Vancouver Island is beloved by adventure-seekers, offering something for day hikers, backpackers, bikers, kayakers and more! Eric and I loved exploring this incredible destination on foot and gathering insider knowledge to help you plan your own walking holiday. From the best base towns to day hikes and multi-day treks, this guide breaks it down for you.
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Best Months for Hiking
Prime hiking season on Vancouver Island runs from May to October. During these months, trails are generally dry and temperatures range from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C). September and October are the sweet spot, offering the most hiking opportunities with minimal crowds while still providing comfortable temperatures and mostly dry conditions.
Always remember that Vancouver Island’s maritime climate demands respect: layers are your friend, waterproof gear is essential (especially boots), and unpredictability is the only constant.
Getting to Vancouver Island
By Ferry
BC Ferries operate routes from Vancouver to various points on the island, including Victoria and Nanaimo. Book your ticket at least a few days in advance – we waited the day before and all the best times were booked. From the US, Black Ball Ferry provides a direct ferry from Port Angeles, Washington, which is perfect for combing a hiking trip in the Olympic National Forest.
By Air
Direct flights are available to Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River and Comox airports from major Canadian cities and Seattle.
Best Hiking Base Towns
Sooke
A fantastic base for accessing the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, as well as miles and miles of hiking in East Sooke, Sea to Sea and Roche Cove Regional Parks. Gowlland Tod and Goldstream Provincial Parks are also within driving distance. Sooke offers a mix of coastal and forest trails, with options for all skill levels and enough trails within driving distance to keep you busy for weeks! If you only have time for one place to base yourself, Sooke is where we recommend staying.
Ucluelet
Less commercialized than its neighbor Tofino, Ucluelet provides access to the Wild Pacific Trail and other coastal hikes. It’s also a great spot for exploring Pacific Rim National Park and the gorgeous beaches of Tofino. While we love Tofino, we prefer Ucluelet because it’s easier (and cheaper) to find parking and it is home to one of our favorite day hikes on Vancouver Island.
If you want beach days or vibrant night life, choose Tofino and look for a place that allows you to walk to everything.
Campbell River
Campbell River is ideal for urban hikers who enjoy leisurely forest trails and walks along the shore. Elk Falls Provincial Park and Beaver Lodge Forest Lands are here. You won’t get the wild Pacific beaches here on the island’s east coast, but you will get a better idea of local island life and have opportunities to explore indigenous art and cultures.
Stay at Strathcona Lodge if you want to spend most of your time hiking in Strathcona Park.
Cumberland
Cumberland is the hub for multi-sport adventurers, with access to hiking in Strathcona Park, mountain biking, and plenty of forest walks in the Cumberland Trail Network, Wildwood Interpretive Forest and Comox Valley Northeast Woods. While it’s not our favorite for day hikes, this tiny town packs a lot of good food and youthful energy into its very walkable space.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort in Strathcona is a great location for winter hiking on Vancouver Island. Choose from snowshoeing, skiing, tobogganing and more.
Wilderness Hiking Alternatives
If multi-day backpacking is your goal, then you’ll want to base yourself closer to those trails. Sooke has already been mentioned for Juan de Fuca, but the others require a more remote stay.
Gold River
A gateway to remote hiking adventures like the Nootka Trail, Gold River is perfect for those seeking solitude and rugged wilderness. Access to trails often involves boat or float plane transport. Lodging options are limited and range from a comfortable but basic stay at the Baymont Hotel, a few decent Airbnbs, or a splurge at The Lodge at Gold River.
If price is irrelevant and you want a truly remarkable experience, stay at the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and book one of their heli hikes in the Ursus Valley or along the Bedwell River.
Port Hardy
Port Hardy is the closest base for a true wilderness experience, including backpacking the North Coast and Cape Scott Trails. It’s also a great connection if you want to extend your walking adventure into British Columbia’s gorgeous Bella Coola, Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert regions.
Best Day Hikes near Sooke
East Sooke Coastal Trail
6.2mi (10km) one way
Moderate to Challenging
This iconic trail hugs the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views, rocky beaches, and rainforests full of gnarly trees. There are secluded coves with beautiful views throughout, but we especially like Pike Point and Iron Mine Bay on the west side and Creyke Point on the east side. This is a point-to-point trail so plan for a shuttle to pick you up at Aylard Farm parking.
