Experiencing the Scenic Pacific Rim Highway on A Tofino Road Trip

One of the most spectacular ways to experience the beauty and diversity of Vancouver Island is on a Tofino Road Trip along the Pacific Rim Highway. I often have my best experiences outdoors when I hop in my car for a Road Trip. With only the destination in mind I head out but allowing plenty of time to stop and explore along the way.

Your Tofino road trip begins on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island near Qualicum just north of Nanaimo. From here you leave the Island Highway turning off onto highway 4 beginning your westward journey. Spanning 165km the Pacific Rim Highway, nicknamed Canada’s Surf Highway passes through stunning landscapes. Travel amongst mountains, giant ancient forests, pristine lakes, mighty rivers and spectacular beaches.

Along the way the harbour communities of Port Alberni and Ucluelet greet the awe stricken traveler until you reach the final western terminus of the highway in Tofino.

Highway 4 at Kennedy Hill will be closed most weekdays between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. , and from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm to allow crews to safely facilitate smaller blasts and remove the rock debris from the roadway. Use this link to Drive BC for up-to-date information.

Nanaimo to Tofino Road Trip Must Do Stops

With only 165 kilometres to travel you might think a few hours would be enough to make this Tofino road trip. Although after reading this list of must do stops along the way you will quickly consider allocating an entire day to make the journey. Viewpoints and fun easy hikes will have the time slip away and put you at ease amongst the remote rugged beauty Vancouver Island has become famous for.

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Spectacular waterfalls amidst a lush forest rushing through deep canyons and raging rapids. A family friendly well maintained provincial park hiking loop. The trail allows great views of both the upper and lower falls from both sides of the Little Qualicum River. Entrance to the park is 9.3km west of the highway 4 and Island highway intersection.

Little Qualicum Falls, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

Enjoying the views from the Lower Bridge

Little Qualicum Falls, Vancouver Island,Tofino Road Trip

The Upper Falls Viewpoint Lookout

 

Cathedral Grove – MacMillan Provincial Park

**As of May 28, 2021 this park remains closed for Covid-19 safety until further notice. Be sure to check in at THIS LINK on the BC Parks website for updates and expected reopening. 

A short way further down the highway enters the home of the ancient giants of Vancouver Island and the most famous stop on a Tofino road trip. Cathedral Grove is a much loved spot that is home to some of the largest Douglas Fir and Red Cedar trees in Canada. These ancient trees aging up to 800 years old provide a unique look into forests past.

Rich and vibrant colors of all shades of green carpet the forest from the ferns and mosses to trees towering above line the family friendly hiking trail. The pullout is on either side of the highway 20km east from the Island Highway interchange. Be cautious for traffic and pedestrians during peak tourist summer months.

Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

A rich and healthy lush forest

Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

Experience the Ancient Giant Trees from the trail

 

Hole In The Wall Port Alberni

Just as you enter the harbour town of Port Alberni is the hidden unique stop of Hole In The Wall. To find this spot you will need to park at a small dirt pullout on the north side of the highway just prior to Coombs County Candy store. From there you will cross over to the south side of the highway and just to the right of the concrete barrier follow the gravel trail down. Small wood signs have been mounted to help you navigate the 15 minute walk to the Hole in the Wall.

As the history goes the town needed to blast a hole through the rock wall to run their water supply pipe. Times changed and the pipeline was no longer needed and all that remains is a unique hole that water cascades like a waterfall through for a unique photo stop.

This is the quick way to experience the Hole in the Wall. Although, if you have a bit more time in Port Alberni I personally suggest to check it out via the Rogers Creek Nature Trail route.

Hole In The Wall, Tofino Road Trip

Weiner Falls – Alberni Valley Community Forest

Located west of Port Alberni, Weiner Falls is located just above Sproat Lake in the Alberni Valley Community Forest. Roughly 18 kms (20 mins) past Port Alberni along highway four you come to this little hidden gem just a short drive into the community forest and then a 10 minute hike. Watch for the turn on the north side of the highway just across from the Sproat Landing cafe. Info on this hike can be found on All Trails and my full story on hiking the Port Alberni region waterfalls .

port alberni waterfall day hike weiner falls

Wally Creek – Kennedy River Rapids

Once you have re-fueled mind, body and vehicle in Port Alberni (explore Harbour Quay, Sproat Lake & Stamp River Falls next trip) the highway continues onward to the mountainous rugged portion of the trip. After roughly 56 kilometres right after a large curve in the highway a roadside pullout along a rocky option section of the Kennedy River will appear. Here you will find a newly popular Tofino road trip stop, the powerful river as it crashes and washes over the rocky river bed. Access is possible to explore out onto the rocks along the river and see the power of the river cutting it’s way through. Be extremely careful as the rocks can be slippery and a fall could be perilous.

