5 Day Vancouver Island Itinerary
Just across the water from Vancouver lies the stunning Vancouver Island – a place full of rugged coastlines, charming towns, and hidden gems beyond the well-known hotspots of Tofino and Victoria. In this itinerary, I’ll take you on a journey through some of the island’s best stops, where to grab a bite, and the free activities you won’t want to miss.
I drove this route from Tofino to Campbell River and back, but this itinerary is flexible – you can start from Nanaimo, Port Alberni, or wherever works best for your holiday. Think of it as a guide you can tweak to fit your pace, interests, and sense of adventure!
Day 1: Tofino to Campbell River
We kicked things off by tackling the longest stretch of driving right away: Tofino to Campbell River. It’s about 3.5 hours on the road, but don’t let the distance fool you – the route is stunning, with plenty of hidden gems worth pulling over for along the way. We hired our car with Evo Return for the cheapest rates on the island, sign up for free and get $25 off your first trip with code 8VUSN7JM!
Taylor River Rest Area
This is a stop you simply can’t miss. Whether you’re driving in from the coast or Port Alberni, it’s one of the best places to pull over for a break. Beyond the usual conveniences – public washrooms, picnic tables, and EV chargers – you’ll find something special: a turquoise river oasis just steps from the bank, perfect for cooling off on a summer day.You can read more about it in my full post here.
Port Alberni
If you’ve been living in Tofino for a while like I have, Port Alberni will feel like a fast-food heaven. Suddenly, all the big-name takeaways are back on the menu – McDonald’s, Subway, Domino’s… it’s a smorgasbord of quick bites! This makes it the perfect place to pause for lunch. And if you need to restock for the next leg of your trip, Walmart here is your best bet for an affordable grocery shop.
Coombs (Goats on the Roof)
Home to the famous “goats on the roof,” the Old Country Market in Coombs is a quirky and memorable stop for the whole family. Whether you’re after groceries, a quick bite, or a unique gift, this little spot has plenty to explore – we loved it so much we even stopped in again on our return journey!
The goats graze on the rooftop grass from May through October; outside of that season, they hang out on a nearby farm.
Top tip: If you’re into Pokémon cards, old-school games, or comics, there’s a hidden gem of a store here you’ll definitely want to check out.
Campbell River
After Coombs, it was time to hit the highway and cruise toward our final stop of the day: Campbell River. This charming east-coast town is more than just a pit stop – it’s the perfect gateway to whale watching, waterfall hikes, and some of the island’s best outdoor adventures. We squeezed in a bit of overdue shopping at Winners, grabbed a late-night happy hour bite at Moxies, and finally settled in for a well-earned rest before the adventures to come. We love staying in airbnbs, but the Comfort Inn & Suites looked like an amazing plan B! Close to the water, town, and free breakfast included – how could you go wrong!
Day 2: Campbell River
With a day full of scenery and adventure ahead, we set out in search of lakes and waterfalls. The sun was blazing – hitting a glorious 30°C (Tofino weather doesn’t get quite this warm) – so we packed a lunch, tossed our swimwear in the car, and hit the road ready to explore Campbell Rivers hotspots.
Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
Just a 10-minute drive from Campbell River, Elk Falls is an easy and rewarding stop. The park offers several hiking trails along the river, but the star attraction is the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. From the carpark, it’s only a 10–15 minute walk to reach the viewing platform, making it very accessible. We did venture further along one of the trails, but honestly nothing compared to the thrill of standing over Elk Falls itself!
McIvor Lake
McIvor Lake is perfect for a relaxed picnic. Spread out your pre-packed sandwiches and snacks on the sandy shore, then take a refreshing dip in the water. While it’s a popular spot, the lakefront has plenty of space to find your own peaceful corner, so it never feels crowded.
Big Rock & Driftwood Whale
After relaxing at McIvor Lake, we weren’t quite sure what to do next. A quick Google search for iconic local spots pointed us to the Big Rock and the Driftwood Whale. We decided to take a short drive down the coast to see both.
The Driftwood Whale is an incredible sculpture – definitely worth stopping to admire the artist’s craftsmanship. The Big Rock… well, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a big rock. Sometimes that’s all there is to say!
Optional Stop
If I’d had more time, I would have loved to include Myra Falls in our itinerary. This spectacular waterfall sits further inland, about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Campbell River. If your schedule allows, it’s well worth a visit – reviews and photos make it look absolutely stunning!
If I had the money, I would have loved to participate in a grizzly watching tour. The inlets in the Campbell River area are well known for their bear activity. If you have the funds I would invest in this tour!
Day 3: Campbell River to Courtenay
Although the drive between Campbell River and Courtenay takes only about 40 minutes, there are plenty of adventures worth detouring for along the way. And if you still have more left to explore in Campbell River, this is the perfect chance to linger a little longer- there’s no rush when the next destination is such a short drive away.
Quinsam River Hatchery
I was keen to visit the Quinsam River Hatchery – not just to learn more about the salmon life cycle, but also in the hopes of spotting a bear. Admission is free, and there are a few riverside trails to wander, complete with plenty of “bear in the area” signs to keep you on alert. Sadly, no bears showed up for us, but we did get to witness a full-on traffic jam of salmon crowding near the gates!