Creyke Point, Beechey Head & Interior Loop
5.9mi (9.5km)
Moderate
There are many ways to combine trails in East Sooke, but we particularly like this one because it hits all the highlights: coastal views, secluded beaches, petroglyphs, and interior forest. You can shorten or lengthen this route according to preference.
Iron Mine Bay & Coppermine Loop
5.6mi (9km)
Moderate
Begin this loop from the Silver Spray parking lot instead of Pike Road and enjoy a little ramble around Pike Point before beginning your loop towards Mount Maguire. This is a fabulous route highlighting the quieter but equally beautiful western side of East Sooke Park.
Botanical Beach Loop
1.8mi (3km)
Easy to Moderate
It seems like a long drive to reach this short trail, but trust us, it’s worth it! This beautiful loop showcases the best of Juan de Fuca Park with glorious wild beaches, tidepool wildlife, and a chance to hike the last section of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Stop at Shirley Delicious for one of the best breakfasts on Vancouver Island and detour to visit Sombrio Beach, where you can walk on a suspension bridge.
Mounts Quimper & Brule Loop
7mi (11.3km) out & back
Moderate to Challenging
According to our friend in Sooke, this trail in the Sea to Sea Regional Park is a right of passage for locals. This loop features forested paths, rocky inclines, and rewarding views from the historic fire lookout on Mount Quimper, plus a short summit to Mount Brule.
Jocelyn Hill Loop
5.7mi (9km)
Challenging
This hike in Gowlland Tod Park offers stunning views of Saanich Arm and the Malahat, particularly from its rocky summit. The terrain features steep climbs, rolling hills, and sections of exposed rock, making it a rewarding challenge for hikers who enjoy a mix of forested paths and open ridge trails.
Royal Roads Trails
3.7-6.8mi (6-11km) combo of short paths
Easy to Moderate
Wander the trails at Royal Roads University in Victoria, you can easily walk up to 11km and enjoy views of Esquimalt Lagoon. Popular with trail runners.
Best Day Hikes near Ladysmith
Yes, I know we didn’t list Ladysmith as a hiking base, but this beautiful little town is a great place to stay for at least one night if you want to be close to the Nanaimo ferry. And if you’re here, there are some fantastic trails that are especially popular with trail runners.
Holland Creek Trail
3.6mi (5.8km) loop
Easy
This wheel-chair accessible trail circles a creek in town and can easily be extended to a longer and more challenging hike around Heart Lake.
Lake Cowichan Runner’s Course
8mi (13km) semi-loop
Moderate & Strenuous
Speaking of trail runners, we love this hiking route designed by the Vancouver Island Trail Series. Their short version is perfect for exploring the trails around Lake Cowichan, but prepare to sweat as you’ll have several ascents and descents.
Best Day Hikes near Ucluelet
Wild Pacific Trail
5mi (8km) one way
Easy to Moderate
The Wild Pacific Trail features stunning coastal views of rugged cliffs, ancient cedars, and the Pacific Ocean. Divided into short, easily accessible sections such as the Lighthouse Loop and the Brown’s Beach segment, it’s perfect for leisurely strolls or longer explorations. Each section offers well-maintained, easy terrain suitable for all fitness levels, with plenty of benches and lookouts to pause and enjoy the scenery. This was our favorite trail on the island!
Pacific Rim Trails
There is a fee for hiking Pacific Rim National Park trails so plan to hike these trails within 1-2 days. These are magical walks through old-growth temperate rainforest, showcasing towering cedar and hemlock trees and moss-covered boardwalks.
- Rain Forest Trail: 1.2mi (2km), 2 short loops
Half Moon Bay: 2.2mi (3.6km)
Willowbrae Trail: 1.7mi (2.8km)
South Beach & Nuu-Chah-Nulth Combo: 5mi (8km)
Lone Cone or Big Tree Trail
8.7mi (14km) – out & back Lone Cone Trail
2mi (3.5km) – Big Tree Loop
Strenuous & Challenging
For those who like to get muddy and want to see some of the biggest trees, Meares Island offers two challenging trails. The Big Tree loop is short but incredibly muddy and with questionable trail conditions towards the end. The Lone Cone Trail is strenuous as it gains 2,297ft (700m) in less than a mile. For your efforts, you’ll gain one of the most impressive views of Vancouver Island. Consider hiring a guide for this one, see recommended tour operators later in this post. These are accessible by water taxi from Tofino.
