With opportunities to explore some of the nation’s most beautiful national parks, view incredible wildlife, and see some of the coolest and most unique natural features, driving your own car or taking a rental gives you plenty of chances to experience new places.

Dawn Outdoors Contributor Kassidy lived in Washington for six months. She spent nearly every weekend out exploring so she has visited almost all of these places! In this post, she will share her favorites so you can plan your own road trip through Washington.

This list of the best Washington road trips includes:

• 9 Washington road trip ideas from all over the state
• The best time to visit Washington: What months are best?
• How many days do you need for a Washington road trip?
• Tips for road trips in Washington including info on driving, cell phones, hotel booking, and more.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Best Washington Road Trip Ideas

1. Olympic Peninsula

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 7+ days

As one of the most diverse areas of Washington, taking a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula will have you feeling like you’ve been transported from one state to another.

Olympic National Park makes up the peninsula that sits in the far northwestern corner of Washington. It’s home to the only temperate rainforest in the United States, endless miles of ocean coastline, and a snow-capped mountain range.

With parks of the park at sea level and others high up in the mountains, the best time to visit Olympic National Park is… year-round. (The season will influence which part of the park you can visit.)

Starting in Seattle, loop down towards Olympia and begin to make your way up towards Port Angeles. This is where you’ll really start to get into the park.

Start your visit to the Olympic Peninsula at Hurricane Ridge, where you can enjoy views of the Olympic Mountain Range. The Hurricane Hill hike leaves from the visitor center and is a paved trail that leads to a phenomenal viewpoint.

Next, spend some time by Lake Crescent, and if you’re brave enough, make the tough climb to Mount Storm King. I love packing up a hiking lunch and enjoying it at the top of Mount Storm King. Then visit Sol Duc Falls and the Sol Duc Hot Springs for a relaxing evening.

On your next day, stop into the small town of Forks, which was the inspiration for the famous Twilight movie series. Then make your way to the many beaches that line the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula. Ruby and Rialto Beaches are some of the best, as are the Kalaloch Beaches, where you’ll find the Tree of Life. You can also take a backpacking trip to the Ozette Triangle, Shi Shi Beach, or Toleak Point.

Lastly, visit the Hoh Rainforest, which is one of the only rainforests in the country. It’s very beautiful, and there are several trails that you can hike to get up close and personal to the unique environment.

Where to Stay on the Olympic Peninsula

Port Angeles: Book a stay at the Olympic Lodge by Ayres. It’s a modern hotel with decor that hearkens back to the classic National Park lodge style. It’s an easy drive to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent from here. Check rates.

Lake Crescent: Built in 1916, the historic Lake Crescent Lodge includes cabins and hotel rooms. Most have an incredible view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Check rates.

Sol Duc Hot Springs: The best way to experience the springs is to stay at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. They have cute cabins on the same property as the hot springs. Check rates.

Forks: Stay in the heart of the rainforest at the Misty Valley Inn. This cute B&B has a great deck for soaking up the sun. Check rates.

2. North Cascades Highway

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 4+ days

One of the most beautiful and underrated national parks in the entire country can be found right in Washington state. And with a road trip along the North Cascades Highway, you can experience the entire thing!

Starting in Seattle, make your way north towards Highway 20. This highway closes regularly in the winter months due to heavy snowfall, so be sure to squeeze this road trip in during the summer or fall! Once you’ve made it onto the highway, you’ll drive for a bit before you start to see the views. But once you start to see them, they’ll never end!

The small town of Marblemount marks the real entrance into the park and where you’ll start getting into some windier roads. From here, there will be plenty of stops to pull off and enjoy the views of embark on a hike.

Diablo Lake is one of the best stopping points, as well as the Washington Pass Overlook. Both of these can be reached right off Highway 20.

As for hiking trails, Blue Lake and Maple Pass Loop are two of the best. Blue Lake is one of the best beginner friendly hikes in Washington, so it’s great for all skill levels! Other great options include Thunder Knob, Sahale Arm, Cutthroat Pass, and the East Bank Trail along Ross Lake.

It’s worth continuing past the eastern boundary of North Cascades National Park to the tiny town of Winthrop. It has a fun Western theme along with lots of cute shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Overall, the North Cascades Highway road trip is the perfect trip for those who love hiking and are looking for a way to disconnect from the outside world on their road trip in Washington.

Where to Stay on the North Cascades Highway

Marblemount: Stay at the historic North Cascades Inn, opened in 1889. It’s an easy jumping-off point for drives into North Cascades National Park. Check rates.

Diablo Lake: Camp in the heart of the National Park at Colonial Creek Campground, situated on the shores of Diablo Lake. You can hike right from your campsite. Check rates.

Winthrop: The Methow River Lodge gives you the best of both worlds: You get a cute cabin along the river with a wilderness feel, and the shops and restaurants of “downtown” Winthrop are just a 10-minute walk away. Check rates.

3. Mount Baker Highway

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 3+ days

If you’ve already visited North Cascades National Park or are looking for somewhere even less visited, then planning a trip to the Mount Baker Highway is a must. This is my favorite area in all of Washington.

You’ll drive north of Seattle towards Bellingham and almost into Canada. If you have extra time, drop into Bellingham. The quaint downtown has several great craft breweries. If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to stop at the farmer’s market.

After Bellingham, your route turns inland towards the Deming area. From here, you’ll head east on Mount Baker Highway to start exploring this beautiful stretch of land.

Most of this road trip is in Mount Baker National Forest. But it’s worth a stop in the town of Glacier before you get into the forest. It has a great brewery as well as a few restaurants and hotels.

There’s a lot to explore along this highway, and you’ll start to see views of the Cascade Range and Mount Baker not too long after you start the drive. But the closer you get to the end of the road, the better the views get.

This road trip could be great year-round, as long as you keep an eye on the road conditions. You won’t be able to do hikes in the winter, but Mount Baker does have a popular ski area.

In summer, check out all of the amazing hikes including Artist Point, Chain Lakes Loop, Lake Ann, and Bagley Lakes. I highly recommend walking to Artist Point, even if that means walking on the road for a short time. It’s so beautiful and a one-of-a-kind view!

You’ll also want to make a stop at Picture Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes you’ll ever see. The Mount Baker Highway dead-ends at Artist Point, so retrace your route back to Seattle once you’ve finished admiring the views.

Where to Stay on the Mount Baker Highway

Bellingham: Stay within walking distance of everything at Hotel Leo. Most of the rooms are pretty big and while the hotel is older, the decor and amenities are very modern. Check rates.

Glacier: This time town is full of adorable rental cabins. The Charming Cedar Chalet is nestled into the rainforest. The best part? The wooden outdoor hot tub! Check rates.

Mount Baker National Forest: Immerse yourself in the wilderness by reserving a campsite at the Silver Fir or Douglas Fir Campgrounds. Check rates.

4. Eastern Washington

Starting Point: Spokane

Time Needed: 4+ days

When people think of road-tripping Washington, they often forget about the eastern half of the state. But there is so much to see here that is overlooked and forgotten about!

Starting in Spokane, plan your trip to explore Eastern Washington. Head south towards Palouse Falls to start. This massive waterfall is one worth seeing. It’s Washington’s state waterfall, which is saying a lot being that there are so many of them!

As you head north, check to see if any events are happening at The Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy. This unique concert venue has hosted hundreds of shows and has a stunning backdrop for music.

As you head north, it’s worth making a detour to Lake Chelan. Take the foot-passenger ferry down the lake to Stehekin, a unique town surrounded by North Cascades National Park. It makes a fun day trip or a longer excursion to access some incredible hiking.

Then make your way up to Coulee City to visit Steamboat Rock State Park. This unique and beautiful park is a must-see. I loved it more than I thought I would because it’s such an interesting area. I also really loved that it’s so much less busy than Western Washington.

You can also then visit the Grand Coulee Dam before finishing your loop road trip back to Spokane. The dam is the largest producer of hydroelectricity in the United States!

Where to Stay in Eastern Washington

The Gorge: The gorgeous Sagecliffe Resort & Spa has incredible views from both the main hotel building and the private cliffhouse cottages. Check rates.

Lake Chelan: Stay in wine country near the shores of Lake Chelan at the Lakeside Lodge and Suites. Check rates.

Steamboat Rock State Park: Book a rustic cabin or campsite at Steamboat Rock State Park. You can hike right from your site or walk over to Banks Lake for a swim. Check rates.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

Starting Point: Seattle or Portland

Time Needed: 5+ days

Perhaps the most popular national park in Washington is Mount Rainier. This could be because it’s the tallest mountain in the state and it dominates the Seattle skyline for everyone to see.

A road trip to Mount Rainier National Park is a great way to explore Washington’s natural beauty. Starting from either Seattle or Portland, Oregon, head towards the national park.

Starting with Paradise, which is on the southern side of the mountain, you’ll explore the area around Paradise Inn. This is also the perfect place to stay for your visit.

From the inn, you can visit Myrtle Falls and take the ever-popular Skyline Loop Trail for some of the most amazing views of the mountain. Be sure to check the weather before going to Paradise, because when we went, it was so foggy we couldn’t even see the mountain.

After spending time in Paradise, follow Stevens Canyon Road through Ohanapecosh towards Sunrise. Stop at Reflection Lake and the many overlooks on the way. If you need supplies or a place to stay, take a detour down Highway 123 and then Highway 12 to the town of Packwood.

At Sunrise, embark on the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout Trail. This hike gives you incredible, unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.

For a few more added days in a less busy area, head to Carbon River and Mowich Lake. You’ll find far fewer people on this side of the park, but the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout is a must and will complete your trip to Mount Rainier. 

Where to Stay at Mount Rainier

Paradise Area: The historic Paradise Inn is over 100 years old and lets you stay right in the heart of the park. The log-beamed atrium is stunning! Check rates.

Ohanapecosh Area: Located roughly halfway between Paradise and Sunrise, the Ohanapecosh Campground is a great base for exploring the park. Check rates.

Packwood: Choose from hotel-style rooms or self-contained cabins with kitchens at the Packwood Lodge and Cabins. They have an on-site restaurant too. Check rates.

6. I-90 and Highway 2 Loop

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 5+ days

There’s a lot to explore in Northern Washington, and by putting together a loop by combining the I-90 and Highway 2 drives, you’ll create one epic road trip.

Start in Seattle and begin by driving east on I-90. You’ll quickly start coming across places to stop, beginning with North Bend. Here you’ll find trailheads for some of the most popular hikes near Seattle; Rattlesnake Ledge, Twin Falls, and Mount Si. If you’re looking for a short hike, walk the 1.4-mile trail to Snoqualmie Falls. (You might recognize it from the TV show Twin Peaks!)

As you continue along the road, you’ll drive by Snoqualmie Pass. This is a ski resort in the winter, and a great place to do some hiking throughout the rest of the year.

Even if you aren’t a hiker, the views along this route are beautiful, and you’ll find that it’s still worth it! Plus, the many short trails and parks allow for easy walks to viewpoints. The 2-mile hike to Franklin Falls is one of the most popular.

Continue along past Cle Elum and you’ll come to the small town of Thorp, which is where you’ll turn onto Highway 97 towards Leavenworth. Once you’ve made it to the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, turn west onto Highway 2 and spend some time in the small town.

Leavenworth is a gateway to some of the best hiking in the state, including the challenging trek to the Enchantments or the family-friendly Icicle Gorge Trail.

As you continue on the road, you’ll come across another ski resort, Stevens Pass, and many more trailheads for popular hiking trails. You can stop at any of them along your way before making it back to Seattle. Try the Iron Goat Trail, which takes you along an old railroad grade and through several abandoned tunnels.

Where to Stay on the I-90 and Highway 2 Loop

North Bend: There are tons of adorable cabins near North Bend. The Riverbend Retreat A-Frame has indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a sunroom with river views, and cute rustic-meets-modern decor. Check rates.

Cle Elum: Located just a few minutes away from Snoqualmie Pass, the Best Western Snowcap Lodge is a hiker’s favourite thanks to the included breakfast. Check rates.

Leavenworth: Immerse yourself in the town’s German theme at the Bavarian Lodge. The hotel’s decor and food (including the free breakfast) will transport you to the Bavarian Alps. Check rates.

Stevens Pass: Stay at a ski cabin in Skykomish, a few minutes from Stevens Pass. Foss Haus A-Frame has huge windows that look out on the surrounding forest. There’s also an outdoor hot tub on the huge deck. Check rates.

7. Columbia River Gorge

Starting Point: Portland

Time Needed: 3+ days

Although many people think of the Columbia River Gorge being more so in Oregon, there is plenty to explore on the Washington side as well.

Starting from the Vancouver area just outside of Portland, you can make your way down the shore of the Columbia River and stop off at all of the best hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Cape Horn Lookout is one of the first viewpoints to stop off at, and you can also complete the hike here. But it is a pretty long hike.

Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain come next, followed shortly by Dog Mountain. This hike is one of the most popular, particularly in the springtime with the alpine wildflowers begin to bloom and create a sea of yellow and purple.

Continue up the Gorge past the Bridge of the Gods and the town of Stevenson. Spirit Falls is one of my favorite hidden gems along this Washington road trip, and Coyote Wall is another beautiful option that is lesser known. These are two of my favorite spots near Portland, and there are often fewer visitors on both of them!

If you have extra time, you can cross the Hood River Bridge that leads from White Salmon to Hood River and spend some time exploring the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge.

Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge

Stevenson: The recently renovated Hotel Stevenson is a family-run boutique hotel. It gets great reviews for its quaint and cozy rooms. Check rates.

Beacon Rock State Park: Book a campsite at Beacon Rock State Park in the heart of the gorge. It’s a great base for lots of hiking trails. Check rates.

Carson Hot Springs Resort: Take a short detour up into the mountains and step back in time. The same family has run the bathhouse and hotel at Carson Hot Springs Resort for generations. Check rates.

White Salmon: There are tons of great vacation rentals in the Columbia River Gorge. The Perched on the Edge of the Gorge House has incredible views and a private hot tub. Check rates.

8. Highway 2 and the North Cascades Highway

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 5+ days

Another way to experience Highway 2 and the North Cascades Highway is to put them together as one long road trip in Washington. Starting in Seattle, begin the trip by driving east on Highway 2 towards Leavenworth.

Make stops along the way as you see fit at places like Heybrook Lookout, Lake Serene, and Wallace Falls. Be sure to spend some time in Leavenworth before continuing to the small towns of Orondo and Chelan. From here, head north until you’ve made it to Highway 20.

Once you’ve made it onto Highway 20, you’ll quickly make your way into North Cascades National Park. You’ll be going the opposite way that most people do, which is nice because there will typically be less traffic!

Stop and explore the hundreds of hiking trails throughout the park and add on some of the hikes that I mentioned above.

This is a great way to experience two of Washington’s best scenic drives, all in one trip.

Where to Stay on Highway 2 and the North Cascades Highway

Leavenworth: Immerse yourself in the town’s German theme at the Bavarian Lodge. The hotel’s decor and food (including the free breakfast) will transport you to the Bavarian Alps. Check rates.

Lake Chelan: Stay in wine country near the shores of Lake Chelan at the Lakeside Lodge and Suites. Check rates.

Winthrop: The Methow River Lodge gives you the best of both worlds: You get a cute cabin along the river with a wilderness feel, and the shops and restaurants of “downtown” Winthrop are just a 10-minute walk away. Check rates.

Diablo Lake: Camp in the heart of the National Park at Colonial Creek Campground, situated on the shores of Diablo Lake. You can hike right from your campsite. Check rates.

9. Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainer

Starting Point: Seattle or Portland

Time Needed: 5+ days

Washington has many mountains that bring in visitors from all over, but two of the most popular are Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. By taking this road trip, you can see both of them in one go!

Plan to start in either Seattle or Portland and head out for your first day of exploring. 

For Mount St. Helens, visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory to learn more about the 1980 eruption of the active volcano. Many hikes from here lead you into the blast zone to see the devastating damage.

Mount St. Helens is my favorite mountain in Washington, and I find that many people forget about it. So if you want fewer crowds, I would plan a trip here!

Another must-see near Mount St. Helens is Ape Cave, which is one of the country’s longest lava tubes. You can walk underground through the cave, which is quite unique.

Then head to Mount Rainier to see Washington’s tallest mountain. Here you can check out more hikes, like the Skyline Loop and Tolmie Peak Lookout.

Where to Stay at Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier

Longview: The town of Longview is a great base for trips to Mount St. Helen’s. Book a room at the top-rated Best Western Aladdin Inn which has a great breakfast and friendly staff. Check rates.

Mount Rainier: The historic Paradise Inn is over 100 years old and lets you stay right in the heart of the park. The log-beamed atrium is stunning! Check rates.

Best Time to Visit Washington State

While Washington is beautiful year-round, there is a best time to visit to ensure that you avoid being met with closed roads and snow-covered trails.

It’s best to plan your visit to Washinton between June and September. This is when there is the least chance for snow and road closures. It’s also when the weather is the warmest.

However, no mountains are immune to snow in the summer, so always check road conditions before traveling to avoid disappointment!

How Many Days Do I Need For a Washington Road Trip?

How many days you’ll need to complete these trips will depend on which route you’re choosing to take. Some only need 3 days, while others might need a full week.

I’d personally recommend having a full week to explore almost all of them so you can fully experience the most, but if you only have a few days, select one of the routes that requires less time.

Tips for Road Trips in Washington State

• The easiest places to rent a car for your Washington road trip are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), downtown Seattle, Portland International Airport, and downtown Portland. I use Discover Cars because it lets me compare prices across different rental companies.
• If you like exploring, I recommend renting an SUV so you can drive on bumpy forest service roads. But you can drive any of these road trips in Washington in a regular car.
• In the summer, hotels in popular locations get booked up. Make reservations in advance.
• Washington’s mountains make it tough to get cell phone reception in some places. Expect to lose reception in parts of the Olympic Peninsula, the North Cascades, and near Mount Rainier.
• Keep in mind that Washington has strict cell phone laws for drivers. It is illegal to use a phone to talk or text while driving including when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light. You can use your phone in hands-free mode via Bluetooth though.
• Washington has a great network of highway rest areas. You will never have to drive too far without passing one. They all have free (and usually clean) restrooms). Some have free coffee supplied by local volunteers (who welcome donations).
• Seattle weekend traffic is real! If you can, avoid driving out of the city on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. And avoid driving back into the city on Sunday afternoons.

From towering mountains to rugged coastline and beautiful views, Washington State is the perfect place to plan a road trip. Pack up the campervan, your own car, or a rental car and embark on some of the best Washington road trips to truly appreciate this beautiful state.

Thanks to Kassidy for sharing this gorgeous guide to the best Washington road trips. You can read more about Kassidy’s adventures on her website, the Hiking Helper.

READ NEXT:

• 2023 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates
• Ozette Loop Hiking and Backpacking Guide
• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• Hike the East Bank Trail in North Cascades National Park

The post 9 Best Washington Road Trips appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Sea to Sky Highway is a gorgeous drive along the side of Howe Sound, an ocean fjord, and then up into the snowy mountains to the Whistler ski village. Along the way you’ll pass through the town of Squamish (where I live), one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures and home to world class hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Instead of just speeding through all the way to Whistler, take a little longer and get out of your car. There are so many amazing places to stop including viewpoints, waterfalls, hikes, swimming, picnic spots and museums.

In this guide I’ll give you directions to all my favourite places along the Sea to Sky Highway, plus include tips for driving and recommendations for where to eat and stay.

This post includes:

• Sea to Sky Highway driving directions
• Sea to Sky Highway map including locations of all the places I recommend to stop
• How long it takes to drive the Sea to Sky Highway
• Sea to Sky Highway road conditions and driving tips
• How to take a Sea to Sky Highway road trip without a car – shuttle bus services, tours, and more
• The best places to stop on the Sea to Sky Highway – 20 of my favourite places to stop
• My favourite places to eat and drink on the Sea to Sky Highway
• Where to stay along the Sea to Sky Highway: hotels, cabins, hostels, and more
• Sea to Sky Highway FAQ: all your Sea to Sky road trip questions answered

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Sea to Sky Highway Driving Directions

Total Distance: About 120km from Vancouver to Whistler

The Sea to Sky highway (also known as Highway 99) runs from West Vancouver to Whistler, passing Squamish about half way between the two. It also extends past Whistler to the towns of Pemberton and Mount Currie before ending at Lillooet. 

To get to the Sea to Sky Highway, take the Lions Gate bridge from Vancouver. Once over the bridge, follow the signs left for Highway 99 and Whistler. Turn right onto Taylor Way, continuing to follow the signs. Go up the hill on Taylor Way. Then go under the highway and turn left to merge on to the highway.

At this point you are on a highway that is both Highway 1 and Highway 99. Continue for about 10km. Watch for the signs for Whistler where the highway splits. Stay in the left lane to continue onto Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway). Continue following the Sea to Sky Highway for another 100 kilometres to Whistler. You stay on the same highway the whole time so it’s easy to follow.

Click here for Google maps driving directions.

Sea to Sky Highway Map

I’ve made a custom clickable map of the Sea to Sky Highway for you showing all my recommended stops including places to eat and sleep. 

Sea to Sky Highway Driving Times 

Driving Time: Minimum 2 hours

If traffic is light and the weather is good, you can drive the entire Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler in about 2 hours. However, if you want to make a lot of stops, allow a full day. If you want to make any longer stops, I’d recommend splitting the trip up over 2 or 3 days.

Sea to Sky Highway Road Conditions and Driving Tips

Best time to drive the Sea to Sky Highway: June-September

You can drive the Sea to Sky Highway all year, but the best time to go is from June to September when the snow has melted and the hiking trails are accessible. The most popular time is July and August on the weekend. If possible, try to go mid-week.

The Sea to Sky Highway was upgraded for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, so it’s in much better shape than it was before. However, it is still narrow in a few places and very winding, especially south of Squamish. Accidents are common so take your time and go slow (even if the locals are speeding). 

The weather can also be a huge factor when you drive from Vancouver to Whistler. There can be lots of snow in the winter. Heavy rain and fog can make the drive treacherous any time of the year. You can check conditions before you go on the highway webcams.

From October 1st to March 31st you must have winter tires on your car to drive the Sea to Sky highway. If you don’t, you could be fined. 

There are lots of gas stations, restaurants and shops in Squamish, but there are few services along the rest of the drive.

The Sea to Sky Highway is in the ancestral territory of the Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh) and Lil’wat First Nations. Along the way there are interpretive signs in kiosks in the shape of traditional cedar bark hats. If you want to learn more about First Nations culture and history, be sure to stop when you see one.

The highway can be busy with a mix of tourists who want to go slow to enjoy the view and locals who are in a hurry to get home. Be a courteous driver and stay out of the left lane, except to pass.

It’s easy to rent a car in Vancouver or at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). I use Discover Cars since they let you compare prices between tons of different rental companies.

Experiencing the Sea to Sky Highway Without a Car

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you have a few options for experiencing the Sea to Sky Highway.

Sea to Sky Shuttle Bus Services

There are several bus services that go from Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler. These services are intended to get you to your destination. They don’t stop at any attractions. However, you will still get great views out the window.

For the best views, sit on the left side of the bus on the way to Whistler and the right on the way back.

Local companies currently offering shuttle services include:

• YVR Skylynx (Vancouver airport, downtown Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler)
• Epic Rides (Downtown Vancouver, Whistler)
• Whistler Shuttle (Vancouver airport, Whistler)
• Squamish Connector (Downtown Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish)

Sea to Sky Tours

Several companies offer Sea to Sky bus and small group van tours.

A popular option is a 10-hour Sea to Sky small van tour that goes from Vancouver to Whistler and back, stopping at popular spots like Shannon Falls and Porteau Cove along the way. Check prices.

If you want to include the Sea to to Sky Gondola, book a Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler day trip. The tour includes stops at Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Whistler. Check prices.

Taxis, Limos, and Private Transfers

You can also take a taxi, limousine or private transfer from Vancouver to Whistler. Prices vary depending on what you book and how many stops you want to make.

Some Vancouver taxi companies will pick you up at the airport or downtown and take you to Whistler. However, it’s fairly expensive (about $350 one way) and the driver won’t want to make any stops since they will be in a hurry to get back to Vancouver to get their next customer.

If you want to customize your itinerary or are travelling with a group, a private transfer in a limo or van makes the most sense. With vehicles ranging from town cars to luxe mini buses, they can come up with a quote and itinerary that works for your group. Check prices.

Places to Stop on the Sea to Sky Highway

Whytecliff Park

This beautiful park is nestled into a pocket cove surrounded by fancy West Vancouver mansions. Head down to the beach for great views of Howe Sound and the nearby Sunshine Coast. Or explore the trails to various bluff-top viewpoints.

At low tide you can scramble across the rocks out to Whyte Islet, the rocky island just offshore. 

Getting there: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver. From the highway, take exit 2 for Eagleridge Drive. Go right at the round about and continue past the the ticket booths for the ferry terminal. Turn left onto Marine Drive.

At next two roundabouts, go straight to continue on Marine Drive. Stay on Marine Drive as it winds through the neighbourhood and ends at the Whytecliff parking lot. Click here for Google maps driving directions.

Lions Bay

The tiny village of Lions Bay (population 1300) is perched on the side of the steep mountainside. If you need a snack, there is a small general store and cafe accessed via the Lions Bay Avenue exit. There are also several small beaches (Lions Bay Beach, Kelvin Grove Beach), but parking is quite limited.

One of the main reasons to visit Lions Bay is the hiking trails. Challenging routes lead high into the mountains to the summits of iconic peaks like the Lions (for which the town is named). An easier and equally picturesque option is the 4 hour hike to Tunnel Bluffs, which has an incredible view.

READ NEXT: My guide to the Tunnel Bluffs Hike in Lions Bay

Porteau Cove

This small provincial park is wedged between the Sea to Sky Highway, a rail line and the deep waters of Howe Sound. The day use area is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Be sure to take a walk out on the pier for great views of the surrounding mountains.

Fun fact: The pier actually doubles as an emergency ferry terminal in case parts of the Sea to Sky Highway are impassable. However, it’s never actually been used for that purpose.

Getting There: Turn left at the sign for Porteau Cove Provincial Park. Click here for google maps driving directions.

More info: Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Psst! Porteau Cove Provincial Park is on my list of the best places to camp near Vancouver and the best places to camp near Squamish.

Britannia Mine Museum

This little village of Britannia Beach used to be home to the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth. These days the mine is a museum and the village is exploding with new condo developments.

The museum is pretty cool. They have lots of old hulking machinery on display, including a GIANT truck. But I found the historical displays the most interesting. They explain the history of the village and what it was like for the miners and their families who lived there. In the mine’s heyday, there was no road to Britannia so it was a pretty isolated spot.

The highlight of the museum is the underground mine tour. You get to ride on an old mine train, wear a hardhat and experience what it was actually like to mine for copper. (Hint: It was LOUD!) 

They also have a new multimedia show called BOOM! that provides a behind the scenes look at what the giant mill building looked, sounded, and smelled like when it was operational. I sometimes find shows like this to be a little cheesy, but this one was really well done.

Getting There: 1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach. Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Copper Drive at the traffic light in Britannia Beach. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Britannia Mine Museum

Detour: If you’re hungry, don’t miss Mountain Woman Take-Out. This tiny old-school shack of a restaurant in Britannia Beach has great fish and chips. If you’re looking for something a bit more hip, check out Outbound Station, also in Britannia Beach. They have great burgers and coffee.

Murrin Provincial Park

On summer weekends you’ll be lucky to get a spot in the parking lot at Murrin Provincial Park. That’s because tiny Browning Lake is a super popular swimming spot with warm water and a nice sandy beach. It’s a nice spot for a picnic any time of year too. Keep an eye out for rock climbers on the nearby cliffs.

If you are adventurous, there is also a fun hike up onto the bluffs with incredible views. However, it involves a bit of scrambling so it’s best for experienced hikers.

Getting There: Turn left at the flashing yellow light and signs for Murrin Provincial Park. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Murrin Provincial Park

Nch’kay Viewpoint

As you round the corner into Squamish, you’ll see a pull out on the left. This is the Nch’kay viewpoint. From here you get a great view of Mount Garibaldi, known as Nch’kay in the Indigenous Skwxwu7mesh language.

Mount Garibaldi is a huge dormant volcano that towers over the town. If the weather is clear, pull over here for a quick photo op of Nch’kay and the town of Squamish.

Getting there: Turn left into the pullout about 1.5km after Murrin Park.

Shannon Falls

At 335m tall, Shannon Falls is the 3rd highest waterfall in BC. It’s a short 5 minute hike to the falls. Be sure to check out both the upper and lower viewing platforms to see the falls from different vantage points.

Getting there: Turn right at the Darrell Bay Road traffic light and follow the park road into the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Shannon Falls Provincial Park, my guide to Vancouver area waterfall hikes

Sea to Sky Gondola

Opened in 2014, the Sea to Sky gondola is one of best attractions in between Vancouver and Whistler. I have an annual pass and head up there every few months.

The gondola carries passengers from the side of the highway, up past granite cliffs to a lodge perched high above Howe Sound. It’s an easy way to get up into the mountains without a breaking a sweat. (Although it will give your wallet a minor workout.) 

If you want to save some money, you can also hike up to the top via the challenging Sea to Summit Trail. It climbs 900m over 7km and will take most people about 3.5 hours. If you want, you can take the gondola down for a fraction of the price it costs to go up.

Once you arrive at the top, be sure to check out the viewing platforms and suspension bridge near the lodge. For more epic views, walk the Panorama Trail. It’s mostly flat and quite easy and at only 1.6km long, it’s short enough for almost everyone.

If you are up for a longer hike, Al’s Habrich Trail made my list as one of the best hikes near Vancouver. In the winter, the Sea to Sky Gondola also has some of the best snowshoeing trails in Squamish.

If you get hungry, the lodge has a small cafe. Grab a bowl of poutine and a beer, then sit out on the patio in the sunshine and enjoy the views.

Tip: Save time by buying your Sea to Sky Gondola tickets ahead of time.

Getting there: 36800 Highway 99, Squamish, BC. Watch for the entrance on the right hand side of the Sea to Sky highway just after the Darrell Bay Road traffic light. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Sea to Sky Gondola 

Stawamus Chief

The Stawamus Chief is a huge granite dome that towers over the town of Squamish. The Sea to Sky highway passes right beneath the base. The Chief is 700m tall and is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world.

If you just want to pull over for a quick look, the best place is the roadside parking lot just after the pedestrian overpass. See if you can spot rock climbers high above you! If you want to try it out, you can go on a guided rock climbing trip that’s geared for beginners.

However, you don’t need a rope and harness to get to the top. There’s a steep hike up the backside of the Stawamus Chief that takes you all the way to the top of the cliffs. Be careful as there are no railings and it’s a LONG way down! This is a popular hike and is one of Vancouver’s most Instagrammed hikes.

