Spring is when Vancouver Island wakes up
Spring on Vancouver Island is magical. Mild temperatures mean the island is ready to go for camping from April on. The scenery is world class in spring, as melting alpine snowpack leads to surging rivers and waterfalls.
Below is a spring-focused, lodge-and-camping hybrid itinerary that you can follow as-is or use as a jumping-off point for a custom route we design and book for you.
Day 1: Spring Cherry Blossom Magic
Your journey begins in Victoria, where spring comes early! Averaged out over the year, Victoria is Canada’s warmest city, and a perfect spot to start your spring Vancouver Island adventure.
Victoria’s Cherry Blossoms are a unique spring treat. You’ll spend your morning walking in and around the Harbour, and at noteworthy stops. Cook Street Village, Beacon Hill Park, and more. If you’re enjoying the cherry blossoms, Butchart Gardens is a great spot to see the full palette of spring flowers.
You’ll have a mix of camping and hotel stays on this spring trip, so tonight starts with a quiet evening at a boutique Victoria hotel — or a splash out at the Fairmont if you’re feeling fancy!
Day 2: Cowichan Vineyards
After a day enjoying the beauty of the Victoria area in spring, it’s time to leave the city behind. You’ll take the scenic Malahat drive section of the Trans-Canada Highway north, up toward Cowichan’s beautiful green and lush hills.
Numerous wineries dot the Cowichan Valley, a great option for an intimate tasting among the budding vineyards. After enjoying lunch on a sunny patio, you’ll head to the scenic Cowichan Lake. There, you can relax by the lakeshore, walk mossy trails around the lake for different views, and listen to the rushing rivers feeding into the lake.
You’ll spend your night at a cozy bed and breakfast before continuing the journey north in the morning.
Day 3: Parksville & Qualicum
As you continue north, the island’s wilder side will begin to reveal itself. Parksville and Qualicum boast remote and scenic beaches, and towering nearby forests.
You’ll start your day among towering evergreens at Englishman River Falls. The waterfalls are at their fullest this time of year, rushing as nearby snowmelt from mountains makes its way into the ocean. Cathedral Grove is another great stop to see scenic forests. It’s filled with old growth (never logged) trees, and has the same spring-like life to it you’ll find at Englishman.
After a day in the forests, you’ll make your way to the nearby beaches. A low tide on the coast is a unique experience. You’ll be able to walk out into the shallow ocean for miles as the sun sets on the horizon. Set up at an oceanfront campground, and enjoy your first night in our tents with the sound of crashing waves nearby
Day 4: Stamp Falls and Sproat Lake
An hour drive inland will take you to some more scenic areas on Vancouver Island. The first stop is Stamp Falls, a rushing waterfall in its full spring glory. There are several nearby hikes and a peaceful park along the river to explore
You’ll then continue onwards to Sproat Lake. In contrast to the surging Stamp Falls, the glassy calm lake is a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. Set up for a lovely picnic on the lake and slowly wander around exploring its majestic beauty. If you’re feeling bold, this is a great place for a cold spring plunge!
After a day at the lake, you’ll settle in for the night at one of the Sproat Lake campgrounds. There are plenty of nice bed and breakfast options in nearby Port Alberni too. Spring is about adjusting to the weather, so those can be a good option if you found the first night on the chilly side!
Day 5: Comox Valley
After a day at the lake it’s back to the coast! The Comox Valley is a special spot on the island, with stunning coastline and charming farmland. The towering snowy peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park are slowly melting into summer mode in the spring, making it a great time to visit the area.
After checking out the coast in the town of Comox, it’s a great chance to explore some of the nearby towns. Cumberland has the mountain town buzz of some spots on BC’s mainland, with great cafes and more to explore. The nearby Comox Lake will be especially scenic this time of year given the snow on the nearby mountains in spring.
This is typically where we suggest a night off of camping for spring travellers. Several great bed-and-breakfasts are available in the area, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a night in the town.
Day 6: Campbell River
You’re truly getting further and further north in Vancouver Island today! Campbell River, while still on the coast and below the 50th parallel, begins to feel increasingly wild compared to early stops on the trip. In spite of its northern location, it maintains mild temperatures in the spring months, making it a great time to visit.
Fanny Bay will be your first stop on the coast today. This is an excellent spot to see lounging sea lions on the coast, a rare treat in BC. After exploring the coast, head inland to Elk Falls. Here you’ll cross a major suspension bridge, seeing the surging falls below.
After a day of adventuring, you’ll head into Sayward Valley for the night. Your 4×4 rental with FarOut Wilderness is insured to drive on logging roads, and this is a great spot to try out true backcountry camping for the first time. We’ll share a couple of our favourite spots. Great night for campfires, which are trickier in the summer, as the heat and sunny days bring campfire bans.
Day 7: Strathcona Provincial Park
No Vancouver Island trip is complete without stepping into the tallest of Vancouver Island’s mountains. Spring offers an amazing combination of conditions at Strathcona. Snowy views of the mountains are accompanied by warmer weather in valleys below. If you’re visiting earlier in the year, you could even squeeze in a slushy spring ski day on nearby Mt Washington.
Some of our favourite hikes this time of year include Myra Falls and the Buttle Lake Trails. At lower elevations, these falls will have the same full spring character that you’ve seen throughout your trip. A hike along the lake will offer great views up to the snowy mountain passes above.
It’s great to work in one last night of camping in the park tonight! You’ll want to catch a sunset with all these snow peaks around.
Day 8: Whale Watching & Southbound Return
An optional treat for your last day is taking a Whale Watching Tour with our partner, Campbell River Whale Watching. This is an amazing opportunity to see migrating gray whales in spring, sea lions, eagles, and more.
If you’re looking to stay in Strathcona for your last night, enjoy a breakfast cookout by the fire before starting the drive down to Victoria. Our FarOut team will be waiting for you on the other end to pick up your vehicle! Book your adventure with us today, and enjoy spring on Vancouver Island!
