A cozy & scenic spring Vancouver Island adventure
Camping isn’t for everyone. With our Spring Nomad Explorer, you get the best of both worlds, the freedom to access Vancouver Island’s backcountry, hidden beaches, and wild places by day, and the comfort of a warm bed, crackling fire, and cozy lodge or BnB by night.
Spring is when Vancouver Island truly wakes up. From mid March through May, melting alpine snowpack feeds roaring waterfalls, forests burst into fresh green, and wildflowers begin to blanket the island. Fewer crowds, longer days, and dramatic scenery make this one of the best times of year to explore.
Day 1: Victoria in Full Bloom
Your journey begins in Victoria, where spring arrives earlier than anywhere else in Canada. Mild temperatures and long daylight hours make it the perfect place to ease into island life.
Start the day wandering through Cook Street Village and Beacon Hill Park, where cherry blossoms line the streets and coastal paths. No spring visit to Vancouver Island is complete without a trip to Butchart Gardens. In spring, the gardens are alive with colour, from tulips and daffodils to blossoming trees and winding pathways bursting with life.
Spend the evening enjoying Victoria’s relaxed coastal atmosphere before settling into a cozy hotel.
Where to stay: Choose from boutique favourites like the Regent or Huntingdon, or treat yourself to a stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress overlooking the Inner Harbour.
Day 2: Goldstream, Cowichan Bay and Parksville
Leaving Victoria behind, you’ll head north along the scenic Malahat Drive, where sweeping ocean views give way to forested hills.
Your first stop is Goldstream Provincial Park, home to lush rainforest trails and dramatic waterfalls like Little Niagara, especially powerful in spring runoff. Continue north to the Kinsol Trestle, one of the tallest free standing wooden trestles in the world. Walking across it offers incredible views over the Cowichan River Valley and surrounding forest.
If the sun is shining, stop for ice cream at Original Udder Guys in Cowichan Bay or grab a coffee at Shawnigan Coffee House before continuing north to Parksville.
Where to stay: Parksville offers everything from cozy B&Bs to oceanfront resorts. Treat yourself to a cabin or spa stay at Tigh Na Mara, or settle into a vacation rental with a hot tub to unwind after the day.
Day 3: West Coast Bound: Tofino & Ucluelet
Today you’ll cross the island toward the wild west coast. The drive alone is an adventure, winding through breathtaking lakes and remote mountain passes.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Tofino and Ucluelet. With fewer crowds, moody coastal skies, and frequent stretches of sunshine, the beaches feel endless and untamed.
In the evening, head to Ucluelet’s beaches where beach fires are permitted when conditions allow.
Watching the sun set into the Pacific while wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink and a crackling fire is one of the great spring experiences on the island. Make sure to follow beach fire protocols.
Where to stay: Tofino is known for its oceanfront resorts, popular for watching surfers and spring storms. Treat yourself to an upscale spot like Long Beach Lodge Resort tonight.
Day 4: Tofino and Surrounds
Today is all about exploring Tofino at your own pace. Walk the wide sands of Chesterman Beach and Long Beach, wander through coastal rainforest trails, explore tide pools, or simply slow down with a coffee and watch the waves roll in, the world’s best cinnamon buns can be found at Rhino Cafe.
Spring brings dramatic skies, powerful surf, and incredible wildlife viewing. Gray whales migrate past the coast, bald eagles soar overhead, and the rainforest feels especially alive after rainfall.
A perfect spring activity is to book a sauna with Wildwood Saunas and soak in the magical atmosphere in a wood burning sauna and cold plunge. Whether the day is filled with adventure or relaxation, Tofino has a way of making time slow down.
Day 5: The Comox Valley
Leaving the west coast, you’ll head north into the Comox Valley. Begin in the town of Comox with a slow walk along the waterfront, watching float planes land beneath the Comox Glacier. From here, head inland to Cumberland, a former mining town turned lively mountain community. Grab a coffee or baked treat, browse local shops, or relax on a sunny patio at one of the village breweries.
The Comox Valley is an ideal place to connect with local culture. Learn about the region’s history through the K’ómoks First Nation at the I Hos Gallery beside the K’ómoks Big House, or visit the Comox Valley Art Gallery in Courtenay, which often features contemporary First Nations artists. If you’d like to get hands-on, studios like Lupine Art Studio offer relaxed creative workshops.
Spring also brings community gatherings, including Cumberland’s Village Market Day, which fills the village with arts, music, and local flavour.
Where to stay: We recommend beachfront vacation rentals or cozy BnBs in and around the Comox Valley, perfect for a restful night off the road.
Day 6: Get Your Wheels Dirty: Sayward Valley and Gold River
Today is where the Nomad Explorer (your FarOut Wilderness adventure vehicle) truly shines. Make the most of your vehicle’s off road capability and head into the island’s backcountry.
Explore logging roads, remote river valleys, and hidden viewpoints around Sayward Valley, Gold River, and the outer edges of Strathcona Provincial Park. These areas feel wild and remote, with towering forests, rushing rivers, and very few people.
Spring conditions make this a great time for backcountry exploration, and campfires are still permitted, something that becomes rare in summer.
Where to stay: In this remote part of Vancouver Island, accommodation is definitely more rustic! There’s a couple hotels in town to stay at.
Day 7: Strathcona Provincial Park
No Vancouver Island adventure is complete without time in Strathcona Provincial Park, home to the island’s tallest mountains.
Spring offers a striking contrast here. Snowy alpine peaks rise above green valleys and roaring waterfalls. Explore highlights like Myra Falls, Buttle Lake, and low elevation forest trails where spring runoff is at its most dramatic. Check conditions for each route as snow lines may still be prevalent in high terrain.
Where to stay: Spend your final night in a nearby lodge, soaking in the quiet and scale of the park.
Day 8: Campbell River and Southbound Return
On your final day, head toward Campbell River, known as the salmon capital of the world. An optional highlight is a whale watching tour, where spring migrations offer opportunities to spot gray whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles.
After breakfast and one last coastal walk, begin the journey south toward Victoria. A week of wild coastlines, roaring waterfalls, quiet forests, and cozy nights comes to a close.
Our team will be waiting at the end of your journey to welcome you back. Book your Spring Nomad Explorer and experience Vancouver Island at its most alive.