Self Drive Vancouver Island

Explore sweeping beaches and lush rainforests

Explore North America’s largest island and discover its magnificent blend of unspoilt wilderness, sweeping beaches, lush rainforests and charming coastal towns.

With limited public transport links, Vancouver Island is perfect for independent exploration by car or motorhome allowing you the freedom and flexibility to take control of your own epic adventure and really get off the beaten track. Take the ferry from multiple points in mainland British Columbia – the most popular routing being Vancouver to Victoria but also with Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and Seattle to Victoria (Passenger Ferry) or even the overnight ferry service between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy.

Discover the charming towns of Tofino, Ucluelet, Nanaimo and Campbell River and Port Hardy, sample the wares of many of the islands wineries and distilleries and head to Pacific Rim National Park to spot whales, bears and sea otters or lean about fascinating First Nations culture. Why not take a break from driving and stay in one of the islands luxury wilderness resorts, set in stunning locatons, you can truly indulge in five-star luxury while still enjoying fantastic adventure activities and wildlife viewing.

Or try these inspiring itineraries

Here’s a selection of popular itinerary suggestions to give you an idea of what’s available. Call us now and we’ll create an amazing holiday just for you.

9 days

Vancouver Island Suggested Motorhome Itinerary

Explore the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island with your Cruise Canada motorhome on this 8 day suggested itinerary. Starting in Vancouver, enjoy the scenery by taking a leisurely stroll from Vancouver Harbour along the sea wall to Stanley Park, head...

Self drive holidays

9 days

Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island

Experience vibrant, cosmopolitan cities, incredible wildlife and the unrivalled beauty of Vancouver Island's scenery. Arriving first in the provincial capital of Victoria, where you'll hit the water for a world-class whale watching journey in the Strait of Georgia. Then, travel...

Self drive holidays

16 days

Unlimited Adventures

Take an epic adventure across the great Canadian Rockies. Journey from Calgary through the Canadian Rocky Mountains to the breath taking coastlines of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean. Experience the wilderness of Banff National Park, the magnificence of Lake Louise...

Fly drive holidays

How we tailor make your holiday

1. Browse

Look through our website for inspiration, then call our Destination Specialists

2. Create

We'll listen to your wish-list and use our knowledge to design a unique itinerary

3. Customise

We'll keep on refining until we've created your perfect personalised holiday

Talk to our experts

01 433 1041

The Hayes & Jarvis Way

We’ve been tailor making holidays for 65 years. With over 60 destinations  to choose from, talk to us and we’ll listen to your travel ideas to create  unforgettable holiday experiences.

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Self Drive Vancouver Island

Explore sweeping beaches and lush rainforests

Parliament Buildings

Grizzly Bears

Coastline near Tofino

Floatplane near Tofino

Totem Pole

Sonora Resort

Sea Otter

Middle Beach

Salt Spring Island

Orca

Or try these inspiring itineraries