Vancouver Island is one of those destinations that will leave you wanting to return again and again. Located in British Columbia, the island has it all – sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, old-growth rainforests, quaint coastal communities, and world-class wildlife watching. There are so many wonderful road trips on the island but Victoria to Tofino is probably my favourite.
The drive from Victoria to Tofino is about 317 kilometres (196 miles) and takes you across the island, from east to west. It’s normally about a 4 – 5 hour drive without any stops; however, there are so many things to see along the way so you’ll definitely want to take your time.
In this guide, I’m sharing all of the best stops between BC’s capital and the surf town of Tofino, including scenic viewpoints, hiking trails and places to eat. I’ve also included some potential itineraries (3-day, 5-day and 7-day) and accommodation suggestions in case you want to split the drive up over multiple days. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about planning an epic road trip from Victoria to Tofino!
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PLAN THE ULTIMATE VICTORIA TO TOFINO ROAD TRIP
There are so many wonderful things to see and do on Southern Vancouver Island. The drive from Victoria through Cowichan Valley and out to Tofino is a great way to experience this insanely beautiful region.
I’ve been to Vancouver Island almost 10 times now so I have a pretty good grasp of the area and the best things to see and do. This blog post is based on my own first hand experiences, plus some additional tips and suggestions from friends.
Before we jump in, there are a few important things to consider when taking a Victoria to Tofino road trip. Here’s some helpful information on the route, how to get to Victoria, the best time to visit, driving conditions and other useful tips.
Victoria to Tofino Route Overview
As you travel almost 320km from east to west, you’ll leave the city behind and find yourself driving through mountain passes and untouched old-growth forests. The first leg of your trip will take you through beautiful Cowichan Valley and onto Parksville. You’ll then drive west to Port Alberni before continuing onto Ucluelet and then Tofino.
Below you’ll find a map which features pins for each scenic stop, including hiking trails and places to eat. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title and use it to help gauge daily driving distances.
How to get to Victoria, BC
BY AIR
For those coming from further away, I’d recommend flying into Victoria and renting a car. I always use Skyscanner to find reasonable rates on flights.
You can hire a car from Victoria airport once you arrive. I personally use Auto Europe for car rentals as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. You can check prices here.
If you’re planning on doing a multi-day road trip and stopping en-route to Tofino, you might want to opt for a van rental instead. Outdoorsy is the world’s largest and most trusted RV rental market place and have a great selection of adventure vehicles. They take care of liability and collision insurance too so it’s an easy and simple way to book an RV for your trip.
BY FERRY
There are a few different ferry routes to the island depending on where you’re travelling from:
- Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay): From Vancouver, take the ferry from Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal. Once you get off the ferry, it’s a short drive to Victoria via Highway 17 (Patricia Bay Highway). The whole trip usually takes around 3 hours.
- Port Angeles (Washington) to Victoria (Inner Harbour): If you’re coming from Washington or Oregon, you can hop over to Vancouver Island from Port Angeles via the Black Ball Ferry. You’ll arrive into Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
- Seattle (Pier 69 Downtown) to Victoria (Inner Harbour): The Victoria Clipper is a lovely and relaxing way to get to Victoria. The ferry departs from downtown Seattle and arrives into the Belleville Terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour in less than 3 hours.
How do I get from Victoria to Tofino without a car?
If you don’t have a car and don’t want to hire one, you can still get from Victoria to Tofino. Vancouver Island Connector and Tofino Bus provide bus services between Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino. You can take the Vancouver Island Connector bus from Victoria to Nanaimo and transfer onto the Tofino Bus all the way to Ucluelet and Tofino. The total journey takes just over 6 hours.
It’s a great way to get from Victoria to Tofino if you don’t have a vehicle; however, you won’t be able to enjoy any of the stops along the way. There is only one departure per day and as of January 2023, Tofino Bus is moving to a seasonal service and won’t resume until May 2023.
Getting around Tofino without a car is doable but you may not be able to visit some locations which are further from the town centre. I’d personally recommend booking a car for your Tofino getaway if you can.
Driving conditions: How is the road from Victoria to Tofino?