Getting there: For the best view, turn right off the Sea to Sky highway into the parking lot next to the highway just past the pedestrian overpass. (This isn’t the main parking lot.) Click here for Google maps driving directions.

More info: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Downtown Squamish

Be sure to turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway to explore downtown Squamish along Cleveland Avenue. As a local, my favourites are Billie’s House for house plants and home goods, Empire of Dirt for gifts and housewares, Lucas Tea, and Xocolat chocolates.

If you are driving the Sea to Sky Highway on a Saturday in the spring, summer, or fall, be sure to stop in at the Farmer’s Market for local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music.

Getting There: Turn left at Cleveland Avenue and follow it a few blocks into downtown Squamish. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Squamish Farmer’s Market

Psst! Looking for even more things to do in Squamish? Check out my Squamish activities guide – it has over 70 ideas.

Railway Museum of British Columbia

I’m not into trains, so I have to be honest and say I’ve never been here. However, my nephew loves it and has been several times. The Railway Museum of British Columbia has all kinds of vintage train cars, engines, and parts (over 90 of them!) Some of them are over 100 years old.

They also have a miniature railway that is popular with kids. At Christmas they have a special Polar Express Event. There’s also a Thomas the Tank Engine event in the spring.

Getting There: 39645 Government Rd, Squamish, BC. Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Commercial Way. Go straight through the roundabout, then turn right on Queens Way. Follow Queens Way as it curves around to the left and becomes Government Road. Cross the railway tracks and find the entrance to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on your right. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Hours: The museum is only open on Saturdays in the summer. The rest of the year they are open for special events like the Polar Express and Thomas the Tank Engine.

More Info: Railway Museum of British Columbia

Squamish Estuary and Spit

For the best view of the Stawamus Chief, head to the Squamish Estuary and Spit. This finger of land sticks out into Howe Sound at the mouth of the Squamish River. There are several short, flat trails where you can spot birds and other wildlife.

But for the best views, head out to the end of the spit. Squamish means Mother of the Wind, and the spit is the windiest place in Squamish. There are usually lots of kitesurfers and windsurfers playing in the waves just offshore.

Getting There: Turn left on Commercial Way. Go straight through the roundabout, then turn right onto Queen’s Way. Follow this road as it curves around to the left and becomes Government Road. Cross the train tracks and keep going on Government.

Look for Spit Road on your right. It’s gravel, and can be very bumpy, but it’s fine for 2WD vehicles if you go slow. Follow Spit Road to a T-junction and turn left. Keep going to the end of the road. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Brackendale Eagle Viewing

Squamish has more eagles than anywhere else in the world, usually around 1,300 every year. Many eagles migrate to Squamish in the fall to feed on spawning salmon, then stay for the winter. Head to the dykes along the Squamish River in the Brackendale neighbourhood to see them.

From November until January there are volunteers along the dyke on weekends with telescopes to help you get a better look. You can also bring your own binoculars of course!

Another great way to see the eagles is on a floating raft tour. I did this eagle float tour a few years ago and had a great time. 

Getting There: Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Garibaldi Way. Turn right at Government Road and follow it as it approaches the river. Park in the gravel parking lot on the right just before the Watershed Grill or on the shoulder. Cross the road and follow the path to the top of the dyke. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Alice Lake Provincial Park

Alice Lake has a popular campground and picnic area that makes a great place for break when driving to Whistler. You can go for a swim in the lake or rent a paddleboard or kayak. It’s also a great place to swim on a hot day.

There’s also an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. If you’re looking for an easy hike, I like the Four Lakes Trail. It’s mostly flat and only takes 2 hours to complete. Details are in my guide to hiking in Squamish.

Getting There: Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway at the flashing yellow light at Alice Lake Road. Follow the road into the park. On busy summer weekends when the parking lot fills up park rangers may close the entrance gate. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Alice Lake Provincial Park 

Psst! Alice Lake Provincial Park is on my list of the best places to camp near Vancouver and the best places to camp near Squamish.

Cat Lake

This small lake 15 minutes north of Squamish gets fairly warm in the summer. It also has several docks you can jump off. The lake is surrounded by walk-in campsites. It’s a popular spot for partiers on the weekend, but during the week you can have it mostly to yourself.

Getting There: Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto the Cheekeye Forest Service Road about 3 minutes after you pass the turn off to Alice Lake. Follow the gravel road about 2.5km to the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Cat Lake Recreation Site

Brohm Lake

From the highway Brohm Lake looks pretty marshy. However, if you head around the corner you’ll discover a pretty little lake surrounded by forest and granite bluffs. There’s a trail around the lake so you can stake out your own lakeside spot.

There is also a great network of hiking trails that lead to several viewpoints. Get more details in my guide to the best hikes in Squamish.

Locals love to swing into the water from the rope swing or jump off the short cliffs. The parking lot is small so go early on summer weekends to get a spot.

Getting There: Turn left off the Sea to Sky highway at the sign for Brohm Lake. There’s a small left-hand turn lane. It’s just past the turn off for Cat Lake. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: My guide to Brohm Lake trails

Tantalus Lookout

The snow-capped mountains on the west side of the Squamish River are called the Tantalus Range. There are no roads and just a few trails that access the jagged peaks. But you can get a great view just by pulling off the road. 

Getting There: Turn right off the highway at the viewpoint sign. It’s about 2.5km past the Brohm Lake turnoff. Follow the road uphill for a few meters to a parking lot on the left. Click here for Google Maps driving directions. (Use these if you are going northbound.)

There’s actually an even better view, but you can only access it when you are driving southbound from Whistler to Vancouver. Look for it on the west side of the highway. (You can’t turn left going northbound so save it for the drive home.) Click here for Google Maps driving directions. (Use these if you are going southbound.)

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is one of the most popular (and most beautiful) hikes in BC. It’s a long hike so allow a full day to get there. It is 18km return with 800m of elevation gain and will take at least 5 hours. Make sure to leave enough time at the top to take photos or even go for a dip in the freezing cold glacial lake.

If you’re really keen, you can add on the hike to Panorama Ridge. The views are great but it will add another 12km, 700m and 6 hours to your hike. You can also camp overnight.

(FYI: Garibaldi Lake is on my list of the 10 best hikes near Vancouver, so if you’re a hiker, you shouldn’t miss it.)

Getting there: Watch for the sign for Garibaldi Provincial Park, then turn right on Daisy Lake Road just after going over a bridge. The trailhead is 2.5km down the road from the Sea to Sky Highway. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Brandywine Falls

The 70m tall Brandywine Falls are pretty spectacular since they have carved a huge canyon into lava columns. The waterfall is one of the Sea to Sky Highway’s best known attractions. It’s a short half-kilometre hike to the viewing platforms.

There’s a steep and dangerous trail down to the bottom of the falls, but it’s officially out of bounds so I don’t recommend it.

If you visit in the winter, the trails around Brandywine Falls are also one of the best places near Squamish to go snowshoeing.

Getting there: Turn right off the highway at the sign for Brandywine Falls. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide

Alexander Falls

It’s a bit off the beaten track, so Alexander Falls doesn’t get as much buzz as Brandywine Falls or Shannon Falls. But I’d argue that it is equally impressive. It’s 43m tall and drops down over several tiers. You can drive right up to the viewing platform.

Getting there: Watch for the sign for Whistler Olympic Park, and turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Callaghan Road. Follow the road for about 10 minutes. Look for the Alexander Falls Recreation Site sign on the left and turn into the gravel parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Whistler Olympic Park

During the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics, the nordic skiing, biathlon and ski jump events were held at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley. In the winter you can cross country ski or snowshoe here. (Checkout my guide to snowshoe trails.)

The trails are open in the summer too, including hiking up the ski jump. You can also sign up for biathlon lessons and shoot on the same course as the Olympians! There’s a small fee to get in.

It’s also worth a drive up this road as its one of the best places in the Sea to Sky corridor to see bears. If you see a bear, stay in your car and take photos from a distance. Never, ever feed a bear! Read more about bear safety. 

Getting there: 5 Callaghan Rd, Whistler, BC. Watch for the sign for Whistler Olympic Park, and turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Callaghan Road. Follow the road for about 15 minutes to the lodge, passing Alexander Falls along the way. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Whistler Olympic Park

Whistler Bungee

I’m a chicken and have never bungee jumped. (And I likely never will unless someone is paying me to do it!)  But if bungee jumping is on your bucket list, you can do it in Whistler.

You’ll plummet 50 metres (160 feet) off a narrow bridge into the Cheakamus River canyon. The river is glacially fed so it’s a beautiful bright blue colour. Even if you don’t jump, it’s worth a detour to see the canyon. If you’re up for a slightly longer hike, you can also get to Brandywine Falls from here.

Getting there: Calcheak Forest Service Rd, Whistler, BC. Just after the turn-off to Whistler Olympic Park, turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road. You’ll cross train tracks right away and then the road turns to gravel. Follow the road for about 7 minutes to the bungee bridge. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Whistler Bungee

Whistler

From skiing to mountain biking, to hiking, to food, Whistler has something for everyone. I’ve got a huge list of the best things to do in Whistler.

Best Places to Eat and Drink on the Sea to Sky Highway

As a Squamish local, I’ve eaten at pretty much every restaurant along the Sea to Sky Highway. Here are my favourites.

Taka Ramen & Sushi

The BEST Japanese food in the Sea to Sky area. Top notch sushi, delicious ramen, and great staff. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations, so you often have to wait for a table.

Getting There: 38065 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left onto Cleveland Avenue and follow it for a few blocks. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Fox & Oak

This is my favourite spot in Squamish for coffee and a sweet treat. The interior is gorgeous with sleek wood, tile, and lots of plants They have under cover outdoor seating too. Their coffee is great, but the real reason to visit is their artisanal doughnuts.

They have cake doughnuts, brioche doughnuts, and vegan doughnuts in classic flavours like chocolate glaze and more experimental flavours like Earl Grey tea. I always get the mango passion fruit.

Getting there: 1396 Main Street, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left on Cleveland and follow it for a few blocks to the intersection with Main Street. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Zephyr Cafe

Want a healthy meal in Squamish? Head to Zephyr Cafe downtown. They serve breakfast and lunch, including lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. I usually get the qunioa bowl with their delicious sesame dressing.

Getting there: 8084 Cleveland Ave, Squamish. Turn left off Highway 99 onto Cleveland Avenue. Zephyr Cafe is on the left hand side about half a block past Winnipeg Street. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Luz Tacos at Geo Cider

Squamish has several great places to get Mexican food, but I think Luz tacos is by far the best. Their burritos are huge and oh so good. They are located inside Geo Cider, so you can get your food to go or enjoy it along with their tasty cider.

Getting there: 1201 Commercial Way, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left on Industrial Way. Go right at the T-junction on to Queens’s Way, then turn right at the first driveway into the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Watershed Grill

The Watershed Grill in Brackendale is one of my favourite places to eat in Squamish. It’s right on the banks of the river, so the patio has a great view. They have tasty pub-style food. It’s a locals hangout so expect crowds on nights when there’s hockey on TV.

Getting There: 41101 Government Rd, Brackendale. Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Garibaldi Way. Turn right at Government Road and follow it as it approaches the river. Look for a gravel parking lot on the right just after a cross walk. Park here and cross the road. The restaurant is just ahead behind the trees. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Fergie’s Cafe

Fergie’s Cafe has some of the best food in Squamish. In fact, I think they have the best eggs Benedict I’ve ever had! This small restaurant is attached to the Sunwolf resort. They moved into a new building a few years ago with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. They’re just open for breakfast and brunch. Go early (especially on wekends) to get a table as they don’t take reservations.

Getting There: 70002 Squamish Valley Rd, Brackendale. Turn left off the highway at the flashing yellow light onto Squamish Valley Road. Look for the entrance to Fergie’s on the right hand side just before going over a bridge. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Where to Stay Along the Sea to Sky Highway

If you really want to make the most out of your Sea to Sky Highway road trip, you should break it up over a few days and stay overnight.

The easiest place to base yourself is in Squamish where there are lots of options from cabins to hotels to hostels. (In fact, Squamish made my list of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver.)

I’ve got a whole guide to the best hotels in Squamish that you should check out. It’s got details on the best places for families, groups, those on a budget, and more.

Camping

For a complete list of campgrounds on the Sea to Sky Highway, check out my guides to camping in Squamish and camping in Whistler.

Some campgrounds require advance reservations while others are first-come, first served. Plan ahead on summer weekends as it can get REALLY busy.

Boutique Hotel: Howe Sound Inn

The Howe Sound Brewing Company also has their own boutique hotel, the Howe Sound Inn. It’s right in the heart of Squamish so you can walk to shops and cafes. And if it’s raining, you don’t even have to go outside – just go downstairs to the brew pub! Check rates. 

Hotel Suites: Executive Suites Hotel

Every room at the condo-style Executive Suites Hotel has a kitchen, which is great if you want more space or prefer to cook for yourself. It’s also one of the more upscale hotels in town. It’s located north of downtown Squamish, but there is a restaurant on site and lots of hiking trails nearby. Check rates.

Cabins: Sunwolf

I stayed at the Sunwolf cabins a few years ago. It’s an old fishing lodge right next to the Cheakamus River in Brackendale. The cozy wooden cabins have river views and fireplaces, but no TVs – just what you need for a wilderness getaway. Plus its on the same property as Fergie’s! Check rates.

(Want even more cabin options? Check out my list of the best cozy cabins near Vancouver.)

Hostel: Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel

The Squamish Adventure Inn has both dorms and private rooms, a kitchen, and patios. It’s located just off the highway next to the river. If you’ve had enough driving, it’s within walking distance to bike trails, hiking, rock climbing, restaurants and groceries. My sister stayed here for the weekend and says it’s a great place to meet other travellers to go hiking or exploring. Check rates. 

Sea to Sky Highway FAQ

With all that info, you should be ready to head out on your own Sea to Sky Highway road trip. What’s your favourite spot to stop between Vancouver and Whistler? Do you have questions about driving the Sea to Sky highway? Let me know in the comments.

More Whistler posts:

• The Best Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 42 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Camping in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler

More Squamish posts:

• 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish
• Camping in Squamish
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

More Vancouver posts:

• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
• Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds

The post Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Many people head to Strahan to take the famous Gordon River cruise to the convict site on Sarah Island or ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway, but there is so much more to see in the area. 

I spent three days in Strahan and I’ve also done a few other road trips along Tasmania’s West Coast. It’s a beautiful area and sooo much quieter than the bustling tourist sites on the East Coast.

If you want to get it away from it all and experience Tasmania’s wilderness, Strahan and the West Coast are the places to do it. I’ve put together a complete list of everything you need to know to visit Strahan and Tasmania’s West Coast.

This guide includes:

• Strahan basics: history, Indigneous context, weather, mobile phone coverage and more
• How to get to Strahan: driving, public transport, and tours
• Map of Strahan and the West Coast: Includes every spot in this guide
• All the best things to do in Strahan
• Things to do on Tasmania’s West Coast including Queenstown
• Info on Strahan accommodation
• Where to eat and buy groceries in Strahan

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Strahan, Tasmania Basics

Pronunciation: Until a local corrected me, I was saying it wrong. Oops. It’s pronounced “strawn”. 

Highlights: Visit the convict heritage sites on Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour, cruise the Gordon River, experience the rainforest on a bushwalk or scenic train ride, and explore wilderness beaches. 

