7-Day Budget Adventure on Vancouver Island

Day 1: Arrival in Victoria

Victoria, BC

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Very Good Butchers

Start your trip with a delicious vegan breakfast at this local gem known for its innovative plant-based dishes.
Take a bus or walk to the Inner Harbour for great views.
CAD 15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Royal BC Museum

Explore British Columbia's rich history through interactive and educational exhibits.
Head east towards the museum, just a short walk from your breakfast spot.
CAD 20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Fox Café

Enjoy a hearty meal at this popular spot known for its creative brunch options.
Walk north about 15 minutes to the restaurant.
CAD 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll through Beacon Hill Park

Take in the beauty of gardens and wildlife in one of Victoria's largest parks.
A short 10-minute walk south from the café.
CAD 0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings

Wander around the picturesque Inner Harbour, capturing photos of the majestic buildings.
Stay close in the Inner Harbour area.
CAD 0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Mint

Savor delicious Indian cuisine in a friendly environment.
Walk a short distance north into the city centre.
CAD 25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening stroll around the harbour

Enjoy the beautiful waterfront as the sun sets.
Simply walk back towards the harbour.
CAD 0, 1 hour
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Day 2: Full Day in Victoria

Victoria, BC

9:00AM

Breakfast at Jam Café

Indulge in hearty breakfast options popular among locals.
Walk 15 minutes from your accommodation.
CAD 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Butchart Gardens

Take in the stunning floral displays and themed gardens.
Catch Bus #75 from downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens.
CAD 34, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Poppy Restaurant

Enjoy a meal inside Butchart Gardens, surrounded by beauty.
Located within the gardens.
CAD 25, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Craigdarroch Castle

Step back in time at this stunning Victorian-era mansion.
Take the bus back to downtown and then a short walk.
CAD 15, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Noodlebox

Try delicious noodle dishes at this affordable eatery.
Walk back towards downtown from the castle.
CAD 15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Catch a play at the Belfry Theatre

Enjoy a cultural evening with local performances.
Short walk from Noodlebox to the theatre.
CAD 30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Outdoors in Sooke

Sooke, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Prepare a light meal with local ingredients before heading out.
N/A
CAD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Go on a hike at East Sooke Regional Park

Experience stunning coastal views and lush forests on this beautiful trail.
Drive or ride-share to East Sooke Regional Park.
CAD 0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Stickleback Restaurant

Enjoy seafood views of Sooke Harbour in a casual setting.
Nearby, about 10 minutes by car.
CAD 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Discover stunning natural rock pools and great swimming holes.
Drive 20 minutes from the restaurant.
CAD 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sooke Fine Arts

Enjoy dinner while admiring art by local artists.
Short drive back towards the town.
CAD 25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Relax at your accommodation, or explore downtown Sooke

End the day enjoying the local shops and scenery.
Walking around is easy in town.
CAD 0, 1 hour
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Day 4: Wine and Dine in Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Valley, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shatterbox Coffee

Get your day started with strong coffee and pastries.
Drive or carpool to Cowichan Valley.
CAD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit a local winery such as Cherry Point Estate Wines

Sample amazing local wines in beautiful surroundings.
Nearby, about a 15-minute drive.
CAD 15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre

Grab a light lunch before continuing your adventure.
Just a short drive away from the winery.
CAD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Cowichan River Provincial Park

Enjoy nature on trails featuring scenic river views.
Driving to the park takes about 20 minutes.
CAD 0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Wine Tasting at Enrico Winery

Sample more fabulous wine from this acclaimed winery.
A quick 15-minute drive from the park.
CAD 15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Duncan Garage Cafe

Savor homemade meals with local ingredients.
Head back towards Duncan, a 20-minute drive.
CAD 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Nanaimo

Nanaimo, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Vault Cafe

Enjoy their fantastic breakfast options and fresh coffee.
Drive to Nanaimo from Cowichan Valley.
CAD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park

Take a ferry to this scenic island and explore its many trails.
Catch the ferry from Nanaimo Harbour.
CAD 16, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch on Newcastle Island

Pack a lunch or grab takeout beforehand for a picnic.
At a picnic area on the island.
CAD 10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Nanaimo's waterfront and Harbourfront Walkway

Enjoy a stroll along the water with beautiful views.
Take the ferry back and walk along the waterfront.
CAD 0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check out Nanaimo Museum

Learn about Nanaimo's history and culture through engaging exhibits.
25-minute walk from the waterfront.
CAD 10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Longwood Brewery

Relax with craft beer and delicious food after a day of exploration.
About 10 minutes by car from the museum.
CAD 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Beach Day in Parksville

Parksville, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy another light breakfast before a beach day.
N/A
CAD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Parksville Beach

Spend the morning soaking in the sun and beach vibes.
Short drive to Parksville Beach.
CAD 0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cuckoo Restaurant

Enjoy freshly prepared meals made from local ingredients.
A short walk from the beach.
CAD 20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Parksville Museum

Learn about the area's history through insightful displays.
5-minute drive from the restaurant.
CAD 5, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Enjoy the stunning views and relaxing atmosphere as you walk through the park.
Drive back towards the beach.
CAD 0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Beach Club Resort

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the ocean.
Short drive from the beach park.
CAD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Nature Day in Tofino

Tofino, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tofino Coffee Company

Grab a coffee and a pastry to fuel your day ahead.
Drive to Tofino from Parksville.
CAD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Experience the beauty of rugged beaches and lush rainforests.
Short drive from Tofino to the park entrance.
CAD 0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Tofino Brewing Company

Savor delicious food paired with locally brewed beer.
Drive back to Tofino for lunch.
CAD 20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Long Beach

Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation or beach activities on Tofino's iconic shore.
Nearby and easily accessible.
CAD 0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Hike the Rainforest Trail

Take in the unique ecosystems of the temperate rainforest.
Close to Long Beach, just a few minutes’ drive.
CAD 0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shelter Restaurant

Dive into farm-to-table fare that highlights seasonal and local ingredients.
Short drive or walk from the Rainforest Trail.
CAD 30, 2 hours
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