The Vancouver Island Grand Loop is a 1,000-mile (1,700 km) scenic soft-roading adventure, perfect for adventurers looking to explore the island’s stunning coastlines, remote beaches, and charming towns. The route takes you through backroads, bypassing many of the major highways to reveal hidden gems and breathtaking views.
All photos courtesy of Colin Beck.
Route Overview
Trip Length & Season
Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length: 1,007 miles, 6-14 days Season: The best time to visit Vancouver Island is typically late spring to early fall. While the route can be traveled during the wet season, keep in mind that the northwest portion of Vancouver Island experiences 100+ inches of annual rainfall, and up to 200 inches during exceptionally wet years. The wet season runs from November to May.
Digital Maps & GPX Files
Technical Ratings & Terrain
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear
Alternative Routes
Camping Recommendations
Discovery Points
Land Managers & Other Resources
Permits & Papers
Route Details
The 1,000+ mile Vancouver Island Grand Loop is a soft-roading adventure through some of the island’s most scenic and remote locations—places that few tourists or locals ever visit. With over 2,000 miles of coastline and tens of millions of forested mountain acres, Vancouver Island is a paradise for outdoor recreation. Although the island lacks the same level of public access to dirt roads and trails as mainland BC, BC Parks has developed numerous recreation sites (semi-developed campgrounds often with a picnic bench and fire ring) across the island, including those in lesser-visited areas.
Most travelers arrive in Victoria via ferry (see Permits and Papers above for BC Ferries info). Founded in 1843 as a Hudson Bay Company trading post, Victoria is rich in pioneer and gold rush history. Before heading north along the scenic coastlines, take some time to walk Victoria’s historic downtown and explore its coastal parks. Leaving Victoria, the track joins the scenic West Coast Drive, which hugs the island’s western coastline.
Upon reaching the bay of Port San Juan, the track heads inland on a dirt road leading to the scenic Cowichan Lake, then follows a mix of dirt and paved roads through First Nations’ lands and along the beautiful Alberni Inlet coastline. For those seeking rugged Vancouver Island scenery, the 96-mile Tofino Track (see alternative routes) is a worthwhile detour.
As central Vancouver Island is largely inaccessible by vehicle, the track moves to the east coast before returning west into the mountains. Passing numerous lakes, glacier-carved valleys, and remote outposts like Gold River, the track offers additional alternative routes (Tree to Sea Drive, Fair Harbour Track, Side Bay Track, Grant Bay Track) for those wanting to explore some of BC’s most spectacular, secluded coastlines.
The island’s northern end, where annual rainfall can exceed 200 inches, offers fewer people and more dirt and gravel roads through emerald forests. The track reaches its northwestern apex at San Josef Bay—though a short hike is required, the rugged northern coastline is worth the effort.
As you travel south along the eastern coastline, the track weaves between interior routes and coastal paths. Quaint villages like Port Hardy, Port McNeill, and Campbell River dot the coastline. Around Campbell Lake, you’ll find some of the island’s best camping. Upon reaching Campbell River, expect a quicker pace as the route shifts primarily to paved roads. Take advantage of discovery points along the way, especially in historic towns like Parksville and Nanaimo.
The track winds around Cowichan Bay and back to greater Victoria. If time allows, we highly recommend hiking at Thetis Lake Regional Park. The track wraps around Victoria’s eastern coast, offering opportunities to explore local parks, lighthouses, and viewpoints like Mt. Doug, with one of the best views of Victoria and the San Juan Islands. The loop completes at the famous Beacon Hill viewpoint.
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