Epic 5-Day Vancouver to Tofino Road Trip Itinerary: Coastal Adventures, Hidden Gems & Must-See Stops

Taking a road trip from Vancouver to Tofino on Vancouver Island has to be one of my favourite experiences. My family has visited the area for more than five decades. This complete guide will help make sure it is an unforgettable adventure for you.

Memories of road trips to Tofino

I first visited Tofino as a young child in the 1960s. My father packed the family up into his large Chrysler Newport. He was on a mission to buy a piece of land. Getting to Tofino was no easy task back then. The rough, uneven, narrow, gravel logging road with steep drop-offs and switchbacks was a scary ride. We never knew if we would meet a fast-moving logging truck on the next curve. We climbed up and over the two mountain passes through old-growth forests with at least 800 years old trees. Along the way, we passed fast-flowing rivers and crystal-clear lakes. When we reached our destination, we were hooked. The sight is forever etched in my mind. The wide sandy beach stretched to the ocean’s edge. It was low tide. We excitedly exited the car and raced to the little islands to view tidal pools teeming with sea life.

Sitting on the shore, gazing into the horizon, listening to the roar of the ocean’s waves as they rolled in. Gently gliding in and out. That soothing rhythm. This became my happy place, where I go in my dreams or whenever I close my eyes. I later found out this is Mackenzie Beach.

A paved road, Pacific Rim Highway 4, to the coast from Port Alberni did not happen until 1971, when Parks Canada created Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It is the only road that gives access to the communities of Tofino, Ucluelet, and the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.

Road trip Vancouver to Tofino

Get an early start for your full-day excursion to the wild West Coast of Vancouver Island. The drive from Vancouver to Tofino takes 5 hrs and 45 minutes (302 km) without stops.

The scenery along this route is spectacular, starting with a voyage across the Strait of Georgia in the Salish Sea from Vancouver on BC Ferries.

Experience towering Douglas Fir trees in Cathedral Grove’s old-growth rainforest. Take a few short hikes to marvel at numerous tumbling waterfalls and access kilometres of sandy beaches. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way, or stop at the many optional locations for delicious food choices.

Road Conditions from Vancouver to Pacific Rim National Park

IMPORTANT – Before starting this trip check road conditions and highway construction here. This will prepare you to make the best use of your time to avoid lengthy travel delays between Port Alberni and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

If you are planning a trip to explore some of the most incredible spots in BC, don’t miss our suggestions for experiences to last a lifetime.

– Top things to do Sea to Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in North America
– Discover 19 of the best waterfalls in British Columbia
– Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe

Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting tips.

Search for accommodation anywhere by using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia. Any commissions earned will help keep this website running.

Best route from Vancouver to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park – 5 hr 45 min(302 km) without traffic and ferry wait.

Take a BC Ferry to Vancouver Island from Vancouver

Best things to do from Nanaimo to Tofino

On the journey to the West Coast of Vancouver Island, there are many places to explore. Depending on your interests, we recommend spending two to three nights in Tofino and two nights or more in Parksville, Qualicum or Nanaimo.

Day 1 – Travel to Tofino – 2h 48min (207 km) without stops

We have arranged the points of interest stops along the way in the best order to avoid crossing busy highways when you don’t have to. Catch some places on the way there and more on the journey back.

Coombs Old Country Market – 37 min (44.2 km) via BC-19 N from Nanaimo

Coombs Old Country Market is always a popular and busy spot. The main market store has a wide variety of food, baked goods, and novelty items. The ice cream shop is always a favourite, and Billy G’s doughnuts sell out fast. There are also several boutiques, clothing shops, and places to eat.

One of the top things to do in Parksville on Vancouver Island is to visit Coombs Market Goats on the Roof. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park – 9 min (10.0 km) via Alberni Hwy/BC-4 E from Coombs

Little Qualicum Falls offers many short, easy hikes through the old-growth Douglas fir forest to view the upper and lower falls and the river. Campsites and picnic areas are available in the park.
Before going check trail advisories to the falls.

Top things to do on Vancouver Island: Take a hike to Little Qualicum Falls. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Cameron Lake – 9 min (9.3 km) via Alberni Hwy/BC-4 W from Little Qualicum Falls

Take a swim or have a picnic at this beautiful freshwater lake. Cameron Lake is part of Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.

