by Turo
posted on December 11, 2025
The Nanaimo to Victoria drive isn’t a long one, but the route offers so much more than a straight line between two cities. You move through quiet harbour towns, farmland, and forests, with gorgeous views around every corner. This road trip guide gives you practical advice and can’t-miss stops to help you plan the perfect road trip!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Nanaimo to Victoria
- How are the road conditions between Nanaimo and Victoria?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Nanaimo to Victoria, BC?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Nanaimo and Victoria?
- Where to stop while driving from Nanaimo to Victoria, British Columbia
- Frequently asked questions about the Nanaimo to Victoria road trip
- Book your rental car in Nanaimo with Turo
Tips for driving from Nanaimo to Victoria
The drive from Nanaimo to Victoria is about 110 kilometres and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Plan for some traffic near Ladysmith and Duncan, and keep snacks or water handy before the quiet stretch over the Malahat. Short breaks will help you stay sharp on the winding climb.
How are the road conditions between Nanaimo and Victoria?
Highway 1 is fully paved and maintained year-round, with steady traffic between major towns. The Malahat section adds curves, grade changes, and quick shifts in visibility. Check local updates before heading out, especially after heavy rain or early-morning fog.
What is the best time of year to drive from Nanaimo to Victoria, BC?
Summer offers long daylight hours and warm weather, but most attractions see more visitors. Autumn is also great if you want beautiful fall colours and don’t mind the cooler weather. Winter is mild compared to other parts of Canada, though rain and early sunsets can change how the drive feels.
Are there EV chargers along the way between Nanaimo and Victoria?
There are. Fast chargers are available in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Mill Bay, and Victoria. Charging ahead of the Malahat gives you a comfortable buffer for the climb and makes the rest of the route easy to manage.
Where to stop while driving from Nanaimo to Victoria, British Columbia
There are a ton of fun things to do on Vancouver Island. Driving from Nanaimo to Victoria gives you plenty of chances to slow down and enjoy the small towns, viewpoints, and green spaces that make this part of the country so special.
Duncan Totem Walk
The town of Duncan‘s Totem Walk brings you through a network of carved totems placed throughout the historic downtown. Each piece reflects local stories, artists, and traditions, and the route naturally pulls you between galleries, cafés, and small public spaces.
- Distance from Nanaimo: ~55 km (~45 minutes)
- Distance to Victoria: ~75 km (~1 hour)
Why it’s great
The pieces are striking up close, and the self-guided format lets you explore at the pace you want.
Practical tips
Downtown streets can fill quickly, and some blocks offer limited parking. Arrive earlier in the day if you want more room to move around.
How to get there
Stay on Highway 1 south and follow signs into Duncan’s downtown. Starting your trip with a Nanaimo airport car rental from Turo will let you get on the road as soon as you grab your bags. Compact car rentals like Nissan, Toyota, or Mercedes-Benz models fit comfortably into tighter spots and make navigating side streets easier.
Cowichan Bay, BC
Cowichan Bay is a small waterfront village with bakeries, working docks, and a calm harbour, and it’s the perfect spot to stop for lunch. The boardwalk, local shops, and quiet viewpoints make it a nice place for a break before you continue south.
- Distance from Nanaimo: ~70 km (~55 minutes)
- Distance to Victoria: ~60 km (~50 minutes)
Why it’s great
The harbour is right in town. If you’re travelling with kids, they can watch boats move in and out, and the shops sell treats and snacks everyone will enjoy.
Practical tips
Parking is more available along the edges of the village than right by the waterfront. Walk the last block or two for the best experience.
How to get there
Continue on Highway 1 and take the turnoff toward the bay. Larger vehicles work well here since the area is open and flat. Make your Nanaimo rental car a minivan or van from Chrysler or Ford, and you’ll have all the room you need for bags, strollers, and anything you pick up along the waterfront.
Malahat Skywalk
High above the Saanich Inlet, the Malahat Skywalk gives you a sweeping view of the Vancouver Island coastline from a spiralling tower surrounded by forest. The lookout is open and bright, and the elevated walkway makes the climb comfortable for all ages.
