Victoria to Tofino road trip: The best spots along the way (2026 Guide)

Driving from Victoria to Tofino will always be one of my favourite road trips. I lived in Vancouver for 5 years and did this drive at least 6 times. As someone who loves being outdoors in nature, Vancouver Island has it all – sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, old-growth rainforests, and world-class wildlife watching. A road trip from Victoria to Tofino is one of the best ways to see the diverse landscapes and wildlife that make the island so special.  

The drive from Victoria to Tofino is about 317 kilometres (196 miles) and takes you across the island, from east to west. The drive normally takes about 5 hours without any stops, but 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 everything you need to know about planning an epic road trip from Victoria to Tofino in 2026, including logistics and the best stops along the way. Over the years, I’ve managed to visit all these spots, so this guide is based on my personal experience and recommendations! I’ve also included some potential itineraries (3-day, 5-day and 7-day) in case you want to split the drive up over multiple days – which I highly recommend! 

Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you but it just helps me to keep writing these free guides and itineraries for my readers. Thank you for your support!

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. 

FYI: This guide focuses on driving from Victoria to Tofino and highlights the best stops to make along the way. If you don’t drive or don’t have access to a car, don’t fret! I’ve put together a separate, detailed guide on getting to Tofino without a car, covering public transport and alternative options. 

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.

The best stops on the drive from Victoria to Tofino in 2026

There are so many incredible places to explore on the drive from Victoria to Tofino that it can be hard to know where to stop and where to skip. Luckily, I’ve done this drive quite a few times and have sussed them out for you! I’ve listed what I consider to be the must-see locations below. You won’t have time to stop at all of them, but you can choose a few to see on the way to Tofino and others to see on the way back to Victoria.  

I’ve also included some suggested itineraries after these stops to help you plan your own road trip, along with some travel information and tips.  

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. But it’s also surrounded by incredible landscapes such as Mount Wok Regional Park, Thetis Lake, and Mount Douglas Park where you’ll find great hiking trails.  

Victoria also sits on the edge of the Salish Sea, a rich marine ecosystem that supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, making it a prime location for whale watching. It’s one of the best places in Canada to see orcas, grey whales, and minke whales in their natural habitat. 

I highly recommend spending a day here at the beginning or end of your road trip so you can explore the local hiking trails and join a whale watching tour. If you have time, you could even book a panoramic seaplane tour. Getting to see the coastline, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Peninsula from above really lets you appreciate how wild and beautiful this area is. Trust me – you won’t regret it! 

If you want more nature-focused and outdoorsy recommendations for 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. 

Birding friends, take note – Goldstream Provincial Park is one of the best places to see bald eagles. Every year from late October to early November, you can witness the salmon run here. The spawning salmon draw in local wildlife, most notably bald eagles, which gather in such large numbers that the event has been nicknamed, the Eagle Extravaganza! The Goldstream Estuary is closed at this time to give the eagles uninterrupted access to the salmon, but you can still watch this natural spectacle responsibly from designated viewing areas. 

If you’re visiting outside of the salmon run, fear not! There’s still a good chance to see eagles in the area, especially if you do a short hike to Killarney Lake. The last two times I stopped here, we managed to see bald eagles perched on logs floating in the lake and in nearby trees.  

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 gorgeous views of the Saanich Inlet, the Saanich Peninsula, and the Gulf Islands.  

There are several viewpoints and rest areas where you can stop but if you’re tight on time, I recommend going to Malahat Skywalk. Located just 12 minutes from Goldstream Provincial Park, this is one of Vancouver Island’s newest attractions which opened in July 2021. Open year round, it costs $43.95 for adults and $27.95 for children (2026 online pricing). It is on the pricier side but I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t think the views were worth it.  

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. Make sure your camera is charged and ready to go! 

Cowichan Bay

Once you’ve finsihed taking photos and gaping at the view, it’s time to head to the next stop. 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 (honestly, I had some of the best pastries outside of France here). If you want something more substantial, head to Rock Cod Café. This was the best fish and chips I had in Canada – and as a Brit I don’t say that lightly! They 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 (or just want to stretch your legs), 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. Yep, that’s right! 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.

Travel tip: The goats head up to the roof in May, normally around the long-weekend, and stay until late October. If you stop at Coombs during this time, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see them as they’re up there 24/7 tending to the grass! Outside of this, you won’t see them – just to manage your expectations! 

Little Qualicum Falls

One thing you should know about me – I can’t resist a good waterfall! I will literally detour to go and see one! Luckily, there are plenty on route from Victoria to Tofino. 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.   