Oyster River Potholes
An absolute must on your itinerary, the Oyster River Potholes are a short detour off the main highway. A quick walk down the river brings you to naturally formed rock pools – perfect for a refreshing swim. This was hands-down our favourite stop of the trip, so don’t miss it! For more detailed information on the potholes you can find it on my post here.
Miracle Beach Mini Golf
Just 20 minutes from Campbell River, the Miracle Beach area is a perfect place to pause your road trip. We couldn’t resist a round of mini golf – the course has a charming setup and gave us the chance to unleash our competitive streak over a picnic lunch. Some of the putts were trickier than expected, so bring your A-game!
Of course, the real gem here is Miracle Beach Provincial Park itself, known for its long sandy shoreline and coastal trails. Whether you’re after a lighthearted game or a peaceful stroll by the ocean, this stop has a little something for everyone.
Nymph Falls Nature Park
Just 15 minutes from Courtenay, Nymph Falls is a lush forest and waterfall park worth exploring in any weather. For us, it was a rainy day, but that only added to the experience – the forest felt peaceful and calm, with nothing but the sound of the falls, raindrops on the trees, and leaves crunching beneath our feet. Several trails branch out from this spot, so I recommend checking AllTrails to pick the route that suits you best.
For accommodation I suggest something central, like the Best Western or Comox Valley Inn & Suites. They’re right in town, with all local restaurants and attraction a walk or short drive away.
Day 4: Courtenay
Unfortunately, the rain clouds rolled in today, putting many of our outdoor plans on hold. Instead of forcing it, we embraced the chance to slow down and explore a few indoor spots around the city. The highlight? A cozy afternoon at the local theatre – something we hadn’t done since before moving to Tofino!
Hen & Hog Cafe (breakfast)
Small in size but big on flavour, the Hen & Hog Café serves up an extravagant breakfast menu. From creative omelettes and eggs benedict, to crepes, breakfast poutines, and more – you’ll definitely leave feeling full and happy. I went for the Nutella crepes (so good!), while my partner tucked into a hearty baked potato breakfast bowl.
Ravens Moon Cidery
A tasting board at Ravens Moon Cidery is the perfect rainy-day activity – or really, any day! We enjoyed a flight of four ciders, accompanied by blueberries, pretzels, and water to cleanse the palate between sips. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming, making the experience even more memorable. Honestly, I only wish I’d bought more cider to take home!
Optional Stops
If you’re visiting in summer on a sunny day, the Puntledge River is a popular spot for tubing. Other options include the Mount Washington Scenic Ski Lift ride and Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. We had been looking forward to all of these, but with wet weather and low visibility from recent wildfires, we decided to skip them this time.
Day 5: Courtenay to Tofino
With a three-hour drive ahead, we used this day to check off the sights we’d missed on the way out. Our car rental wasn’t due back until late evening, so thankfully we had plenty of time to soak in everything the island still had to offer.
Englishman River Falls
Located near Coombs, Englishman River Falls was the perfect spot to stretch our legs before heading back to the Old Country Market for a bite. Two spectacular waterfalls and an easy 30–40 minute loop make for a scenic walk, great photo opportunities, and a chance to soak in the sounds of nature. The parking lot is spacious, so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem.
Cuckoo Tratoria & Pizzeria (lunch)
Back in Coombs, we grabbed lunch at the Pizzeria – and wow, the food did not disappoint! Even with a simple classic Margherita pizza, it was one of the tastiest I’ve ever had. Woodfired, saucy, cheesy, and fresh – everything you could want in a perfect pizza.
Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall is easiest to visit on the way back to Port Alberni rather than when heading out. There’s a small parking area across the road by the candy store, then a short walk (about 30 minutes round-trip) to the start of the trail. Originally dug to accommodate a pipe, the site now features a quirky waterfall and waterhole – a unique spot that’s easy to see why tourists love it!
Kennedy Lake
On a sunny day, Kennedy Lake is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip and a rest break. When the water is clear, the surrounding mountains reflect on the lake, creating a stunning mirror-like view. It wasn’t that kind of day for us – but we still enjoyed parking up and taking in the moody views.
Optional Stops
I had hoped to explore the hiking trails at Cathedral Grove, but the parking lots were full on both sides of the road during our trip. Definitely a popular spot, so plan accordingly if you want to visit.
Between Taylor River Rest Area and Kennedy Lake, heading toward Tofino, there’s a small pull-off on the right called Wally’s Creek. It’s a quiet spot where some travelers stop to admire the waterfalls or take a refreshing swim.
This 5-day Vancouver Island itinerary is just one way to experience the island, but the beauty of this place is how customizable it is. Whether you start in Nanaimo, Port Alberni, or Tofino, you’ll find plenty of gems along the way. Of course, you can tweak the route to fit your own pace, but I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that feels just as memorable. Have you been to Vancouver Island before? I’d love to hear your favourite stops in the comments!
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