- Distance from Nanaimo: ~95 km (~1 hour 15 minutes)
- Distance to Victoria: ~35 km (~30 minutes)
Why it’s great
You get a clear, unobstructed panorama without needing a long hike. The lookout structure is steady, wide, and perfect for slow wandering.
Practical tips
Weekends are popular. Visiting earlier in the morning gives you more space on the tower and fewer lines at the entrance.
How to get there
Stay on Highway 1 and follow the signs as you approach the Malahat summit. The area has reliable fast chargers nearby, making an electric car rental a great choice. You can choose a Tesla, BMW or Chevrolet model and top up the battery while you explore!
Goldstream Provincial Park
Goldstream is one of BC’s best provincial parks, where dense forest, rivers, and steep valley walls create a dramatic break from the highway. Short trails lead to viewpoints, salmon-spawning areas, and pockets of quiet that feel far removed from the city ahead.
- Distance from Nanaimo: ~105 km (~1 hour 25 minutes)
- Distance to Victoria: ~20 km (~20 minutes)
Why it’s great
The landscape changes quickly, giving you shaded paths, moss-covered trees, and easy access to nature without a long detour.
Practical tips
Trail entrances are close to the parking areas, but cell service can dip in the valley. Bring water and keep an eye on the posted signs near the rivers.
How to get there
Continue south on Highway 1 and watch for the turnoff into the park. The gravel lots and uneven surfaces make more rugged vehicles a good match. Options like Jeep or Subaru SUVs, pickup trucks, or all-wheel drive vehicles will give you extra traction and ground clearance for the short side roads.
Hatley Castle and Gardens
Hatley Castle sits on a wide, landscaped estate overlooking Esquimalt Lagoon, with formal gardens, quiet paths, and a historic exterior that feels cinematic the moment you arrive. It’s a calm final stop before reaching downtown Victoria.
- Distance from Nanaimo: ~120 km (~1 hour 40 minutes)
- Distance to Victoria: ~14 km (~15 minutes)
Why it’s great
The grounds’ coastal views and architecture make it one of a kind and one of the most striking spots on the island.
Practical tips
Parking is available near the main entrance, and the gardens are easy to explore at an unhurried pace.
How to get there
Follow Highway 1 into Colwood and take the signed turn toward Royal Roads University. The drive through the grounds feels even better behind the wheel of something extra special. Renting a luxury car, sports car, or classic car like a Porsche matches the vibe of this place perfectly.
Frequently asked questions about the Nanaimo to Victoria road trip
Where is Victoria?
Victoria is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, set between sheltered inlets, rugged coastline, and a busy working harbour. It sits roughly 110 km south of Nanaimo by road, and serves as the cultural and administrative hub of the island.
Ferries from Vancouver and Washington State arrive just outside the city, and Victoria International Airport is north of town with direct connections across Canada. Book a Nanaimo or Victoria airport rental car with Turo and have your vehicle waiting for you at arrivals!
How long does it take to drive from Nanaimo to Victoria, BC?
Most drivers reach Victoria in 1.5 to 2 hours. Traffic through Ladysmith, Duncan, and the Malahat can add a few extra minutes, especially on weekends or during construction.
Is the drive from Nanaimo to Victoria nice?
Oh, absolutely. The route moves through shoreline views, small communities, and forested stretches, with the Malahat offering some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.
What is halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo?
Duncan is the closest midpoint. It’s a practical place to stop, with services, restaurants, and access to the Totem Walk and nearby parks.
Do you need a ferry to drive between Nanaimo and Victoria?
Nope, both cities are on Vancouver Island, and the highway connects them directly. Ferries are only needed when travelling to or from the mainland or Washington State.
Book your rental car in Nanaimo with Turo
A beautiful drive feels even better in a car that fits your plans. With Turo, you pick the exact vehicle you want and avoid the usual rental counters or lineups. Delivery options in Nanaimo keep the handoff simple, whether you’re staying in town or heading straight for the highway!
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.