The drive from Victoria to Tofino is pretty straightforward. You’ll take Highway 1 from Victoria north for about 90km before merging onto Highway 19 towards Parksville/ Campbell River. Both Highway 1 and 19 are wide and well maintained so any car can drive on them.
After 50km, you’ll take exit 60 onto Highway 4 towards Port Alberni. Highway 4 is also known as the Pacific Rim Highway and is the only main road that goes to Tofino. It’s a beautiful drive that will take you through the mountains, past old growth forests and lakes. As you get closer to Ucluelet and Tofino, the road does get narrower and is quite windy in places. There are some sections with passing lanes as you climb uphill so you can take advantage of these if you need to.
Highway 4 is normally pretty good and I’ve driven it in a 2WD and 4WD without any issues; however, it can be quite a dangerous road in wet or snowy conditions so go slowly and take your time. If you’re travelling between October and March, make sure you have snow tires or all-season tires.
HIGHWAY 4 ROADWORKS
Be prepared for delays as Highway 4 is still undergoing significant upgrades. The work to widen a section of the highway over Kennedy Lake has been going on for a couple of years resulting in single-lane alternating traffic and nightly closures. The road is closed from 11pm to 5am. From 5am to 3pm, they let traffic pass at the beginning of each hour. This can cause a long delay if you reach the traffic queue after they’ve let your side go as you’ll have to wait up to an hour for the next green light. From 3pm to 7pm, the road is single lane, continuous, alternating traffic which is definitely better. Make sure you factor this into your journey time and check Drive BC for up-to-date information.
When is the best time to do a road trip from Victoria to Tofino?
South Vancouver Island has a sub-Mediterranean climate which means that it has some of the mildest weather in Canada. As a result, it’s a great place to visit all year round depending on what you’re looking for.
For those wanting to try surfing for the first time, I would recommend going in late spring or early summer as the waves normally die down in May. Smaller waves and warmer weather are great for beginners who want to learn to surf before it gets too crowded.
Summer offers the best weather for this road trip. It’s typically warm and sunny although rain isn’t uncommon in Tofino and Ucluelet. You can camp, hike and enjoy beach sunsets. It’s also peak whale watching season. However, it gets very busy in summer and accommodation books out months in advance.
Tofino and Ucluelet have become popular winter destinations in recent years as they’re amazing places for storm watching. Winter storms bring huge waves so if you’re an experienced surfer winter is a great time to visit. If you decide to visit in winter, make sure you check the road conditions and have winter tires. The drive to Tofino will take you through some remote areas with limited cell service so make sure you pack all the essentials and are prepared if you do break down.
VICTORIA TO TOFINO: SCENIC STOPS
There are so many incredible places to explore on the drive from Victoria to Tofino. I’ve listed the must-see locations below. You won’t have time to stop at all of them but you could choose a few to see on the way to Tofino and then pick a few more to see on the way back to Victoria. I’ve included some suggested itineraries after these stops to help you plan your own road trip.
This guide focuses on the stops to see along the way. If you want additional information on what to see and do in Victoria and Tofino, I have individual guides for both destinations:
Please follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring these stops. If you plan to do any of the hikes in this guide, it’s a good idea to brush up on hiking etiquette.
Victoria
This road trip starts and ends in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. It’s a really fun city filled with great food, gorgeous gardens, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. I highly recommend spending a day here at the beginning or end of your road trip so you can explore the city. There are also lots of fun tours that you can join such as whale watching, panoramic seaplane tours, and food tasting tours where you can sample local cuisine. For a complete list of things to do in Victoria, check out my Victoria travel guide.
Goldstream Provincial Park
The first stop on your way from Victoria to Tofino is the beautiful Goldstream Provincial Park. Located just 20 minutes outside of Victoria, this park is one of my favourite day trips from Victoria.
There are several lovely hiking trails throughout the park ranging from easy to challenging. Mount Finlayson is on the tougher side and is a steep mountain hike with incredible views. If you don’t have much time and just want to stretch your legs, I recommend doing Niagara Falls which is a short and easy 1.3km hike.
