Exploring Northern Vancouver Island 🌲🚗🍝 Road Trip: Driving to Port Alice, Nature Stops, & Local Life

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Come join us as we head to Northern Vancouver Island in this travel vlog saying goodbye to the Comox Valley area en route to Port Alice, BC. Having spent quite a bit of time in an around Mount Washington and Comox it was time for us to explore the more rugged and sparsely populated northern region of Vancouver Island. The drive itself was incredibly scenic as we opted for the old island highway hugging the coastline all the way to Campbell River. Before grabbing groceries and gas, something we'd recommend doing before heading all the way up north, we stopped off at a beach to stretch our legs and admire the views.

The rest of the drive was pleasant and relaxing as there were less vehicles on the road as you head further north. In fact, we probably saw just as many logging trucks as we did other trucks. Along the way we stopped for a picnic lunch nearby a lake.

Upon arriving in Port Alice we were all tired and hungry. For dinner we cooked up some pasta which we served with red wine. We're very excited to be in this northern regional of Vancouver Island because not too many people make it all the way up here. In terms of what we plan on doing over the coming days we're hoping to visit Port Alice and nearby towns Port McNeill, Port Hardy and Telegraph Cove. We also plan to do some island hopping to Alert Bay and Malcolm Island.

Please stay tuned for more episodes from Vancouver Island coming out soon!

Exploring Northern Vancouver Island: Road Trip to Port Alice, Nature Stops, & Local Life 🌲🚗🍝

✈️ Unexpected Start: Saying Goodbye at Comox Airport

We opened today’s adventure at Comox Airport with an emotional farewell—one of us had to head home to Gold River due to a personal emergency, leaving us one traveler down. While it was tough to see a friend leave, we were grateful he got to reconnect with family and friends, which was a big part of the trip for him. With spirits still high, we set off for the next leg of our journey: a northern road trip to Port Alice!

🚗 The Scenic Drive North: Coastal Highways, Beaches & Logging Life

Leaving Comox, we took the scenic coastal route north, passing beautiful stretches of coastline and making a pit stop at an unnamed beach just after Miracle Beach, near Campbell River—the self-proclaimed salmon capital of the world. Despite some road construction, we soaked in the views, enjoyed a snack of roast beef and cheese buns beside a peaceful lake, and admired the pristine, crystal-clear waters that define this wild part of Vancouver Island. Along the way, we couldn’t help but notice the huge logging trucks rolling past—a sign of the area’s thriving forestry industry.

🛒 Stocking Up in Campbell River: Last Chance for Supplies

Before heading further north, we made a strategic grocery run at Save-On-Foods in Campbell River—the last major city before the wilderness. We stocked up for our four-night stay in Port Alice, knowing that options become more limited the further north you go. Tip for fellow travelers: Campbell River is also the best place to fill up on gas before venturing deeper into the island!

🏡 Arriving in Port Alice: Small Town Charm & Ocean Views

After a long but beautiful drive through thick, lush forests (walls of green on both sides!), we arrived at our Airbnb in Port Alice around 5:30 p.m. The house boasted a spacious deck with stunning water views—perfect for a sunrise coffee or sunset glass of wine. We settled in and quickly got dinner underway, feeling instantly at home in this peaceful setting.

🍝 Dinner Time: Cooking Up Tortellini & Settling In

Dinner was a group effort: ricotta and kale tortellini tossed in a rich tomato sauce, loaded with mushrooms, spicy Italian sausage, and salami. We uncorked a bottle of wine and relaxed, chatting about our first impressions of Port Alice and planning for the days ahead. With such a cozy base and fantastic views, we couldn’t wait to explore more.

🌲 What’s Next in Port Alice: Nature, Whale Watching, & Provincial Parks

The Port Alice area is a gateway to adventure! We’re looking forward to whale watching (from Port McNeill or Port Hardy), island hopping (Alert Bay is a must!), and exploring historic Telegraph Cove. Other highlights on our radar include San Josef Bay, the Cape Scott Trail, Nimpkish Park, and Schoen Lake—all gems for hiking, wildlife spotting, and outdoor fun. Unlike the more crowded south and central parts of Vancouver Island, the north offers true wilderness and tranquility for those who make the journey.

🚴‍♂️ Outdoor Life for All Ages: Island Spirit & Friendly Locals

One thing that really stands out here is how active and outdoorsy the community is. People of all ages are out riding bikes, jogging, hiking, and even horseback riding—rain or shine! Many retirees choose Vancouver Island for its mild climate (the mildest in Canada).

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