Day 1: Welcome to the Island

Your fall adventure begins the moment you step off the plane or ferry, where you’ll be greeted with your fully equipped overland camper and a warm welcome briefing to get you ready for the journey ahead. We aim for an early start, so you can spend the rest of the day soaking in the best of Victoria’s autumn magic.

Explore Victoria’s historic harbour, lush parks, and the timeless beauty of Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Gardens.

Included is a real treat: Afternoon High Tea at the iconic Fairmont Empress, a fall indulgence that wraps your day in elegance.

🛏️ Stay the night at a charming downtown boutique hotel. Cozy, walkable, and central.

Day 2: Head north, the scenic route

Drive north up the island via the Malahat SkyWalk, where stunning autumn views stretch over the Saanich Inlet. Then, let your tastebuds guide you through some of the best fall breweries on the island: Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan, Longwood Brewery in Nanaimo, and Mt Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville.

Set up camp for the night at Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Travelling in winter means many of the crowds have dispersed, so you’ll have first pick of the best sites.

Enjoy snuggling up around a cozy fireplace before retiring for the night.

Day 3: Coastal Wandering & Campbell River

Continue your journey north toward Campbell River, following the coastline and pausing along the way to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, and take in the shifting autumn scenery.

Stop at Fanny Bay to spot the sea lions, cross the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge for sweeping forest views, and visit Discovery Pier for fresh, local fish and chips.

Tomorrow’s grizzly bear tour is the highlight of the trip, so arrive in Campbell River and settle in for the night, getting ready for tomorrow’s wild highlight.

Day 4: Grizzly Bear Day Tour – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Today, it’s time for the unforgettable: a full-day Grizzly Bear Expedition with Campbell River Whale Watching.

Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise to the Orford River Valley, homeland of the Homalco First Nation. After transferring to land, expert guides will take you to raised viewing platforms where you can safely observe grizzlies in their natural environment, feasting on the spawning salmon. Along the way, whales, sea lions, and bald eagles may make appearances.

This is the stuff nature documentaries are made of — and you’re in the front row.

Day 5: Down the Island to Lake Cowichan

After a peaceful night, make your way south toward Lake Cowichan, a serene autumn escape where still waters reflect the season’s golden hues and trails wind through forests brushed in amber. This quiet corner of Vancouver Island offers the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and local flavour.

Explore the Skutz Falls Trail along the Cowichan River, breathe in the crisp air at Gordon Bay Provincial Park, or unwind with seasonal sips at Merridale Cidery or Riot Brewing Co. End the day camping by the water, toasting marshmallows under the stars, and enjoying the peaceful pace of island life.

Day 6: Port Renfrew & Craidelona Lodge

Day 6 takes you along the winding road to Port Renfrew, a coastal gem that wears autumn like a hand-knit sweater. Along the way, pause at Botanical Beach to explore its tide pools and watch the waves crash against the rugged shore, then visit the whimsical Fairy Lake Bonsai Tree — a tiny, iconic marvel growing from the middle of the water.

By late afternoon, settle into Craidelona Oceanside Lodge, your home for the next two nights. This self-catered cabin offers private beach access for sunset toasts, a wood-fired sauna, and the invigorating pairing of a cold plunge with a hot tub soak.

Upgrade Available: Add a private chef-prepared meal, delivered hot to your door — the ultimate post-adventure luxury.

Day 7: Total Coastal Bliss

The next two days are all about you and the wild, rugged beauty of the west coast — no schedules, no rush. Wake slowly with coffee in hand at Craidelona Oceanside Lodge, the ocean stretching out before you, and spend your time exactly as you please.

Sink into the hot tub as sea air drifts around you, warm up in the wood-fired sauna, wander down to the tide pools to watch the marine life, or simply curl up by the fireplace with a good book. Between the rhythm of the waves and the stillness of the forest, Craidelona Oceanside Lodge offers a fall retreat that’s raw, peaceful, and utterly unforgettable.

Day 8: The Coastal Route Home via Sooke

As your west coast adventure winds down, make your way east through the charming seaside town of Sooke. Take time to explore French Beach Provincial Park, where rugged shores meet the surf, and stop by local favorites like Sooke Brewing Co. and Sooke Oceanside Brewery for a taste of the region’s craft offerings.

Soak in the last glimpses of the ocean, savor one final latte, and let the memories of tide pools, forest trails, and cozy cabin nights settle in. Return your camper in Victoria carrying stories, snapshots, and perhaps a few unexpected wild encounters from the coast.

Feeling Inspired? Your Fall Adventure Awaits.

Whether you’re cozying up in a lodge, wandering among ancient trees, or locking eyes with a grizzly bear across a rushing river, this trip is a journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s most soulful season.

Check out more ideas for your trip here with some of our other fall blogs, on fishing, salmon runs, and other activities you can only do in fall.

Ready to book your fall getaway?

Contact us today and start counting down the days to your Salmons Runs & Wild Skies adventure.

Optional Upgrades to Enhance Your Experience

Want to add a little extra sparkle to your fall adventure? These upgrades are designed to elevate special moments along the way:

High Tea Upgrade – $50 per person

Upgrade your Afternoon Tea at the Empress to a Champagne High Tea for a touch of bubbly elegance with your finger sandwiches and pastries.

Catered Gourmet Meal – Night 6 or 7 – $150–$200 per person

Indulge in the ultimate west coast luxury: a chef-prepared, fully catered meal delivered right to your oceanside lodge. Locally sourced, beautifully plated, and completely hassle-free.

Let us know at booking which upgrades you’d like to include — this is your fall getaway, your way.