When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I would say that there is a ton to see on the island, but it can be deceiving, time wise it can take longer to get around then you realize! Lots of great roads to explore including the Pacific Marine Circle Route: Pacific Marine Circle Route - Tourism Vancouver Island
Keep us posted when you plan to come out, the locals are usually out and about during the 'regular' driving season!
Where's home?
Is that book of drives that the club put out online somewhere? There were some great ones that he could consider
Last time I drove the Renfrew road I remember saying a prayer of gratitude that I hadn't brought the Porsche. The rims would have been square by the time I got home - if you'd like to sample interior-of-Africa-grade roads it can also be done closer to town - just drive Quadra from Bay to Cloverdale......
Seriously, to find any road smooth and empty enough to enjoy you need to be quite selective and not go later than 0600. Munn Road, Kangaroo, the upper reaches of Millstream offer some joys but remember if you take your car to redline in second you will be doing three times the posted speed limit of ........... 40 km/hr.
Last time I drove the Renfrew road I remember saying a prayer of gratitude that I hadn't brought the Porsche. The rims would have been square by the time I got home - if you'd like to sample interior-of-Africa-grade roads it can also be done closer to town - just drive Quadra from Bay to Cloverdale......
Seriously, to find any road smooth and empty enough to enjoy you need to be quite selective and not go later than 0600. Munn Road, Kangaroo, the upper reaches of Millstream offer some joys but remember if you take your car to redline in second you will be doing three times the posted speed limit of ........... 40 km/hr.
You left out Shelbourne between North Dairy and Cedar Hill Rd!
We will be trailering the car out mid march to end of March, around there. That loop looks like what they have in the Porsche magazine that I posted originally. I am thinking of adding to the trip and going up to Tofino... Just trying to find the best roads to go that way?
Thanks!
Tofino is really only one way in and out (#4) to Parksville unless you plan on sampling VI gravel!
I have driven from Nanaimo to Tofino in our slightly lowered (ROW height) 996.
It is a fabulous drive. The road from Parksville to Port Alberni is good but from there to the Ucluelet area is bumpy, narrow with occasional potholes.
What to watch out for on that road? The signs indicating cornering speeds are quite accurate and corners appear very quickly… watch your speed! There are a number of RVs and travel trailers that are very slow. There are pullover areas for them to let traffic by BUT not always used. Not very many safe passing zones.
Given all the beautiful scenery, no need to rush.
The road to Tofino is great, but very busy during tourist season. A better choice is the road from Campbell River to Gold River since it's much more lightly traveled, but just as exciting. Not much in Gold River besides a restaurant and gas station but what more do you need for a day's spirited drive?
Last time I drove the Renfrew road I remember saying a prayer of gratitude that I hadn't brought the Porsche. The rims would have been square by the time I got home - if you'd like to sample interior-of-Africa-grade roads it can also be done closer to town - just drive Quadra from Bay to Cloverdale......
Seriously, to find any road smooth and empty enough to enjoy you need to be quite selective and not go later than 0600. Munn Road, Kangaroo, the upper reaches of Millstream offer some joys but remember if you take your car to redline in second you will be doing three times the posted speed limit of ........... 40 km/hr.
40? The best parts of Munn Road are posted 30.... SMH.
This is also OK if a bit lumpy in parts. Often do it back and forth in desperation very early on summer mornings. If you stretch your legs by walking out to Creyke Point around sunrise it will add years to your life.
How about something like this, anyone have experience?
I live on the island. Waiting for my new cayman to get PPF and then all these incredible narrow winding hilly roads are mine. MINE. . But I am happy to share. Winter or summer this island is a blast. The main highway up the island is the trans Canada. Slow and the passing lane is for anything but passing but if you are in a hurry it works. Far better is the Marine road along the outside or any of the dozens of interconnecting roads.
In many places the scenery is stunning, untouched it’s beautiful but way to often the clear cuts stun travelers. I also have to mention the low speed limits and speed traps.
Just think of the other cars as moving pilots set up to force you to think as you drive
Last time I drove the Renfrew road I remember saying a prayer of gratitude that I hadn't brought the Porsche. The rims would have been square by the time I got home - if you'd like to sample interior-of-Africa-grade roads it can also be done closer to town - just drive Quadra from Bay to Cloverdale......
Seriously, to find any road smooth and empty enough to enjoy you need to be quite selective and not go later than 0600. Munn Road, Kangaroo, the upper reaches of Millstream offer some joys but remember if you take your car to redline in second you will be doing three times the posted speed limit of ........... 40 km/hr.
I live on the island. Waiting for my new cayman to get PPF and then all these incredible narrow winding hilly roads are mine. MINE. . But I am happy to share. Winter or summer this island is a blast. The main highway up the island is the trans Canada. Slow and the passing lane is for anything but passing but if you are in a hurry it works. Far better is the Marine road along the outside or any of the dozens of interconnecting roads.
In many places the scenery is stunning, untouched it’s beautiful but way to often the clear cuts stun travelers. I also have to mention the low speed limits and speed traps.
Just think of the other cars as moving pilots set up to force you to think as you drive
I just bought a new cayman. I’m torn , I’m having PPF applied and I like my cars clean and chip free but I also want this as a daily driver, ugly roads are often less traveled and it’s a car. I lived many years in Edmonton , drove sports cars and had very little money. A couple of alfas, jag sedan, Renault 17, various Volvos and gtis, a boxster and recently a golf r all shared the hardships with me.
I just sold my 82 scirocco , sort of a sports car but a willing device to move my wife and I and our gear across Canada and the us.
The scirocco lived outside, went everywhere and carried us home. This new cayman will I hope do the same. I get it on the 6th of march24.
This route would give you a great island driving experience!
I've done this route and variations of it on motorcycles, cars and even an RV! Lot's of good advice and comments about the conditions of the roads... especially coming out of winter. Thge road from Sooke to Port Renfrew is paved and something special. Driving north from Sooke with nothing but the ocean to your left is just humbling. If you do end up in Port Renfrew, the Pub and Hotel is a favourite destination. The avatar trees are pretty cool and are only a 5 minute walk from the road.
If I may, I'd suggest making ferry reservations with BC Ferries (I'll reserve commentary on BC Ferries). For non-driving activities, it'll be a good time of year for whalewatching if you get to Ukee or Tofino. Check DriveBC for highway closures as with recent wildfires, rains and general expansion and road maintenance, there are periodic closures or lane reductions (single lane for alternating traffic). Enjoy the drive and scenery!
02-20-2024, 10:59 PM
