The drive from Victoria to Nanaimo may only take a couple of hours, but if you rush through it, you’ll miss out on some of Vancouver Island’s most scenic and memorable spots.
I’ve driven this road more times than I can count, especially since my daughter moved to Victoria for university. And no matter how often I make the trip, I always plan at least one stop—sometimes to revisit an old favourite, sometimes to explore somewhere new. It’s become a little ritual I look forward to, turning a simple drive into something more like a mini adventure.
This stretch of highway offers far more than just a way to get from point A to point B. With small towns, quiet parks, hidden gems, and roadside surprises, there’s always something worth slowing down for.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking to see the island with fresh eyes, this itinerary is designed to help you enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
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7 Must-See Stops from Victoria to Nanaimo
1. Goldstream Provincial Park
As you depart from Victoria, make sure to stop at Goldstream Provincial Park, a natural oasis just outside of the city. This park is renowned for its majestic old-growth forest, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Take a leisurely stroll along the network of trails, keeping an eye out for bald eagles, black bears, and spawning salmon during the fall season. And be sure to visit the iconic Goldstream Trestle, a historic railway bridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
2. South Cowichan Valley: Culinary Delights and Natural Wonders
As you journey further north, indulge in the culinary delights of the Cowichan Valley. This fertile region, often dubbed “The Napa of the North,” boasts thriving vineyards, artisanal breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. Stop by a local winery for a wine-tasting experience or sample handcrafted cheeses at a nearby farm.
But the Cowichan Valley offers more than just gastronomic delights. Make a stop at the Malahat Skywalk, Vancouver Island's newest attraction, offering incredible ocean views from its elevated walkway. Or marvel at the incredible engineering of the Kinsol Trestle, one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures globally.
3. Charming Cowichan Bay: A Sweet Treat or Savoury Delight
Cowichan Bay is a lovely all-in-one stop: waterside atmosphere, local history, art, fresh eats, and easy outdoor stops. Whether you're exploring the wharf, wandering through art shops, savouring a cold cone, or shopping for trinkets, it’s a satisfying break with plenty of character.
No visit to Cowichan Bay is complete without a stop for a sweet treat at the Udder Guys. Indulge in delicious artisanal ice cream while soaking in the picturesque views of the bay.
While there, also stop at True Grain Bakery for some of the best bread around. They specialize in organic craft baking using locally farmed and milled organic flours. They focus on ancient grains and heritage wheat varieties such as Einkorn and Emmer.
4. Cultural and Natural Attractions in Duncan
Continue your journey to Duncan, where you'll find several cultural experiences and great attractions, including the BC Forest Discovery Centre. This 100‑acre open‑air museum dedicated to BC’s forestry heritage features a narrow‑gauge heritage railway that loops through forest and marsh.
You'll also find indoor and outdoor exhibits including operational steam and gas locomotives, logging trucks, a reconstructed camp, a fire lookout tower, a ranger station, and nature trails around Somenos Marsh—all designed to offer an immersive, family‑friendly experience.
One of my personal favourites in the area is the Raptor Centre. This wildlife education hub lets you get up close with eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and more through captivating daily flight demonstrations, hands-on hawk walks, and immersive raptor encounters.
Then there's the Hand of Man Museum, which offers a unique look at the world's natural history and cultural arts. This quirky, captivating – and somewhat controversial – 17,000‑sq‑ft museum, housed in a former elementary school, showcases Jim Shockey’s lifelong collection.
You’ll wander through room after room overflowing with taxidermy from around the globe, dinosaur skeletons, massive mineral geodes, and thousands of handcrafted cultural artifacts. Each piece is tagged with interactive iPads to enrich your experience.
5. Cowichan Lake & River: Tubing or Trail Adventures
If you're travelling during the summer months, don’t miss the chance to float down the Cowichan River. Tubing here is a classic Vancouver Island experience, with gentle currents carrying you through clear waters surrounded by lush forest, rocky bluffs, and glimpses of wildlife.
The river winds its way from Cowichan Lake, a stunning freshwater lake that’s ideal for swimming, paddling, or simply relaxing on the beach. One of the best places to enjoy the lake is Gordon Bay Provincial Park, where you’ll find a family-friendly day-use area with a sandy shoreline, calm swimming waters, and easy access to picnic spots and shaded trails.
Even outside of tubing season, this area is worth exploring. The Cowichan River Provincial Park offers beautiful riverside walking trails year-round, especially vibrant in fall when the leaves change and the salmon run begins.
Whether you're hiking, fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the natural surroundings, the Cowichan River and Lake area offers a peaceful, nature-rich break from the road that’s well worth the detour.
6. Enchanting Chemainus: A Must-See Seaside Town
Before reaching Nanaimo, immerse yourself in the charm of Chemainus, a quaint seaside town renowned for its outdoor murals depicting the town's history and culture. Take a self-guided walking tour of the murals, browse local galleries and boutiques, or enjoy a meal at one of the cozy cafes or restaurants lining the streets.
A few of my family's favourite stops in this charming town are Hansel & Gretel's Candy Store and the Willow Street Cafe.