Best Day Hikes near Campbell River
Beaver Lodge Lands
This is a network of beautifully-maintained walking paths through lush second-growth forest in Campbell River. You can spend a day exploring all of the pathways here and forget that a town is nearby. We parked at the South MacPhedran lot and wandered to our hearts content on a rainy day, it was pure magic!
Elk Falls via Millenium Trail
2.2mi (3.5km)
Easy
A short hike to a waterfall and suspension bridge, with options to extend your hike further along the Millenium Trail. Extend your day of hiking here with the Canyon View Loop.
Campbell River Seawalk
3.7mi (6km) one way
Easy
The seawalk stretches from the Discovery Fishing Pier to Rotary Beach Park, offering scenic views of Discovery Passage, opportunities to spot marine wildlife, and access to cozy cafes and artwork along the way.
Miracle Beach Loop
1.5mi (2.4km)
Easy
A short walk through old growth forest to a quiet beach within Miracle Beach Provincial Park.
Campbell River Lookout
5mi (8km) out & back
Difficult
A challenging but rewarding hike that showcases stunning views of the Campbell River Valley and a walk through 2nd-generation rain forest teeming with wildlife.
Also check out Quadra Island hikes, such as the Chinese Mountains Loop or Shellaligin Pass. Easily accessible by ferry from Campbell River.
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Best Day Hikes near Cumberland
Fuji Jim Loop
6.9mi (11km)
Moderate
This hike in the Cumberland Community Forest offers scenic viewpoints of Nikkei Mountain and the Comox Valley.
Helen Mackenzie to Battleship Lake Loop
5.3mi (8.5km)
Moderate to Challenging
A classic day hike in Strathcona, one of the few that offers good mountain views without having to camp overnight.
Lazo Marsh Loop
2.5mi (4km)
Easy
This loop within the Lazo Marsh NE Comox Conservation Area (aka Northeast Woods) offers quiet forest walks close to town, with options to extend your walk with interior pathways.
Nymph Falls Nature Park
1.2mi (2km)
Easy
Ok, this is more of a walk in the park, but we include it because it’s a lovely river walk with opportunities for a cool plunge.
Paradise Meadows Nature Walks
2.1mi & 1.5mi (3.5km & 2.4km) 2 loop trails
Easy
These interpretive loops are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking easier paths within Strathcona Park.
Best Day Hikes near Gold River
Butte Lake Nature Trails
Spend the day driving along the eastern shore of Butte Lake, stopping for short walks to Karst Creek, Lupin Falls and Myra Falls.
Upana Caves
.4mi (.6km) one way
Easy
Short walk to caves and a waterfall. Bring a flashlight and waterproof shoes.
Crest Mountain
8mi (13km) out & back
Hard
A challenging hike with steep inclines, leading to breathtaking views of Butte Lake and the surrounding peaks in Strathcona Park. Many choose to camp overnight.
Vancouver Island’s Multi-Day Hikes
This is a quick list of multi-day hikes but please know that these trails are some of the most challenging and remote wilderness trails you will find in Canada. Knowing trail conditions and being prepared is critical, so we highly recommend using resources like Backpacking on Vancouver Island by Taryn Eyton or Wild Isle guidebooks before embarking on any of these.
Cape Scott Trail
14mi (23km) one way
Remote and wild, this trail leads to the stunning sands of San Josef Bay. Base town Port Hardy or Holberg. Hike Bike Travel has a great report of her Cape Scott Trek.
Della Falls
20mi (32km) out & back
This 2 or 3-day hike in Strathcona offers a challenging backcountry adventure through dense forests and alpine meadows, culminating at Della Falls, the highest waterfall in Canada. Base in Port Alberni and reach the trailhead by water taxi from Great Central Lake Marina.
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
29mi (47 km) one way
A rugged coastal hike with campsites along the route. Permits are not required, but camping fees apply. Begin near Sooke and end at Port Renfrow.
