Distance round-trip: 665 km
Vehicle: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 extended range AWD (610 km maximum range)
Charging stops: 2
How it’s done: We’re going off the beaten track for a family holiday that’s all about fun in, on, and near saltwater. We’re exploring the Sunshine Coast, hopping on a ferry to Comox, then settling in for some glamping and other highlights on Vancouver Island before catching the ferry back to the mainland from Victoria.
We start by taking the drive in from Abbotsford to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry to Gibsons, where the fun begins with a hike up Soames Hill for a jaw-dropping view of the ocean, followed by brunch in Gibsons at The Mad Hen, raw oysters, halibut fritters, or crab cakes at Smitty’s, or lunch a little further down the road at The Gumboot Café in Roberts Creek. Your pre-booked cottage or cabin is your base to explore the coast, possibly kayaking at Sechelt (day-camp lessons for the kids at Peddles & Paddles?) Consider booking a boat-access-only bucket-list stay at strangely tropical Savary Island, which boasts white sand beaches and the warmest waters north of Mexico.
For peace of mind while exploring the Sunshine Coast, top-up your Ioniq at BC Hydro’s charging station at Madeira Park on your way to Powell River or Lund. Using the 50 kW charger, it’ll take about 30 minutes to go from 50% to 80% and cost about $9 at our new per-kWh charging rate. If you do lots of exploring, you can always top up at either the 50 kW or 100 kW charger at our Powell River station.
The ferry from Powell River gets you to Comox and the start of your Vancouver Island adventures. Camp right on the beach at Kitty Coleman Beach Park, try some local craft cider or wine while in charming Comox-Courtenay. Head south for rustic cabin or camping destinations such as the Doighouse Earthship, or with camping at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Marvel at 800-year-old Douglas firs at Cathedral Grove, spend hours in the tide pools at Rathtrevor Beach Park, visit the Old Country “Goats on the Roof” Market at Coombs, camp and hike at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, get your cheese fix at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, or do some spelunking (caving) at Horne Lake Caves. Top-up the Ioniq in Nanaimo, then spend a night or two with a jam-packed schedule in Victoria before grabbing the ferry back to the mainland at Swartz Bay.