitlam on Canada Day for more information about the event. This year, at the new location, activities run from am until pm.
They include bouncy castles, a balloon animal station, food trucks and community information booths. The entertainment also features dancing, live music, a magician and puppeteering. The festivities in the village, and at the fort, however, are not as extensive as they used to be pre-pandemic. July 1st celebrations at the Memorial Peace Park usually run from in the afternoon until pm. Things to enjoy at the free event usually include the farmers market, pony rides and community barbecue.
There is also live music, a Canada Day Flyover and family-friendly games. In the celebrations took place online. Celebrations return to Memorial Peace Park in Activities there typically include a pancake breakfast, yoga, live music, dog agility demonstrations and all kinds of other fun things. In years when the live events are all able to run, at pm admission to Mission Raceway Park is free.
They run from am until pm. Click Canada Day in Mission for more information about what happens on July 1st. New Westminster usually has a few different events taking place on July 1st. All Canada Day events in the city were cancelled.
Canada Day was also smaller-scale in New Westminster compared to normal years. Celebrations in are similar to , although there are more things to do. Activities on offer include yoga, the New West Farmers Market, free concerts in local parks and a variety of workshops at different locations. In a number of events and activities happen on July 1st. On Canada Day the event runs from am until pm. Expect to see live performances, food trucks and more.
Canada Day in Port Coquitlam begins with a pancake breakfast and finishes with fireworks. In between there is a fishing derby and live performances.
To learn more about this event see our article about Canada Day in Port Coquitlam. Squamish used to celebrate Canada Day with a parade, community festival and live music. In some years but not all there have also been fireworks. That being said, Canada Day celebrations are taking place just down the way this year at the Britannia Mine Museum. There are also festivities in Whistler. One of the best times to visit historic Steveston Village in Richmond is on Canada Day when the community attracts up to 70, people to its Salmon Festival.
The event features a pancake breakfast, parade, Japanese cultural fair, craft fair, music concerts and a world famous salmon BBQ. In , the celebrations took place in a different format from usual. Most festivities were available online, including a digital parade, virtual performances and more. The Salmon Festival returns in with things to do in-person throughout the community. If you get hungry and want more than ice cream or cotton candy, there are a couple local businesses selling pizza and hot dogs.
You can also bring a picnic lunch like we did and find a grassy spot in the corner to eat. It really is a great way to enjoy a small community event. So if you like small town Canada Day celebrations then the quaint seaside town of Chemainus is just the spot for your young family.
Who knows we might see you there! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. The day we Canadians wear as much red and white as possible and celebrate being a great country. Do you know of other fantastic Vancouver Island small town Canada Day celebrations happening? Add to the comment section below. For more information, please visit the Gorge Canada Day Picnic website. Clap your hands, or dance yourself silly to the live music throughout the day.
Be a kid again, jump in and take part in all the fun activities. Enjoy the food and snacks at the concession, but remember to leave a bit of room for a piece of the HUGE cake. Town of Lake Cowichan Festivities start at 11 A. Food, Music, Arts and Cultural activities and fun for kids until 3 P.
Youbou in Arbutus Park starts at 10 am Food, Music, activities and fun for kids until 2pm. Honeymoon Bay at the Honeymoon Bay Hall starts at am, with scholarship awards at am. Cake, Music, and award presentations until 2 P. Mesachie Lake at the Skydome Park, concession, cake, Music, activities and fun for kids 6pm to 8pm.
Waterwheel Park sets the stage for this annual family-friendly event where there is a little something for everyone, no matter your age! All the events take place between 11 am — 3 pm, leaving lots of time for you to simply enjoy a day in the park dressed in red and white. The town of Ladysmith will be hosting a fun celebration this year. There will be kids games and activities, live music, a giant cake, and more!
This event is FREE to attend. Lots of events and live entertainment happening all day long. Family activities include face painting, crafts, games, bouncy castles, kayaking, balloon animals, magic, dance performances, and much more!
The day ends with the fabulous grand finale fireworks, sponsored by Thrifty Foods.
Steam Workshop::Canada Collection.
If you are looking for something to do on July 1, head to any of the below-mentioned festivities to help get you in the Canadian spirit. On Sunday, July 1, you can expect an impressive line-up of local performers, family-friendly activities, and multicultural programming. Celebrate Canada Day in Port Renfrew. They will be hosting their own carnival this year With lots of activities for all members of the family, including a parade.
