Itineraries

7 Nights: Vancouver Island in Spring (Approximate Distance: 1,050 km)

BC Ferries Vancouver Island
DAY 1: Delta to Victoria
100 km

Your adventure begins with a scenic ferry crossing over the Salish Sea, where spring brings calmer seas, longer daylight, and chances to spot seals and seabirds along the way. After arriving at Swartz Bay, stop at The Butchart Gardens to wander among vibrant spring blooms, including tulips, cherry blossoms, and magnolias in the Sunken and Japanese Gardens. Continue on to your RV park near Victoria to settle in, then spend the afternoon exploring Fisherman’s Wharf with its colourful floating homes and food kiosks, or visit Dino Lab Inc. if the weather turns showery. As evening arrives, stroll the Inner Harbour, where street performers and the softly illuminated Parliament Buildings create a welcoming and lively introduction to Vancouver Island in spring.

Nearby Campsites
Victoria BC by night
Highlights
  • Butchart Gardens 
  • Walk the Inner Harbour 
  • Fisherman’s Wharf 
  • Dino Lab Inc.
DAY 2: Victoria to Sooke
45 km

A short and scenic coastal drive leads you from Victoria to Sooke, where spring brings fresh greenery and calmer seas. Start the day with a Victoria whale-watching or wildlife boat tour, one of the best springtime experiences as migrating gray whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions return to the area. Afterward, head west toward Sooke and stretch your legs with a walk along Whiffin Spit, where spring wildflowers line the path and ocean views extend across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Continue on to the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, ideal for riverside walks, forest hikes, and waterfall viewpoints fueled by spring snowmelt. Round out the day with a visit to the Sooke Region Museum to learn about local Indigenous and settler history before settling in for a relaxed evening surrounded by coastal scenery.

Nearby Campsites
Victoria Wildlife Tour
Highlights
DAY 3: Sooke to Parksville
155 km

Head north along the Malahat for sweeping views of the coastline and snow-capped mountains as the spring air clears and warms. Stop at Goldstream Provincial Park for a peaceful riverside hike or visit the Malahat SkyWalk, where the elevated platform offers stunning views of the rainforest awakening with new foliage and spring flowers. Continue to Parksville, where you can unwind with a relaxing stroll along the expansive sandy beaches, now inviting for barefoot walks and birdwatching as migratory species return. In the afternoon, explore Mount Arrowsmith Regional Park for scenic trails, spring wildflowers, and mountain vistas, or visit the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre to see the center’s springtime rescues. The combination of tranquil beaches and lush forest makes for a rejuvenating and peaceful spring day.

Nearby Campsites
Malahat skywalk Vancouver Island
Highlights
  • Malahat SkyWalk or Goldstream Park stop 
  • Walk Parksville’s long beaches 
  • North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
DAY 4: Parksville to Tofino
175 km

Start your day with a scenic drive across the island, stopping at Cathedral Grove to walk among towering ancient cedars and sprouting ferns, their spring green making the forest feel alive and vibrant. Continue over Sutton Pass, where snow is less likely, and the views are now clear with fresh spring wildflowers. Upon arrival in Tofino, check into your RV site and head straight for the coast, where you can enjoy the serene beaches of Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, or Long Beach, now peaceful and ideal for spring beachcombing, picnicking, or spotting early-season surfers. In the late afternoon, wander through Tofino’s quaint cafés and local shops, soaking in the laid-back coastal atmosphere. Save your more adventurous activities—like exploring Pacific Rim National Park Reserve—for tomorrow, when you’ll have a full day to explore Tofino at your own pace.

Nearby Campsites
Tofino Storm Watching
Highlights
  • Cathedral Grove
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Explore Tofino cafés & art galleries
DAY 5: Tofino
0 km

Enjoy a relaxed, unhurried day in Tofino, where spring brings milder weather and fewer crowds, giving you the perfect opportunity to dive into the area’s natural beauty. Start your morning with a peaceful beach walk at Cox Bay or Chesterman Beach, where the air is crisp and fresh, and wildflowers bloom along the dunes. If you're in the mood for adventure, consider an optional whale-watching tour or a trip to Hot Springs Cove, where the waters feel rejuvenating against the cool spring air. For something more relaxed, explore the Rainforest Trail with its springtime bursts of greenery and bird song, or wander through Tofino’s charming cafés, galleries, and oceanfront viewpoints. As the day winds down, return to the coastline to watch the waves roll in under a vibrant spring sunset, bringing a peaceful close to your second evening on the Pacific coast.

Nearby Campsites
Tofino Hotspring Tour
Highlights
  • Hot Springs Cove boat tour
  • Storm watching at Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, Long Beach
  • Rainforest Trail (A & B loops)
  • Explore Tofino cafés & galleries
DAY 6: Tofino to Campbell River
280 km

Start your day with a short drive to Ucluelet and a stroll along the Wild Pacific Trail, where the dramatic coastline is framed by spring wildflowers and rugged cliffs, offering incredible ocean views and opportunities to spot seals or sea otters. Afterward, continue your journey east across the island to Campbell River, where you’ll settle into a peaceful RV park surrounded by forest or ocean views. In the afternoon, visit Elk Falls Provincial Park to marvel at the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge—now surrounded by lush spring greenery and rushing waters from snowmelt. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead or perched in trees, as spring brings increased bird activity. Finish the day with a calming evening stroll along Campbell River’s waterfront, enjoying quiet coastal views and the serene ambiance of this springtime escape.

Nearby Campsites
Elk Falls Suspension Brigde
Highlights
  • Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet 
  • Elk Falls Suspension Bridge 
  • Birdwatching
  • Evening stroll along the waterfront
DAY 7: Campbell River to Nanaimo
200 km

Head south along the scenic coastline toward Nanaimo, enjoying vibrant spring forest and ocean views. Stop at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for early spring activities like hiking or wildlife watching, then continue on to visit the quirky Old Country Market – Goats on Roof. After checking into your RV park, take a leisurely stroll along the Nanaimo waterfront to enjoy the blooming flowers and peaceful atmosphere, then indulge in the city's signature sweet treats along the Nanaimo Bar Trail. End the day relaxing in your RV, listening to the gentle sounds of waves or spring rain outside.

Nearby Campsites
Nanaimo bars
Highlights
DAY 8: Nanaimo to Delta
98 km

Pack up early for the short drive to Duke Point, where you’ll board the ferry for a peaceful and scenic crossing back to Tsawwassen. Spend the journey enjoying views of forested islands and calm winter waters, reflecting on your coastal adventures of the past week. You’ll return to Delta by 11.30am, marking a calm and relaxed end to your 7-night winter RV trip.