Indigenous Context: Traditionally, the Lowreenne and Mimegin bands of the Toogee tribe lived in the Macquarie Harbour area along with seasonal visitors from other West Coast tribes. Like Indigenous people in the rest of Tasmania, they were systemically massacred. Sadly, I couldn’t find acknowledgment of Indigenous history at most tourist attractions in the area. 

History: The first colonial settlement in the Strahan area was the penal station on Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour. The Sarah Island prison held the worst offenders in Tasmania and was notorious for its harsh conditions. The convicts harvested huon pine from the nearby forest and built ships.

The penal colony closed in 1833 and in the following years the timber industry expanded, mines opened, and commercial fishing began. Strahan was founded as a harbour town to service the mines. Today, most of the industry has scaled back and Strahan is primarily a tourist town.

Location: Strahan is located in the middle of Tasmania’s West Coast. The town sits on Macquarie Harbour, a huge natural inlet that is larger than Sydney Harbour. The towns of Queenstown, Rosebery, Tullah, and Zeehan are 45 minutes to an hour away inland. 

How Long to Spend in Strahan and the West Coast: You’ll want to spend at least two days in the area to see the highlights. 

Best Time to Go to Strahan: The summer months of November through February are the driest and warmest, and therefore the best time to visit Strahan. 

Strahan Weather: Tasmania’s West Coast is directly in the path of the Roaring 40s winds so it has some of the roughest weather in the state. In the summer temperatures range from lows of 8-11C to highs of 18-21C. While the summer months are drier than the rest of the year, the West Coast is still the wettest part of Tasmania. Be prepared to experience rain on any day of the year. 

Mobile Phone Coverage in Strahan: There is mobile phone coverage in Strahan, Queenstown, Zeehan, and Rosebery, but internet access can be slow. Once you get outside of the towns by just a kilometre or two, expect service to drop-off. 

How to Get to Strahan and Tasmania’s West Coast

Driving to Strahan, Tasmania

The most common way to get to Strahan is to drive yourself. Since you will want a car to get around on the West Coast, I recommend driving.

It’s a 4.5-hour drive from Hobart via the A10 Lyell Highway. If you’re coming from the north, it’s a 2.75-hour drive from Devonport or 3.5 hours from Launceston via Cradle Mountain on the A10 Murchison Highway. Click here for driving directions. 

You can hire a car in Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport. I use Discover Cars since they let you compare prices from lots of different companies. That way you know you’re getting the best deal.

Public Transport to Strahan, Tasmania

It is possible to see the sights in the town of Strahan without a car, so you could opt to take a public bus to Strahan. Tassielink operates one bus a day between Strahan and Burnie with stops in Queenstown, Rosebery, Zeehan, and Tullah.

Strahan and West Coast Tasmania Tours

Since Strahan is so far from many of Tasmania’s other attractions, a tour can be a great way to squeeze in a visit to the West Coast.

A popular option is to take a three-day West Coast Tour from Hobart to Launceston that includes Mount Field National Park, Strahan, Montezuma Falls in Rosebery, and Cradle Mountain National Park.

This highly rated five-day tour of Tasmania spends 1.5 days on the West Coast and allows enough time for a Gordon River cruise.

If you don’t have a lot of time, you can even take a day tour to Strahan by air. You’ll fly in and out of Hobart, take a Gordon River cruise, explore the town, then return to Hobart that evening. 

Map of Strahan, Tasmania and the West Coast

I made a custom Google Map for you that shows all the attractions in Strahan and Tasmania’s West Coast.

Things to do in Strahan, Tasmania

Gordon River Boat Cruise

Taking a Gordon River Cruise is one of the main reasons people visit Strahan. The cruise gets you out onto the water, which is the only way to see two of the area’s main attractions: the convict heritage sites on Sarah Island and the picturesque Gordon River.

There are two cruise companies in town and they run nearly identical cruises.  Both tours start early in the morning and finish in the early afternoon, with lunch served on board.  Since the cruises take up most of a day, most visitors to Strahan plan their trip around taking a cruise.

Both cruises include a guided tour of the convict sites at Sarah Island and a guided walk through the rainforest at Heritage Landing. The guides for Sarah Island are the actors from the play The Ship That Never Was. They stay on the island all day to give tours to guests from both boats.

A stop at salmon farms contained in large floating net pens in Macquarie Harbour is also included on both cruises. The audio commentary during these stops may lead you to believe that salmon farming is a purely positive thing. However, there are numerous environmental problems with these farms including disease, escaping fish, and low oxygen levels in the harbour caused by the overpopulation of farm fish. 

Gordon River Boat Cruise Schedule

The two companies operate on similar schedules but swap out the order of the two key attractions: Sarah Island and Heritage Landing. Here are the schedules for both cruise companies:

Gordon River Cruises (navy blue boat): 8:30am departure. Order of attractions: Hell’s Gates, salmon farm, Gordon River, Heritage Landing, lunch, Sarah Island, dock in Strahan

World Heritage Cruises (red boat): 9am departure. Order of attractions: Hell’s Gates, salmon farm, Sarah Island, lunch, Gordon River, Heritage Landing, dock in Strahan. Check prices.

Which Gordon River Boat Cruise Should You Choose?

There are two Gordon River boat cruise companies. They are quite similar, so it can be hard to choose. On my trip, I went with World Heritage Cruises (red boat) since the companies seemed really similar and it was a bit cheaper.

Since my trip was on a nice day and we spent all of our time on the outside deck, I was happy with my choice since we didn’t actually use the indoor seat we paid for in the cheap section.

However, if it had been cold or wet, I think I would have happily paid for an upgraded seat or gone for the cheap seats on the blue boat since they would offer a much better view out the windows.

Here’s the rundown on the two Gordon River boat cruise options with the pros and cons for each.

Gordon River Cruises (navy blue boat): 

Pros: visits Gordon River in the morning when the water is calmer to see reflections, larger outside deck, cheapest seats all face forward and have individual tray tables, airplane-style

Cons: Slightly more expensive, not locally owned.

Book with Gordon River Cruises.

World Heritage Cruises (red boat):

Pros: Slightly cheaper, locally owned company

Cons: All of the cheapest seats are grouped around tables of 8 which means you share with strangers and half the seats face backward, visits Gordon River in the afternoon so no opportunity to see reflections in the water, smaller outside deck.

Book with World Heritage Cruises.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Besides the boat cruises, the other really popular attraction in Strahan is the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Originally built to service the area’s mines, this historic steam train travels between Strahan and Queenstown.

The section in the middle is so rugged that the railway uses a toothed rack and pinion cog system to overcome the steep grades.

You can take half- or full-day outings from either station. (Check the schedule as it leaves Queenstown on some days of the week and Strahan on the other days.)

The tours include stops at heritage stations and a rainforest walk. I didn’t have time to take a railway tour on my trip, but my friend who is a Tassie local said it was great. Book a West Coast Wilderness Railway Tour.

Hogarth Falls

The short walk to Hogarth Falls is a great way to experience nature in Strahan. It’s a flat and easy 2.4km return walk that will take most people about 45 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass through a beautiful section of rainforest with lots of leatherwood, sassafrass, and myrtle trees.

The walking track starts in People’s Park just off the Esplanade, about halfway between Strahan Village and Regatta Point.

Morrison’s Huon Pine Saw Mill

Strahan’s history is built upon harvesting Huon Pine. Today, Morrison’s Huon Pine Saw Mill on the village waterfront carries on the tradition of milling huge pieces of Huon Pine into boards and slabs.

On your visit you can learn about the history of the pines, watch the mill in operation or buy a souvenir from the gift shop. (Cutting boards are popular.) They also have free demonstrations at 3pm every day that coincide with the Gordon River cruise boats returning to town.

See a Performance of “The Ship That Never Was”

Everything I read about Strahan before my trip mentioned that you shouldn’t miss “The Ship That Never Was”. I’m not a huge theatre-goer, but I caved to the pressure and went to the play. Wow! I’m so glad I did. Probably one of the most fun productions I’ve ever seen.

The two-person cast tells the true story of the last convict-built ship on Sarah Island. They use clever props and LOTS of audience participation. I guarantee it will make you laugh… and teach you about Australian convict history.

The 75-minute long play runs every evening at 5:30 p.m. between September and May at the amphitheatre next to the visitor centre by the harbour. Tickets are at the door only.

Foreshore Walk

One of the best ways to see Strahan is to go for a walk. There’s a 2.5km walking path along the waterfront parallel to the Esplanade between the Primary School in the west and the railway station at Regatta Point in the south. We walked portions of it on our trip.

There are beautiful views of the main harbour from Regatta Point. You’ll also pass lots of interesting historic buildings like the customs house, which is the post office today.

Water Tower Hill

If you want to see Strahan from above, head up to Water Tower Hill for great views. To get there, go uphill on Esk Street from the Esplanade. Go past the upper entrance to the Strahan Village Hotel to the lookout at the end of the road.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is Tasmania’s longest beach measuring 30km from Trial Harbour in the north to Macquarie Heads in the south. The sandy beach is gorgeous and the wilderness location means you won’t have to share it with many others.

But this is Tassie’s wild West Coast. The wind and waves here have blown across thousands of kilometres of open ocean before slamming into the coast. Swimming isn’t advised and it can be wickedly windy.

To get there, head west out of Strahan. Just before the airport, veer right onto Ocean Beach Road. The car park is at the end of the road, 5km from Strahan.

Macquarie Heads

The entrance to Macquarie Harbour is called Macquarie Heads. You can drive the gravel road 15km from Strahan out to the south side of Macquarie Heads inside Macquarie Harbour.

There’s a popular campground here as well as a boat launch. The water here is much calmer and it’s less windy than at Ocean Beach, so it’s a better option for playing in the sand or splashing in the waves.

The area is really popular with the offroad crowd though, so be prepared to see lots of utes and motorbikes on the beach. The sunsets are unreal. We camped here for two nights and it was gorgeous.

Henty Dunes

The Henty Dunes are just north of Strahan, behind Ocean Beach. The dunes are up to 30m tall and seem to rise directly out of the surrounding forest. The prevailing winds of the Roaring Forties have pushed the sand up and away from the ocean over millennia, creating the huge dunes.

You can climb up the dunes from a roadside picnic area 14km north of Strahan on the road to Zeehan. There’s also a path through the dunes to Ocean Beach. Apparently, you can rent sand boards in Strahan to play on the dunes, but we missed that memo and just wandered around gawking at the view and getting sunburnt instead. 

Things do on Tasmania’s West Coast

Plan some extra time on your drive to and from Strahan to make some stops at sights on Tasmania’s West Coast. Queenstown is definitely worth your time but there are lots more things to see two.

So far I’ve made two trips to the West Coast and have been to most of the places on this list… but there are still a few left to explore next time. 

Queenstown, Tasmania

Queenstown is the largest town on Tasmania’s West Coast. It’s a 45-minute drive on the Lyell Highway from Queenstown to Strahan. Today Queenstown has about 1,800 residents but had 10,000 inhabitants during its gold and copper mining heyday about 100 years ago.

The long-gone mining boom means that the currently sleepy town has a grand hotel and an art-deco theatre. Take a stroll through town to admire the old buildings. 

Spion Kopf Lookout, Queenstown

To see Queenstown from above, head to Spion Kopf Lookout at the northeastern end of town off Latrobe Street. Locals from the Lion’s Club have constructed a concrete path to the top of the hill, with old mining relics displayed along the way. 

99 Bends

The Lyell Highway east of Queenstown is famously twisty, earning it the nickname “99 Bends”. The hills around Queenstown have suffered from years of mining and copper smelting, stripping them of vegetation and staining the earth a yellowish orange.

Be sure to stop at the viewpoint about 4km east of Queenstown to admire the bends and get a good view of Queenstown’s strange moonscape. I thought it was both incredibly sad and strangely beautiful. 

Horsetail Falls

A newly built boardwalk gives you easy access to a viewing platform clinging to the side of a hillside at Horsetail Falls. It’s a 1km return walk with lots of steps.

The falls had dried up to a trickle when I visited in mid-summer, but I’ve seen photos of them really gushing down the rocky slope after heavy rains. The car park for the falls is on the Lyell Highway 5km east of Queenstown.

Iron Blow Lookout

Queenstown’s landscape was shaped by mining. And nowhere is that more evident than at Iron Blow Lookout. Walk out on the viewing platform for an overhead view of the remains of an open cut mine. Streaks of mineral deposits stain the sides of the pit. There’s also a great view east towards Gormanstown and Lake Burbury.

Iron Blow Lookout is 5km east of Queenstown on the Lyell Highway. Look for the signed side road to the car park across the highway from Horsetail Falls. 

Nelson Falls

The easy walk to Nelson Falls is just a few minutes from Queenstown. It’s a 1.4km return walk that will take about 20 minutes. The boardwalk path to the falls includes interpretation signs to help you learn about the rainforest.

The walk starts just off the Lyell Highway 27km east of Queenstown. So far I haven’t driven this portion of the Lyell Highway so I haven’t visited these falls yet, but they’re on my list.

Donaghy’s Hill Nature Trail

If you’re driving the Lyell Highway (A10) between Lake St. Clair and Queenstown, I hear the Donaghy’s Hill Nature Trail is a great place to stop and stretch your legs.

The track climbs gradually through the forest to reach a great lookout. The views of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and Frenchman’s Cap Peak look spectacular.

Plan to spend about 40 minutes on the 2.2km return walk. To get there, turn into a signed car park 34km after Derwent Bridge.

Franklin River Nature Trail

Another great spot to stop for a walk along the Lyell Highway is the Franklin River Nature Trail. It’s a flat and easy 25-minute loop walk through the rainforest to the banks of the Franklin River. Watch for the signs along the Lyell Highway 25km west of Derwent Bridge.

Zeehan Spray Tunnel

Explore some of Zeehan’s mining history with a visit to the Spray Tunnel. It’s a 100m-long abandoned railway tunnel that you can walk (or bike) right through! Glowworms live in it too! It’s an easy 1-hour return walk to the tunnel, which was built to service the Silver Spray Mine.

To get to the trailhead, take Fowler Street past the end of the golf course on the west side of Zeehan. I only found out about this tunnel when researching this post. I wish I had gone as it sounds really cool, and so far it’s pretty under-the-radar too!

Montezuma Falls

At 104m-tall, Montezuma Falls is the highest waterfall in Tasmania. To get there, you’ll hike 4km each way on an abandoned mining tramway, which means its fairly flat.

There’s a small viewing platform at the base of the falls, but you can also see them from an impressive suspension bridge. The day I went it was pouring rain, but since the whole walk is in the forest, I didn’t mind. Plus it meant there was lots of water in the falls.

The walk takes approximately 3 hours. To find the trailhead, head south from Rosebery on the Murchison Highway (A10), then turn left onto Williamsford Road. Follow the road to its end 6 kilometres from the highway.

Wee Georgie Wood Railway, Tullah

If you’re into trains, don’t miss the Wee Georgie Wood Railway. It’s a historic 2ft gauge railway, which was the only way to reach the mining town of Tullah before the highway was built in the 1960s. The original railway used wood rails instead of steel!

You can take a self-guided tour of the railway site, which is now maintained by local volunteers. On summer weekends, board a passenger carriage pulled by the 1924 steam locomotive for a 20 minute trip around the area. We didn’t have time for the train, but it looks like a cute community project.

Corinna, Tasmania

Corinna is pretty remote, but that’s part of the attraction. It’s an old gold mining town that is now an eco-tourism resort. It’s located in the rainforest on the banks of the Pieman River.