Malahat Skywalk
Continue north on Highway 1 and soak in the stunning views as you enter Cowichan Valley and drive to the next stop. This section of Highway 1 is also known as ‘The Malahat’ and is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Named after the Malahat First Nation, this rugged area has beautiful views of the Saanich Inlet, the Saanich Peninsula, and the Gulf Islands.
There are a number of viewpoints and rest areas where you can stop but I recommend stopping at Malahat Skywalk as you’ll get the best views from this lookout. Located just 12 minutes from Goldstream Provincial Park, this is one of Vancouver Island’s newest attractions. Open year round, it costs $34.95 for adults and $20.95 for children. It is on the pricier side but it’s definitely worth it in my opinion as the views are incredible. You’ll walk through a beautiful arbutus forest to a spiral tower which takes you up to a lookout with 360 degree views. From the top you can see Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and the Coast Mountains in the distance.
Cowichan Bay
The drive from Malahat to Cowichan Bay will take you further into the lush green Cowichan Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass expansive farmland and lush vineyards and will understand why Cowichan has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Provence’.
Cowichan Valley is one of my favourite weekend trips from Vancouver. If you plan to drive from Victoria to Tofino in one day, you won’t have time to explore much of the valley. I recommend stopping at Cowichan Bay to get a taste for the area. This small historic seaside village is a nice place to stop and stretch your legs. Walk along the pier, pop into the stores on Main Street such as Beachology and Wild Coast Perfumery, and visit the Maritime Centre to learn about the village’s history.
If you’re hungry, there are some great places to eat. True Grain Bread is an old world inspired bakery which serves mouth-watering savoury and sweet treats. If you want something more substantial, head to Rock Cod Café. They serve some of the best fish and chips I’ve had in Canada and also do amazing fish tacos and gluten free fish batter.
If you’re planning to do a multi-day road trip and split the drive up over a couple of days, Cowichan Valley is a great place to stay overnight. I’ve included some suggestions on what to see and do in my 5-day and 7-day itineraries below. If you want more information, I have a complete Cowichan Valley travel guide.
Chemainus
Located 30 minutes north of Cowichan Bay, Chemainus is a lively community steeped in history and culture. Once a coastal mill town, Chemainus is now an outdoor art hub home to giant murals and art installations. It’s a lively and colourful community with boutique stores, artisanal cafés, beautiful parks, and a professional live theatre. It’s a great place to stop and explore if you have time.
Follow the yellow footprints painted on the pavements around town to find all of the different murals or take a narrated tour in a horse-drawn carriage! Pop into the independent stores and stands at Chemainus Public Market. Here you’ll find everything from antiques and rare books, to jewellery and artisan gifts. If you’re travelling with kids, check out the Chemainus Lake Loop. This short 2.5km trail is flat and accessible trail making it ideal for families. For a full list of things to do, check out my Cowichan Valley travel guide.
Coombs
The drive from Chemainus to Coombs takes about an hour so I recommend stocking up on snacks and supplies before leaving Chemainus. Continue along Highway 1 for about 20 km and then merge onto Highway 19 towards Parksville/ Campbell River for another 41 km. Come off at exit 51 towards Coombs.
This small community has become a popular stopping point for tourists travelling from Victoria to Tofino as it has quite a unique attraction – Goats on the Roof! Head to the Old Country Market and you’ll find the local four-legged residents on the grass roof, happily munching away. Inspired by Norwegian homes built directly into the hillside, the owners decided to design a market with a sod roof. It’s said that one day they got some goats as a joke to ‘mow’ the grass as it was quite long. Forty years later and the goats are still there!
While the goats are certainly the most famous attraction, there are a lot of other things to see in Coombs. Home to heritage buildings, small craft shops, and antique stores, it’s definitely a great place to stop on your road trip. If you’re travelling with kids, check out the Butterfly World and the Emerald Forest Bird Garden where you can walk through an indoor tropical rainforest.
Little Qualicum Falls
Little Qualicum Falls is a gorgeous waterfall which sits within Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Established in 1940 to protect the old growth forest, the park has over 6 km of walking trails. There is a nice and easy 2 km loop which you can do if you want to see the lower and upper falls. The trail starts from the day use parking lot at the end of Little Qualicum Fall Road. Along the way you’ll pass a number of lookouts which offer picturesque views of the waterfalls.
