Scenic ocean vistas, towering cliffs and mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forest are the main features of any trail on Vancouver Island, and those who make the effort to get into the backcountry are rewarded with untouched wilderness, secluded swimming holes, and several attractions and viewpoints that would be nearly impossible to reach on foot. This is where the Vancouver Island ATV, OHV, and all-terrain vehicle overlanding scene comes into play. From ATV trails that climb deep into mountainous scenery with plenty of interesting attractions along the way to multi-day overlanding trips and rustic wilderness camping spots, a motorized vehicle can get you into backcountry areas with epic scenery and plenty of solitude.
Below, we list some of the most popular and unique ATV and overlanding routes on Vancouver Island. This is just a small portion of the thousands of kilometres of motorized trails, logging roads, and deactivated roads that can be used to reach incredible destinations. For a complete and comprehensive list of ATV and overlanding routes in this stunning region, be sure to check out the brand-new, 10th Edition of the Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook.
1. Overlanding: Port Hardy – Holberg Loop
The most northerly overland route on Vancouver Island, this 100 km (62 mi) route features spectacular scenery and direct access to the popular Cape Scott Provincial Park and its windswept, rugged beaches, coastal and forested hiking trails, and great backcountry camping opportunities. This route also visits the communities of Port Hardy, Coal Harbour, and Holberg. From Port Hardy, head south on Coal Harbour Road, picking up Wanokana Main, Clesklagh Main, and NE Main to Holberg. Once you have finished exploring around Holberg, the route follows Holberg Road back to Port Hardy.
2. ATV: North Island 1,000 Loop
Also used as an overlander route on some of the wider sections, this 1,000 km (620 mi) route was developed by the Campbell River ATV Club and leads riders through the north portion of Vancouver Island. A great route for adventurers that want to explore as much of this region as possible, this route begins in Campbell River and primarily follows gravel logging roads leading through the communities of Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos, Woss, Port Alice, Coal Harbour, Holberg, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, and Sayward. There are plenty of optional side trips, and riders should bring enough fuel to last 200 km at a time, bring camping supplies, and a GPS. For more information, visit northisland1000.com.
3. Overlanding: Gordon River Main
Stretching from Lake Cowichan to Port Renfrew, the Gordon River Main is a popular overlanding route. While the route can be done as an out-and-back trip, it is also possible to make a loop using a paved section of the Pacific Marine Scenic Highway, for a total distance of 150 km (93 mi). Starting and ending in Lake Cowichan, this route features fairly well-maintained gravel roads, massive trees, and secluded swimming holes. Along the way, take a short detour on Edinburgh Main to check out Lonely Doug, the second largest Douglas fir tree in North America, stop at Avator Grove, which is found on either side of the Gordon River Main at the 5 km mark, and be sure to check out Fairy Lake and Lizard Lake, both of which have forestry recreation camping.
4. ATV: Tansky ORV Area
The largest official riding area for OHVs and dirt bikes on Vancouver Island, this exhilarating OHV area features around 50 km (30 mi) of mostly intermediate to technical cross-country trails. Logging roads also snake out of the area in all directions, allowing for longer rides of up to 100 km (60 mi). Elevations gains are up to 500 metres (1,640 ft), and the main trails have rocky creek crossings and entrances. To access this area, take the Jordan River North Main from Highway 14, west of Sooke, where you will find the parking area a short distance up the road. A popular route branches west along the N 500 Road and leads along the scenic Jordan Ridge for a 25 km (15 mi) trip.
5. ATV: Oyster River Trails
Stretching out in either direction of Highway 19 from York Road near Campbell River, this maze of trails is made up mostly of old logging roads, leading to several unique destinations. Explore caves, old abandoned mines, and the Oyster Bowl, which is a great swimming and fishing spot, along these scenic trails. One popular route heads west off Highway 19 down the Eden Main Road or the Oyster River Main, while another follows the Piggott Main and the Rossiter Main, offering around 60 km (37 mi) of great riding, with elevation gains of up to 1,100 metres (3,610 ft).
6. Overlanding: Comox to Great Central Lake Route
Featuring stunning scenery, this route makes its way past Comox Lake and south to Great Central Lake. Accessed by the Comox Lake Mainline, this 80 km (50 mi) one-way route features elevation gains of up to 300 metres (985 ft), great camping on the shores of Great Central Lake, and wonderful island scenery. Side routes include the Toma Main and the Cruickshank Main. Please note that there is active logging in this area, and you may encounter logging trucks.
7. ATV: Whiskey Creek Motorized Rec Trails
Containing around 30 km (19 mi) of beginner to intermediate, single-track trails, this is a great spot for riders to test their skills. The trails feature minimal elevation gain and a lot of tight corners, with a fun gravel pit located in the centre of the trails. Accessed off Melrose Road near Highway 19, trails continue to be added to this area yearly, and there is even a kid’s track at the staging area.
8. ATV: Mount Bolduc Route
Branching off the Harris-Gordon Cross Forest Service Road and following a creek for most of its distance, this 10 km (6.2 mi) route climbs approximately 700 metres (2,300 ft) to the site of a 1944 plane crash near the summit of Mount Bolduc. The plane, a Lockheed Ventura, carried six RCAF airmen, all of whom unfortunately perished in the crash and were buried at the site, which is marked as a war grave. The turn-off for this route is about 2 km (1.2 mi) along the Harris-Gordon Cross Forest Service Road.
9. Overlander: Port Alice to Coast Route
Featuring stunning coastal views on several parts of the route, this route leaves from the Victoria Lake Recreation Site near Port Alice, creating a 108 km (67 mi) loop with 640 metres (2,100 ft) of elevation gain that follows the Cayuse Main and Klaskish Road to the coast of the Klaskino Inlet. From the inlet, the route follows Kaskino Main and B Main before reaching the coast again near the mouth of Klootchlimmis Creek. The loop then picks up East Main, K Main, the K500 Road, and Teeta Main to get back to the start of the route. Side trips include a 24 km (15 mi) ride to Side Bay via Le Mare Main and an 8 km (5 mi) return ride to the community of Mahatta River.
10. ATV: Cruikshank Canyon Riding Area
Stretching from Comox Lake to Circlet Lake in Strathcona Park, this route starts at a staging area on the Comox Lake Main, near where it crosses the Cruickshank River. From here, the route follows the Cruickshank Main for 3 km (1.8 mi) and then the East Cruickshank Main for 12 km (7.5 mi) before accessing a trail network of around 40 km (25 mi) that climbs up the canyon walls and along the surrounding ridges. Riders will gain about 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) of elevation gain to the top of the canyon, which provides beautiful views.
Ready to start exploring motorized trails, ATV routes, and overlanding routes on Vancouver Island? Check out the brand-new 10th Edition of the Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook, which is available in both print and digital formats. For all this information and more right at your fingertips, try out our Backroad Maps App or Web Map, which can be downloaded straight to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. And, be sure you tag us on social media at @backroadmaps or #BRMBLIFE on all your favourite Vancouver Island ATV and overlanding adventure photos!