Driving around the vancouver island region

At 32,261 square kilometres (19,356 square miles), Vancouver Island is one big island! The distance by car between Victoria in the south and Port Hardy in the north is 502 kilometres (312 miles). The modern, fully paved Island Highway system provides easy access to communities throughout the region

While the scenery is amazing everywhere you drive, two sections of the Island Highway system have been designated as scenic driving routes. The Oceanside Route (Hwy 19A) follows the coastline from just south of Parksville to Campbell River and is accessible from several exits off Highway 19. Along the way, enjoy the sights of coastal communities, parks, and beaches. The North Island Route extends from Campbell River to Port Hardy, with exits to communities along this unique section of the Island Highway. The highway turns inland and follows mountain valleys and features viewpoints and rest stops at lakes and rivers, sights of rugged island mountains, wilderness, and wildlife.

Wherever you drive on the Island, watch for directional signage designed to draw attention to attractions. The blue-and-white signs featuring an “A” indicate that an artisan studio that welcomes visits is nearby, while other signs indicate agritourism attractions, such as farms, that are open for tours and visits. The white-and-burgundy wine route signs invite visits to vineyards; map signboards are also posted at several locations and wine maps are available at Visitor Centres.

Three circle routes include the Vancouver Island region. The Pacific Marine Circle Route traces the coastline from Victoria west through Sooke and Port Renfrew, and then delves deep into the forests of the Lake Cowichan area and onto Highway 1 via Duncan. The fully paved route takes from two to four days to complete and covers 255 kilometres. The Coastal Circle Route, a 479-kilometre route, and the Heritage Discovery Circle Route, a 2,423-kilometre route, also include sections of the Vancouver Island region. For more information on Circle Tours, visit www.SeeVancouverIsland.com.

Exploring Vancouver Island’s backcountry via secondary and logging roads is also possible. However, precautions must be taken when driving these often very rugged roadways, and you are always advised to check first with local Visitor Centres for maps and information about logging road closures, conditions, and hazards.

Please note: safety belts, vehicle child restraints, bicycle helmets, and motorcycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. It is illegal to use hand-held devices such as cell phones while driving in British Columbia.
Car ferry service is available for visitors driving their own vehicles (see page XX), and visitors flying to the region will find car rental outlets located in all major Vancouver Island communities, as well as at airports.

For more information on car and RV rentals, visit www.SeeVancouverIsland.com.