Cameron Lake
Located 5 minutes away from Little Qualicum Falls, Cameron Lake is another great place to stop on your way from Victoria to Tofino. The lake is a popular picnic spot and has a couple of different areas with tables and benches where you can sit and enjoy the views. If it’s a nice day, you can also go for a swim or quick dip in the lake. As the highway runs parallel to the lake, you can still enjoy the views of the lake from the car if you don’t have time to stop.
Cathedral Grove
As the highway reaches the end of Cameron Lake, you’ll enter one of my favourite places on this road trip – Cathedral Grove. Located in MacMillan Provincial Park, this old-growth forest is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on Vancouver Island.
The highway cuts through the middle of Cathedral Grove and MacMillan Provincial Park so it’s a beautiful drive with towering trees on either side. There are lots of easy, wheelchair-accessible trails to explore and plenty of places to park on the side of the highway as you enter the Cathedral Grove area. You’ll find Douglas firs on the southern side (many of which are over 800 years’ old) and ancient Western red cedars on the northern side. You’ll need at least an hour here to explore the trails. Be careful crossing the highway to the other side as cars do drive quite fast.
Hole in the Wall
Hole in the Wall is another unique attraction on the way from Victoria to Tofino. Back in the 1960s, a utility company created a large hole in the rock for a pipeline to connect the Port Alberni waterline. Today, the pipeline is gone but the hole is still there. A stream runs through the hole making it quite a picturesque sight!
The trail head is located right off the highway just before you reach Port Alberni. There is a gravel shoulder parking on the left hand side of the highway which can fit about 5 cars. It’s easy to miss it but it’s basically opposite Coombs Country Candy. If the parking area is full, you can park beside the candy store instead. From the parking area, it’s a short 15 minute walk down the trail to the river. There are a few offshoots on the way so I recommend downloading a map to make sure you go the right way.
Port Alberni
Port Alberni is nestled in the Alberni Valley northwest of Nanaimo. It’s a gateway for kayaking trips into Barkley Sound and is also a hub for river and ocean fishing. As it’s essentially the halfway point between Victoria and Tofino, it’s a great spot to stop for some food after an early start. We went to Mag’s 99 Cantina as my boyfriend Mat insisted that I had to try the fried chicken and tacos. And I’m so glad he did! The beef and sweet ancho pork tacos were incredible and are definitely worth trying if you stop here!
There aren’t many places to stop after Port Alberni until you reach Ucluelet so I recommend stocking up on food and supplies, and filling up on gas before you continue.
Sproat Lake
Located on the Pacific Rim Highway 4, Sproat Lake is a beautiful place to stop on the way to Tofino. It’s situated 13 km from Port Alberni and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, water skiing, and canoeing. Sproat Lake is one of BC’s best freshwater lakes and I was surprised at how lovely and warm the water was. We actually took our new inflatable kayaks with us and tried them out for the first time on this road trip!
Kennedy Lake
Drive another hour down the highway and you’ll reach Kennedy Lake. It’s the largest body of fresh water on Vancouver Island and is surrounded by steep mountains. Camping is not permitted but you can swim, fish, windsurf, and canoe during the day. The winds can often be quite strong so extreme caution is required if you choose to go in the water.
As I mentioned earlier, there are some big upgrades happening in this area so be prepared for queues and delays on this stretch.
Ucluelet
Affectionately known as Ukee by the locals, Ucluelet is beautifully wild and rugged. While Tofino has stretches of pristine sandy beaches, Ucluelet’s coastline is rocky with secluded beaches nestled along the shore.
I’d recommend stopping in Ucluelet on your way back to Victoria. That way you can spend a couple of hours in the morning exploring Ucluelet properly. If you have more time, I would definitely consider staying overnight as this quaint seaside town is an adventure destination in its own right. I’ve included this as an option in the longer itinerary below.
Regardless of whether you are staying overnight or passing through, don’t miss the Wild Pacific Trail. Built by the Wild Pacific Trail Society, the trail traces 8 km of dramatic shoreline on a series of loop hikes which offer stunning ocean views out to Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands. There are three sections to explore: Lighthouse Loop, Artist Loops, and Rocky Bluffs. Watching the waves crash against the rocks, discovering endless ocean vistas, and walking among some of the oldest trees on Ucluelet peninsula is what makes this trail so special.