Just getting to Corinna is a bit of an adventure since it involves driving your car onto a barge ferry across the Pieman River. Book a stay in a historic miners cottage or just go for a short walk on the Huon Pine Trail. We also took an interesting walk behind the cottages to see burrowing crayfish.

Tarkine Drive

Extend your trip to the West Coast by touring the Tarkine Drive. It’s a 205km loop through the gorgeous rainforest in Tasmania’s wild Northwest.

You can go on short rainforest walks, visit lonely beaches, and maybe even spot some wildlife. (We spotted an endangered Tasmanian Devil while camping along the Tarkine Drive!)

You can drive the loop in a single day, but it’s better to break up the trip over 2 or 3 days. If you want to visit, check out my Tarkine Drive Guide for all the details.

Where to Stay in Strahan, Tasmania

Most visitors to Strahan end up staying at least one night since the boat cruises leave in the morning. In summer, bookings are essential as there aren’t that many Strahan accommodations. Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Strahan.

Hotels and Self-Contained Units

Historic House B&B: Stay in a fully restored heritage house at the Ormiston House Bed and Breakfast. The owners are passionate about local history and even have a gallery in the attic full of historical memorabilia.  

Hotel with a View: The rooms at Strahan Village Hotel have some of the nicest views in town. Spread over several buildings, you can stay right in the village or slightly up the hill. Be sure to book a view room since they look out over the harbour.

Budget: If you’re looking to save money, stay at Motel Strahan. It’s steps to the Foreshore Walk on the west side of town. Reviewers say it’s clean and cosy.

Self-Contained Cottage: The Kerrellie Cottages offer cute self-contained accommodation in restored historic cottages. 

Camping

If you want to stay close to town, book a spot at the Big4 Strahan Retreat Holiday Park or the Strahan Beach Tourist Park. They are both caravan parks with self-contained cabins.

If you want real bush camping, drive 30 minutes out of town to the rustic Macquarie Heads Campground. It’s $10 a night. There are pit toilets but you need to bring your own drinking water. We stayed at Macquarie Heads for two nights on our trip and really enjoyed it.

Where to Eat in Strahan, Tasmania

Strahan is a small place so there aren’t very many restaurants and cafes. Check hours before you go, especially on weekdays and during the offseason as many places are only open for lunch or dinner but not both.

If you are self-catering, there’s an IGA grocery store right as you come into town on the Lyell Highway.

If you’re looking to eat out, here are your options:

The Coffee Shack: Tiny coffee spot that also has baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. We had a great lunch here and also stopped for coffee one morning before our Gordon River boat cruise. Definitely the best food we had in Strahan. The only downside is that it has very little seating. Open from 6am until mid-afternoon.

Molly’s Take-Away Cafe: Located on Innes Street near the caravan parks. Classic greasy take-away burgers, pizza, chips, pies, etc. Open for lunch and dinner. 

Tracks on Point: A newer coffee shop and cafe at the West Coast Wilderness Railway station serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Hamer’s Bar and Bistro: Pretty typical hotel pub on the Esplanade serving parmas, fish and chips, burgers, etc. We ate dinner there one night. The patio seating has a beautiful view of the harbour and the food is fine but not great. Open for dinner only.

Regatta Point Tavern: Pub style food near the train station with dated decor. Reviews are mixed, but it’s a bit cheaper than other sit-down dinner options. Open for dinner.

View 42º Restaurant & Bar: The hotel restaurant at Strahan Village. They have a buffet that’s a bit pricey, but their dining room has great views. Open for breakfast and dinner.

Risby Cove Cafe: Up-scale restaurant at the waterfront Risby Cove Hotel. Dinner only.

Strahan, Queenstown and the West Coast are such a unique part of Tasmania. While most people visit for the Gordon River boat cruise or the West Coast Wilderness Railway, there is so much else to see. The Henty Dunes were a definite highlight for me.

I hope this post inspires you to visit Strahan, Tasmania and the West Coast. Do you have questions about the area? Leave them in the comments and I’ll help you out.

More Tasmania posts:

• How to Spend the Weekend in Hobart, Tasmania: 2-day Itinerary
• 20+ Things to Do on the Tasman Peninsula Near Port Arthur
• The Best Things to Do on Bruny Island, Tasmania
• 40+ Things to do in Devonport and Tasmania’s North West
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Maria Island, Tasmania
• Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania
• The Ultimate Guide to the Tarkine Drive in Tasmania, Australia

The post Things to do in Strahan, Tasmania and the West Coast appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The trip begins and ends at the small city of Smithton, on the Bass Highway, but the rest of the route follows sealed roads through remote wilderness down the West Coast, then inland through the temperate rain forest.

There are tons of places to stop, walk on the beach, hike through the forest and learn about aboriginal heritage. If you’re looking for a a day (or three) of outdoorsy adventure in Tasmania, you’ve got to try the Tarkine Drive.

This guide to Tasmania’s Tarkine Drive includes:

• Driving directions
• Road conditions
• Petrol, food, and services on the Tarkine Drive
• Driving times
• Where to stay
• 15 places to stop along the Tarkine Drive

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

What is the Tarkine?

The Tarkine is a region in Tasmania’s North West. (FYI: It’s pronouned “tar-kine”, rhymes with “fine”, not “tar-keen”, rhymes with “mean”.) It’s named after the Indigenous Tarkiner people who traditionally lived in the area. However, the proper Indigenous name for the area is “takayna”.

The Tarkine is known as one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests. It’s full of big old growth eucalypts, myrtle, leatherwood and pines, tree ferns and lush vegetation in every shade of green.

Some of the plants are from species that date back millennia to the age of the Gondwana supercontinent. There are also unique coastal and buttongrass plains ecosystems to explore.

The region has almost no permanent residents, but it has lots of wildlife including one of the only surviving wild populations of endangered Tasmanian Devils.

You can also find some of the richest Indigenous sites in the Tarkine, including shell middens and rock carving sites.

The Tarkine is definitely off the beaten path so it’s not overrun with tourists, but it is still easy enough to get around.

While the local tourism authorities are promoting the Tarkine Drive, and parts of the region are in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, most of the Tarkine is unprotected.

This means that logging and mining are occurring in old growth habitats. Watch this excellent documentary about the Tarkine and see what you think. It definitely inspired me to visit before it’s gone.

Driving Directions for the Tarkine Drive

The Tarkine Drive is a loop road trip that starts and ends in Smithton in North Western Tasmania, Australia. The route is only about 205km long and can be driven in one day, but since there is so much to see along the way, many people prefer to take a few days. Driving directions are as follows:

• From Smithton go southwest along the A2 to Marrawah
• Next, go south down the coast to Couta Rocks on the C214
• At Couta Rocks turn left to stay on the C214 and continue until the Kanunnah Bridge
• Just before the bridge turn right onto the C218
• Follow the C218 north to Edith Creek where it becomes the B22.
• Take the B22 back to Smithton.

The entire route is well signed so you won’t get lost. You can travel the loop in either direction, but I did a counter-clockwise loop so I’m describing it that way here. I also made a custom, clickable Google map for you with all the stops highlighted!

You will need your own transport to see the Tarkine Drive – there are no public buses. It’s easiest to hire a car in Devonport, Launceston, and Hobart. I use Discover Cars since it lets you compare prices from lots of different car hire companies. That way you can be sure you are getting the best deal.

Tarkine Drive Road Conditions

The entire Tarkine Drive is sealed (paved). It used to have a gravel portion on the C218, but it’s sealed (paved) now.

In general, it’s a two lane road with few opportunities for passing. There are several sections that are very twisty and despite being sealed, the road is a bit bumpy. There are also a handful of single lane bridges. Most of the route has very little traffic.

Petrol, Food and Services on the Tarkine Drive

The entire Tarkine Drive is quite remote and there are a few stretches where you’ll go quite a while without passing any services.

In particular, the only places there are any services are Marrawah and Arthur River. Marrawah has a small general store, a pub, a post office and petrol available. Arthur River has a small store with a take-away counter but no petrol.

There are very few public toilets on the drive so plan ahead. There are toilets at Green Point Beach, the Arthur River Ranger Station, the Edge of the World Viewpoint, Julius River, Milkshake Hills and Dip Falls. They may not have toilet paper so bring your own.

And if you can’t get to a toilet, be sure to go well away from camps, roads, and tracks, bury your waste and pack out your toilet paper.

READ NEXT: How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)

There is no mobile phone coverage on parts of the route. You will likely lose service along the coast between Marrawah and Arthur River and on the inland portion through the forest. As I said, the road is well-signed, so as long as you stay on the main road, you will be fine.

Driving Times for the Tarkine Drive

You can definitely drive the Tarkine Drive in a single day. It takes about 3.5 hours to do the loop with no stops.

But many of the stops will take you an hour or more, so it’s best to split the trip up over several days. Two days is great but three is even better. I spent two days on my trip, but wished I had three.

Where to Stay on the Tarkine Drive

There are not that many accommodation options along the route.

There are a few self-contained holiday home rentals in Marrawah, but there are many more in Arthur River. I think Arthur River is a logical place to stay overnight because it’s closer to the halfway point of the trip. Unfortunately, there aren’t any places to stay on the eastern, inland portion of the loop.

In Arthur River, there are a few places to stay:

• Arthur River Spa Cottage: Cute cottage with an incredible view of the river mouth. Check prices.
• Sunset Holiday Villas: Two-bedroom suites with a full kitchen and a great view. Check prices.
• Arthur River Lodge: Beautiful five-bedroom house is great for groups. Check prices.
• Arthur River Beach House: Gorgeously updated beach house with a great patio. Check prices.

If you’re up for roughing it, there are a bunch of great places to camp along the Tarkine Drive. I stayed at the Prickly Wattle campground just south of Arthur River. It was really quiet and had some beautiful shaded sites. Plus… we glimpsed a Tasmanian devil in the wild at dusk!

Here’s my complete list of all the campsites along the Tarkine Drive:

• Green Point Campground, Marrawah (Free)
• Arthur River Cabin Park, Arthur River (Contact them for rates)
• Manuka Campground, Arthur River (Check in and pay at Arthur River Ranger Station)
• Peppermind Campground, Arthur River (Check in and pay at Arthur River Ranger Station)
• Prickly Wattle Campground, Arthur River (Check in and pay at Arthur River Ranger Station)
• Julius River Forest Reserve on highway C218 (Free, self-contained caravans only)

Places to Stop on the Tarkine Drive

Here’s my list of the best places to stop on the Tarkine Drive. It includes viewpoints, short walks, longer hikes and other places of interest. You don’t have to stop everywhere to experience the Tarkine – just pick the ones that appeal to you.

Green Point Beach

From Marrawah take Green Point Road, then Beach Road towards the coast to reach Green Point Beach. There’s a small campground here, popular with experienced surfers who make the trek out to the West Coast to brave the huge swells.

West Point Reserve

Take the gravel side road out to West Point Reserve to visit Tasmania’s westernmost point. Known as nunga in the local Indigenous language, the area boasts tons of Indigenous cultural sites. The easiest ones to find are the massive shell middens.

Arthur River

This is the largest “town” on the Tarkine Drive, but town is pretty generous a label for such a small place.

Be sure to stop at the river mouth and take a walk down to the beach.

The ranger station and visitor centre is also worth a stop to get tips on local walks, camping and wildlife.

There’s also a small store that does take-aways across from the visitor centre if you’re craving fish and chips. It was a hot day when we came through, so we stopped in for an ice cream.

Arthur River Coastal Walk

If you are up for a longer walk, you can follow the coast north from the river along a set of beaches and walking tracks to Church Rocks.

Park your car at the lot next to the inland side of the bridge, then head down to the beach. Follow the beach around the corner, using inland tracks to bypass rocky headlands. Be sure to go at lower tides if you don’t want to get a shoe full of water and sand. (Ask me how I know….)

Arthur River Cruises

Lots of people rave about the Arthur River Cruises, but unfortunately I didn’t have time on my Tarkine Drive road trip. They do two different full-day guided cruises up the river with a couple of different stops plus lunch. Advance bookings required.

The Arthur River is one of Tasmania’s last wild rivers with no roads, industry or hydro on it, so it’s a great place to experience nature and maybe even spot some wildlife!

Edge of the World Viewpoint

This viewpoint may not be at the actual edge of the world, but it kind of feels like it.

There’s a boardwalk path and a viewing platform leading out to a point just south of the mouth of the Arthur River. If you look due west, all you can see is the ocean stretching out before you – there’s nothing between you and South Africa!

There’s a small picnic area here, toilets and free barbecues, but it’s a pretty windy spot for a cook out. To find the viewpoint, turn west on Airey road, just up the hill from the south side of the Arthur River Bridge.

Sundown Point Reserve

Known as laraturunawn in the local Indigenous language, Sundown Point is an important Indigenous cultural site. You can walk an hour along the coast to visit some Indigenous rock carving sites.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to make it out there on my trip and I’m sad to have missed it since Indigenous heritage in the Tarkine is so rich. To find the rock carvings, take Sundown Point Road into the coastal community of summer shacks, then follow the coast north to the mouth of Sundown Creek.

READ NEXT: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Western Explorer

This road is a whole extra adventure on its own. A few kilometres after the main road turns inland, you’ll reach the junction with highway C249, better known as the Western Explorer.

This remote and unsealed road links the northern part of the West Coast to the southern part at the town of Corinna. It’s bumpy and slow-going, but safe for two-wheel drive vehicles. We drove it on a weekday and saw two other cars!

Sumac Lookout

As the road winds away from the coast, it enters the temperate rain forest section of the Tarkine. One of the best places to get a good look at it is the Sumac Lookout viewpoint.

As highway 214 winds down the hill towards the Arthur River, turn right and go up the hill to the lookout. (Don’t cross the bridge.) The lookout is a 2 minute walk from the car park and has a great view of the Arthur River and surrounding forest.

Julius River Walking Tracks

The green on green on green of the temperate rainforest at Julius River made it one of my favourite parts of the Tarkine Drive. There are two short loop walks at Julius River.

The shorter one takes about 30 minutes. It leaves from the end of the carpark and runs next to the river, over a bridge and then up a hill back to the start. The forest scenery here is primeval, with tree ferns and lots of ancient plants that date back to Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent that formed most of the modern continents.

The longer walk takes about 40 minutes and makes a loop through the forest, but I didn’t find it nearly as worthwhile.

The picnic ground at Julius river has tables, barbecues and toilets, which makes it a nice place to stop for a break. You can also camp for free here if you are in a self-contained caravan. Tents are not allowed.

Lake Chisholm

A short, paved side road takes you to the carpark for Lake Chisholm. From there, it’s a 30 minute walk down to the shores of the lake. Lake Chisholm is actually an old flooded sinkhole. Apparently you can spot platypus there, but we didn’t see any. (They are most active at dawn and dusk and we were there in the middle of the day.)

The lake itself is kind of interesting, but the huge old growth trees along the way were the real draw for me. It’s also a good spot to see wildlife. We startled a pademelon and its joey along the track.

READ NEXT: Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania

Milkshake Hills

The side trip to Milkshakes Hills is worth the trip to see a completely different ecosystem. The short gravel side road to the Milkshake Hills carpark runs through open temperate forest that is recovering from a bushfire.

Once at the car park, the walking track spends a few minutes in the forest, before emerging into the open and climbing up one of the hills. From a top you get a great view of the rainforest and some of the buttongrass moorlands. It’s about a 30 minute trip up the hill and back.

Trowutta Arch

This arch is one of the most popular destinations on the Tarkine Drive, and also one of the most spectacular.

