It’s finally springtime, Canada. That means it’s time to wash your car, put together a great playlist, and get out of dodge.
Our guide shows you three of the best quick road trips to take straight from Victoria’s Peninsula Co-op Gas Bar. The routes that wind along the Gulf Islands scenic coast have waterfalls, old growth BC forests, and secret beaches. Conveniently, we’ve mapped out all the trips starting at Victoria’s Peninsula Co-op so you can gas up, grab supplies, and be on your way.
1. Port Renfrew
Victoria to Port Renfrew is roughly two hours of driving time along the Juan de Fuca highway but you’ll want to make a few stops. The trip takes you west out of the city, you’ll want your first stop to be East Sooke Regional Park. There, you’ll find a short trail to Becher Bay or you can hike up to Creyke Point. Creyke Point can be a challenging hike but once you’re at the top the view is stunning. Make sure you don’t miss the petroglyphs carved into the rocks by the Coast Salish First Nations.
You’ll want to take a detour along the way to the Sooke Potholes, 5km of pristine polished rock pools. On a hot day, feel free to jump in.
Mystic Beach is also located along the way to Port Renfrew. Roughly an hour and a half from Victoria, the beach boasts a waterfall, a rope swing, and old BC forest. Stop at Sombrio beach for surfing or Botanical beach for tide pools full of sea creatures.
You can stop almost anywhere along the Juan de Fuca coast for beachcombing, hikes, and exploring the old growth forests. At the end of the drive, you’ll find yourself in the small town of Port Renfrew.
2. Qualicum Beach
Victoria to Qualicum Beach is another two-hour trip. Heading north on Highway 19A, you can take the scenic coastal route.
Stop in Nanaimo and take the ferry over to Newcastle Island where only boats and bikes are permitted or head to Protection Island for Canada’s floating pub.
Just north of Qualicum Beach, you’ll find Lighthouse Country. It’s quiet, calm, and peaceful. The beaches are rocky and full of marine life. Nile Creek Estuary is a secluded, almost secret pebble beach. Occasionally, you’ll be able to see a pod of killer whales passing through here.
Once you’re in Qualicum Beach, make sure you head to Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. You’ll find waterfalls, trails, and picnic areas, all perfect for a family day trip. The park incorporates Cameron Lake, which, due to a wind tunnel created by the mountains, is a popular area for sailboarding.
3. Galiano
From Victoria to Galiano Island is another trip clocking in at just over two hours. This route takes you onto a ferry across the Strait of Georgia -- make sure you watch for whales. The island is full of trails to hike, local favourites include Bodega Ridge Provincial Park, the Grey Peninsula Loop in Montague Harbour Provincial Park, and Mount Galiano.
Bodega Ridge is one of the highest points on the island, offering views of the Trincomali Channel. The Grey Peninsula Loop is, according to locals, the best place on the island to watch the sunset. It’s the easiest hike, great for those with smaller children. Mount Galiano has a few different trailheads you can start on, but they all lead to the same incredible summit.
