Vancouver to Victoria: A Winter Road Trip

Start your trip in Vancouver with VanDusen’s Festival of Lights. Visit the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge for a treetop adventure, and then catch a tram to the top of Grouse Mountain for some snow fun at the Peak of Christmas.

Make your way to the Tsawwassen terminal and catch a ferry to Vancouver Island.

The 90-minute sailing weaves through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay. From there, hop on a ferry to visit one of the Southern Gulf Islands. You’ll find ancient forests, sandstone and pebble beaches, as well as stunning views on Galiano Island. Pender Island has numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Make sure to check out the open acoustic jam at Slow Coast Coffee every Sunday, or try your hand at disc golf in the forest.

Stop in Sidney, a ten-minute drive from Swartz Bay, for a waterfront stroll and bookstore meander. The town has a selection of bookstores including Beacon Books, Galeon Books and Antiques, Tanners Books, the Children’s Bookshop, and the Haunted Bookshop.

Stop in Brentwood Bay and visit Butchart Gardens between December 1 and January 6 for glittering gardens and ice skating under a canopy of lights. For a little relaxation, overnight at the oceanside Brentwood Bay Resort, book a spa treatment, take an eco-cruise, and end the day with a sunset dinner.

Spend the afternoon exploring Victoria’s inner harbour and then stop in at the Fairmont Emperess for afternoon tea or relax with a treatment at Willow Stream Spa.

Victoria also has two castles, Hatley Castle is the home to Royal Roads University, and was also the film location for the X-Men. The second is Craigdarroch Castle. Stroll through the spectacular rooms in the home that once belonged to Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, one of the major founding families on Vancouver Island.

Winter weather in British Columbia can change quickly, so be prepared with these winter driving tips. Check out these RV rentals equipped for winter in BC.

Last updated: May 20, 2020