Trowutta Arch formed when two sinkholes collapsed. The near one is full of rubble but you can walk through the arch to see the far one, which is full of water. It’s a visually stunning place, covered in moss and ferns.

It’s an easy 30 minute walk to the arch but you’ll want to spend more time there taking photos.

To reach Trowutta Arch, take Reynolds Road south from highway C218 in Trowutta, then turn left onto Gun road and follow it to the carpark. Both Reynolds road and Gun Road are gravel, but they are fine for 2-wheel drive vehicles. Watch-out for active logging on the drive in.

Bonus: Dip Falls and the Big Tree

While these two sights aren’t located directly on the Tarkine Drive loop trip, they are well worth a side trip from the Bass highway since they are also part of the Tarkine region.

Beautiful Dip Falls drops 30 meters down a rocky cliff face into the dip river. It flows over volcanic columns that reminded me a bit of Svartifoss in Iceland!

There’s a really well-built set of stairs and viewing platforms that takes you down into the canyon to view the falls from the bottom. You can also get a great view of the top of the falls by crossing the river on the road bridge, then taking a short track to another viewing platform.

Just a kilometre up the road from the falls is a grove of giant old growth trees, including one fittingly called “The Big Tree”. You can reach the trees via a short 2 minute path. The Big Tree is believed to be over 400 years old and has a circumference of 16 meters around the base. That’s pretty big!

To reach Dip Falls and the Big Tree, take highway C225 south from the Bass highway east of Stanley. Follow the signs at each junction to stay on the C225 to the falls. The last few kilometres are on a gravel road, but it’s easy driving for 2-wheel drive vehicles. From the falls, continue on to the north for another kilometre. Look for a pull out on the right hand side and the start of the track to the Big Tree.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when planning my roadtrip on the Tarkine Drive but I’m sooo glad we went. It’s such a beautiful place and is still quite off the beaten path. I loved learning about the Indigenous culture too.

There were only a few cars at most of the places we stopped. We even had some of them all to ourselves. If you find yourself in Tasmania, make time to drive the Tarkine. I promise you’ll love it.

MORE TASMANIA POSTS:

• The Best Things to do in Strahan and Tasmania’s West Coast
• Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania
• 40+ Things to do in Devonport and Tasmania’s North West
• How to spend the weekend in Hobart, Tasmania: 2-day Itinerary
• 22 Things to Do on the Tasman Peninsula Near Port Arthur
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Maria Island, Tasmania
• The Best Things to Do on Bruny Island, Tasmania

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Tarkine Drive in Tasmania, Australia appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Northern Vancouver Island is off the beaten path so it feels a bit wilder: Tiny towns, lush rainforest, great hiking, camping and kayaking, and SO MUCH WILDLIFE. North Vancouver Island is the place to go if you want to see whales, bears, sea lions, porpoises, and more.

I’ve made nine trips to Northern Vancouver Island over the years, and each time I discover another incredible place. (A of the trips were research for my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.) I haven’t seen everything there is to see on the north end of the Island yet, but believe me… I’m trying!

In this guide, I’ll give you all my insider info on the best things to do on Northern Vancouver Island as well as where to stay and where to eat.

Hey there: Thanks so much to At the Water’s Edge Adventures, BC Ferries, and Vancouver Island North Tourism for hosting me on a trip in 2020. All the other trips were at my own expense and all opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Northern Vancouver Island Basics

Location

Northern Vancouver Island is located… on the north end of Vancouver Island. 😉  (Thanks Captain Obvious!)

Since most of Vancouver Island’s population is clustered around the southern tip, the definition of which part of Vancouver Island is the northern part can get pretty broad. (Some people think it’s anything north of Nanaimo which isn’t even half way up the island!)

In general, there is no dispute that anything north of the town of Campbell River is considered Northern Vancouver Island. So that’s the region I’m going to focus on in this post. 

How to Get to North Vancouver Island

The easiest way to get to Northern Vancouver Island is by car. Highway 19, also known as the Island Highway, runs the length of Vancouver Island from Nanaimo in the south all the way past Campbell River to Port Hardy in the north.

If you’re coming from the mainland, you can take a BC ferry from the Vancouver area to Nanaimo, then drive north from there. The drive from Nanaimo to Port Hardy takes about 4 hours.

It’s also possible to fly to north Vancouver Island via charter flights between Vancouver and Port Hardy. You can also take a bus between Campbell River and Port Hardy.

It’s easiest to get around by car. The best place to rent a car is in Nanaimo. But you can also rent cars in Port Hardy. I use Discover Cars since it lets you compare prices from lots of different companies so you can be sure you are getting the best deal.

North Vancouver Island Weather

Northern Vancouver Island has a wet maritime climate. The area gets a LOT of rain between October and March. The driest months are July and August, but May, June, and early September can be nice too.

While it’s not a warm place, it never gets that cold either. In July and August, the average temperature is between 10 and 18C (50-64F). Between November and March, the average temperature is between 1 and 8C (34-46F).

In general, expect rain and chilly weather at any time of year. But you could also luck out. I’ve had several trips with good weather including in 2020 during my hike to Cape Scott and a kayaking trip in the Johnstone Strait where we saw temperatures up to 25C (77F)!

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

Indigenous Context

Northern Vancouver Island has been home to several indigenous groups since time immemorial and they still live here today.

The Kwakwaka’wakw have traditional territory on the entire northern end of Vancouver Island, extending into the islands of the Johnstone Strait and the adjoining mainland.

On the west coast of Vancouver Island, they share their territory with the Quatsino people.

Further south near Sayward, Kwakwaka’wakw territory overlaps with the We Wai Kai Nation, the K’omoks Nation, and the We Wai Kum Nation.

Consider supporting Indigenous-owned businesses on your trip to northern Vancouver Island. I’ve got several recommendations in this post.

North Vancouver Island Map

I made a custom google map for you that includes everything I mention in this post. Enjoy! This map is all you’ll need if you plan to stick to the paved roads and major towns.

However, if you are venturing off onto any of the gravel roads, I highly recommend you bring a copy of the Vancouver Island BC Backroad Map Book so you don’t get lost. (There’s no cell service outside of the towns.) I also love the offline version of the Gaia GPS app for navigating backroads and hiking trails.

Things to do on Northern Vancouver Island

Northern Vancouver Island is a huge area, with lots of things to do. My list of things to do in North Vancouver Island is set out in geographic order, from south to north, in the order you could visit them if you were driving up the Island Highway from Campbell River towards Port Hardy. 

Visit Sayward and Kelsey Bay

The tiny logging-oriented village of Sayward has been around since the 1890s. Originally only accessed by boat, today it is connected by road to the Island Highway.

Drive the short spur road into town to visit the Cable Cookhouse, a local cafe that is completely wrapped in steel logging cables. Continue through town to the port of Kelsey Bay. The wharf here is a popular place to fish or to just enjoy the view across the Johnstone Strait. 

Learn About Logging Railways in Woss

Woss is another tiny logging town just off the Island Highway. It has the unique distinction of being home to the last operating logging railway in North America.

After a tragic accident in 2017, the railway finally closed after 100 years of operation. Today, you can drive into town to visit historic Steam Locomotive 113. A nearby pavilion has interpretive panels where you can learn about the history of railway logging.

There is currently talk of turning the 90 km-long railway into a biking and hiking trail, which would be amazing as it cuts through some real wilderness. 

Little Huson Caves

Despite being just 20 minutes from highway 19, it took me several visits to north Vancouver Island before I made it to Little Huson Caves. In fact, I didn’t even know they existed until a few years ago. There are tons of caves on Vancouver Island, but this is one of the easiest to visit.

Atluck Creek runs through an area of limestone that is easily eroded. That means that here the creek runs right through a huge cave! Take a short walk down a hill (with some stairs) to two different viewing platforms, one at the creek entrance to the cave, the other at the exit!

READ NEXT: Little Huson Caves Hiking Guide

Stroll the Boardwalk at Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove used to be the northern end of a telegraph line that stretched the length of Vancouver Island. It slowly changed from a telegraph station, into a fishing and cannery village, and today it is an eco-tourism hub. It’s definitely worth the detour off the highway – it’s really cute!

Stroll the wooden boardwalk past historic buildings to the Whale Museum or grab a drink at the cafe and soak up the views. Telegraph Cove is also a popular launching spot for fishing boats, whale watching, and kayaking tours.

Kayak with Whales in the Johnstone Strait

The Johnstone Strait off the coast of northern Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to see whales. Humpback whales migrate through all summer long and the area has a high concentration of orcas (killer whales). And one of the best ways to see whales is from a kayak.

I went on a life-changing kayaking trip in the Johnstone Strait in 2020. We saw whales every day, visited Indigenous sites, saw tons of sea lions, seals, porpoises, and eagles, and visited some remote (and gorgeous) islands.

The most popular place to launch kayaks is from Telegraph Cove. You can rent kayaks or go on guided tours that last anywhere from an afternoon to a week.

I went with At the Water’s Edge Adventures who launch from a private beach next to Telegraph Cove. They are offering my readers 10% off any trip with them – just use code HAPPIESTOUTDOORS.

READ NEXT: My guide to Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait

Visit Port McNeill

Port McNeill is the second largest town on Northern Vancouver Island. It’s a compact little town with shops, restaurants, and hotels. Wander along the seawall downtown for great views of the harbour.

Don’t miss the world’s largest burl at the east end of town. (Fun fact: Port McNeill is also home to another giant burl. It was the world’s largest burl until the current one was discovered in 2005. You can find the runner-up burl about 5 minutes east of town just off Highway 19.)

Take a Grizzly Bear Watching Tour

Taking a boat-based bear watching tour up Knight Inlet was definitely one of the best things to do on Northern Vancouver Island. While Northern Vancouver Island has roads and settlements, the nearby mainland has only a few boat-in villages. The huge expanse of wilderness supports a healthy population of grizzly bears.

We watched a mother grizzly bear and her two nearly full-grown cubs explore the coastline in search of mussels and other food. Later, we switched to a smaller boat to cruise up a river estuary and spy on a huge male grizzly eating grass.

I did my tour with Sea Wolf Adventures, based in Port McNeill. They are a local indigenous-run company. Our guides (Sherry and Karissa) were knowledgeable and worked hard to make sure the boat was always in position to take the best photos. The food was great too! 

Go Whale Watching

With humpbacks migrating through every summer and a large resident orca (killer whale) population, northern Vancouver Island is one of the best places to see whales in BC.

Since I have been kayaking with whales and saw quite a few whales on my bear watching tour with Sea Wolf, I haven’t actually been on a whale watching tour on northern Vancouver Island.

But locals recommend Mackay Whale Watching out of Port McNeill. They are a small family-run company and have been running whale watching tours in the area for four decades. 

Ride the Eco-Conscious Island Aurora Ferry

BC Ferries runs the Island Aurora from Port McNeill to the nearby island communities of Alert Bay and Sointula on Malcolm Island. While the towns are definitely worth visiting (and info about them is below), the ferry ride alone is pretty fun.

This brand-new ferry was added to the BC Ferries fleet in 2020. It’s part of a move towards eco-consciousness and uses a hybrid engine. (It runs 20% on battery power, the remainder on diesel.)

Eventually, BC Ferries hopes to introduce a shore-based charging system so that the Island Aurora can run entirely on battery power. The hybrid system is much quieter than conventional engines, which is great for both passengers and the resident whales.

The views of Johnstone Strait from the ferry are spectacular, and with fairly low rates for both walk-on passengers and cars, it’s the cheapest way to get out on the water on northern Vancouver Island!

Pro tip: Take a day trip to both Alert Bay and Sointula on the same day using just one ticket to save money. You will need to take the ferry back to Port McNeill to switch between the two communities – just tell ferry staff you want to visit both.

Experience Indigenous Culture in Alert Bay

Alert Bay is a small community on Cormorant Island, just a short ferry ride from Port McNeill. About half of the island is a ‘Namgis First Nation reserve. The ‘Namgis are part of the larger Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. This is one of the best places to experience Indigenous culture in Canada.

I highly recommend a visit to the U’mista Cultural Centre to learn about their history and culture. This fabulous museum has a huge collection of traditional Kwakwaka’wakw dance masks and memorabilia used in cultural events like potlatches.

In the 1920s, potlaches were declared illegal and the government stole these ceremonial objects and gave them to museums around the world. The Kwakwaka’wakw have worked hard to bring these important cultural treasures back to their traditional territory and display them on their own terms. 

Alert Bay is also home to a forest of totem poles with over 30 poles spread around town. The world’s largest totem pole, at 173 feet tall (53m) also towers over the island.

If you want to go for a walk, the Alert Bay Ecological Park is a great option. Well-marked flat trails and boardwalks lead through an upland marsh fed by underground springs. It’s a great place for birdwatching.

You can also walk around the town and explore the historical buildings.

Visit Sointula and Malcolm Island

The village of Sointula on Malcolm Island has an interesting history. Finnish settlers founded the town in 1901 as a utopian collective society. In Finnish, Sointula means “place of harmony”.

Even though it is just across the water from Port McNeill, it has retained a lot of its unique character. Many older residents still speak Finnish and the cooperatively-run local store, the Sointula Coop, has been open for over 100 years. You can learn more about local history at the tiny Sointula Museum.

Today, the island is home to lots of artists and is a great place for hiking and biking.

If you have time, be sure to make the short drive out to Bere Point. The pebble beach there is a favourite spot for resident orcas to rub their bellies at high tide. A citizen science orca research team sets up tents near the viewpoint each year. Stop in to ask them about the most recent whale sightings.

Drive the Alice Lake Loop

If you are up for some backroads driving, take on the Alice Lake Loop. I haven’t had time for the 2.5-hour trip yet, but it’s high on my list. This mini-road trip visits some of northern Vancouver Island’s unique karst features, formed by centuries of water eroding rock.

Highlights include the Devil’s Bath, a water-filled sinkhole that connects to a river underground, and the Eternal Fountain, a waterfall that appears out of the side of a cliff, then disappears beneath your feet. Take a break in the town of Port Alice part-way along to have lunch and stroll along the ocean-front seawalk.

Visit Port Hardy

Port Hardy is the largest town on north Vancouver Island, its economic centre, and the jumping-off point for ferries to northern BC. It’s a good place to grab a meal, buy groceries, or shop for souvenirs.

Don’t miss the Book Nook and Drift, which share space with Cafe Guido on Market Street. Drift has really cute locally-made clothing and home goods and the Book Nook has a great selection of local books.

For the easiest eagle spotting around, go for a walk along the seawall. The resident eagles are sure to be flying overhead, foraging on the beach at low-tide, or calling out from their nests in the nearby treetops.

Although I haven’t had time to visit, I’ve also heard that the museum at the Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre is great for rainy days, especially if you take a tour of the hatchery.

Another thing that’s on my list is visiting the nearby Kwagu’ł Nation community of Tsaxis (Fort Rupert) to visit Calvin Hunt‘s gallery of traditional Kwakwaka’wakw carvings.

Take the Inside Passage Ferry to Northern BC

Port Hardy is the departure point for the Inside Passage ferry to Northern BC. This epic all-day ferry cruises up the coast to Prince Rupert. Along the way, it passes spectacular scenery including picturesque islands, towering mountains, narrow inlets and tons of whales. On my trip we saw the best rainbows.

READ NEXT: Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, BC

Get Off the Beaten Path on Gravel Roads

If you venture off the paved Island Highway, you’ll be heading further off the beaten path than most tourists who visit north Vancouver Island. The remote communities of Coal Harbour, Winter Harbour, Quatsino, and Holberg are small resource-based towns, focused on fishing and forestry with a growing community of summer residents.

