4 Days on Vancouver Island: A Road Trip for the Curious, the Daring, and the Digitally Smart

There’s something wildly liberating about ferrying across from Vancouver to the raw, rugged beauty of Vancouver Island. It’s like a reset button for your nervous system — salty air, winding roads, and a vibe that balances luxury with laid-back adventure. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple with wanderlust, or just someone craving boutique charm and a bold glass of Pinot Noir, this four-day Vancouver Island road trip was crafted for you.

But before you hit the road: don’t forget to pack not only your curiosity but your cybersecurity awareness too.

Roadtripping in 2025 isn’t just about staying physically safe on sketchy backroads — it’s also about protecting your digital life while navigating unfamiliar Wi-Fi zones and booking platforms. More on that below.

Let’s get rolling.

Day 1: Victoria Arrival + Oceanside Luxury

Kick off your Vancouver Island adventure by boarding the BC Ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. The ride is breezy and scenic...bonus points if you catch sight of whales (or at least a rogue sea otter).

Once you dock, make your way to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Nestled right on the ocean, this elegant retreat blends west coast charm with refined luxury. The highlight? The heated seaside mineral pools overlooking the Salish Sea, you’ll never want to get out.

What to do:

• Wind down with a spa treatment or dip in the hot pools

• Wander the quaint streets of Oak Bay Village

• Dinner at The Dining Room at Oak Bay Beach Hotel — think elevated coastal cuisine with sunset views

Safety tip: While you soak in the peace, don’t let your guard down digitally. Always verify the Wi-Fi network name before connecting and keep personal info off shared devices.

Day 2: Cowichan Valley Wine Country

Leave Victoria and take a scenic 45-minute drive to the Cowichan Valley — often called "Canada’s Napa of the North." Rolling vineyards, tucked-away tasting rooms, and some of the best farm-to-table food west of the Rockies.

Must-visit wineries:

• Blue Grouse Estate: Sustainable and family-owned

• Unsworth Vineyards: Great wine, dreamy patio lunch

• Averill Creek: Unreal views and bold reds

  
  

Stay overnight at Villa Eyrie, perched high on the Malahat summit for mountain-luxury vibes. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to pretend you're writing your memoir in.

Digital safety tip: Don’t share geotagged posts in real time — post after you leave a location to keep your whereabouts private and remember once you've posted online it's there for good.

Day 3: Tofino Adventure & Wild Coastlines

Set out early for the long but scenic drive to Tofino — roughly 4.5 hours with plenty of rainforest stops en route. This is where the adventure gets real.

Where to stay: Book a beachside cabin at Long Beach Lodge Resort — a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and solitude seekers.

Adventure pick:

• Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet: Breathtaking coastal hike with safe, well-marked paths

• Ocean kayaking tour with a local guide (weather permitting)

  
  

End your day with wood-fired pizza and local oysters at Wolf in the Fog, a restaurant as bold as your itinerary.

Cyber tip: Traveling through remote areas? Download offline maps and emergency contact resources in advance. It’s not paranoid — it’s smart. Maps.me is a great app that doesn't need wifi or you can download them on your smartphone apps too.

Day 4: Slow Down & Head Home

On your final day, take it slow. Grab coffee at Tofino Coffee Roasting Co., explore art galleries, and stroll Chesterman Beach barefoot like you’re in a music video.

Head back toward Nanaimo to catch a ferry, stopping at Coombs Old Country Market (yes, the place with goats on the roof) for quirky gifts and epic sandwiches.

Did you Hear??? Real Travel Threat, Real Safe Solution

In case you missed it: a popular Canadian influencer recently had her travel Instagram hacked mid-trip, losing years of content and direct access to sponsors. On top of that she used the same password for her AirBnb account that was hacked mid-trip. Identity stolen and thousands of dollars spent on new bookings... The kicker? The hack came through an airport Wi-Fi network... one of the most common places cyber criminals lurk to watch you log into your personal info or they pose as a free wifi network and as soon as you login they're watching.

Be Proactive Today - Would you know who to call if someone was in your bank account and emails?

Protect yourself with a personal cyber protection policy — which includes a 24/7 hack support line to call anytime you feel digitially unsafe and offer real-time advice. It also includes up to $50,000 of financial coverage, identity theft support & more.

Peace of mind never looked so practical.

After experiencing an attack myself; I've partnered through Acera Insurance with CyberBoxx Home for a practical and much needed policy that cost $249 a year to protect your household.

Learn more today & get supported today: acera.ca/cybersafe