Travel tip: If you’re short on time, this is one stop you can skip. The highway runs parallel to the lake, so you can still enjoy the views from the car as you drive past. 

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. There’s nothing like walking among giants to help clear your mind and put things into perspective.  

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.  

Travel tip: Plan to spend around 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. We got lost on our first attempt to find it but luckily ran into a couple of locals who kindly pointed us in the right direction! 

Port Alberni

Port Alberni is nestled in the Alberni Valley northwest of Nanaimo. It’s not the most scenic town but it is a gateway for kayaking trips into Barkley Sound and 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. 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. I recommend buying some food in Port Alberni and taking it to Sproat Lake for a picnic if the weather is nice.  

Sproat Lake is one of BC’s best freshwater lakes and I was surprised at how lovely and warm the water was when we went for the first time in summer 2021. We actually took our new inflatable kayaks with us and tried them out for the first time on this road trip! 

Taylor River Rest Stop 

After four trips, I finally made it here on my fifth road trip! With its stunning blue-green water, Taylor River is one of the prettiest rest stops on Highway 4. On a sunny day, the colour of the water will make you think you’re in the Caribbean, not Canada, but don’t be fooled – it’s ice cold! I’ve swam in dozens of alpine lakes while living in Canada and even I struggled to swim in this river! 

This spot is often described as a ‘hidden gem’ by bloggers – sadly, that’s just not the case anymore. Thanks to Instagram, this once secluded spot has now become very popular with people coming to get ‘the shot’ (just search on Instagram and you’ll see what I mean). I don’t have anything against people visiting – it is an idyllic spot and I think you should see it while you’re in the area – but I do want to manage your expectations.  

Access to the river isn’t very easy. The path is steep and there are a couple of exposed steel pipes near the riverbank, so take care as you walk down, especially in wet conditions. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears, beavers and other animals who live in the surrounding dense forest and often go to the river to fish for salmon.  

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 roadworks happening in this area from July until December 2025, 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. It’s a bit controversial to say, but I actually prefer it to Tofino.  

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.  

Planning a trip just to Ucluelet? I have a detailed blog post with the best things to do in Ucluelet, as well as a guide on getting to Ucluelet – with and without a car!

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! 

Travel tip: 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. It’s a place that reminds you just how powerful nature is. The beach can be easily flooded by the powerful tides so make sure you check the tide charts before venturing out onto the rocks. 

If you have binoculars, make sure you bring them with you (if you don’t, I highly recommend getting some for this trip!), as I’ve often seen whales in the distance. If you want a better view, think about doing a whale watching tour from Tofino. I did one with my family when they came to visit a few years ago and we saw grey whales, humpacks and lots of other marine life. It’s still one of my favourite wildlife encounters to this day! 

Travel tip: 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.

There are so many amazing things to do in Tofino, so I won’t try to squeeze them into this guide! I’ve linked my more in-depth Tofino posts below for ideas on what to do once you arrive: 

• How to spend 3 days in Tofino, BC > 
• Is a scenic flight with Tofino Air worth it? Everything you need to know >

Suggested Victoria to Tofino itineraries  

I work full time during the week so I’m always looking for trips I can squeeze into a weekend. I’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 Tofino. 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 exploring! You have the whole day in Tofino so check out the local beaches (Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay are my favourites) and maybe have a go at surfing! For more suggestions on what to do, check out my detailed Tofino itinerary.

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 The Break Cafe and Bistro 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 and explore the Inner Harbour, Songhees Walkway, and 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. I’ve got a detailed guide on the best things to do in Cowichan Valley, but I highly recommend stopping at Goldstream Provincial Park and then heading to Malahat Skywalk. Afterwards head to Shawnigan Lake and hike the Old Baldy Mountain trail for stunning views looking down at the lake on one side and the peninsula on the other. 

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 in Tofino 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 The Break Cafe & Bistro, 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.

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. 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 Shelter or Ucluelet Brewing Company 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!

Victoria to Tofino: Frequently asked questions 

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  2026 

Be prepared for delays on Highway 4 due to ongoing roadwork projects. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) has been doing repairs for a number of years, especially on the section between Port Alberni and Tofino. More work is scheduled for 2026 so make sure you 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: 

Summer and spring 

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.  

Fall and winter 

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.  

Final thoughts on a Victoria to Tofino road trip

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 has no shortage of scenic drives. Here are a few other great road trips to add to your travel bucket list: 

• North Vancouver Island: Campbell River and Telegraph Cove 
• Pacific Marine Circle Route: Victoria, Sooke and Port Renfrew 

Love from Steph

SAVE FOR LATER

More British Columbia Guides