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Follow the road less travelled

Jeep touring around Vancouver Island

What better way to explore the great outdoors of Vancouver island than by your very own jeep, complete with roof top tent. Pack up your bag, charge your phone and prepare yourself for the most fun you can have on four wheels. On this trip you are not sticking to the tarmac, get off road onto logging trails and back roads that lead to secluded lakes and amazing views, with not another person in view. Upon reaching each destination along the route the fun doesn’t stop,it is only just beginning. Stunning beaches, ancient forests stitched with hiking trails, laid back towns and experiences that allow you to play as hard or as relaxed as you wish.

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Trustpilot
Jeep with tent open

Jeep with tent open
Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove
Room with a view

Room with a view
It's not all off road

It's not all off road
Sombrio Beach

Sombrio Beach
Surfing lesson - Ruth Hartnup

Surfing lesson - Ruth Hartnup
Hornby Island (Daryl Mitchell)

Hornby Island (Daryl Mitchell)

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1 The adventure begins (Vancouver - French Beach Provincial park 166km including ferry)

After a comfortable night's rest (we recommend at least one night in Vancouver before collecting your vehicle) head to the depot to collect your jeep. You will be provided with a full briefing of how everything works, from setting up your roof top tent to lighting the stove for a nice cup of tea. With your new found camping confidence it is time to head out onto the open road, punch in the first stop of your overland adventure into the GPS and away you go. A short stop enroute at the local supermarket for your favourite snacks and other provisions to see you through the next few days. The route will take you South out of Vancouver to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Once onboard head to the upper decks for fabulous views of the Strait of Georgia, keep a look out for dolphins swimming close to the ship or orcas breaching. Arriving into Swartz Bay ferry terminal follow your GPS towards the capital of British Columbia, Victoria, where you can make a stop but we prefer to pass it by and continue out to the picturesque south coast shoreline. City traffic gives way to quieter roads lined with forests, small towns with cafes for a spot of lunch and coastal views. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, so take your time and enjoy the views to your first stop at French beach Provincial park. Once you have yourself set up there is so much to enjoy. Stretch your legs along beautiful hiking trails inland or head to the 1,600 metre beach where you can spot gray whales passing in the spring and autumn, the resident Orca pods can also be seen off shore, as well as otters, seals and sea lions.

Day 2 South coast splendor (70km)

As the sun rises on a new day, it is time to pack up and continue along the coastal road. Prepare yourself for a beautiful drive but the distance is short, so no need to hurry and stop a few times along the way. We highly recommend stopping at both Mystic beach and Sombrio beach, considered by many to be some of the nicest beaches on the island. With stunning views of distant mountains and the exciting antics of local surfers for company, find a spot for a picnic. After the joy of a beach side lunch let the explorer in you come forth, follow beautiful trails through old-growth forests as they inch along the coastline, but be on the lookout for logging trucks, they can be travelling fast along the trail with you. After a full day exploring beaches and forest trails, time to park up for the night at one of the camp grounds you will find scattered within the area. Once you have set up your camp, take a walk in the woods and along flowing rivers, where you may find the ideal spot for a small campfire where you can watch the sun set.

Day 3 Back country kicks (200km)

Soak up the scenery but keep your eyes on the trail in front of you, it’s time to test your back country driving skills as you make your way from Port Renfrew to Port Alberni, along the shore of Lake Cowichan. A drive around the lake is to drive through forests of Douglas-fir rich in wildlife and an ideal destination for outdoor adventure. White water kayaking, fishing or just chilling out on sandy beaches and swimming in the warm waters await you. Upon your arrival into Port Alberni, you have passed your back country driving test! Spend some time in town, stock up on provisions, maybe grab a burger at J&L drive-in (depending on how good your campsite cooking is). At the end of the day, roll into your recreation ground for the night, park the jeep, pop open the roof top tent and bask in the glory of the days adventures.

Day 4&5 Tofino calling (144km)

No time for a leisurely breakfast this morning, the ‘wet coast’ of Tofino beckons at the end of today's drive. Spend the next two nights parked up in a beach side campsite, located in the Pacific Rim National park, putting yourself in the heart of the action. There is something special about Tofino in the summer time that is not to be missed. Take a surf lesson and ride the waves of the Pacific ocean, join a sea kayak trip along the coast line, stopping at secluded beaches or let us book you onto a thrilling high speed zodiac tour in search of whales, bears and other wildlife, some even pay a visit to toasty hot springs cove, where you can bathe in the warm waters as they bubble through the rocks. For those that like a slower pace of life, you are not forgotten. Start your day with a Yoga beach session, building up an appetite for your exploration of the local culinary scene on a foodie tour. Keep an eye out for the many artisan shops that populate Tofino, the perfect opportunity for that ‘none of my friends have one of these’ souvenirs.

Day 6&7 Pacific swells to crystal waters (225km)

A day of contrasts as you travel across Vancouver island from one beachside location to another, but the difference could not be more stark. Leave the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean in your rear view mirror as you head for the hot temperatures and laid back living of Hornby island. After crossing the forest laden heartland, you will take two short ferry crossings before finally arriving at your idyllic location. We recommend picking a campsite near Tribune Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in British Columbia, and the beautiful Tribune Bay Provincial park. Time to lay back, kick of the flip flops and breath in the chilled out vibes of this small island. But as your here for a couple of days you might as well indulge in one of the many experiences that are available. Try your hand at Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding in the warm waters, hire a bike and sample some of the varied mountain bike trails and the shallow waters around the island make for fabulous snorkelling, some of the reefs are available right off the shore.

Day 8 Homeward bound (200km)

Rise and shine on your final morning, pack up the jeep and head back to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. Don’t be sad, this is a journey to be enjoyed to the last, you will even take a different ferry route back to the mainland, so you can keep exploring. A scenic coastal drive brings you to the ferry port of Nanaimo, from which you will once more cross the Strait of Georgia, keeping a close eye out for breaching whales. Enter Vancouver via the Lions Gate bridge, a truly memorable sight, overflowing with memories of the summer your drove around Vancouver Island.

Let us create your perfect itinerary

This is just an example of what is possible when you book your off road jeep experience with Magnetic North. Let us know where you would like to visit in British Columbia and we can create the perfect route for you, including activities along the way. Minimum duration is 4 days.

BUDGET

From £1430 per person based on 2 persons travelling 01 Apr-31 May and 1-31 Oct

This roughly converts to: 1,645 EUR | 1,873 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

7 nights

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