Interesting fact: The B.C. Scientific Cryptozoology Club claims there is a creature looming in these clear waters.

One of the top things to do on Vancouver Island is to take a swim in Cameron Lake. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Port Alberni – 21 min (22.0 km) via Alberni Hwy/BC-4 W from Cameron Lake

Cathedral Grove is a two-minute drive from Cameron Lake on your way to Port Alberni. We suggest you stop here on the way back, depending on your time. If you see a free parking spot, you could stop here, but be very careful crossing the road. (see more info about Cathedral Grove below.)

Find Hole in the Wall

Don’t miss this popular man-made wonder. Hole in the Wall trail is located across the highway from the Coombs Country Candy parking lot. CAUTION: Please note it is extremely dangerous to cross the busy highway. Your best bet is to approach this trail from the southwest or hike to it from the town. We suggest catching it on the way back.

Hole in the Wall is one of the top things to do in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Discover Ancient Petroglyphs at Sproat Lake Provincial Park – 17 min (14.6 km) via Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W from Port Alberni

Port Alberni is home to some of the most stunning provincial parks in British Columbia. Sproat Lake Provincial Park is a must-visit, especially if you’re interested in history.

This park is known for its ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks near the lake. Created by First Nations people, these panels of prehistoric rock carvings are some of the finest in British Columbia. Find out more.

On a road trip from Vancouver to Tofino, walk along the trail to view the ancient petroglyphs at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni BC. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Taylor Lake Rest Area – 20 min (28.8 km) via Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W from Sproat Lake

This wonderful hidden gem is easy to miss. It’s the perfect place to stop for a picnic, enjoy the views of the emerald green waters and to cool off on a hot summer day. The access road is 40 km west of Port Alberni on the north side of Highway 4.

Taylor Lake Rest Area on the road to Pacific Rim National Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Vancouver Island Map at Taylor River. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Kennedy River Canyon – 15 min (10.6 km) from Tayor Lake

If you are up for an adventure before hitting the West Coast (or on your way back), go Ziplining down the Kennedy River Canyon through the old-growth rainforest.

On a sunny, warm day, this is a great picnic stop. View of Kennedy River on the road to Tofino from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Views of Kennedy Lake on a Vancouver to Tofino road trip. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – 43 min (52.8 km) via Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 E from Taylor Lake

There are many wonderful things to do and discover in Pacific Rim National Park, but be aware of your surroundings. Always be cautious about water hazards, watch the tides and never turn your back on the ocean. Large waves can come up without warning. Learn more about water hazards in this area.

• Try west coast surfing. Many guide services are available. Cold water surfing requires wearing a wetsuit at all times. Check surf conditions here.
• Kayak the Broken Islands, an archipelago of more than 100 islands. This is one of the world’s top 10 kayaking destinations.
• Visit the Kwisitis Visitors Centre to learn about the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have inhabited these lands for more than 1,000 years. The Visitor Centre is located at the south end of Wickaninnish Beach.
• Storm watching is popular; you can hear the fog horns in the distance when fog rolls in.
• Explore tidal pools full of colourful sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, crabs, mussels, barnacles and more. Check tide times here.
• Take an interpretive or guided walk. There are more than 35 km of beaches and trails. Shorepine Bog Trail is a quick 800 m loop around an old coastal temperate rainforest. Rainforest Trail A & B takes you through the temperate rainforest. It has many short flights of stairs, but each loop is only 1 km. Stop at the park’s information centre for more information and maps.
• Remember to order your Parks Canada Discover Pass if you plan on visiting many National Parks in Canada.
• Find out more about what is offered in nearby Tofino and Ucluelet.