Everyone is welcome to take part in the parade. Decorate your car, trailer, bike, face, dog, etc. Prizes will be given out for best floats. The parade starts at the Wild Renfrew Adventure Centre and ends at Beach Camp where the float winners will be announced with games and hot dogs. Celebrate Canada Day in Sidney. Start the day with a pancake breakfast am , followed by the annual parade — Once the parade completes its route, people are encouraged to move to Iroquois Park to join in the Family Fun Fair — pm where the fun continues.
Enjoy a variety of activities for the entire family including an inflatable obstacle course, carnival-style games, dog show, watermelon eating contest, and so much more! For more information, please visit the Gorge Canada Day Picnic website.
Clap your hands, or dance yourself silly to the live music throughout the day. Be a kid again, jump in and take part in all the fun activities. Enjoy the food and snacks at the concession, but remember to leave a bit of room for a piece of the HUGE cake. Town of Lake Cowichan Festivities start at 11 A. Food, Music, Arts and Cultural activities and fun for kids until 3 P. Youbou in Arbutus Park starts at 10 am Food, Music, activities and fun for kids until 2pm. Honeymoon Bay at the Honeymoon Bay Hall starts at am, with scholarship awards at am.
Cake, Music, and award presentations until 2 P. Mesachie Lake at the Skydome Park, concession, cake, Music, activities and fun for kids 6pm to 8pm. Waterwheel Park sets the stage for this annual family-friendly event where there is a little something for everyone, no matter your age! All the events take place between 11 am — 3 pm, leaving lots of time for you to simply enjoy a day in the park dressed in red and white.
The town of Ladysmith will be hosting a fun celebration this year. There will be kids games and activities, live music, a giant cake, and more! This event is FREE to attend. Lots of events and live entertainment happening all day long. Family activities include face painting, crafts, games, bouncy castles, kayaking, balloon animals, magic, dance performances, and much more!
The day ends with the fabulous grand finale fireworks, sponsored by Thrifty Foods. Add in food trucks, concessions, and artisan booths and it will be a full day of family fun.
The family day event starts with an early morning pancake breakfast and ends with a street dance later that night! Further information, including times and location of all events, can be found on the Comox Valley Canada Day website.
This Canada Day event has a full day of activities, starting with a pancake breakfast and ending with a Festival of Lights display. Fun for all ages. Further information, including times of all events, can be found on the Campbell River Canada Day Event website. The parade features many creative floats all of which start on Stamp Avenue outside of the Catalyst Parking lot. The Parade will start at the sound of the Steam Whistle around am from the Baldwin Steam Train which will be about 1.
Once at the Quay, the party takes over with many vendors set up for all to enjoy! Events happen all day and into the evening at Harbour Quay. Head to the Village Green from — pm for some Canada Day festivities. Expect artisans, kids activities, local vendors, Free hot dog BBQ, and live music. If you know of any other Canada Day Celebrations on Vancouver Island, please let me know in the comments below.
Thank you for the reminder. Honeymoon Bay at the Honeymoon Bay Hall starts at 10am, with scholarship awards at am. Love receiving your email every Friday although it makes me realize how fast a week goes by! Oh no! And I got this too late I was out enjoying all those festivities. I actually did a search for Ladysmith when I wrote this post, but nothing came up. Perhaps I was a bit too early. Thank you for letting me know! I hope you had a wonderful Canada Day.
Thank you for being a weekly reader! And yes, I quite agree…the weeks do fly by just a little too fast. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Oh, Canada! Our home and native land… Vancouver Islanders sure know how to celebrate this glorious country we live in. Vancouver Island Fall Bucket List Spring Break Activities Best Romantic Restaurants on Vancouver Island Bonnie Morgan 3 years ago Reply.
It would have been nice to see Port Alberni on the list as we have many events happening. Kim Parcher 3 years ago Reply. Katherine Worsley 3 years ago Reply. Youbou in Arbutus Park starts at 10 am Food, Music, activities and fun for kids until 2pm Honeymoon Bay at the Honeymoon Bay Hall starts at 10am, with scholarship awards at am. Thank you so much for all the info!! Cathy : 5 years ago Reply. Kim Post Author 5 years ago Reply.
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