Vancouver Island Car Travel & Rentals

All motor vehicle access to Vancouver Island is by ferry. BC Ferries provides services from the BC mainland, while Washington State Ferries and Black Ball Transport service the Victoria area from Washington State.

Most people choose to explore the Vancouver Island region by car. It's a flexible way to travel and an extremely pleasurable one - the region has an extensive and well-maintained network of roads and highways packed with scenic diversions. Try driving one of the Circle Tours that include destinations throughout the province of British Columbia.

Car rental companies are conveniently located in major cities and some towns, as well as at Victoria International and Nanaimo airports.

Major Routes

Highways 1, 19 and 19A

The Island Highway (Highway 1 between Victoria and Nanaimo, and Highway 19 between Nanaimo and Port Hardy) connects the north island to the south. While it's possible to travel the entire 500km/311mi route in less than a day, there's so much to see and do you'll certainly be tempted to make multiple stops along the way.

The Oceanside Route (Hwy 19A) leads from Parksville along the east coast of Vancouver Island through Courtenay to Campbell River. Passing through several picturesque communities, it grants gorgeous coastal views.

Highway 4

Highway 4 crosses Vancouver Island from the east coast, near Parksville, to the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet on the spectacularly scenic west coast.

The Gulf Islands

Driving on the many Gulf Islands in the region can be very serene. Roads meander past working farms, tiny commercial enclaves, shell, pebble and sand beaches and many captivating viewpoints.

Interact

BC Travel Tips

Vancouver 2010 - British Columbia - Host Province

More Maps
Vancouver Island - Detailed Regional Map