Day 1-3 – Tofino – 11 min (9.8 km) via Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W from the National Park

• Explore by bike. Peddle on the sandy beaches or take one of the many multi-use trails. There is also a new 25 km bike trail connecting Tofino and Ucluelet. The ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) pathway travels through the National Park Reserve. Bike rentals are available.
• Visit the hot springs. Soak in the natural thermal pools in the heart of Clayoquot Sound. Only accessible by boat, the journey there offers a chance to see whales, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, sea otters and other marine life in their natural habitat.
• Experience a whale-watching or bear-watching tour. Note: There is a good chance to see wildlife during a hot springs tour or fishing excursion.
• Go on a fishing expedition. Some of North America’s best saltwater fishing is on the West Coast.
• Fish Tacos at Tacofino, the original Tacofino location, are a must. This is California—and Mexico-inspired beach food for the West Coast at its best.
• Stop in at Tofino Brewery, where their small batch craft beer is highly popular.
• Visit the Tofino Distillery, where they handcraft premium quality, certified organic spirits.
• Beachcomb on all five famous beaches: Mackenzie Beach, Wickaninnish Beach, Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach and Long Beach.
• Explore Ucluelet and its Wild Pacific Lighthouse Loop or check out the Collect and Release Eco Aquarium.

Mackenzie Beach near Mackenzie Beach in front of Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort, Tofino. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fish Tacos served at Tacofino in Tofino. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Mackenzie Beach in front of Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort, Tofino. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Mackenzie Beach near Mackenzie Beach in front of Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort, Tofino. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Explore a little further – Ucluelet may sit in the shadow of its famous neighbour Tofino—but that off-the-radar status makes it feel like a true discovery. With raw natural beauty, uncrowded trails, and a salty, small-town vibe, Ucluelet (known as “Ukee” to locals) is a soulful place where the ocean rules and time slows. Find out more.

Where to stay in Tofino Pacific Rim National Park

Hotels – Our favourite spot to stay is Ocean Village Resort. It is a perfect beach location with a wide sandy beach and lots of tidal pools to investigate when the tide is out. The rustic beehive accommodations are comfortable. There is also an indoor pool to enjoy. Here are a few other popular places to stay in this stunning beach area: Best Western Tin Wis Resort, Pacific Sands Resort, Middle Beach Lodge, or Wickannish Inn on Chesterman Beach 28 kms north of the Highway 4 junction to Tofino.

Motorhome Park – Crystal Cove Beach Resort offers an RV Park, Glamping and Cabins. They are located next to Ocean Village Resort listed above.
Camping – The Long Beach Unit of Green Point Campground in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has 94 camp spots. Parks Canada also offers a oTENTik.  These A-frame cabins blend the camping experience. Each cabin sleeps 6. These sites are located between Ucluelet and Tofino, 12 kms north of the Highway 4 junction.

Search for accommodation anywhere by using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia. Any commissions earned will help keep this website running.

Day 4-5 – Travel back to the Qualicum Beach or Parksville beach resort area—2 hrs, 41 mins (117 km) without stops. Stay one or two nights.

Retrace your route back to Port Alberni and take in any points of interest you may have missed on the way over to Pacific Rim National Park. Head over to Qualicum Beach and drive down scenic Highway 19A, the beach route or drive straight to Parksville and to Rathtrevor Beach to enjoy the day. Be sure to check the tide schedule.

Find out the best things to do with kids in Parksville or Nanaimo.

Suggested stops on the way back to Parksville

• Experience towering old growth rainforests as you walk amongst giant Douglas fir trees that have stood for at least 800 years at Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park.
• Hike to the waterfalls at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park.
• If you haven’t already, check out the goats on the roof at the Coombs Market, enjoy an ice cream cone, or pick up a Billy G’s doughnut if you are there before they sell out.
• Discover the quaint village of Qualicum Beach.
• Walk on the endless sandy beach at Rathtrevor Provincial Park

Visit Cathedral Grove Old Growth Rainforest

Experience towering old-growth rainforests as you walk among giant Douglas Fir trees that have stood for at least 800 years at Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park. In 1997, a huge windstorm swept through the park, toppling hundreds of giant trees.

Look around as you follow the trails and boardwalks through the park and you will see evidence of nature’s powerful blow. The downed trees have become nurse trees. As these trees begin to rot, they provide a nurturing environment to new life and regrowth in the forest. Download a map of the area. This is a very busy place and it may be difficult to find parking. Be very cautious when trying to cross the busy highway or when pulling out of the parking spot.