Giant Cedar Trail

A short 6km further down the highway a small sign and pullout signals the trailhead for the Giant Cedar trail. Still left in a very natural state the dirt trail allows a more intimate experience in the forest than Cathedral Grove. This particular forest trail lets you see the uniqueness that the Giant Cedar trees offer compared to the Douglas Fir that dominates the forest of Cathedral Grove. Make sure to explore along the river bank and take in views of the Kennedy River.

Vancouver Island, Giant Cedar Trail, Tofino Road trip

The Giant Cedar that makes this Hike so Special

Vancouver Island, Giant Cedar Trail, Tofino Road trip

Serene Views of Kennedy River

 

Walk In The Forest Interpretive Trail

An important stop along this road trip route would be at the Walk In The Forest trail. Maintained by the Central Westcoast Forest Society the trail was developed to educate the public on the importance of rehabilitating the forests. Making a visit here is worth the small amount of time to explore the wooden boardwalks and see the importance of ensuring the health to restore degraded old growth forest.  Only 1.5km before the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre junction you will find the pullout on the north side of the road.

Walk In The Forest Trail, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

Dense forest constantly growing along the trail

 

Ancient Cedars Loop – Wild Pacific Trail Ucluelet

A quick drive south for 6km brings you down to the Ancient Cedar Loop of the Wild Pacific Trail. This short easily accessible trail takes you past Giant Cedars, Hemlock and the warped and twisted old growth Sitka Spruce. The trees on this trail are thought to be over 800 years old. Be sure to take a short detour onto the Rocky Bluff portion of the trail. Enjoy the rugged coastal shoreline of the Pacific Ocean as it meets Vancouver island. Expect to spend about an hour here or if you are making good time extend the visit to explore some more special spots in Ukee, as the locals call it.  Some suggestions would be the Ucluelet Harbour, Big Beach, Wild Pacific Trail and the Lighthouse)

Ancient Cedar Loop Trail, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road trip

The Wind ravaged Stitka Spruce of the rugged west coast

Ancient Cedar Loop Trail, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road trip

The 800 year old ancient Red Cedar towers over the trail

 

Wild Pacific Trail Ucluelet

Ranked in the top 10 of all activities in Canada by Trip Advisor and it is clear this is a must do stop. The Wild Pacific Trail encompasses the rugged Ucluelet coastline starting at the 100 year old Amphitrite Lighthouse. Winding it’s way north along the Ucluth Peninsula it reaches all the way to the boundary of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

The trail is suitable for all fitness levels and all ages, this is an activity everyone can enjoy. Always pay attention for ocean hazards such a changing tides and roque waves. Tofino and Ucluelet are Canada’s first CoastSmart Communities. Get familiar with your surroundings before venturing near the water, know before you go and be Coastsmart at CoastSmart.ca>

Vancouver Island Tofino Ucluelet Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Wild Pacific Trail

The popularly photographed Wild Pacific Trailhead sign

 

Schooner Cove Trail – Long Beach Tofino

After leaving Ucluelet headed back North be sure to stop back at the “Tofino Junction” intersection you turned south at. Here you will visit the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre and pick up your National park pass to experience the rest of the trip. Once you have your pass head north towards Tofino for 16km and watch for the Schooner Cove parking lot on your left. This trail is a favourite in the region consisting of 2km of boardwalk built through the rainforest leading all the way down to Long Beach. Once at the beach you will see the massive sandy sprawl of the 10km Long Beach which it’s name is well deserved. Explore the rocky beach outcrops and crashing waves in the distance.

 

Rainforest Trail Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Everyone talks about the coastal temperate rain forests of Vancouver Island. Standing amongst these old growth giants is a must do as words and photos don’t do them any justice. The trail has two loops, Trail A and Trail B of which are 1km long loops. They consist of completely rebuilt boardwalks finished in the spring of 2018.

The trails meander through the ancient old growth giant cedars, douglas fir and hemlock. The forest floor and canopy is alive with birds and wildlife as you explore the sights and sounds. Pay attention to the hidden gems of intricate wood work the builders snuck in along the way.

The trail is family friendly and suitable for leashed pets as well.

