Seas the day: your Island adventure starts here

Ready for a late summer road trip? The Island’s calling. From Victoria’s city vibes to Tofino’s waves, we’ve mapped our fave spots by region – hit one or do ‘em all. Plus, no matter where you’re headed, Evo's got your ride covered.

Victoria & the southern Island

If you're headed to BC's capital, we've got the spots you need to know. Start in the heart of Victoria to take in the sights and bites, then adventure further to explore cozy coastal stops, local farmers market and swimming spots. Planning your vacay around food? Here’s our top picks:

• Red Fish Blue Fish – Legendary for ocean-wise fish & chips and seafood served by the seaside.
• Marilena Café & Raw Bar – Upscale sushi, fresh seafood, and beautiful ambiance.
• Janevca – Nestled within the beautifully restored 1906 Tudor-style Rosemead House in Esquimalt, this spot is as Insta-worthy as it is delicious.
• Floyd’s Diner – A Victoria brunch classic – think retro vibes, heaping comfort food, and the chance to flip a coin to win your breakfast.

Our fave two-day itinerary:

Fuel up first at Hey Happy or Union Pacific Coffee Co – then stretch your legs downtown. A stroll through Victoria’s historic downtown is always a must, and Chinatown’s Fan Tan Alley (aka the narrowest street in North America) is packed with cool little shops and photo ops. To see the city from a unique perspective, hop on a Harbour Ferry, kick back, and soak up the waterfront views.

If the sun’s out, nothing beats a scenic drive along Victoria’s coastline. Start with a cruise through Beacon Hill Park (don’t forget to grab sweet treat from the Beacon Drive In for the road), then take Dallas Road towards Oak Bay for epic ocean views. These spots are a little further out but worth venturing further for:

• Saanich (30 mins from Victoria) for farm stall goodies (a must when visiting in the fall) and this scenic hike to a secluded cove in Gowland Tod Provincial Park. If you work up an appetite, pop by Junction Orchard and Cidery for delicious wood fired pizza on your way home.
• Sooke (45-60 mins from Victoria) is your gateway to the wild west coast and home to stunning scenery and yummy eats. Our fave pairings: Hiking to the petroglyphs in East Sooke Park followed by snacks from the Hide N Seek food truck. Or, a beach stroll at French Beach Provincial Park and goodies from Shirley Delicious Café, a cozy A-frame nestled in the woods.

If you’re continuing your Island road trip and headed to Nanaimo from Victoria, plan to hit the road with lunch in mind. Cowichan Bay is a charmer with spots you can eat overlooking the wharf, and closer to Nanaimo you’ll find the most authentic, cozy British eatery outside of England: the Crow and Gate Pub.

Nanaimo & mid-Island

If Nanaimo’s your first stop and you’re headed over from the mainland, hop on Hullo Ferries for a quick, hassle-free commute (Evo Members get 10% off tix). With Evo Return conveniently located at the Nanaimo terminal, you can book ahead and have a car waiting for you on arrival.

Or, if you’re staying local you can hop on an E-Bike or E-Scooter to cruise around town – we’ll just go ahead and leave this here: Nanaimo Bar Trail.

Our fave things to do in Nanaimo? Wander the trails Neck Point Park, browse the eclectic shops and galleries of the Old City Quarter, or cruise the Harbourfront Walkway. Now, where to eat:

• Mon Petit Choux – Charming Euro-style café with great coffee and flaky pastries.
• Mahle House Restaurant – Tucked away in a cozy heritage home, they serve up elevated West Coast cuisine with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
• Smokin’ George’s BBQ – Pulled pork, brisket, and down-to-earth eats.

If Nanaimo is a jumping off point for more Island adventures, you’ve got great options in every direction:

• Gabriola Island (25 min ferry ride from Nanaimo) is great for an overnight, or even worth the day trip to visit the iconic Malaspina Galleries (just google it!).
• Comox Valley (1 hour 15 mins from Nanaimo) is the underrated gem every outdoor enthusiast needs on their radar. From mountain biking, to hiking, to coastal kayaking, you can do it all. Serious adventurers, plan ahead to visit Strathcona Provincial Park. More casual explorers, swing by the Fanny Bay Seafood Shop to grab ultra-fresh seafood then post up picnic style at one of Comox Valley’s many beaches.
• Qualicum & Coombs (45 mins from Nanaimo) are worth a trip for the combo you didn’t know you needed: pizza and goats. Beyond the sandy beaches of Parksville and Qualicum beach, head inland get your nature fix at Little Qualicum Falls before heading to Old Country Market to meet the four-legged locals. While there, Cuckoo Trattoria comes highly rated from our team! And if you’re into cheese and cute farm animals (who isn’t?), Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a must-stop.

Tackling this list road-trip style? Once you’ve explored Coombs, just keep driving west!

Tofino & Ucluelet

Driving from Nanaimo is a solid choice if you're all about making the journey part of the adventure. Along the way you’ll pass through some seriously massive Douglas Firs in Cathedral Grove, and just a bit further Dog Mountain Brewing and Twin City Brewing will make Port Alberni a worthwhile pit stop.

Want to skip the drive? Harbour Air flies directly from Vancouver to Tofino (and Evo Members save 10% on flights). Plus, with Evo Return available in Tofino too, you can get there in under two hours and have a car ready to explore all the beaches of Tofino and Ucluelet (challenge accepted?).

Whether you're in full adventure mode or leaning into chill, the Tofino-Ucluelet area has something for every kind of west coast vibe:

• Hit Chesterman Beach or Cox Bay – walk, surf, storm-watch or just breathe it in.
• Book a wildlife tour in Clayoquot Sound – Hop on a boat for a chance to see whales, bears, sea lions, and eagles in their natural habitat.
• Unwind in a seaside sauna or take a short boat ride to a floating spa.
• Walk the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet (just 30 mins from Tofino) for dramatic cliffs, crashing surf, and whale sightings.

And once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring (or chilling), here are some of the best local spots to grab a bite:

• Pluvio (Ucluelet) – A small but standout spot with one of the Island’s most talked-about tasting menus – absolutely worth reserving.
• Wolf in the Fog – Consistently ranked among Canada’s best, this local fave serves up creative dishes, fresh ingredients, and laid-back surf-town vibes.
• Ombre – An homage to Tofino sunsets, the fresh, seasonal small plates they serve up are equally as mesmerizing.
• Jeju – Serving up Korean comfort food with a twist, go for the bibimbap or crispy fried chicken.
• Roar – Located in Hotel Zed, a go-to for laid-back brunch with fire-cooked eats and coastal vibes.

Ready to hit the road? From city streets to wild coastlines, Evo’s got your ride covered so you can focus on the fun. And with gas, insurance, and unlimited kilometres included in Evo’s low day rate, it’s the most convenient and affordable way to explore!

Streeeetch your $$: Hop in before Sept 30 and save up to $100 with Evo’s 3- and 5-day summer rates or join BCAA GO and save 10% on every trip (up to $80/yr).