Pop into the town and check out the lovely shops which feature products from local artisans. My favourite shop is The Den. The Ucluelet Aquarium is also worth a visit if time allows. It’s one of the world’s largest catch-and-release aquariums.
Rainforest trails
The final stretch of the highway from Ucluelet to Tofino runs through the Pacific Rim National Park. This is an area of rugged beauty and it’s worth stopping here before you reach Tofino. The Rainforest Trails are a lovely way to explore the ancient rainforest and get up close to the giant trees and lush green ferns.
There are two trails; Loop A is on the right hand side of the highway and Loop B is on the left. You can do one of the trails or both depending on how much time you have. The trails will take you along a number of boardwalks and are relatively easy; however, there are a lot of steps so it is a good workout.
Although you can drive through the Pacific Rim National Park without purchasing a pass, if you want to stop anywhere along the way, you’ll need to buy one. There is a pay station in the car park where you can buy a national park entry pass. Make sure you display it in your windshield. You can find more information on Parks Canada’s website.
Long Beach
Stretching 16 km between Tofino and Ucluelet, Long Beach is aptly named! The scenery is breath-taking, especially during the winter when storms are rolling in. The beach can be easily flooded by the powerful tides so make sure you check the tide charts before venturing out onto the rocks. As with the Rainforest Trails, you’ll need to pay and display your national park entry pass if you plan to stop at Long Beach.
Canso Plane Crash Site
In February 1945, a Royal Canadian Air Force Canso 11007 crashed in the Pacific Rim National Park shortly after taking off from the Tofino airfield. Fortunately, everyone on-board survived the crash and they were rescued 11 hours later.
Today, this crash site has become a popular hike. The trail head is close to Radar Hill and is best accessed from lower Radar Hill car park. The hike is 5.2 km return and normally takes a couple of hours to complete. Although it is a well-known and popular trail, some sections aren’t very well maintained. The first part is quite easy but the second section is more difficult due to tree roots and a boggy section which is often very muddy.
The plane is still surprisingly intact despite the crash but the wreckage has been degrading over the past few years. Please make sure you stay on the trail and leave no trace to avoid further deterioration of this historic site.
Tofino
Tofino is one of my favourite places on Vancouver Island. There’s something very special and magical about this small surf town. What’s nice about Tofino is that it feels very remote but it actually has everything you need. There are lovely shops and plenty of restaurants, yet, you’re surrounded by wild and rugged scenery that gives you a sense of solitude.
Make the most of the incredible beaches and have a go at surfing. You can rent gear and book lessons at Surf Sisters, Pacific Surf Co or Tofino Surf School. If surfing isn’t your thing, hire a beach cruiser bike from Tofino Bike instead and go for a sunset ride along the beaches.
For a truly magical experience, book a sunset tour with Tofino Air and watch the sun go down as you fly over Clayoqout Sound. We decided to book the tour to celebrate our one-year and it was the most incredible experience. I have a blog post all about the flight experience if you’re looking for more information.
Spend some time exploring Tofino’s lovely independent shops and galleries and you’ll discover some unique coastal goods made by BC and Canadian artists. Afterwards, take the Tonquin trail through the rainforest and down to Tonquin Beach for sunset.
SUGGESTED VICTORIA TO TOFINO ITINERARIES
My boyfriend and I both work full time during the week so we’re always looking for trips we can squeeze into a weekend. We’ve done a 3-day trip and a longer 5-day trip from Victoria to Tofino and loved both of them. You can pack a lot into 3 days but it means you have to pick and choose which stops to visit. The 5-day felt like it was a good amount of time to really explore the area. I’ve also included a 7-day itinerary option if you have more time:
Victoria to Tofino: 3-Day Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary is ideal if you’re travelling over a long weekend or have a Friday or Monday off work:
Day 1
Get up early and start the drive to Victoria. Pick a few places to stop at along the way. This is very much down to your personal choice but when we did it we stopped at Malahat, Port Alberni, Sproat Lake, Cameron Lake and Cathedral Grove. Aim to arrive in Tofino for 4pm so that you can check in to your accommodation and get settled. There are lots of options, from campsites to cozy guesthouses and luxury resorts, but make sure you book in advance if you’re visiting between June and October. Pacific Sands Beach Resort, The Shoreline Tofino, and Ocean Village are all amazing places to stay in Tofino.