But if you are into nature, the surrounding areas are worth investigating too. You’ll find remote beaches, deserted campgrounds, hiking trails, and incredible fishing.

Use the Vancouver Island North Recreation map to get ideas on where to go. You can drive sometimes rough gravel roads to Coal Harbour, Winter Harbour, and Holberg, but you’ll need a boat to get to Quatsino.

If you make the drive, bring a map or use the Gaia GPS app since there is no cell service. Pack a spare tire, and be prepared to pull over for speeding logging trucks. Most roads go through the town of Holberg. If it’s open, be sure to stop at the Scarlet Ibis. It’s Vancouver Island’s most remote pub.

Visit Winter Harbour

Winter Harbour is a tiny town that has been around since the 1890s. It began as a fishing village but diversified to become a logging town as well by the 1950s. When the logging operation shut down in 2017, the town’s population dropped to just two year-round residents.

However, in the summer the old loggers shacks fill up with vacationers going salmon fishing or exploring the labrynith of inlets. Be sure to stop at the Outpost General Store, then walk the unique waterfront boardwalk which connects homes and businesses along the inlet and predates the road network.

If you’re up for adventure, drive the backroads to hike to Grant Bay. The short trail leads to what I think is one of the most beautiful remote sandy beaches on Northern Vancouver Island. To get there, take West Main from Winter Harbour Road, then follow it to its end.

Hike, Canoe, Camp, and Surf at Raft Cove Provincial Park

Remote Raft Cove Provincial Park is located on the wild west coast of Northern Vancouver Island. There are two ways to get there, but both start with a long drive on logging roads.

You can canoe 5 km down the Macjack River to its mouth from a put-in off Topknot Main FSR accessed from Winter Harbour. Or you can make a tough and muddy 3 km hike to the beach from a trailhead on Ronning Main FSR access from Holberg.

Once you arrive, the sand stretches for a kilometres and waves pound in from the Pacific Ocean. It’s a popular spot for surfers. There is a great backcountry campground on the peninsula at the mouth of the Macjack River.

Get more info on visiting Raft Cove in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Visit Ronnings Garden

Ronning’s Garden is one of the most unique places to visit on Northern Vancouver Island. Norwegian settler Bernt Ronning built a homestead on the wagon road between Holberg and Cape Scott around 1910. He cleared the bush to create an impressive garden that spanned nearly 5 acres.

He died in 1963 and the rainforest started to reclaim the garden. But in the last few decades new owners have worked on restoring the garden. Today you can walk into the garden to see huge monkey puzzle trees and many other interesting plants from around the world.

Find Ronnings Garden just off San Josef Main on the way to Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Hike and Camp at Cape Scott Provincial Park

Cape Scott Provincial Park sits at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s a wild and beautiful place of white sand beaches, dense rainforest, incredible wildlife, and settler history.

The only way to explore the park is by day hiking or backpacking in to one of the remote backcountry campgrounds. The park has three main trails: the easy and flat day-hike to San Josef Bay, the moderate 3-day backpacking trip to Cape Scott Lighthouse, and the challenging 6-day North Coast Trail. Cape Scott is one of my favourite places and I’ve hiked into the park six times.

Get more info on visiting Cape Scott Provincial Park in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide

READ NEXT: North Coast Trail Guide

Where to Eat on North Vancouver Island

Since many of the communities on northern Vancouver Island are small, you may have to do a bit of advance planning when it comes to where to eat. Most of the towns have at least one restaurant, pub, cafe, or general store but a few do not.

There are also a few restaurants that are worth planning for. Here are my picks for the best restaurants on north Vancouver Island.

Cafe Guido

This adorable hipster coffee shop in Port Hardy wouldn’t be out of place in a big city. Cafe Guido has sandwiches, baked goods, and of course coffee. They share space with the Book Nook and Drift, so allow time for browsing.

Duchess’ Bannock and Desserts

If you’re in Alert Bay, don’t miss trying Duchess’ Bannock. If you’ve never had bannock before, it’s a traditional indigenous fried bread. Duchess’ bannock was some of the best I have ever tasted.

If you have a sweet tooth, order the bannock and berries instead of just the plain bannock. It comes covered in three kinds of berries, berry sauce, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles. Sooo good. (Just make sure you share it with someone – it’s huge!)

ha’me’ Restaurant and nax’id’ Pub

The ha’me’ Restaurant and nax’id’ pub at the newly refurbished Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy serve local, Indigenous-inspired west coast cuisine. (Fun fact: in Kwakwaka’wakw, ha’me‘ means food and nax’id’ means drink.)

We’ve eaten there a few times. My husband was really impressed with their salmon burger… which was served on bannock. 

Where to Stay on North Vancouver Island

With campgrounds, B&Bs, and lodges scattered across northern Vancouver Island, it’s easy to find a place to stay. Here are a few of my favourites:

Bere Point Campground, Malcolm Island

I haven’t actually camped here, but it’s high on my list after visiting for the day in 2020. Located next to the famous whale rubbing beach on Malcolm Island, it has incredible campsites, many of which are right on the ocean. On my visit, campers were trading stories of their many whale sightings! Book in advance as it is popular.

Telegraph Cove Resort, Telegraph Cove

We stayed in the Telegraph Cove Lodge building at the Telegraph Cove Resort before our Johnstone Strait kayaking trip. It has great views of the cove. You can also stay in their collection of historic homes right on the boardwalk – they are super cute! Check prices.

Kwa’lilas Hotel, Port Hardy

I spent three nights at the Indigenous-run Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy on my 2020 visit to northern Vancouver Island. It’s completely renovated with gorgeous First Nations art in every room. Definitely one of the more upscale places to stay on northern Vancouver Island (without being expensive or pretentious). Check prices.

The Quarterdeck Inn, Port Hardy

We stayed at harbour-front Quarterdeck Inn in Port Hardy in 2021. It has comfortable rooms and is right on the water. It’s the best place to stay if you are hiking the North Coast Trail since it is right next to the water taxi dock. (We stayed here the night before our 2021 NCT hike.) Check prices.

Nimpkish Hotel, Alert Bay

This boutique hotel stands out along the waterfront in Alert Bay. The Nimpkish Hotel is a bright blue historic building with a big deck and lots of windows for great views of the Alert Bay Harbour. With only nine rooms and breakfast included, you’ll feel like you’re staying at a B&B, not a hotel. Check prices.

Humpback Inn, Port McNeill

The Humpback Inn in Port McNeill is a newly refurbished motel with a cute retro vibe. It’s right by the water and an easy walk to everything including whale and bear watching tours. Friends stayed her and loved it. Check prices.

Cape Scott Provincial Park

If you want to get away from it all, you can’t beat a hike-in campsite at Cape Scott Provincial Park. The sea stacks at San Josef Bay are great if you want a short hike, but for the real experience, make the full-day trek out to Nel’s Bight for the full white sand beach experience. The best part: no reservations required! (Read my guide to Cape Scott to plan your trip.)

Now you have all the info you need to head to northern Vancouver Island. What is your favourite thing to do on north Vancouver Island? Tell me in the comments. And as always, send me your questions as I’m happy to help answer them.

More Things to do on Vancouver Island

• Little Huson Caves on Vancouver Island
• Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
• How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island

Hiking Guides for Vancouver Island

• North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide

The post Things to do on Northern Vancouver Island appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I have visited a lot of Canada’s National Parks. Recently I wanted to figure out how many parks I had left to visit, and the best way to see them. I’ve also driven across Canada twice, and I know it’s a beautiful trip.

I had a look at a map and figured out that while some Canadian National Parks are fly or boat-in only, most of them are easy to reach on a road trip. And actually, you could design a really epic road trip from coast to coast that includes most of the National Parks plus lots of Canada’s major cities.

So I sat down with google maps and worked one out for you! Here is my guide to the ultimate Canadian National Parks road trip. Enjoy!

Psst! Do you love national parks? Check out my list of the best Canadian national parks gifts

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Planning

As of 2019, Canada has 48 National Parks. Thirty-one of them have road-access. (You have to fly or boat into the others.) I’ve used Google maps to design a cross-Canada road trip that visits all 31 of those parks with the least amount of backtracking possible. In most places, the route stays close to the trans-Canada highway, so it’s easy to take short detours off the cross-Canada route to visit National Parks.

This road trip visits every single Canadian province and two territories. (Nunavut isn’t connected to the road network. That means it’s not even possible to road trip there!) It includes 31 National Park and also visits lots of major Canadian cities and provincial capitals, since you’ll have to to eat some great food and soak up some culture now and then.

The entire Canadian National Parks road trip involves over 19,000km (11,800 miles) of driving. And lots of the parks are REALLY big. For example, Wood Buffalo National Park is larger than the entire country of Denmark! (For more fun trivia, check out this list of 155 crazy facts about Canada).

At a minimum, it would take about a month or two to complete the entire trip, but it would be REALLY rushed. Ideally, I would set aside at least 4 months for this epic road trip, but ideally closer to 5 or 6 months to really spend time in each place.

Of course, that’s a lot of time off for most people, so if you don’t have that much time, take a few weeks to just do a section. Some of the areas I’ve enjoyed the most are the Rocky Mountain parks in BC and Alberta, and the Atlantic Canadian provinces, especially Newfoundland.

Weather in Canada is no joke. By far the best time of year to do this road trip would be the summer months of June to September. May and October are also nice unless you are in the north. Theoretically, you could do this trip at any time of year with good snow tires and some winter driving experience, but many of the parks have reduced services in the winter or close completely. 

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Map

Here’s the custom google map of Canada’s National Parks I’ve made for you. Click to explore the map. The National Parks you can visit by car are in green. Parks you have to fly or boat into are in red. The blue line is the epic Canadian National Park road trip route.

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s a list of every single National Park in Canada visited on the road trip, in order from west to east. It also includes important cities and provincial capital cities. I’ve listed every National Park and city I have visited in bold. That means I’ve been to 17 of the 31 parks on this road trip already! Just 14 to go!

• Victoria, British Columbia
• Pacific Rim National Park (Read about the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim)
• Gulf Islands National Park
• Vancouver, British Columbia (Read Vancouver area posts)
• Mount Revelstoke National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Kootenay National Park (Read about the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park)
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Calgary, Alberta
• Banff National Park (Read about how to visit Banff in the fall and what to do in Banff in the spring)
• Yoho National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
• Kluane National Park
• Wood Buffalo National Park
• Edmonton, Alberta
• Elk Island National Park
• Prince Albert National Park
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Grasslands National Park
• Regina, Saskatchewan
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Pukaskwa National Park
• Georgian Bay Islands National Park
• Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Point Pelee National Park
• Toronto, Ontario
• Rouge National Urban Park
• Thousand Islands National Park
• Ottawa, Ontario
• Montreal, Quebec
• La Mauricie National Park
• Quebec City, Quebec
• Mingan Archipelago National Park
• Forillon National Park (Read my friend Josanne’s guide to hiking and camping in Forillon National Park)
• Kouchibouguac National Park
• Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Fundy National Park
• Prince Edward Island National Park
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Keijimkujik National Park
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Gros Morne National Park (Read about the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne)
• Terra Nova National Park
• St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (Read my list of the best things to do in St. John’s)

Canadian National Parks Without Car Access

While they are difficult to get to, and in many cases pretty expensive, I’d love to visit some of Canada’s more remote National Parks. Here are the other 17 National Parks that require charter flights or boats to reach. I’ve included info on their location and how to get there if you’re curious.

Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve: Located in southeastern Labrador, the only way to reach this park is to fly in from the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Aulavik National Park: This park is on the north end of Banks Island, an arctic island in the North-West Territories. To get there, you’ll fly in from Inuvik, NWT.

Auyuittuq National Park: To get to this park on the southern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut, you charter a flight from Iqaluit, NU.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve: This national park is located in the southern end of Haida Gwaii (also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the west coast of British Columbia. To get to Haida Gwaii, drive your car onto the passenger ferry in Prince Rupert, BC. Once you’re on the island, you can take a boat or a float plane from Queen Charlotte City into the park. Read my guide to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

Ivvavik National Park: This park is located along the Arctic Ocean in the northern part of the Yukon Territory. The only way to get there is to charter a flight from Inuvik, NWT. 

Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve: This Canadian national park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Yukon Territory. To get there, you’ll need to fly to the remote communities of Norman Wells, Tulita, or Fort Simpson, NWT, and then charter a floatplane into the park. 

Nahanni National Park Reserve: Located in the southwestern part of the North West Territories, you can only reach Nahanni National Park by floatplane. Charter one in Fort Simpson or Yellowknife (NWT), Watson Lake (YT), or Muncho Lake (BC).

Qausuittuq National Park: This park is located on Bathhurst Island in Nunavut’s high arctic. To get there, you can fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Quttinirpaaq National Park: Canada’s northernmost National Park, this park is located on Ellesmere Island. To get there, you’ll have to fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut to Resolute Bay, then into the park.

Sable Island National Park Reserve: Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia, Sable Island is a giant sand bar with a population of wild horses. The only way to reach it is by charter flight from Halifax, NS.

Sirmilik National Park: This arctic National Park is on the northern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut. To get there, fly from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, then snowmobile or boat into the park.

Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve: This brand new National Park was just created in 2019. It’s located on the eastern end of Great Slave Lake in the North West Territories. The only way to get there is by boat or floatplane from Yellowknife. 

Torngat Mountains National Park: Located in northern Labrador, the easiest way to get there is to take a charter flight from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador to Saglek airstrip at the southern end of the park. From there you can take a boat or helicopter into the park.

Tuktut Nogait National Park: This northern park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Nunavut. To get there, book a charter flight from Inuvik, NWT.

Ukkusiksalik National Park: Located in Nunavut near Hudson’s Bay, the only way to reach this park is by charter flight from Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, or Naujaat, Nunavut then boat or fly into the park.

Vuntut National Park: This National Park is located near the Alaska border in Yukon Territory. To get there, fly to Old Crow, Yukon, then fly or paddle into the park.

Wapusk National Park: Located in the heart of polar bear country on Hudson’s Bay in Manitoba, this park can be reached by boat, snowmobile, plane or dog team from the town of Churchill, Manitoba.

Canadian National Parks Resources

• Parks Canada’s website is your best source for up to date info on the parks. You can also buy National Parks passes online. For an extended trip, the best deal is the Discover Pass, which gets you in to all parks for a year. 
• To help plan your trip (and get excited about what you’ll be seeing) the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada is a great choice. National Geographic also has a great bundle of maps of Canada. They’re waterproof and tear-resistant so they’re great on the road or for at-home planning.
• For general Canada travel advice, Lonely Planet’s Canada Travel Guide is great. We used an older version of this guide on our drives across Canada.

So there’s my itinerary for the most epic Canadian National Parks road trip. If you are planning a road trip across Canada, these 31 National Parks should be on your list. 

Don’t have enough time for a full cross-Canada road trip? Here are some ideas for shorter Canadian road trips:

• Drive the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler
• Explore the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
• Take a hot springs road trip in BC and Alberta

Read Next:

• 20 Fabulous Canadian National Park Gift Ideas
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
• Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park
• Hiking the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park
• Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

The post How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Big Tree Basics

Getting to Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew is a remote community located in south western Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It’s a 2 hour drive on winding and bumpy roads from Victoria in the east or Duncan to the north east. The roads to Port Renfrew are actually part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route and there is lots of stuff to see along the way. Read my guide to this great road trip.

