Long Weekend Roadtrip: Vancouver to Tofino

Looking to cross Tofino off your bucket list? A great way to do that is through a road trip from Vancouver! Whether you’re a VanCity resident, or just visiting, Tofino is a must-see destination for any traveler. Here’s a stress-free way to get from Vancouver to Tofino.

From Vancouver to Tofino

Give yourself a solid 6 to 7 hours to drive from Vancouver to Tofino. The ferry can take longer than expected, and you need to show up about an hour before your departure time to ensure you’re on the boat and ready to go. We recommend you leave as early in the morning as possible to make the most of your time on Vancouver Island. Grab that early ferry and have breakfast on board.

Ferry from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)

Book the first morning ferry and arrive at the Horseshoe Bay terminal about 60 minutes ahead of your departure time. You will check in at a toll booth and then wait in line to get on the boat. 

BC Ferries is a fun experience. Once on board, you’ll be able to get out of your vehicle and head up to the higher decks where there is a cafe and lots of indoor seating. We like to head outside and watch the coast disappear and take in the mountains from the water. 

Head to the cafe and grab breakfast! There are lots of fresh options as well as prepared foods. After breakfast, you can check out the gift shop, or do some trip planning with the full slate of travel guides and brochures on board. The ferry will arrive at Departure Bay terminal in Nanaimo about 1 hour and 40 minutes after departing Vancouver.

Hwy 4 from Nanaimo into Tofino & Ucluelet

The drive through BC Highway 4 is nothing short of incredible. There are many stops you can make along the way. 

Be mindful that you will hit patches with no cell signal and services in general are quite sparse. Fuel up before you leave Nanaimo. The only place you’ll be able to get gas after that will be in Port Alberni, about halfway across the island. If you need to stop for lunch or a snack, there are plenty of options in Port Alberni right on Highway 4, and even more if you go south into town.

If you’re looking to take your time and do some sightseeing, these are some must-stop locales on your journey: Giant Cedar Trail, Kennedy Lake Lookout, and West Coast Wild Adventures.

As you make the right turn to head into Tofino, you’ll pass the park office for Pacific Rim National Park. Be sure to stop in for merch and maps of the many hikes you’ll want to check out while you’re here. You can also buy your National Parks pass.

Heading into Tofino

As you make the right turn to head into Tofino, you’ll pass the park office for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Be sure to stop in for merch and maps of the many hikes you’ll want to check out while you’re here. You can also buy your National Parks pass.

Before you hit your destination, you’ll drive through the stunning temperate rainforest of the Pacific Rim and catch a glimpse of what the National Park has to offer. Don’t hesitate to pull off at Long Beach and soak in the first taste of that salty Pacific Ocean air. 

Just before downtown you’ll spot the colourful Welcome to Tofino sign. Pull into the parking lot for a photo op and head into the tourism centre. There are plenty of souvenirs and goodies, plus folks with resources to help you make the most of your trip.

Soak in the Scenery

And now.. You’ve made it to Tofino! This is one of the most beautiful areas of Canada. Head to the harbour to check out the views of Clayoquot Sound. Grab some lunch at Savary Island Pie Co. And be sure to make a reservation at Wolf in the Fog for a delicious coastal meal (hands down our best Tofino meal, and amazing atmosphere!). 

We want to hear all about it in the comments! What is your favourite thing about Tofino?

Oh, and while you’re in Tofino, be sure to check out Ucluelet – a real hidden gem of the area.