Vancouver Island Tofino Road Trip Must Do Ucluelet Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Rainforest Trail

Beautifully crafted boardwalk of the Rainforest Trail

 

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Immerse yourself into the history and cultural significance of the western shores of Vancouver Island from Ucluelet to Tofino. The Kwisitis ( means “other end of the beach” in Nuu-chah-nulth) Visitor Centre is located at the southernmost point of Wickaninnish beach. Here one can step inside to an interactive and immersive world that takes you deep into the history and traditions of the Coastal First Nations. The Nuu-chah-nulth people have called this wild coastline home for over 10,000 years of documented history.

Vancouver Island Tofino Ucluelet Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Kwisitis Visitor Centre

 

Cox Bay Tofino

The second spectacular beach to enjoy is Cox Bay. The parking is accessed 8km past the Schooner Cove parking lot and found a short distance down Maltby Rd on your left. The unique crescent shape of Cox Bay provides a beautiful beach to sit back and watch the local surfers test their skill against the waves. (On a future trip consider hiking to Radar Hill for a unique “top of the world” view of Cox Bay and Tofino.

Cox Bay, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

The distant Lennard Island lighthouse in the setting sun

Cox Bay, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

Surfers catching the last waves before the sun sets on Cox Bay

Chesterman Beach Tofino

Quite possibly the most beautiful place to experience a sunset on Vancouver Island would be on this Tofino beach. How suiting is it then that the road trip day would end at Chesterman Beach. Only a short 2km up from Cox Bay beach parking you will turn down Chesterman Road watching for the parking lot on the right. Park and then walk the short path down the the beach where the sprawling sands greet you. Head to your right and make your way towards the outcropping of Frank Island that is accessible during low tides. From this point the most vivid and photogenic spots are found and sure to create a sense of wonder and awe of the beauty.

Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

Frank Island is accessible on the sand spit during low tide

Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

West Coast Wonderland ~ Sunset Surfing at Chesterman Beach

Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island, Tofino Road Trip

The end to a perfect day

Tofino Must Do

When stopping in Tofino after visiting all the amazing road side stops these are a few of my favourite places to shop eat and stay. For breakfast and coffee I always frequent Rhino Coffee for that morning coffee fix and their donut breakfast sandwich is a must try. For local shopping and finding a momento for your visit I suggest Caravan Beach Shop. I also want to give them a shout-out as regular volunteers to beach clean-up and supporters of Clayoquot Cleanup . Lastly if spending the night consider Shoreline Tofino, which is owned by some of the same team behind Caravan Beach Shop. These rustic a-frame cabins have the most stunning views of Meares Island.

Ucluelet Must Do

On the southern end of your Tofino road trip is Ucluelet, the safe harbour town at the gateway to the Broken Islands. In “Ukee” I love to eat and support Zoe’s Bakery and Cafe for the best coffee in town as well as breakfast, lunch or supper for your day trip. I also absolutely love that they are extremely sensitive to waste. Promoting no plastic, recycling and composting they are real ambassadors on eco-awareness.

Common Tofino Road Trip Distance and Drive Times

  • Nanaimo to Tofino distance and drive time: 207 kms roughly 3 hours
  • Port Alberni to Tofino distance and drive time: 127 kms roughly 2 hours
  • Victoria to Tofino distance and drive time: 318 kms roughly 5 hours
  • Ucluelet to Tofino distance and drive time: 40 kms roughly 40 mins

For all travel times keep in mind that during the peak summer season you can expect possible delays and longer trips. Also be aware of the current construction taking place at the Kennedy Hill for safety improvements on a section of Highway 4. Follow the link I shared to watch for the scheduled 1hr traffic stoppages.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Driving to Tofino

For those of you out there like me who are now part of the Electric Vehicle community ( I love my Nissan Leaf ) the first part of planning a road trip is to see what chargers are along the route. So here are the main high speed quick charging stations along the route after leaving Nanaimo.

Nanaimo Superstore – 1 x DCFC Chaedmo/CCS

Qualicum Foods – 1 x DCFC Cheadmo/CCS

Port Alberni No Frills Grocery – 1x DCFC Cheadmo/CCS

Taylor River Rest Area – 2x 25KW DCFC and 1x SunCountry Level 2

Pacific Rim Visitor Centre – 1x DCFC Cheadmo/CCS and 1x BC Hydro Level 2

Tofino Road Trip Additional Travel Ideas

With so many places to see and things to do on a Tofino road trip along the Pacific Rim Highway it was hard to narrow down a few favourites. Make sure you allow yourself a few extra days in the region so you can explore each community more intimately.

