RV Route Guide
Vancouver Island RV Route: Victoria to Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Comox Valley & Campbell River
Route overview
This route follows the east side of Vancouver Island north from Victoria through the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, the Comox Valley and Campbell River — mostly on Highways 1 and 19.
Most RV travellers arrive by ferry: Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay (near Victoria), Horseshoe Bay → Departure Bay (Nanaimo), or Tsawwassen → Duke Point (south of Nanaimo). You can start the route at whichever end suits your crossing.
Driving days are short and services are close together. The island rewards slowing down — beaches, forests, small towns and local food — rather than driving straight through.
Route sections
Section 1
Victoria → South Island
Route basics
- Start: Swartz Bay ferry terminal or Greater Victoria. Victoria is roughly 30 km south of Swartz Bay on Highway 17 — under an hour in normal traffic (approximate).
- Plan several nights here. Use a campground on the Saanich Peninsula or in the Western Communities as your base and explore from there.
Victoria & the Saanich Peninsula
The capital region — a destination worth several nights.
Why stay
- Full groceries, fuel and major resupply.
- RV supplies and service available in the region, in general terms.
- Coastal scenery, parks, museums and cultural attractions.
- Easy day trips around the Saanich Peninsula and Sidney.
Things to do
Inner Harbour
Victoria's harbourfront walk past the Parliament Buildings and the waterfront.
Royal BC Museum
The provincial museum of natural and human history, beside the Inner Harbour. Check current hours and exhibits.
Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road
A large city park and the waterfront walkway along Dallas Road, with ocean and mountain views.
Fisherman's Wharf
Floating homes and food kiosks on the harbour.
Butchart Gardens
Well-known gardens on the Saanich Peninsula. Check current hours, tickets and parking.
Sidney waterfront
A walkable seaside town near the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
Whale watching
Whale-watching tours operate from the South Island, with marine wildlife sightings varying by season and conditions.
Ferry Planning
- RVs and trailers should reserve where available, especially during summer and holiday weekends.
- Vehicle length (and height) matters for fares and space — measure your full combined length, including bikes, racks or a towed vehicle.
- Arrive early according to current BC Ferries guidance for your route.
- Check terminal, sailing and vehicle-size information before you leave — schedules and fares are not listed here because they change.
- Summer and holiday weekends can be very busy; sailing waits are possible without a reservation.
Coastal Weather
- Coastal weather can change quickly.
- Wind and rain can affect travel, ferry crossings and outdoor plans.
- Mornings can be cool even in summer — pack layers.
- Check the forecast before ferry crossings and longer drive days.
Reservations
- Summer weekends can be very busy on the island.
- Ferry reservations may matter as much as campground bookings.
- Popular beachfront and provincial park campgrounds can fill.
- Confirm campground bookings ahead rather than counting on a walk-up site.
- Shoulder seasons are often quieter.
Wildfire and Smoke
- Wildfire and smoke can still affect island travel in some summers.
- When conditions are active, check official BC Wildfire Service and DriveBC information.
Large RV and parking notes
- Downtown Victoria and busy waterfront areas can be difficult for large rigs, and large-RV parking is limited.
- Attraction parking may be limited — use your campground as a base and visit downtown without the big rig where practical.
- Verify access before entering smaller lots or narrow local roads.
- Ferry vehicle length matters — know your total length before booking.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Victoria
The largest centre on the island — groceries, fuel, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
Greater Victoria is a strong service area. Handle mechanical or RV issues here before heading into smaller communities.
Section 2
Victoria → Cowichan Valley
Route basics
- Start: Victoria. Destination: Duncan and the Cowichan Valley.
- Highway 1 climbs over the Malahat to Mill Bay and Duncan — roughly 60 km, about an hour of driving without stops (approximate). Traffic can add time.
Goldstream Provincial Park
A forest stop right at the start of the Malahat.
Why stay
- Big trees and river trails just outside Victoria.
- An easy walk to stretch your legs before or after the climb.
Things to do
Forest walks
Trails through tall cedar and Douglas-fir along the Goldstream River.
Salmon in season
The river is known for a seasonal salmon run in the fall. Check with BC Parks for current timing and viewing information.
Driving the Malahat
- The Malahat is a busy section of Highway 1 with elevation changes.
- Weather can change on the climb — rain or fog at the summit when it's clear in town.
- Traffic can slow considerably, especially at peak times or after an incident.
- In a larger RV, leave plenty of following room and avoid unnecessary roadside stops.
- Check DriveBC for current conditions before you go.
Cowichan Valley
Farms, rivers, lakes and small towns — a destination of its own.
Why stay
- Duncan has groceries, fuel and good everyday resupply.
- Farm markets, local food and a relaxed pace.
- River and lake recreation around the Cowichan River and Cowichan Lake.
- A good base for a few nights between Victoria and Nanaimo.
Things to do
Duncan
A small city known as the City of Totems, with totem poles throughout downtown.
Cowichan Bay
A small seaside village with a working waterfront and local food.
Mill Bay
A small community on the highway with waterfront and basic services.
Lake Cowichan
A large lake west of Duncan with beaches, swimming and paddling in summer.
Farm markets
Watch for farm stands and markets around the valley in season.
Walking and cycling
The Cowichan Valley Trail and local trails offer walking and cycling options — check current trail maps.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Malahat & Mill Bay
- Tunnel Hill Campground & RV ParkMalahat
- Beehive RV Park and CampgroundMill Bay
- Bamberton Park CampgroundMill Bay
Fuel & resupply
Duncan
Fuel, groceries, hardware and general supplies.
RV services
For RV repairs, Victoria and Nanaimo have the most options on either side of the valley.