Head out to watch the sunset – they really are spectacular in Tofino! All of Tofino’s beaches are located on the west coast which makes them ideal for sunset watching.
Day 2
Grab some breakfast at Rhino (there is usually a queue but it’s worth it I promise) and get ready for a busy day! Check out the local shops and then head to the beach. Mackenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay are my favourites. There is a great trail that starts at Cox Bay and takes you up to a beautiful lookout. If you want to try surfing during your 3 days in Tofino, you can rent gear and book lessons at Surf Sisters, Pacific Surf Co or Tofino Surf School.
If you’re looking for an easy trail, I highly recommend doing the Tonquin trail. It takes you through the rainforest, along several boardwalks, and down some stairs to Tonquin beach. For a romantic evening, pack a picnic and blanket and watch the sunset from the beach. For dinner, book a table at Wolf in the Fog or Shelter if you want something more casual.
Day 3
Get up and go to The Maq for breakfast and then have one last walk around Tofino’s waterfront before you leave. Drive to Ucluelet and do the Lighthouse Loop on the Wild Pacific Trail. The 2.6 km loop is an easy and accessible trail which takes about 45 – 60 minutes; although you’ll want to take your time as the views are incredible and the scenery is breath-taking.
Stop by Zoe’s Bakery before leaving to pick up something for lunch and then start your drive back to Victoria. Depending on what time your flight or ferry is, you can pick a few places to stop.
Victoria to Tofino: 5-Day Itinerary
If you have more time, the 5-day itinerary means that you can explore at a more leisurely pace and see more of the area:
Day 1
Spend the day in Victoria. It’s such a vibrant city and there is so much to do. Depending on how much time you have I recommend checking out the shops, walking along the Inner Harbour and Songhees Walkway, and visiting the beautiful Butchart Gardens.
Book a table at 10 Acres Bistro for dinner and finish the night with a cocktail at the Fairmont Empress or some beers at The Bard & Banker. For accommodation, I recommend Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Helm’s Inn, or the Fairmont if you’re looking to splurge.
Day 2
Today you’ll explore Cowichan Valley. As you’re staying overnight, you’ll have the whole day to explore. Stop at Goldstream Provincial Park and then head to Malahat Skywalk. Afterwards head to Shawnigan Lake and check out the towns. If you enjoy hiking, check out the Old Baldy Mountain trail as you’ll get stunning views looking down at the lake on one side and the peninsula on the other.
Next up is Kinsol Trestle, one of the highest free-standing wooden railway trestles. There are eight trestle bridges in Cowichan Valley but this is probably the most spectacular. After all that walking it’s time to see why Cowichan Valley is dubbed “Canada’s Provence”. There are lots of wineries to choose from but Blue Grouse Estate Winery is my favourite. Located just outside Cowichan Bay, the estate is one of the oldest vineyards on Vancouver Island. You can book a guided tasting where you’ll get to try five different wines or opt for a tour of the vineyard and wine making process.
I recommend staying at the Oceanfront Suites in Cowichan Bay or continuing further north to Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn in Duncan or Eagle Rock B&B in Chemainus.
Day 3
Grab some breakfast and jump back in the car for another busy day of sightseeing. Stop at Coombs for a late breakfast and meet the local goats. Continue on to Cathedral Grove and explore some of the trails. Afterwards, drive to the Hole in the Wall and then stop at Port Alberni for some lunch. If you have the energy, do one or both of the Rainforest trails and then stop at Long Beach before continuing to Tofino.
Day 4
Spend the day exploring Tofino. I have a whole guide with things to do if you need some inspiration.
