Whether you're a local seeking a day trip or a visitor exploring the island's charm, this route promises an unforgettable journey.
The drive from Victoria to Nanaimo covers 111 km along the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) and takes about 1.5 hours non-stop. Key stops include Goldstream Provincial Park, the Malahat Skywalk, Kinsol Trestle, Cowichan Bay, Duncan’s totem walk, Chemainus murals, and Nanaimo’s waterfront parks, most of which are free or low-cost and accessible to families.
This route is well-suited to a full day trip, with the Cowichan Valley offering the densest concentration of stops roughly halfway between the two cities. A perfect option for anyone looking to turn a simple drive into a relaxed day trip. If you hit every stop on this list, budget a full 10–12 hours. A more relaxed version, picking 4–5 stops, works well as a half-day or leisurely full day
It works especially well for first-time visitors, families, and anyone breaking up the drive between ferry routes.
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The road trip between Vancouver Island’s two largest cities offers stunning views, small towns, and interesting stops along the way. As you drive from Victoria to Nanaimo along the Trans Canada Highway, there are many options for stops and experiences that you will want to add to your Vancouver Island Bucket List.
In this post, we’ve curated a list of our favourite things to do between Victoria and Nanaimo. Pick and choose from the options below to make your trip truly special and ensure your visit is filled with the best experiences possible.
Victoria to Nanaimo Stats:
Nanaimo is 111 km from Victoria and can be reached by taking the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). Driving directly will take you about an hour and a half when the traffic is good. But you will want to make some stops and enjoy South Vancouver Island as you travel between Vancouver Island’s two biggest cities.
Greater Victoria Population (2021) – 397,237
Greater Nanaimo Population (2021) – 115,459
Both Cities have access to airports and ferry terminals.
Victoria has the larger airport YYJ.
The Swartz Bay BC Ferries Terminal connects to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and The Southern Gulf Islands – How to get to Victoria BC
Nanaimo airport YCD.
There are three ferry terminals: Duke Point to Tsawwassen (Vancouver), Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and a smaller terminal at Nanaimo Harbour to Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island
Okay, let’s get started. In this post, we’ll begin in Victoria, listing some detours and the best stops on our road trip towards Nanaimo.
#1 Victoria’s Inner Harbour – Victoria BC
Time: 1.5 hrs + Difficulty: Easy
Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll around Victoria’s Inner Harbour, a picturesque setting that captures the city’s famous charm. With early sunlight and calm water, this vibrant area comes alive with a gentle hum of activity. Walk along the scenic pathway, taking in the historic buildings, floating homes, and majestic boats nestled in the harbour.
If you stroll around the inner harbour towards Fisherman’s Wharf or head into Old Town towards Chinatown, you’ll enjoy one of the world’s best walking cities as you take in Victoria’s natural beauty. I couldn’t think of a better way to start your day.
Whether you’re watching the seaplanes take off, enjoying the lush flowers, or simply basking in history, a morning walk around the Inner Harbour sets a delightful tone for the rest of your journey.
Take a walking tour to learn more about the history, or if you prefer just to walk, follow this guide that hits everything on the checklist. For those who want to learn more about the history, take a guided walking tour.
Victoria Tours | Victoria Trip Planner
Victoria Treasure Checklist:
Chinatown
Water Taxi’s
Royal BC Museum
Thunderbird Park
Fishermans Wharf
Victoria city walking loop
#2 Hatley Castle and Gardens – Colwood
Time: 1.5 hrs + Difficulty: Easy
Parking Lot: Directions – Google From the parking lot, walk across the field up towards the castle. Be sure to walk around the entire castle. The garden entrance can be found on the west side.
Learn more: Discover Hatley Castle & Gardens — find maps to the trails and learn about the history and why the castle exists.
A 20-minute drive from Victoria, Hatley Castle and Gardens is like stepping into a page from a fairy tale. It is the only place in Canada where you will find an early 20th-century castle surrounded by an extravagant free garden overlooking a large tidal lagoon, making it a must-visit landmark on Vancouver Island.
The castle exterior has been made famous by being featured as the mansion in the X-Men and Deadpool movies. Although the interior of the castle is not open to the public, the gardens are a must-visit. The meticulously curated traditional Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens are not only one of the finest gardens on Vancouver Island but also the cheapest; you can’t beat free!