Section 3
Cowichan Valley → Nanaimo / Parksville
Route basics
- Start: Duncan. Destination: Nanaimo, then Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
- Highway 1 runs north past Chemainus and Ladysmith to Nanaimo — roughly 55 km, under an hour (approximate). Parksville is roughly 35 km farther on Highway 19 (approximate).
- Duke Point and Departure Bay ferry terminals are both in Nanaimo, so this is also a natural starting point for travellers arriving from the mainland.
Nanaimo
The mid-island service centre and ferry hub.
Why stay
- Fuel, full groceries and major shopping.
- Two ferry terminals: Departure Bay and Duke Point.
- RV service and parts available in general terms.
- Waterfront walks and coastal parks.
Things to do
Harbourfront Walkway
A waterfront path along the downtown harbour.
Neck Point Park
Rocky headlands, short trails and ocean views on the north side of the city.
Pipers Lagoon
A sheltered lagoon and rocky point with easy walking.
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)
A marine provincial park reached by a seasonal foot-passenger ferry from downtown — leave the RV behind. Check current ferry operation.
Marine wildlife viewing
Whale-watching and marine wildlife tours operate from the mid-island coast, with sightings varying by season and conditions.
Parksville & Qualicum Beach
Wide beaches and family-friendly coastal stays.
Why stay
- Long sandy beaches with big tidal flats at low tide.
- A strong family stop with many campground choices.
- Groceries, fuel and local markets.
Things to do
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
A large sandy beach and forest trails. The campground is popular — book ahead.
Englishman River Falls
Waterfalls and forest trails a short drive inland from Parksville.
Qualicum Beach waterfront
A walkable seaside promenade and a small, relaxed town centre.
Local markets
Farm and community markets in the area in season — check current days.
Worth the Detour: Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park, west of Parksville on Highway 4, has short trails through very large old-growth trees.
Parking is roadside and limited, and the highway is busy. RV parking is not guaranteed — consider visiting in a smaller vehicle or at a quieter time.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Nanaimo
- Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park
- Westwood Lake Campground Resort
- Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite
- Jinglepot RV Park & Campgrounds
- Snaw-Naw-As CampgroundLantzville
Fuel & resupply
Nanaimo
Fuel, full groceries, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
Parksville / Qualicum Beach
Fuel, groceries and general supplies.
RV services
Nanaimo is the strongest mid-island service area. Handle repairs here rather than in smaller coastal communities.
Section 4
Parksville → Comox Valley
Route basics
- Start: Parksville. Destination: Courtenay and Comox.
- Highway 19A follows the coast through Qualicum Bay, Bowser and Fanny Bay; the faster inland Highway 19 runs parallel. Roughly 75 km, about an hour without stops (approximate).
- The coastal road is slower but has water views and small-community stops.
Comox Valley
Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland — a multi-night base.
Why stay
- Courtenay and Comox have groceries, fuel and good resupply.
- Beaches, trails and coastal scenery.
- Local food, farm markets and cycling.
- Mountain views and an optional mountain side trip.
Things to do
Goose Spit Park
A long spit with beach walking and views across Comox Harbour.
Comox Harbour
Marina and waterfront walking in Comox.
Seal Bay Nature Park
Forest trails leading down to the shoreline north of Comox.
Cumberland trails
Cumberland is known for its forest trail network for mountain biking and hiking. Check current trail maps.
Whale watching and marine wildlife
The Comox Valley is a good base for whale-watching and marine wildlife viewing on the surrounding coastal waters. Sightings vary by season and conditions.
Worth the Detour: Mount Washington
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, inland from Courtenay, offers summer hiking and mountain biking, winter skiing and big mountain views.
The access road climbs steadily. Check current resort operations, road conditions and parking before taking a larger RV, and plan to camp in the valley.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Qualicum Bay & Fanny Bay
See all campgrounds near Qualicum BayFuel & resupply
Courtenay / Comox
Fuel, full groceries, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
The Comox Valley is a strong service area for the north-central island.
Section 5
Comox Valley → Campbell River
Route basics
- Start: Courtenay. Destination: Campbell River.
- Highway 19A runs along the coast through Merville, Black Creek and Oyster River — roughly 50 km, under an hour without stops (approximate). Inland Highway 19 is the faster option.
Campbell River
The northern destination for this route.
Why stay
- Major resupply — fuel, groceries and RV supplies or service in general terms.
- Waterfront walking and ocean views across Discovery Passage.
- Campbell River is a strong base for marine wildlife and whale-watching excursions.
- Fishing and outdoor recreation, with forests and lakes close by.
- A logical base before continuing farther north.
Things to do
Discovery Pier
A long fishing pier on the waterfront, good for walking and watching boat traffic.
Waterfront trails
Seawalk paths along the shoreline through town.
Beaver Lodge Lands
A forest trail network on the edge of the city.
Museum at Campbell River
Regional history and culture. Check current hours.
Fishing and marine activities
Campbell River is well known for salmon fishing. Check current regulations and licence requirements.
Worth the Detour: Elk Falls Provincial Park
Just west of town, Elk Falls has forest trails to a large waterfall and a suspension bridge over the canyon.
Trailhead parking varies — RV parking is not guaranteed, so check access first or visit without a large rig.
Campgrounds along this section
A few places to start. Open any listing for hookups, rates, seasons and contact details.
Fuel & resupply
Campbell River
Fuel, full groceries, propane where available, hardware and RV supplies.
RV services
Campbell River is the last large service centre on this route. Handle mechanical or RV issues here before heading farther north.
Route complete
You've completed the BC by RV Vancouver Island RV Route. From Campbell River, Highway 19 continues north toward Port Hardy, and Highway 28 heads west toward Gold River.