Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour

When you arrive at the Vancouver airport you can pick up your rental vehicle and check into your hotel. Take a walk along the coast and enjoy the city skyline against the beautiful mountain backdrop.

Begin the day with a scenic ferry ride through the smaller islands to Vancouver Island. Then you’ll drive the coastal highway up island towards Ucluelet. There are several great stops along your route, including the Coombs Old Country Market, which you’ll easily recognize by its grass roof with grazing goats (yep, the Goats on the Roof Market). You also won’t want to miss the enormous ancient trees on a short hike in Cathedral Grove.

Check into the hotel where you’ll find a cozy refuge to watch the weather unfold over the ocean.

This morning, you’ll gear up in rain boots and your raincoat and head out to explore the Wild Pacific Trail. Discover the lush green rainforest paths and the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean. Then, head into town to explore the quaint village of Tofino and visit the Kwistis Visitor Center in Pacific Rim National Park. If the weather is nice, you can sit on its terrace and enjoy the spectacular views. If a storm rolls in you’ll want a front-row seat in front of the windows of your hotel lounge to watch the enormous waves crashing into the rocks below.

Depending on the weather, you can spend another cozy day storm watching from the comforts of your hotel or you can take a walk along the beach to watch the wild crashing waves and see if any daring surfers are out on the water. You can also take a stroll along the wooden boardwalk at South Beach. In the evening, head into Tofino for a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Today you’ll drive to the east side of the island and start your drive down to Parksville. On this coast, the beaches are protected, so the gorgeous water views will be of much calmer waves. Here you’ll find endless coastline to explore, as well as small shops and restaurants in town.

On your drive south to Victoria, you may want to stop in the village of Chemainus to see the town buildings covered in over 40 beautiful painted murals. Then continue to Victoria, where you’ll want to explore its historic city centre. Visit the oldest China Town in Canada, and then explore the beautiful Inner Harbour and charming Fisherman’s Wharf, framed by the stunning Empress Hotel and Parliament. There’s a wacky bug zoo nearby if you’re brave!

Start your day with a morning drive along Dallas Road for a spectacular view of the mountains across the water. Then, head to the ferry terminal and enjoy the pretty scenery through the islands as you cross the strait to Vancouver.

You have the day to explore Vancouver, visit historic Gastown, or the bustling shops on Robson street. You can also take a nice walk along the sea wall in Stanley Park or explore the markets at Granville Island.

Enjoy your final morning in Vancouver before you drop off your rental vehicle at the airport. You can also choose to extend your stay if you want to see more of the beautiful coast.