If you plan to do a Vancouver Island road trip in March be sure to check my article, Visit Tofino and Ucluelet During The Pacific Rim Whale Festival

If you like the Alberni Valley region of the Tofino Road Trip another suggestion might be Two Port Alberni Day Hikes You Should Do  . In this post I show you how to explore the Hole in The Wall via the Rogers Creek Nature Trail which is a beautiful experience. Also in the post find details on exploring Stage 1 of the Alberni Inlet Trail.

Starting your trip in Nanaimo to Tofino? Swing by my favourite Nanaimo hiking trails post.

Discover what the Real West Coast is all about and #ExploreBeyondTheUsual

For more photos of all these stops and more from Vancouver Island and beyond you might like checking out my Instagram account at @Stasher_BC

Tofino Road Trip Update for Travel during Covid-19

Travelling to Tofino during COVID-19 – Please review this information before you plan your trip with this full comprehensive source and active bulletin from Tourism Tofino. https://tourismtofino.com/bulletins/covid-19-notification-to-visitors/

Here is the continually updated list of what’s open in Tofino. https://tourismtofino.com/news/2021/06/01/covid-19-tofino-business-modifications-closures/

Join the discussion 32 Comments

  • Judy Carlson says:

    Are you sure that is Hidden Peak? I always understood it was so called because you couldn’t see it anywhere from the highway. For my money, that would be Mt. Maitland, and Hidden Peak is farther west, behind the shoulder of Steamboat Mtn.

    • Judy Carlson says:

      Forgot to say how much I admire your photos!

      • Chris Istace says:

        Thank you very much Judy, the high resolution versions of these images are far more magnificent than the blog size optimized versions here.

    • Chris Istace says:

      It very well could be , I summited the MacKenzie Range just to the left of this image and looked down at those two peaks. From the topo I was certain it was Hidden Peak but Maitland would be a logical choice as well. You are bang on with the shoulder of Steamboat though

      • Trevor Inscho says:

        To bad the Peak Baggers CHECKLIST wasn’t available to yah Chris at the time. Load it up in the GPS’r and take your bearings on any high point of the island.

  • Patrick H says:

    Another great post. Some awesome suggestions here for people planning a weekend on the wonderful west coast! Love the shots of the surfers at sunset Chris!

    • Chris Istace says:

      Thanks for the comment Pat. I had a fun time putting this list together and love capturing images to hopefully inspire others to visit for themselves.

  • Becky R says:

    So excited to see this. My boyfriend and I are traveling from SE US to BC in September, and we’re going to be doing this entire route. We’ll spend a few days with Ucluelet as our base point. Amazing pictures and really appreciate the route you laid out for us to see such beautiful stops.

    • Chris Istace says:

      Hi Becky, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on any of my social media channels during your visit if you have any other questions on the area. Check out my National Park blog post on my website for some ideas of stops between her and your home. Also I hope to create another article on the beautiful Olympic National park. You can see those recent photos on my instagram account > @Stasher_BC . Thanks for checking out my page ~ Cheers Chris

      • Becky R says:

        Thanks Chris! I showed him the page and he’s also excited. Our biggest challenge I think will be going back home.

      • Becky R says:

        Quick question Chris…what do you think the likelihood of us seeing Orcas around Telegraph Cove around late September will be? We’ll be arriving there around 9/24 – doing a whale watching tour, then a grizzly tour, and then we’ll drive on to explore the island and spend a few days in Ucluelet before heading on to Victoria and San Juan Islands for a few more days.

        • Chris Istace says:

          I’m not too sure about the Orcas but could ask some friends about the area. The rest of the trip sounds good and might suggest adding Port Renfrew to your itinerary.

          • Becky R says:

            OK, thanks. We are in Ucluelet for 3 nights, will try to make it over to Port Renfrew, just driving time eats into our schedule getting along the west coast of the island. Are water taxis a good option along there?

          • Chris Istace says:

            Hi Becky , the water taxis are great in the area from friends that have used them. As for Ucluelet to Port Renfrew I am not sure that there is anything that goes that route.

  • Angie says:

    Saw some of this list too late but did stop by some of be best major spots over Canada Day long weekend (not quite as busy as expected). Will also warn anyone not to look forward to decent priced restaurants in Tofino though I didn’t check all of their menus unless you are budgeting to blow some monies on the dining (or can visit the grocery store)…..eat out in Ucluelet instead…prices are more reasonable.

    • Chris Istace says:

      That’s great that you were able to see some of the stops Angie. I hope you had an awesome long weekend. Be sure to hit up the rest next time out.