Whether a nature lover or simply searching for a picturesque escape, Hatley Castle and Gardens provide an enchanting backdrop for leisurely strolls and photographic opportunities.
#3 Goldstream Provincial Park’s – Malahat
Time: 1 hrs + Difficulty: Easy
Parking Lot: Directions – Google
Learn more: What to expect when Visiting Goldstream Park — find maps to the trails and learn more about the park.
As you leave South Vancouver Island and head up the Trans-Canada highway, the open road soon closes in as you drive into a valley of lush green giants. Entering the Malahat, the trees seem to swallow the road, and you are now in Goldstream Provincial Park.
Only 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Park has a network of trails to explore. The paths are wide, accessible, and easy to navigate, taking you through ancient Douglas firs, big leaf maple and western red cedars, along with access to picnic areas and the nature house. The park is especially popular in October and November, when chum salmon run up the Goldstream River and bald eagles gather to feed.
The tunnel: Don’t miss the waterfall! At first glance, it looks intimidating, as you have to walk through the graffiti-ridden storm tunnel, but after you make your way under the highway, you will find a short walk leading up the river to Goldstream’s famous falls.
Whether you’re setting out on a search for waterfalls, enjoying a family picnic by the river, or simply revelling in the quiet beauty of the rainforest, Goldstream Provincial Park provides a peaceful retreat and an example of coastal British Columbia’s Rainforests.
#4 Malahat Skywalk – Malahat
Time: 1.5 hrs + Difficulty: Easy
Parking Lot: Directions – Google
Learn more: Photos and info of experience, slide and the view at Malahat SkyWalk
The Malahat Skywalk offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. This awe-inspiring Vancouver Island attraction, gracefully perched atop the Malahat Summit, allows visitors to travel on a raised boardwalk through the treetops, leading to a 360-degree panoramic landscape view.
Along the 600-meter walk to the lookout, you will experience the views from the tall boardwalk, looking into the forest canopy and passing by locally created driftwood art hidden in the trees.
As you reach the famous spiral, it’s hard not to appreciate the architecture and design work that make this spot so special and unique to Vancouver Island.
The views from the top are breathtaking as you take in the Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, and distant Mount Baker.
But that’s not all; at the top, you can take in the fresh air by relaxing on a bench or walking along the rope net while looking down into the centre of the spiral.
On your way back down, you will find two ways to reach the bottom of the Malahat Skywalk. Take the easy stroll back the same way, or for the brave, take the exhilarating slide back to the forest floor. Either way, at the bottom, enjoy the park-like setting where food trucks and gift shops await.
It’s a must-visit destination, and it doesn’t matter the age, health, or skill level; anyone can connect with nature, seek adventure, and capture memories against the backdrop of Vancouver Island’s stunning scenery.
Free Lookouts:
If you’re short on time but still want a glimpse of the stunning Saanich Inlet, there are two convenient pullouts along the highway near the Malahat Skywalk when heading north. Just before the Skywalk, you’ll find the Malahat Summit Viewpoint, and just after, the Split Rock Lookout. While these stops can’t match the full experience of the Skywalk, they still offer fantastic views worth enjoying.
Malahat Summit View Point – Directions (Google)
Split Rock just after Malahat – Directions (Google)
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#5 Kinsol Trestle – Shawnigan Lake
Time: 1 hrs + Difficulty: Easy
Kinsol Parking Lot: Directions: – Google
Just a short drive past Shawnigan Lake, this easy walk takes you to one of the tallest free-standing timber trestles in the world. The 3.5 km (2.2 mi) out-and-back trail along the Cowichan Valley Trail is a perfect way to spend a sunny day.
Take your time crossing the bridge—it offers amazing views of the river below and is a favourite spot for photographers. On the other side, forested trails lead you down to the base of the trestle, where you’ll find picnic tables and even more photo-worthy views.
Stop in the small town of Shawinigan Lake for lunch and a visit to the recently upgraded museum, or head to our next stop in Cowichan Bay.
#6 Lunch at Cowichan Bay – Cowichan Valley Region
Time: 1 hr + Difficulty: Easy
Parking Lot: Directions – Google
Cowichan Bay is a charming seaside village that offers a local one-street experience with shops and delightful dining experiences for those looking to enjoy lunch with a view.