Port Renfrew is a very small community with a population of about 150 people. There is a small general store if you need supplies. They do have a gas station in town now, but it’s safer to fill up in Sooke or Lake Cowichan in case the station isn’t open when you get there.

If you’re based on southern Vancouver Island, you can see all of these trees on a day trip, but it will be a bit rushed. I recommend staying overnight in Port Renfrew. We stayed at the Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages. They were right on the water with an amazing view. Definitely recommended.

I’ve also camped at the Pacheedaht Campground, which is right on the beach. (They don’t have a website – call them at (250) 647-0090)

Navigating to the Big Trees

Port Renfrew is so small that it doesn’t have cell phone service. You will need to rely on paper maps and maybe a GPS device to find your way to the big trees. The Ancient Forest Alliance has put together an excellent map with turn by turn driving directions. (Click on the images below to download PDFs of the map and driving directions.) However, the map just shows the major roads. I brought my Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook and it was really helpful to navigate the maze of backroads. In a few confusing spots we also used our Garmin eTrex GPS to figure out which road junction we were at.  Make sure you have a full tank of gas just in case you get lost and drive further than you intended.

I recommend visiting the trees in the order listed in this guide: First Avatar Grove and Big Lonely Doug, then the San Juan Spruce and the Red Creek Fir, finishing with the Harris Creek Spruce. If you don’t have a 4 wheel drive you will have to miss Big Lonely Doug and the Red Creek Fir. (Or do a few kilometres of logging road walking.)

Driving on Logging Roads

To visit most of these trees you will need to drive on unpaved logging roads. These roads are actively used for logging so drive with your lights on.  Be prepared to pull over quickly if you meet industrial trucks, particularly large fully loaded logging trucks. (They won’t stop for you!) A 4×4 vehicle with high clearance will be helpful to visit some of the trees, but you can visit many of them with a regular car. I’ll let you know in the description for each area what kind of car can make it. No matter what kind of car you bring, make sure you have a working spare tire and know how to change it.

Protecting the Big Trees

The Ancient Forest Alliance discovered, publicized and protected (or attempted to protect) most of the big trees described in this article. The Ancient Forest Alliance is a grass-roots non-profit society working to protect old growth forests in BC and advocate for sustainable forestry practices. They have raised money to construct trails to many of the trees in this article. If you enjoy your visit to the trees, please consider making a donation to their cause or joining their letter writing campaigns. (I give a a recurring donation each month and would love it if you would do the same.) There is still lots more work to do to protect these trees and others.

Respecting the Environment

The big trees are located in remote wilderness areas. There are no toilet or garbage facilities. Please follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you pack in. If you have to go to the bathroom, please dig a small cat hole 70 paces from trails and water sources, then pack out your toilet paper.

Please avoid walking on the root systems of the ancient trees to ensure that they remain healthy and standing for years to come. Even giants don’t like having their feet stepped on! Some of the trees have fencing or barriers around their bases to protect their roots. Please stay on the trail and respect the barriers.

The big trees near Port Renfrew are on the unceded traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation.

How to Visit Avatar Grove

The big trees of Avatar Grove are the closest to Port Renfrew and one of the easiest sites to access. Member of the Ancient Forest Alliance first discovered Avatar Grove in 2009 and named it after the James Cameron film. Avatar grove contains numerous large western red cedars and Douglas firs. The highlight is Canada’s Gnarliest Tree, a huge cedar with numerous gnarly burl growths on its lower trunk. The grove was given protected status in 2012 and is now closed to logging.

There are actually two separate groves at Avatar Grove: the upper grove and the lower grove. You will find Canada’s Gnarliest Tree in the upper grove, reached by climbing wooden stairs and board walks. In the lower grove you’ll find a collection of cedars and firs along a short loop trail. You have to descend a set of stairs to reach the loop. Both trails are under construction and have muddy, slippery and uneven sections, despite the numerous boardwalks and bridges that have already been built. Be sure to wear hiking boots.

Trail Stats: Upper Grove: 500m round trip, 80m elevation gain; Lower Grove: 650m loop, 25m elevation gain

Tree Info: Canada’s Gnarliest Tree (11m circumference), numerous unnamed large red cedars and douglas firs

Driving Information: Avatar Grove is about 10km from Port Renfrew and can be accessed by any car. The last few kilometres of the road are unpaved and bumpy, but regular 2wd cars will be fine if they drive slowly. For complete driving directions refer to the Ancient Forest Alliance map and driving directions pdfs above.

How to Visit Big Lonely Doug

Big Lonely Doug has become a bit of a symbol for the protection of old growth forests in BC. This towering douglas fir stands alone in the middle of a clear cut. Back in 2012 a logger working in the area decided to spare Big Lonely Doug when marking a cut block full of other old growth trees. At the time no one knew that it was the second largest douglas fir tree in the world. The history of how Big Lonely Doug was saved is fascinating. You can read about it in an excellent article on The Walrus. The author of that article, Harley Rustad, has written a book about Big Lonely Doug’s story. It’s such a great book that I included it on my list of the best Canadian adventure books. 

The best place to view Big Lonely Doug is actually from the logging road where you park. You have to stand pretty far back to fit the whole tree into a photo! If you want to get down close to the tree, there is a rough trail marked with blue flags that descends the hillside, weaving around clearcut debris. It’s pretty steep and in a few places you have to climb over fallen logs that are really slippery when it rains. Try to minimize the time you spend right next to Doug to protect his roots.

Trail Stats: 250m round trip, 20m elevation gain.

Tree Info: Big Lonely Doug is 66m tall and has a circumference of nearly 12m.

Driving Information: Big Lonely Doug is located a few kilometres up the road from Avatar Grove so it makes the most sense to visit them one after another. The road past Avatar Grove gets increasingly bumpy and rocky.  But it should still be find for regular cars up until the bridge over the Gordon River. After the bridge the road gets rougher and steeper so you will need a 4 wheel drive. If you only have a 2 wheel drive car you can park at the bridge and walk up the road for about 1.5km to Big Lonely Doug. Be sure to stop and check out the view from the bridge as the Gordon River canyon is spectacular. For complete driving directions refer to the Ancient Forest Alliance map and driving directions pdfs above.

How to Visit the San Juan Spruce

The San Juan Spruce was one of the world’s largest sitka spruce trees by volume. Unfortunately some time in the last year or two the top portion of the tree suffered wind damage. (I haven’t been able to find any news online about this, but when I visited the tree, it was missing it’s top portion and there were tree branch bits on the ground.)

The main trunk still stands, but the tree has lost much of it’s former height. It’s still worth a visit since the beauty of the tree is in it’s huge base with moss and ferns growing out of it. The tree is located in the San Juan Bridge Forest Recreation Site.  For just $10 you can camp near the tree next to the river. In the spring the site is almost carpeted in beautiful Pink Fawn Lilies.

Trail Stats: You can park right next to the tree. No hiking required.

Tree Info: The San Juan Spruce has a circumference of 11.6m and was once 62m tall. Now it is about half that height.

Driving Directions: Most of the drive from Port Renfrew to the San Juan Spruce is on a paved road. The last few kilometres are on gravel roads with active logging. The roads are rocky and bumpy but should not pose any significant challenges for 2wd vehicles. For complete driving directions refer to the Ancient Forest Alliance map and driving directions pdfs above.

How to Visit the Red Creek Fir

The Red Creek Fir is the largest known douglas fir tree in the world. However it isn’t the tallest (there’s a taller one in Cathedral Grove) but it is the biggest by volume. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit it on my trip, but I would love to go back and see it. This is the most difficult to reach of the big trees near Port Renfrew. It requires a longer drive on rougher and unmaintained roads. After the drive there is a short uphill hike to the tree. Along the way you’ll pass several giant cedar trees.

Trail Stats: 1km round trip, 50m elevation gain

Tree Info: The Red Creek Fir is the largest douglas fir tree in the world. It is 74m tall and has a circumference of 4m.

Driving Information: I haven’t actually done this drive, but from what I’ve read online it’s a rough, unmaintained road. You need a 4wd car to make the trip. Consider bringing a saw to clear branches out of the way. The route to the Red Creek Fir passes right by the San Juan Spruce so plan to visit both on the same trip. For complete driving directions refer to the Ancient Forest Alliance map and driving directions pdfs above.

How to Visit the Harris Creek Spruce

The Harris Creek Spruce is the easiest tree to visit on this list since it’s located right next to a paved road. It’s not the largest sitka spruce on Vancouver Island, but it is still pretty spectacular. A wooden fence surrounds the tree to protect it’s roots. (Remember, giants don’t like having their feet stepped on.) This tree stands in a second growth forest since the Harris Creek Spurce was spared when the area was originally logged in the 1890s. It grows right on the banks of Harris Creek and has some wonderfully moss-draped branches.

Trail Stats: You can access the tree via a flat trail that is about 20m long.

Tree Info: The Harris Creek Spruce is 4m in diameter and about 80m tall.

Driving Information: The Harris Creek Spruce is located on the east side of the paved Pacific Marine Circle Route road in between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan. However, there is only one small sign to indicate that the tree is there. It’s approximately 8km past the Lizard Lake rec site turn off. Start to watch for the sign on your right after you pass by the tight canyon of Harris Creek and a recent forest fire scar. For complete driving directions refer to the Ancient Forest Alliance map and driving directions pdfs above.

There’s something special about visiting these ancient trees. They’ve been on this Earth for hundreds (or even over a thousand) years and have seen so much in their lifetime. I wonder what they would say if they could talk. I feel honoured to have been able to stand in their presence, even just for a few minutes. I loved my visit to Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and the other big trees near Port Renfrew and I know I’ll have to visit them again. Have you visited any big trees? Tell me in the comments.

More Vancouver Island Posts:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
• Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• Hiking the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island
• Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide
• Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know
• Things to do on North Vancouver Island

The post How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Off Season Sightseeing

Tourism in Iceland has exploded, and winter is no longer the slow season it once was. It is still a bit quieter than the peak summer season though. You will find crowds at the more popular attractions, but once you get out of reach of the bus tours , you can have some places mostly to yourself. (My tip is to hit attractions at off-peak times for the bus tours, such as sunrise or sunset.)

It’s worth noting that some of the signature sights aren’t available in the winter in Iceland: The puffins will be out in the Atlantic until the spring, snow covers the ubiquitous moss, and all the sheep are inside warm barns. As well, some areas are closed due to winter conditions. This includes the highlands and the popular hiking areas of Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork. Other areas might be partially closed due to slippery conditions, such as some of the viewpoints at Gullfoss and the hiking trails above Skogafoss.

But there are some experiences you can only have in the winter in Iceland: seeing the aurora borealis, icicle draped waterfalls, snow covered mountains and going on a glacier ice cave tour.

Short Days

In the summertime, Iceland is the land of the midnight sun and it never really gets dark. The opposite is true in the winter in Iceland. The days are short with sunrise around 10:30am and sunset around 4:30pm. That gives you about 6 hours of full daylight to get your sightseeing in. Yet, the blue hours around dawn and dusk last nearly an hour, which give you plenty of beautiful light for photos. On my recent trip, we noted the sunrise and sunset times for each day and planned to be at our first stop of the day in time for the sunrise.

Winter Driving

Winter driving in Iceland is no joke since the roads can often be a sheet of ice or covered in wet snow. If you aren’t used to driving in winter conditions, it can be a bit scary.  If you rent a car make sure you get one with studded tires and 4 wheel drive. Even with the proper vehicle you should still drive slowly and cautiously. (We met two American women who spun out into a farmer’s field in an all-wheel drive Subaru with studded tires!) Check the weather and road conditions before you set out each day. (Bookmark umferdin.is and vedur.is for that.)

But don’t let me scare you off renting a car if you are comfortable with winter driving. It’s the best way to see Iceland! (And there’s no shame in being too scared to self-drive. If that’s you, there are tons of bus tours or smaller super jeep tours you can book).

Winter Weather

While it is called “ice” land, it’s actually not that cold in the winter in Iceland. Temperatures hover just above or below freezing so you will need winter clothes, but not full on polar explorer winter clothes. However, it seems like it is always windy in Iceland. The wind can make it feel much, MUCH colder than the thermometer says it is.  Since the temperature can be just above freezing, it is often warm enough to rain in the winter in Iceland. Make sure your packing list includes rain gear, and warm layers to go underneath.

The weather in Iceland is always very changeable. I’ve experienced sun, rain, snow, hail, fog and harsh wind, all in the same day in Iceland. Even with all that changeability, the winter weather in Iceland is usually on the overcast and grey side. It doesn’t make the landscape any less beautiful, and it makes those moments of sunshine even more special.

Seeing the Northern Lights

All that darkness, combined with its northern latitude, make Iceland a great location to see the Northern Lights. (Aurora-based tours are very popular. ) However, if you have your own rental car or are travelling outside of Reykjavik, you don’t need to go on a tour. You just need to keep an eye on the aurora forecast, then drive somewhere dark. Keep in mind that Iceland’s typically cloudy weather may make it impossible to spot the Northern Lights. I was in Iceland for 7 nights and unfortunately did not see the aurora borealis 🙁

You Will Still Want to go Swimming

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean Icelanders stop going to swimming pools and hot pots. Everyone in Iceland loves swimming, every town has a swimming pool and Iceland’s official road atlas has a map at the back that shows the location of every swimming pool in Iceland. It’s a national pastime. The pools use naturally occurring geothermal heat from the volcanoes underneath the country and can be quite warm. So don’t forget to pack your bathing suit. Sitting in the steaming water of a hot pool surrounded by snow is a quintessentially Icelandic winter experience. The Blue Lagoon is on many people’s bucket list (and it is a unique experience) but on my recent winter trip I found the laid back old-school vibe of the newly opened Secret Lagoon to be more my style. We also visited Seljavallalaug, Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, but with water temperatures at only 25C, it felt too cold outside to get in. (For comparison, most hot pools are around 35-40C).

The Locals Wear Wool Sweaters (That Make the Best Souvenirs)

A handknit Icelandic wool sweater, called a lopapeysa is the best souvenir you can buy for winter in Iceland. They are knit from a thick wool that is a bit scratchy, but super warm. Locals wear them all winter in Iceland since they are far warmer than other sweaters.

I bought one during my first trip there in May of 2014 but it wasn’t really cold enough to wear it. I brought my lopapeysa to Iceland with me on my recent winter trip and was so glad I did. It was warmer than my fleece jacket! Plan to buy a lopapeysa at the beginning of your trip. That way you’ll have something super warm to wear, you’ll have a unique handmade souvenir and you won’t have to pack as many warm layers from home. Plus if you wear your lopapeysa in Iceland and have fair colouring like my husband, people might even mistake you for a local.

The best place to buy a genuine handknitted lopapeysa is at Alafoss in Mosfellsbaer (a suburb of Reykjavik) or at the Handknitting Association of Iceland Shop on Skólavörðustígur in central Reykjavik. (Avoid the made-in-China knock-offs sold at tons of shops on Laugavegur.) You might find the prices for these sweaters a little shocking compared to a chain store wool sweater you can buy at home, but keep in mind that these are hand knit in Iceland, from wool that was grown, harvested, spun and dyed in Iceland. And that almost nothing in Iceland is cheap. I think lopapeysa are well worth the price.

Check out my full day by day trip report post if you want to hear all about my winter trip to Iceland. Would you travel to Iceland in the winter? Or would you prefer seeing it in the summer time? Tell me in the comments. (For me, it’s like asking me to choose which child I love more!)

The post 7 Things You Might Not Know About Winter in Iceland appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.