There’s no better way to take in the crisp fall air and enjoy the changing leaves than by heading out on a road trip. Vancouver Island has great driving routes that will take you past charming towns full of oh so much to discover.
All you need is a full tank, a BC Ferry reservation, and maybe a place to spend the night to be well on your way to an unforgettable fall road trip.
Jordan River is a chill road trip destination and home base for exploring this part of the island. Sit on the shore and watch the surfers at the nearby China Beach and Mystic Beach, which are among the best beaches on the island.
This hidden gem between Victoria and Nanaimo has a charming fishing village and lots of artists and artisan studios to visit. It truly feels like it’s a world away from Vancouver.
More low-key than Tofino, Ucluelet is just two and a half hours away from Nanaimo. It’s easy to immerse yourself in nature here on the wild coast, and the drive is astoundingly scenic.
Even though summer might be over, the fall is a great time to check out the expansive, sandy beaches at Parksville. Nearby, you can check out the famous goat-roofed Coombs Old Country Market and explore more quaint and quirky small-town charm.
Between Victoria and Nanaimo, Ladysmith is worth a stop to stretch your legs on one of their trails or wander through their historic downtown. Because it’s in the middle of the island, it makes for a good base if you’re exploring Tofino for a day trip, too.
Just a tiny drive away from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, you can easily add a stop to Sidney to your road trip. This sleepy seaside town has a few charms that are worth parking the car to explore. Wander the waterfront paths, pop into a bookshop, and treat yourself to fish and chips on the pier.
If you drive north along the coast of Vancouver Island from Nanaimo, you’ll eventually reach Campbell River, which is a paradise if you love the outdoors. The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is well worth ticking off your fall bucket list.
This article was previously published in September 2022.