What's the best way to drive around Vancouver Island? Which ferry there? Which ferry to return to Vancouver. <BR> <BR>Present plan is to travel from Victoria to Campbell River (with side trip to Tofino on Rt. 4). <BR> <BR>Should we go north from Campbell River to Port Hardy? What are we missing? <BR> <BR>Thanx.

I'm sort of confused by what you mean by, "what's the best way to drive around Vancouver Island" as there's hundreds of miles of paved highway and as long as you have a car (or van, truck, etc) you can get around easily. Driving's definitely the best way to get around there (in my opinion). Is your question asking something else? <BR> <BR>For ferries, the BC Ferries website at http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/ will give you all the information you're after. <BR> <BR>From your schedule, you would go to the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal which is about a 40 minute drive south of Vancouver (there are signs pointing to Victoria/Ferries/Tsawwassen all over the freeway). You would take the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay in Sidney (which is just outside of Victoria). <BR> <BR>

I am not sure what you are asking, either. If you want to go to Victoria first, then you take the ferry from Tsawwassan to Schwartz Bay. The ferries are large vessels and run frequently. The BC ferry schedule is where Robyn said it is. So you can consult it for details. <BR>If you are up around Campbell River, it is a long drive on to Port Hardy. I am not sure that the effort is worth it. <BR>I drove north of Campbell River, but did not go all the way to Port Hardy. I think I would find a whale watching cruise along there some place. <BR> <BR>Coming back, I would take the ferry from Nanaimo to the mainland. You have two choices. One ferry route goes to Horseshoe Bay north of Vancouver, the other route takes a crisscross path from Nanaimo to Tsawwassan. It all depends on where you to go after you get off of the island. <BR>Those ferry ships are quite large, with plenty of sitting space. You can even rent a private cabin. I enjoyed the ride. <BR>But follow Robyn's suggestion and consult the web site. It is one of the better ones around. Quite informative.

I would not go north of Campbell River. I wouldn't bother with Campbell River either unless you have a reason to go there. Tofino area is much more interesting. As suggested, you can return to the mainland by ferry from Nanaimo.

Robyn - Bob - April: <BR> <BR>Sorry for the confusion. Guess we were wondering about Rt. 14 to Port Renfrew or Rt. 28 to Gold River, for example. <BR> <BR>Thanx for the advice about north of Campbell River. <BR> <BR>Our AAA map shows a new highway being built south and north of Courtenay. Any information? <BR> <BR>Appreciate your help. <BR> <BR>

The new road was not yet ready the last time I was there, so I cannot help you with actual experience. <BR>If you have not finalized your list of places to visit, I strongly endorse <BR>two places near Victoria: <BR>Butchart Gardens and the BC Provincial <BR>Museum. Of all the smaller museums I have seen, I am very partial to the BC effort. It contains well presented exhibits on native culture and the logging industry. It is not so large as to be overwhelming but thorough enought to present a very good picture of the area. As for the Gardens, I am not much of a garden person, but I enjoyed my visit to Butchart.

Re #14 to Pt Renfrew,a lovely journey,a number of interesting beaches to visit along the way. <BR>Botanical Beach at Pt Renfrew always a treat and then you can do a 'circle route' take the back road to Duncan via HoneyMoon Bay and the Cowichan Valley. <BR>It's a gravel road but wide and well maintained ask for info in Pt.Renfrew I've done it many,many times in an ordinary vehicle no worries;locals in Pt.Renfrew take this road to visit Wal-Mart in Duncan! <BR>The good news is that it's not a very big Wal-Mart, the bad news... <BR>As to the road to Gold River a lovely route as well again I've driven it a number of times but as a Sportfisherman my focus is rather narrow I 'drive to arrive'. <BR>There are a number of lovely lakes for camping and of course access to Strathcona Park. <BR>

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I believe those new sections of highway are complete. Even if they're not, I wouldn't worry about it - some of the old highway sections were more scenic. Personally I didn't care much for Gold River or the drive to it. If you're still planning to go to Tofino, you can visit the Parksville/Qualicum area, then take the Port Alberni highway, and maybe stop to visit Cathedral Grove. This would be my preferred drive of the ones you've mentioned. <BR> <BR>There are several beaches along the route to Port Renfrew, although you don't need to go that far. French Beach is easy to get to; China Beach is more or a challenge but more interesting; Sandcut Creek is my favourite but, unless things have changed, you might miss the access if you blink. There are also many hiking trails in East Sooke Park. For a change of pace on the way out or back, have a stroll through the Hatley castle grounds.