Vancouver Island RV Itinerary: 7 Days
Quick summary: This 7-day RV itinerary loops from Vancouver to Victoria, up the island’s east coast and west to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, before returning by ferry from Nanaimo. It mixes city sights, gardens, wineries, beaches and old-growth rainforest. Reserve ferries and campgrounds ahead in summer, and allow plenty of time for the winding Highway 4 drive in a campervan or motorhome.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Length | 7 days |
| Start and end | Vancouver |
| Ferries | Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay; Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay |
| Highlights | Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Tofino, Long Beach |
| Longest drive | Parksville to Tofino |
| Tours | Victoria tours, Whale watching tours |
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What does each day look like?
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver to Victoria | Ferry to Swartz Bay, Butchart Gardens |
| 2 | Victoria | Inner Harbour, whale watching |
| 3 | Victoria to Parksville | Malahat, Cowichan Valley, Chemainus |
| 4 | Parksville to Tofino | Cathedral Grove, Highway 4 |
| 5 | Tofino and Pacific Rim | Long Beach, rainforest trails |
| 6 | Tofino to Nanaimo | Return east, Nanaimo harbor |
| 7 | Nanaimo to Vancouver | Ferry to Horseshoe Bay |
Which day is toughest in an RV?
Day four, on the narrow, winding section of Highway 4 near Kennedy Lake. Drive slowly and use pullouts. See Tofino and Pacific Rim.
Where can you stay?
At RV parks near Victoria, beach campgrounds around Parksville, and national park or private campgrounds near Tofino.
How should you book the ferries?
Reserve both sailings for summer travel, especially in a larger vehicle. See ferries to Vancouver Island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for Victoria, the east coast and Tofino.
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay out, and Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay back.
Around three hours from Nanaimo or Parksville.
Yes in summer, especially near Tofino.