Known for its vibrant community of artisanal food producers, local wineries, and fresh seafood, Cowichan Bay offers a palette of flavours that reflect the region’s bounty.
Spending your afternoon here will give you a sense of the laid-back atmosphere of the bay. The stunning views of the marina create a perfect setting for a leisurely lunch.
Parking is an issue as this area gets busy. There is street parking, but good luck on a summer day. You have a better chance of finding parking near the boat launch, and you can walk back through town to experience the shops. You will find local eateries along the road and all the way down to the restaurant above Oceanfront Suites.
#7 Duncan Totems – Duncan
Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Easy
Cowichan Valley Museum parking lot: Directions – Google
Duncan lives up to its name as the City of Totems. The downtown Duncan Totem Walk takes you through the heart of town on a cultural journey through the local shops and museums. This outdoor gallery showcases over 40 totem poles, each telling a unique story of the local Cowichan Tribes and the broader First Nations communities of Vancouver Island.
Follow the yellow footprints as you meander through the city. You’ll be captivated by these towering figures’ intricate artistry and deep spiritual significance. Each pole is a masterpiece of Indigenous craftsmanship, representing centuries-old traditions and a vibrant cultural heritage.
This self-guided tour not only enriches your understanding of First Nations culture but also transforms the city’s streets into a living museum, celebrating the enduring connection between the people, their art, and the land.
#8 Chemainus Mural Walk
Time: 1 hr+ Difficulty: Easy
Waterwheel Park parking lot: Directions-Google
Chemainus is a charming village that showcases community spirit, art, and boutiques. It is another great place to enjoy spending the afternoon strolling through adorable streets lined with shops and restaurants.
During our first visit to Chemainus, we knew about the famous collection of over 50 outdoor murals. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the quaint town feel, the numerous shops, the historical architecture, and the beautiful treed park.
Our afternoon began at the Waterwheel Park parking lot, where we found the tourism information center and museum. From there, we walked through the park and emerged on the other side, following the yellow footprints along the sidewalk, which led us down an alley into a section of old town filled with large murals, boutiques, and restaurants.
After enjoying some baked treats, we walked back up through the park and followed the yellow footsteps in the opposite direction. The painted trail guiding us to the main street in Chemainu, which has even more murals, stores, and dining options.
Chemainus has a unique blend of art, history, and charm and would be an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the essence of Vancouver Island’s small-town charm.
#9 Neck Point Park – Nanaimo
Time: 1 hr+ Difficulty: Easy
Neck Point Park parking lot: Directions – Google
Learn More: Neck Point Park – Maps, views and spots not to miss.
You have reached your destination: the City of Nanaimo. Before you leave, pick up a Nanaimo bar (the city’s namesake dessert) from almost any local bakery. Next stop, Neck Point Park is a picturesque location spanning a scenic waterfront area with breathtaking ocean views, rugged shorelines, and pebbled beaches, making it a paradise for families, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Trails wind through the park, offering leisurely walks under the canopy of towering trees or along the shoreline, revealing panoramic vistas of the Georgia Strait and distant mountains.
The park’s unique features include its namesake neck point—a striking land formation jutting into the sea that disappears during high tide, leaving only a rocky island. Neck Point Park offers many ways to enjoy the day and evening, whether you’re there to enjoy a sunset, a swim, a picnic with family, or simply soak in the serene beauty of Vancouver Island.
#10 Pipers Lagoon – Nanaimo
Time: 1 hr+ Difficulty: Easy
Pipers Lagoon parking lot: Directions – Google
Pipers Lagoon Park offers a different experience for every visit, depending on the tide. At high tide, the park features a unique lagoon protected by a narrow spit of land, creating a calm, shallow sanctuary perfect for bird watching and wading through. During low tide, the shallow lagoon becomes a large sandy flat to play in.
The network of trails leads around the lagoon and up to scenic lookout points that boast stunning views of the Georgia Strait, the coastal mountains, and nearby islands with fishing shacks.
The diverse habitats within the park include rocky shores, coastal bluffs, and a Garry oak forest.
Whether exploring the tidal pools, photographing the landscape, or watching the vibrant sunset paint the sky, Pipers Lagoon Park is a fun destination with a refreshing connection to nature’s beauty.
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