Nanaimo to Campbell River (4 days)

Gemma, Off Track Travel - (offtracktravel)
Itinerary created by
Gemma, Off Track Travel
What you’ll do

A Nanaimo to Campbell River road trip provides the opportunity to explore stunning sandy beaches, admire breathtaking waterfalls, savor fresh local seafood, and hike through lush temperate rainforests.

Keep an eye out for orca whales along the way!

Choose (or alternate) between two highways, one of which hugs the scenic shoreline. Spend the night in charming coastal communities and enjoy vibrant sunsets, mountain vistas, and the refreshing sea breeze.

Previously living in Courtenay and being regular Vancouver Island visitors (at least twice a year!), we know this area really, really well.

This itinerary showcases the best stops for a 4 day road trip, but you can certainly cover this distance in a single day or overnight adventure instead. You just won't be able to see quite so much!

Day 3 of the itinerary is almost entirely dedicated to joining a wildlife watching tour. I really would recommend doing this if you have the budget.

Welcome to this Nanaimo to Campbell River road trip!

1

Petroglyph Provincial Park
Petroglyph Provincial Park
First Nation rock art carvings in small forested park
Category
Culture

13.6 km (8.5 mi)

19 min

2

Neck Point Park
Neck Point Park
Scenic coastal park with network of easy trails
Category
Sightseeing

42.4 km (26.3 mi)

40 min

3

Englishman River Falls Park
Englishman River Falls Park
Impressive waterfall in beautiful forested park setting
Category
Park

17.3 km (10.8 mi)

21 min

4

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Beautiful long beach with mountain views
Category
Beach

35.6 km (22.2 mi)

25 min

5

Highway 19A route
Highway 19A route
Scenic driving route next to ocean
Category
Sightseeing

41.9 km (26 mi)

34 min

6

Royston Shipwrecks and Seaside Trail
Royston Shipwrecks and Seaside Trail
Oceanside park with shipwreck viewing area and trail
Category
Park

5.8 km (3.6 mi)

8 min

7

Downtown Courtenay
Downtown Courtenay
Super cute downtown with good range of shops & restaurants
Category
Shop

1.2 km (0.7 mi)

3 min

8

Choose the option that fits you the best

Old House Hotel
Old House Hotel
West Coast-inspired hotel in Courtenay
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa
Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa
Waterfront resort with much loved spa
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$$
Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park
Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park
Rustic waterfront campground (first come, first serve)
Category
Campsite