If you want to spend even more time in this area, I highly recommend the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn. With extremely reasonable rates, this well-appointed hotel offers spacious, renovated rooms (many with kitchenettes or balconies), free high‑speed Wi‑Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor salt‑water pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and electric‑vehicle charging.
Guests consistently praise its friendly staff, clean, quiet atmosphere, and excellent location — a stone’s throw from galleries, golf, and local walking trails.
7. Ladysmith's Delight: Transfer Beach and Old Town Bakery
From Chemainus, continue north towards Nanaimo. If time allows, take a few hours to stop at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith for tide pools, an adventure playground and a spray park. And don’t pass through the charming town of Ladysmith. Park anywhere along 1st Avenue to enjoy the sights.
This historic and vibrant street runs north-south through the town and is renowned for its historical significance and charming atmosphere. It features a mix of heritage buildings, shops, and community spaces. Make sure to stop at my favourite spot—the Old Town Bakery! Their cinnamon buns are so delicious and popular that you will most likely find a line outside the door. Don't worry; it moves pretty quickly.
Nanaimo Attractions: Where Adventure Awaits
Once you arrive in Nanaimo, the adventure continues with a plethora of attractions to explore. Visit the Yellow Point area and stop for a bite to eat and drink at the famous Crow & Gate Pub. Thrill-seekers can head to WildPlay, while nature lovers can unwind at one of Nanaimo's best parks.
For a unique experience, have lunch at the Dinghy Dock Pub and Restaurant, Canada's only registered floating pub. And for a day trip adventure, take the ferry across to Gabriola Island, one of the Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia.
If you have more time to spend in Nanaimo, read 48 Hours in Nanaimo for even more ideas.
Recommended accommodations in Nanaimo
For Vacation Rentals, check out this link:
Unveiling the Wonders of this Vancouver Island Road Trip
The drive from Victoria to Nanaimo is so much more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s a chance to slow down, explore, and uncover some of the island’s most rewarding stops. Whether that means discovering a new favourite café, stretching your legs on a peaceful trail, or stumbling across something unexpected, stopping is always worthwhile.
However you choose to travel, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of the journey and inspires a few memorable detours along the way.
To conclude your trip, BC Ferries has two ports in Nanaimo. The Duke Point terminal will take you back to Tsawwassen (the same port you would have travelled from to Victoria), or the Departure Bay ferry will take you to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.
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Other Vancouver Island Road Trips Worth Exploring
- Victoria to Tofino
- A Scenic Cowichan Valley Road Trip
- Nanaimo to Tofino
- Pacific Marine Circle Route
- Oceanside Route
- An Epic Vancouver Island North Road Trip
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Shawnigan Lake is only about 15 min off the highway via Shawnigan Lake Rd. turnoff (recommended) or from Mill Bay via Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd. A couple of coffee shops, bakery, sushi, mexican, or Subway for lunch….
Great suggestions!
But hey , don’t bypass Ladysmith. Funky downtown with Island renown bakery, vegan restaurants and one of a kind boutiques. Winter time Ladysmith lights up the town like no other – Festival of Lights a must see.
Also, one of the warmest waters for swimming, easy access kayaking, SUP – rentals at Transfer Beach. Kid friendly. 3 Marinas including working Fisherman’s where you can sometimes buy fresh catch of the day.
And hiking; Holland Creek Trail, Heart Lake, Christie Falls, Thistle Mine for starters.
Yellow Point is also technically Ladysmith and there are so many attractions there!
All wonderful suggestions! Thank you, Nicola.
If going further north I recommend Qualicum Beach, the falls on the Little Qualicum River are a must see, especially in the spring. Milner Gardens are lovely and a nice comparison to Butchart Gardens. The beaches of Parksville are the best on the island.
In Nanaimo, public access to the ocean for nature walks are available at Neck Pt. and Pipers Lagoon. Morrell Sanctuary is a hikers delight and easy enough to walk with children. Buttertubs is a great place to take little ones and you can see many birds. No dogs allowed there, however.
All excellent suggestions, Jim. Thank you. For anyone reading this comment, all of these wonderful suggestions have been written about in various articles. To find information about each one, just enter the name in the search bar.
In Victoria, I really enjoyed the Robert Bateman Gallery.
We were just in that area and attended a play in Chamainus. Delightful! There are also a variety of hikes out of Ladysmith if time permits.
Aren’t the plays at the Chemainus Theatre spectacular? We’ve attended quite a few, and I am always so impressed. Yes, there are some great hiking trails around Ladysmith. Many of which I have still yet to explore! Thanks for the great suggestions.
We like to stop in Ladysmith to kayak
That’s a great idea! Do you rent them from Sealegs Kayak Adventures at Transfer Beach?
Whoa! Consider departure point from Port Angeles, WA via the Blackball (Coho) ferry! That’s our planned ferry to Victoria.
Yes, indeed! When travelling to Victoria from Washington, the Black Ball ferry is great! The ferries mentioned were for travellers leaving Nanaimo. 🙂