by Turo
posted on May 17, 2025
If you’re willing to get a little dirt on your boots, the top things to do on Vancouver Island will show you things you won’t see anywhere else. With trails that wind through towering rainforests, along wave-battered coastlines, and up to alpine lakes, this is one of the most scenic places to hike in British Columbia.
You don’t need much to experience it – just a good trail and the time you need to follow it. Here are five of the best hikes on Vancouver Island that will give you a front row seat to what makes this place so special!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- San Josef Bay Trail
- Botanical Beach hike
- Elk River Trail
- Cathedral Grove Trails
- Roberts Roost Trail
- Best hikes on Vancouver Island: FAQs
- Get out and explore the best Vancouver Island hiking trails
What to do on Vancouver Island: must-see trails for hikers
If you’re trying to figure out what to do on Vancouver Island, the hard part is narrowing it down. These must-see trails for hikers each show off a different side of this gorgeous island.
San Josef Bay Trail
Visit Cape Scott Provincial Park and trek through lush rainforest to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. San Josef Bay is home to sea stacks, tide pools, and long stretches of soft sand. It’s a place that feels lost to time – something that pictures just can’t do justice.
- Distance: 5 km round-trip
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s great
San Josef Bay offers a big payoff for minimal effort. You’ll get coastal rainforest, wild beaches, and the feeling of being far from it all without having to commit to a multi-day trek.
Practical tips
Bring sturdy footwear and check the tides if you want to explore the pools safely. There are no services nearby, so pack snacks and water.
How to get there
The San Josef Bay Trail begins at the western edge of Cape Scott Provincial Park, about six hours northwest of Nanaimo International Airport. The final stretch of the drive follows a rough gravel road, which can get slick after rain and narrow in places. Make your Nanaimo rental car an all-wheel drive vehicle from makers like Jeep or Subaru for comfort for the long haul and the traction you’ll want on the backroads.
Botanical Beach hike
This short section of the famous Marine Trail in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is a standout all on its own. The trail winds through the forest before opening to a rugged coastline covered in tide pools. At low tide, you can spot sea urchins, anemones, and clusters of mussels tucked into sandstone pockets.
- Distance: 2–3 km round-trip
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s great
This West Coast trail leads to a coastline out of a nature documentary. The intertidal zone is teeming with life, and the layered rocks and crashing surf make every turn feel like a postcard.
Practical tips
Time your Juan de Fuca trail trek with the tide charts to catch the pools at their best. Bring shoes with grip – the rocks can be slick – and avoid stepping in fragile marine areas.
How to get there
Botanical Beach is about two hours west of Victoria. It’s a winding coastal route with narrow shoulders and few passing zones, so a compact rental car like a Toyota or Nissan model will make the drive more manageable. You can also book your Victoria airport car rental in advance with Turo and have it ready for you when you land!
Elk River Trail
This forested trail in Strathcona Provincial Park follows the Elk River as it climbs gently toward the teal-blue waters of Landslide Lake. It’s a long hike, but along the way, you’ll pass through quiet old-growth, mossy creek crossings, and wide valley views backed by glacier-carved peaks.
- Distance: 22 km round-trip
- Duration: 6–8 hours (or overnight)
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Elevation: ~600 m
Why it’s great
Landslide Lake is a stunner – clear, calm, and framed by cliffs. It’s a popular backcountry route that still feels peaceful, especially if you stay the night and catch sunrise over the water.
Practical tips
Backcountry permits are required in Strathcona Park. Pack food, bear spray, and a water filter. The trail is best from late June through September, when snow has cleared and campsites are open.
How to get there
The trailhead is about 45 minutes west of Campbell River with smooth pavement all the way in. Choose a roomy SUV or truck as your Campbell River rental car – Ford and Toyota have models that are perfect for hauling tents, backpacks, and cooking gear without cramming the cabin. After a long hike, you’ll be glad you did!
Cathedral Grove Trails
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is one of the most accessible ways to experience Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests. Short, flat loops wind between towering Douglas-firs and mossy maples – some of them over 800 years old! It’s quiet, shaded, and incredibly beautiful.
- Distance: 1–2 km
- Duration: 20–40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s great
You don’t need to hike far to feel small in this provincial park. There’s just something about walking under a canopy that’s been standing for centuries that makes you feel connected to the island.
Practical tips
Go early to avoid crowds, especially in summer. This is an easy hike on flat trails, but the boardwalks can be slick after rain. Bring a rain jacket and good shoes.
How to get there
Cathedral Grove is about 45 minutes west of Nanaimo. It’s a great stop for families, and a minivan rental will give you space for strollers, snacks, and luggage without feeling cramped. A Honda, Chevrolet, or Chrysler minivan makes loading in and out at the roadside parking quick and easy.
Roberts Roost Trail
Roberts Roost is a steep but rewarding climb up the south side of Mount Benson. The trail winds through thick forest and rocky ridgelines, topping out at a panoramic lookout with views of the Gulf Islands, Nanaimo, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
- Distance: 7 km round-trip
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Elevation: ~600 m
Why it’s great
It’s a quick hit of adventure close to town. The summit is one of the best in the area, and the climb gives you a solid workout with a huge payoff.
Practical tips
Bring water and hiking poles – the descent can be tough on the knees. Download a trail map before heading out, and start early to beat the heat and find parking.
How to get there
The trailhead is about 20 minutes from downtown Nanaimo. It’s a short trip, but a scenic one. Choose something with a little character, like a sports car, convertible, or classic car, to make the most of it. Find something you’re excited to drive and that fits as well on a mountain road as it does in front of a trendy restaurant.
Best hikes on Vancouver Island: FAQs
Where is Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island is located off the southwestern coast of British Columbia, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Georgia. It stretches roughly 460 km from Victoria in the south to Cape Scott in the north, and is accessible by ferry or air from cities like Vancouver and Seattle.
Most travellers arrive through Victoria International Airport, Nanaimo Airport, or the ferry terminals in Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay from the mainland. Booking your Vancouver Island rental car on Turo means you can skip the counter and hit the road right after you get out of the airport or the ferry terminal.
Is there good hiking on Vancouver Island?
Oh, yeah – some of the best in British Columbia! The island has everything from easy boardwalk day hikes to multi-day coastal routes and alpine lake climbs, all packed into a single region.
How long does it take to hike the Vancouver Island Trail?
The full Vancouver Island Trail spans roughly 800 km from Victoria to Cape Scott. Most thru-hikers take 5 to 7 weeks to complete it, but shorter segments can be done as multi-day trips.
What is the most scenic short hike on Vancouver Island?
Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew is a favourite of locals and tourists alike. At low tide, the sandstone tide pools are packed with marine life, and it’s only a short walk from the parking lot.
Do I need bear spray to hike on Vancouver Island?
Yes, you do. Bears, cougars, and wolves are present throughout the island, especially in backcountry areas. Carry bear spray, hike in groups when possible, and make noise as you go.
Get out and explore the best Vancouver Island hiking trails
Every trail here comes with its own reward – a hidden cove, an ancient forest, a view that makes you stop in your tracks. The best Vancouver Island hiking trails aren’t just beautiful, they’re the best way to connect with the land around you.
With Turo, you can pick the right car for your gear, your group, and the kind of trip you want to have. No shuttles, no waiting – just the freedom to pull over, take your time, and make the most of every stop along the way!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