Cathedral Grove is one of the top things to see on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park – 2 hr 26 min (179.6 km) via Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 E and BC-4 E from Tofino

Take a hike through a lushly forested area of Douglas fir trees to discover two waterfalls. One of the waterfalls drops down into the narrowest BC canyon related to a waterfall. Mist from the waterfall provides a perfect spot for maidenhair ferns to thrive. Read more about Englishman River Falls.

Englishman River Campsites are available from May through September. Reservations are accepted. Find out more.

Rathtrevor Provincial Park

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park offers one of the most family-friendly beaches. The sandy beach is a great, safe place to explore. At low tide, you can walk out to the shoreline, which extends out almost a kilometre. Check the tide schedule here.

It is a wonderful place to picnic, walk trails through the forest and along the beach, birdwatch and discover marine life. Check out the Rathtrevor Nature House and their programs during the summer months. Download a map.

The campsites here are very popular, so remember to make a reservation early to avoid disappointment. Make a reservation now.

One of the best things to do in Parksville is visit Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Parksville

Parksville is a great beach resort area. The Community Park has a wonderful water park and play area for children. In the summer, Beachfest, a 5 ½ week long family-oriented festival runs from mid July to the third week in August.  The popular sand sculpture competition and exhibition is part of this festival.

Stop to play mini golf at Paradise Fun Park. It’s open rain or shine.

Try a flight of local hand-crafted beer at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company.

It’s always fun to have a beach fire and roast marshmallows, take a leisurely stroll on the beach or relax to watch the sunset or sunrise. Read more about what to do in Parksville.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum and Parksville are very popular summer resort areas. Many people use this area as a base to explore other area attractions. Avoid disappointment by booking accommodations early.

Qualicum Beach’s downtown area offers quaint shops to stroll through as well as many places to eat. If you visit on a Saturday, go to the year-round Farmers Market. It features local produce and handmade products.

Don’t miss stopping at the Qualicum Beach Museum. It has an extensive and world-renowned palaeontology exhibit.

Explore Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Where to stay in Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Rathtrevor Beach

Book early to avoid disappointment. We book our stay in Qualicum Beach 10 months in advance.

Hotels – Our favourite spot to stay is Rathtrevor Beach. Here are a few of our favourites close to the wonderful sandy beach: Madrona Resort, Beach Acres Resort, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa. Search below for more accommodation ideas.

Motorhome Park and Camping – Rathtrevor Provincial Park Camp Site is a fantastic location.

Search for accommodation anywhere by using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia. Any commissions earned will help keep this website running.

Be prepared

• Make sure you have all-weather, waterproof clothing and dress in layers. Weather conditions can change quickly, and you should be prepared for rain and wind. The weather can also be very sunny and warm. Consider bringing sunscreen, shorts, a bathing suit, and a quick-dry towel.
  
• Wear good sturdy walking or hiking shoes to navigate uneven trails, rocky or sandy beaches, brick, cobblestone or wooden walkways.
• A good insect repellent is advisable just in case you run into any areas with mosquitoes.
• Remember to order your Parks Canada Discover Pass to visit Canadian National Parks.

Bear Safety

This is bear country. Be prepared if you go out exploring in the woods of B.C. Chances are you won’t run into one, but you should know what to do. If a bear has recently been spotted on the trail, there is usually a sign at the trailhead. This picture is taken at the trailhead to the popular Whistler Train Wreck trail.  Download a handy guide to tell you how to identify a black bear or a grizzly bear. Be sure to check out the Wild Safe BC website.

• Use bear bells to jingle and make some noise as you journey along the trail.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. (If you are flying, you can not transport bear spray)
  
• Stay calm. Do not run or climb a tree.
• Do not turn your back to the bear. Back away slowly and do not make eye contact.
• If you are with a group, act as a group. Pick up and carry small children.
• Stay at least 7 metres away.
• Do not feed the bear.
• Make sure the bear has a clear escape route.
• If you are camping, never store food in your tent, sleep with a flashlight and make sure your bear spray is within reach.
• Research other safety tips here, especially if you are traveling in an area known for grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes, deer, moose and elk.
  

Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting tips.

Bear Safety tips for travelling in B.C. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Check out all our stories about travel in Canada.