Road Trip to Tofino
A road trip from Vancouver to Tofino is an amazing way to explore the beauty of British Columbia, Canada. This scenic journey covers approximately 206 miles (332 km) and takes around 5-7 hours of driving time, depending on your stops along the way. Below is a suggested itinerary for a 3-day road trip, with overnight stays in Nanaimo and Tofino.
From Vancouver to Tofino
Day 1: Vancouver to Nanaimo
1. Start your trip in Vancouver, exploring the city's attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown.
2. Drive to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and take a ferry to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) on Vancouver Island. The ferry ride takes around 1.5-2 hours.
3. Arrive in Nanaimo and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Highlights include the Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway, Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, and the Old City Quarter. Overnight in Nanaimo.
Day 2: Nanaimo to Tofino
1. Start your day early and drive to Coombs, famous for its Old Country Market and Goats on the Roof.
2. Continue to Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, and walk among the ancient Douglas fir trees.
3. Visit the coastal town of Ucluelet, home to the Wild Pacific Trail and the Ucluelet Aquarium.
4. Drive the final leg to Tofino and check in to your accommodations.
Overnight in Tofino.
Day 3: Exploring Tofino
1. Begin your day exploring Chesterman Beach, followed by a visit to the nearby Tofino Botanical Gardens.
2. Enjoy a whale-watching tour or a scenic flightseeing tour of Clayoquot Sound.
3. Head to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to explore the beautiful beaches, rainforest trails, and the popular Long Beach.
4. End your day with a sunset walk at Cox Bay Beach or relax in one of the many Tofino restaurants and cafés.
If you have additional time, consider extending your stay in Tofino to enjoy more outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking, or hiking. You can also visit nearby hot springs, such as Hot Springs Cove, accessible by boat or floatplane.
Stanley Park
Horseshoe Bay
Nanaimo
Tofino
Interesting points along the way
| Name | Description | Fact | Cultural Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley Park | A 405-hectare public park in Vancouver surrounded by the seawall | One of the largest urban parks in North America | Totem poles, First Nations history and culture, public art |
| Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal | The starting point for your ferry ride to Vancouver Island | One of the busiest ferry terminals in British Columbia | Gateway to Vancouver Island, picturesque village |
| Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway | A waterfront walkway in Nanaimo offering views of the harbor, public art, and eateries | The walkway is 3.5 km long | Waterfront activities, cultural events |
| Coombs Old Country Market | A unique market with shops, eateries, and the famous Goats on the Roof | The market has been operating since the early 1970s | A blend of local and international products, artistic community |
| Cathedral Grove | A forest of ancient Douglas fir trees in MacMillan Provincial Park | Some trees are over 800 years old | Deep connection with nature, importance of preserving old-growth forests |
| Ucluelet | A coastal town known for its rugged coastline and the Wild Pacific Trail | The name Ucluelet means "people of the safe harbor" in the Nuu-chah-nulth language | Fishing community, indigenous culture |
| Tofino | A scenic town on the western edge of Vancouver Island known for its beaches and surfing culture | Named the "Best Surf Town" in North America by Outside Magazine in 2010 | Surfing culture, eco-tourism, First Nations art galleries |
| Pacific Rim National Park Reserve | A national park reserve that includes Long Beach, rainforest trails, and coastal landscapes | The park reserve covers over 500 square kilometers | Long Beach, cultural history of the Nuu-chah-nulth people |
Best time to travel
| Time | Average Temp (°C/°F) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 8-15°C / 46-59°F | Moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, blooming flowers | Weather can be unpredictable, some activities not yet open |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 15-21°C / 59-70°F | Warmest temperatures, best beach and surf conditions | Peak tourist season, higher accommodation rates |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | 8-14°C / 46-57°F | Beautiful fall colors, fewer crowds, cooler temperatures | Rainy season starts, some activities may be closed |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 3-8°C / 37-46°F | Great for storm watching, quiet atmosphere, lower rates | Cold and rainy, limited outdoor activities |
Things to do in Tofino
| Name | Description | Cultural Aspect | Better Solo or with a Friend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterman Beach | Expansive sandy beach, great for surfing, beachcombing, and sunsets | Tofino's surf culture | With a Friend |
| Tofino Botanical Gardens | A 12-acre network of gardens, ponds, and rainforest boardwalks | Native plants, art installations | With a Friend |
| Whale Watching Tour | Guided boat tours to observe whales in their natural habitat | Local marine ecosystem, indigenous wildlife | With a Friend |
| Surfing Lessons | Learn to surf with a professional instructor at one of Tofino's surf schools | Surfing culture and heritage | With a Friend |
| Pacific Rim National Park Reserve | Beautiful beaches, rainforest trails, and the popular Long Beach | Nuu-chah-nulth cultural history | With a Friend |
| Meares Island Hike | A guided walk through the old-growth forest of Meares Island | First Nations history, preservation of ancient forests | With a Friend |
| Hot Springs Cove | Natural hot springs accessible by boat or floatplane | Remote wilderness experience | With a Friend |
| Kayaking | Explore Tofino's coastline and nearby islands by kayak | Coastal wildlife, marine ecosystems | Solo or With a Friend |
| Tofino Food Tours | Guided culinary tours featuring local Tofino food and drink | Tofino's local culinary scene | With a Friend |
| Tofino Public Market | A seasonal market showcasing local artisans, food vendors, and musicians | Local arts and crafts, community gathering | With a Friend |