Day 5
As with the 3-day itinerary, I recommend getting up early and stopping in Ucluelet on the drive home. Depending on how much time you have, check out the Lighthouse Loop on the Wild Pacific Trail, have a late breakfast at Zoe’s Bakery, and check out some of the local shops. Stop at Sproat Lake on the way back for lunch. They have lots of picnic tables and it’s a great way to break up the long drive.
Victoria to Tofino: 7-Day Itinerary
This is similar to the 5-day itinerary but you’ll have more time in Tofino and Ucluelet. You could also adapt this and spend more time in Victoria or Cowichan depending on your preferences.
Day 1
Spend the day and evening in Victoria. Check out my Victoria city guide for lots of fun and unique things to do.
Day 2
Today, you’ll explore Cowichan Valley and stay overnight in Cowichan Bay, Duncan or Chemainus.
Day 3
Stop at a few places on your way to Ucluelet. Aim to arrive around 2pm so you can explore more of this beautiful town. Pop into the town and check out the lovely shops which feature products from local artisans. My favourite shop is The Den. They have some beautiful gifts and you could spend ages just looking around the shop, smelling the candles and essential oils, browsing their collection of books, and picking up some interesting things for your kitchen.
Visit the Ucluelet Aquarium, one of the world’s largest catch-and-release aquariums. It’s open from March until November and is a very fun and educational experience for all ages!
Book a table at Pluvio Restaurant or Frankie’s Resto-Bar for dinner and then head back to your accommodation for the night. The Cabins at Terrace Beach is my top choice but A Snug Harbour Inn and Black Rock Oceanfront Resort are also great options.
Day 4
Spend the morning in Ucluelet and explore the Wild Pacific Trail before driving to Long Beach for a relaxing walk along the water. You’ll probably get to Tofino for lunchtime so you’ll have plenty of time to explore.
Day 5
Spend the day in Tofino. Go to the beaches, try surfing, or hire a bike and ride along the water instead. Finish the day with a beach sunset or seaplane tour with Tofino Air.
Day 6
I recommend booking a whale watching tour with Jamie’s Whaling Station. They offer family-friendly eco-tours in both large cruisers and zodiacs. They also run bear watching tours and do day trips to Hot Springs Cove.
Day 7
It’s time to drive home but aim to stop at a few places along the way!
OTHER ROAD TRIPS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Vancouver Island has no shortage of scenic drives. Here are a few other great road trips to add to your travel bucket list:
North Vancouver Island
A lot of visitors stick to the southern part of the island. However, drive north past Campbell River and onto Telegraph Cove and you’ll find a remote and rugged wilderness. From secluded beaches and lush rainforests, to unparalleled wildlife experiences like kayaking with orcas and watching grizzly bears hunt salmon, North Vancouver Island has so much to offer. Read the full road trip guide >
Nanaimo to Victoria
This is the shortest road trip route (110km) so it’s perfect if you just have a weekend on the island. You can fit in as much or as little as you like as you travel through the Cowichan Valley down to Victoria. If you’re travelling from Vancouver you can take the ferry to Nanaimo, drive down to Victoria, and then take the ferry back from Victoria, or vice versa.
Pacific Marine Circle Route
The Pacific Marine Circle Route is great way to explore the island’s beautiful southwest coast. The 289km loop traces the coastline from Victoria to Sooke and onto Port Renfrew before heading east to Lake Cowichan and the gorgeous Cowichan Valley. The route continues south and ends back in Victoria. What I love about this Vancouver Island road trip is that it combines a city break with outdoor adventure so you get the best of both worlds. Read the full guide >
FINAL THOUGHTS
Victoria and Tofino are two of my favourite places on Vancouver Island. If it’s your first time visiting the island then driving from Victoria to Tofino is a great way to experience this beautiful area. I hope this guide helps you plan your own road trip!
Where to explore next?
Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the island over the past few years so if you’re looking for more information or inspiration, check out my detailed guides.
Here are a few other British Columbia guides that you might like:
- Gibsons: The Gateway to the Sunshine Coast
- Powell River: The Sunshine Coast’s hidden treasure
- A guide to Squamish: The outdoor recreation capital of Canada
- The complete travel guide to Bowen Island
- 10 Ideas for your next weekend trip from Vancouver
Love from Steph
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