Start the car and head in any direction!
12 road-worthy day trips on Vancouver Island
Summer is here and the open road is calling!
Not everyone has a week or two of vacation time to spend exploring Vancouver Island. Luckily, the Comox Valley is a convenient starting point to make some very memorable day trips this summer.
Gas up, grab your gear, and head out on the open road. Don’t forget your camera!
Adventurous day trips from the Comox Valley
Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park)
If you’ve always wanted to hug a big tree, Cathedral Grove is the place for you. Located 16km east of Port Alberni, Cathedral Grove is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees. Some of these majestic pillars are more than 800 years old.
Trails on either side of the highway give access to this amazing coastal forest. Be sure to head over to the south side, where you will find the largest Douglas firs—with one measuring more than 9 metres in circumference!
Cowichan Valley
The second-largest wine producing region in British Columbia is the Cowichan Valley! Home to 15 wineries with tasting rooms, there is everything from traditional varietals like Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Ortega to local sparkling wines and fruit wines.
You can go solo and tour the wineries on your own, or sign up for a formal tour. Be sure to check out the local farmers’ markets to grab yourself some delicious local wine pairing products.
Horne Lake Caves
Have a subterranean adventure at Horne Lake Caves! Here, there are many levels of experience for families and adventurous park visitors ready to explore the beauty and mystery found bellows the surface of Vancouver Island.
You can choose to take a guided tour, explore wild and rugged caves at your own risk. Helmets and at least two light sources are highly recommended!
When you return to the surface, be sure to hike Phil Whitfield’s Fossil Geology Trail. The 30 minute loop through lush forest filled with interesting geology features. You won’t want to miss how marine fossils, disappearing rivers, and volcanic activity combined to shape this unique park.
Kinsol Trestle
The historic Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. At 187 metres in length, it stands 44 metres above the salmon bearing Koksilah River.
One of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail, it is open to the public for cycling, hiking and horseback riding.
You can reach the trestle from Shawnigan Lake.
Myra Falls (Strathcona Park)
Located at the south end of Buttle Lake, Myra Falls is a magical place to explore with the whole family. The trail to Upper Myra Falls is well maintained and easy to access from the parking lot. This hike takes you through old-growth forest before reaching the impressive 75-foot tall waterfall that plummets into the beautiful blue basin below. Pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning scenery for hours.
Petroglyph Provincial Park
Petroglyph Provincial Park is a two-hectare park located at the south end of Nanaimo. Here, you will find hundreds of petroglyphs that were carved by the area’s First Nations people more than 1,000 years ago. Some of the featured carvings include human figures, symbolic animals, and mythical sea and wolf-like creatures.
A short walk from the parking lot is an interpretive area with information boards that offer details about the history of the area and help to decipher the petroglyphs. Visitors can create a great souvenir by stretching cloth or paper across the carving and lightly rubbing with a crayon, charcoal, or wax to get an imprint.
Port Renfrew
Home to Botanical Beach and Botany Bay, Sombrio Beach, and Avatar Grove (and Canada’s Gnarliest Tree), Port Renfrew is a special place to explore mystical forests, tide pools, and marine life. There is also plenty of history to absorb, as the “Graveyard of the Pacific” lies just off the coast, as it stretches along the famous life-saving trail known as the “West Coast Trail”.
With access to both the West Coast Trail (WTC) and the Juan de Fuca Trail, Port Renfrew also includes plenty of hiking options. Keep in mind that the WTC is not a day hike. It is a 75km intermediate and advanced hiking adventure that requires a permit, and takes anywhere from five to eight days depending on weather and conditions.
Quadra Island
Experience laid-back island living just a short ferry ride from Campbell River. Quadra Island is a great place to explore by bike or by car. Filled with plenty of natural beauty, you can choose to hike, mountain bike, or paddle your way around. Or, sit back and relax on one of its beautiful beaches.
Pack your own provisions, or take advantage of the great selection of dining options on the island.
Tofino
Endless sandy beaches, crashing waves, and timeless views await you in Tofino. Located on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a small community filled with art, culture, food, history, and legendary surf. Its natural beauty is inspiring and its people are most welcoming.
With plenty of things to see and do on and off the five main beaches, there is never a dull moment when soaking up this salt-kissed community.
A visit to Tofino is definitely doable in one day, but you’ll likely want to stay much longer.
Telegraph Cove
An iconic picture postcard destination, Telegraph Cove is located in a sheltered inlet at the northern end of Johnstone Strait, across from the Broughton Archipelago.
Famed for its ecotourism, it is the starting point for a variety of wilderness tours. Top activities include fishing, kayaking, diving, and hiking. You can also take a tour of the Whale Interpretive Centre and wander along the boardwalk taking in the historic buildings. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pod of orcas from the shore!
Upana Caves (Gold River)
If you like exploring underground, add the Upana Caves to your summer destination list.
The Upana Caves are comprised of several caves within one system with 15 known entrances. The combined length of cave passages is approximately 450 meters (1,476) feet, and the cave interiors remain in a relatively wild, undeveloped state.
Carry a reliable light source and dress appropriately to safely explore the caves. Low ceilings and slippery conditions occur, so a hard hat and sturdy boots with rubber soles are recommended. The temperature is on the chilly side all year round, so be sure to have a jacket or sweater.
The Upana Caves are located 17 km northwest of Gold River on the Head Bay Forest Road.
Victoria
Need some urban vibes? Head south to Victoria and spend the day in BC’s capital city. The drive is just shy of three hours and there is plenty to do once you arrive. Besides the bounty of restaurants and shopping, there are many interesting and educational activities to choose from. The Victoria Bug Zoo, Miniature World, historic Fan Tan Alley, Craig Darroch Castle, BC Parliament, and Hatley Castle are just a few places to visit.
Photo courtesy: Emerson Peters