King’s Peak Trail
9.4mi (15km) out & back
Hard
This is one of the summit hikes in Strathcona, with elevation gains over 6,100ft (1,860m). Recommended to camp overnight unless your body is conditioned for this level of difficulty and distance. Near Gold River or Strathcona Lodge.
Landslide Lake via Elk River
16mi (26km) out & back
Another 2-3 day hike in Strathcona, this is a well-maintained trail close to Gold River that promises stunning views of a glacial lake.
Nootka Trail
23mi (37km) one way
We were told by a local that the Nootka Trail was his favorite backpacking trek in the region. You’ll find it on Nootka Island, accessible by seaplane (Gold River) or water taxi (Tahsis). Expect challenging conditions, requiring advanced wilderness hiking skills, with the reward of rugged solitude and unimaginable beauty.
North Coast Trail
27mi (43km) one way
This wilderness trek begins at Shushartie Bay and ends at the Cape Scott Trailhead. The trail features rugged terrain, including muddy paths, forested sections, beach crossings, and tide-dependent stretches, offering stunning views and a remote experience in Cape Scott Provincial Park. Access requires a water taxi or seaplane. Base in Port Hardy.
Tatchu Trail
12-25mi (20-40km) one way
The most remote hike on this list, this coastal hike features rugged terrain, tidal challenges, and unmarked routes that demand careful navigation and self-sufficiency, rewarding experienced adventurers with secluded beaches and a true wilderness experience.
West Coast Trail
47mi (75 km) one way
This well-known trail is accessible from Gordon River or Pachena Bay. It requires permits and advanced booking, as well as careful planning around the tides. Like the Juan de Fuca, this trail is strenuous, with ladders, cables and river crossings. The West Coast Trail App can help with planning.
Wild Side Trail
14mi (22km) out & back
A rugged coastal hike with uncrowded beaches and rainforests, leading to the remote Cow Bay where you camp on the beach. Accessible by water taxi from Tofino.
Recommended Hiking Tour Operators
- Ahous Adventures offers a full day hike along the Lone Cone Trail on Meares Island.
- Backroads offers a 6-day multi-adventure tour that we love because it includes hiking Salt Spring Island. We also like their walking tour that combines Washington’s Olympic Peninsula with Vancouver Island. Good choice if you just want a brief intro to this region.
Coastal Bliss Adventures is based in Cowichan Bay and offers guided multi-day treks on the West and North Coast Trails, Nootka Trail, Juan de Fuca, and the lesser known Hesquiat Peninsula and South Chilcotin treks. They also offer day hikes on Juan de Fuca and Big Trees Trail, provide gear rentals, and can help you create a multi-sport adventure with their kayak and canoe tours.
Cove Adventures is based in Port Hardy and offers guided day trips into Cape Scott Provincial Park, including the beautiful San Josef Bay.
- Great Canadian Trails offers a 9-day guided backpacking tour on the West Coast Trail.
- Freewheeling Adventures offers an easy 6-day walking holiday that begins and ends in Victoria. While we don’t love the itinerary, it’s a good choice if you don’t want to rent a car.
- Long Beach Nature Tours offers guided day hikes near Tofino and multi-day packages based from the Long Beach Lodge in which they design a custom itinerary of activities, which may include heli-hiking, bear viewing, yoga, surfing, or cultural excursions.
MB Guiding, led by ACMG certified mountain guide Mike Blake, is who you want for overnight treks in Strathcona, the North Island, Nootka Trail and West Coast Trail.
- Wildland Trekking offers a 7-day guided backpacking tour on the West Coast Trail.
Local Hiking Clubs
Comox District Mountaineering Club is a great resource for local-preferred hikes, their trip catalogue shows the club’s past hikes. You have to be a member to access trip reports, but you can at least see what trails they repeatedly hike.
Island Mountain Ramblers is an active hiking club and their Trail Reports offer great ideas for day hikes.
Vancouver Island Trail Running Series is a fun-loving group that hosts several train running races throughout the year.
And that’s a wrap! For a better idea of what it’s like to slow hike this destination, see how we spent our time day hiking through Vancouver Island. If you want help narrowing down an itinerary or choosing a tour operator, we’re happy to help.