  • Lina says:

    This is the best directions what not to miss around Tofino and Ucluelet I have read and I read a lot and asked in forums too as we didn’t have time for planning this time as this vacation was kind of spontaneous :)) your article is right to the point and exactly what I needed. Thank you, Chris!!!

    • Chris Istace says:

      Lina, it is such a pleasure to hear that my road trip roundup of spots was so helpful for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all. Enjoy your vacation ! Cheers ~ Chris

  • Mark says:

    Makes me want to go to Canada. Awesome loved it. Must put Tofino on bucket list

  • Rebecca says:

    Do it Mark! One of the most incredible recordings of my life! We’re still trying to figure out how to transport our lives to this incredible place.

  • Norm says:

    According to many reports we read about the highway to Tofino it’s a hazardous, white knuckle road, so bad we almost cancelled the tour there but, I took a chance & tada, am quite alive to tell about it.

    Those scary reports are a bunch of HUEY, obviously written by those that should stay to wide, flat roads on the prairies OR NOT EVER DRIVE, how’d they even venture as far as Van Island is one of life’s little mysteries.

    The road was great last week (Aug 11-18, 2018), sure it’s got some hills & is a little windy, so SLOW DOWN & enjoy the ride! There is NOTHING white knuckle about the road, sure we waited 1/2 hour for one way traffic, but you have to do that in Saskatchewan toooo!!

    I can’t believe people with so little ability to drive, have the desire to blather on about something they know sooooo little about

    We were in a bit of a time crunch & drove from Qualicum Bay to (after stopping at Cathedral Grove on the way) Tofino, where we had a great lunch, played in the waves at Long Beach for a couple hour zipped over to Ucluelet, had a awesome dinner on the shore at Port Alberni while watching fire fighting helis & a terrific red sunset then back to Qualicum Bay in 12 1/2 hours

    NO I did not speed by more than 9 kpm & ofen much slower

    Now that being said, if the road was snowy &/or icy, it would pose a challenge even with snow/ice tires but how often does it snow in July & August

    Dry or wet roads are a piece of cake, ignore the naysayers who obviously shutter at speed bumps, go, enjoy excellent food, great scenery etc etc etc

    Enjoy your tour & let the idiots that what to get to the scene of the crash before everyone else, let ’em go

    Highly recommended & drive safely.

    Cheers

    Norm

  • marcus says:

    This was an excellent itinerary, especially for those who can’t get enough of gigantic ancient trees. We managed to fit in most of the stops and thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Thanks for posting!

    • Marcus this is so wonderful to hear, I am very happy that you enjoyed your trip. I most liked your comment on the ancient old growth trees that call Vancouver Island home, they are one of the things here that I am most passionate about.

  • Thank you for such a great post. My husband and I took a trip from Comox to Tofino last week and followed your recommendations and had a great time!

  • Nikki + Rob says:

    Thank you for your awesome suggestions! We did a winter road trip through Ukee and Tofino, this was the perfect list of must-do’s to help orient us.

    • That is such great news and thank-you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment knowing it was helpful. The region is special any time of year and each season showcases something different and new compared to the other.

  • Tara says:

    Question-my husband and i, from Ontario, booked 2 nights in Tofino. We leave campbell river in the am, drive to tofino, have that day and the next full day and then will leave early the following am.
    We really not want to hours driving beyond the 3 1/2 hr drive anticipated. We will plan the drive around the road closures. Would still recommend visiting tofino for
    That short of time?
    Wondering if it is worth the drive for 1 full day.
    Tara

  • Alex says:

    Hello….
    Very helpful article & Im excited to see this part of the island! We are actually starting in Tofino (after spending 3 days there) & heading towards Nanaimo. We have 2 days before heading back to Vancouver. Presently we have booked 1 night in Parksville and 1 night in Nanaimo before taking the ferry back to Vancouver. I’m wondering whether it makes more sense to stop somewhere closer to Port Alberni or 2 nights in Nanaimo & just double back to some of the places in your article. I’d be interested in your thoughts, if you have the time. Thanks in advance.

    • What I might suggest is slow your drive back to the east side of the island with an overnight in Port Alberni. That way you can totally explore the whole area plus the many waterfalls and I guess you are coming this fall so that allows catching some of the salmon run also. I have plenty of blog posts on things to do around Port Alberni on my website. Then yes, stay in Nanaimo to catch the beauty of that city. Ammonite Falls, the Museum Firs Nations Exhibit to learn of the regions history, Pipers Lagoon and Neck Point are just a few of the spots to visit.

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