Driving to Tofino, BC

Driving Tips and Directions to Tofino

How far is the drive to Tofino from:

• Ucluelet?
• Tofino is approximately 40 km from Ucluelet. The drive takes about 35 minutes from downtown Tofino to downtown Ukee.
• Port Alberni?
• The Port Alberni Highway is very windy, and can be treacherous with snow and ice in the winter months. Make sure to check the weather forecast, and bring chains if you are driving in the winter months. The drive is about 1.5 hours without stops.
• Nanaimo?
• The total driving time, including a stop at Tim Hortons in Port Alberni is about 3 hours. The directions are obvious, just watch for the turn off to Port Alberni & Tofino (Hwy 4) when you are heading north from Nanaimo on the New Island Highway (Hwy 1) and follow the signs.
• Victoria?
• Get onto Hwy 1 and drive to Nanaimo (about 1.5 hours). Follow directions above. The total driving time is approximately 5 hours, including a few stops.
• Vancouver?
• If you're closer to the Tsawwassen ferry dock, then take the ferry to Duke Point (just south of Nanaimo). Follow directions above. Total time from mainland ferry departure is about 5 hours.
• If you are closer to the Horseshoe Bay ferry dock (Near North & West Vancouver), take the ferry to Departure Bay (downtown Nanaimo). From here drive up to the streetlights and hang a right on "The Old Island Highway". Follow this to the "The New Island Highway" (Hwy 1) and follow directions above. Total time from mainland ferry departure about 5 hours.
• Seattle?
• You can take the passenger ferry ("The Victoria Clipper") from downtown Seattle to Victoria and rent a car. Total time about from ferry departure about 8 hours
• You can also take the Anacortes vehicle ferry to Swartz Bay (near Victoria), get on Highway 1 and follow directions from Victoria above. Total time from ferry departure about 8 hours.
• There is a vehicle ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria ("The Coho Black Ball"). Drive to Port Angeles (about 45 minutes to 1 hour), get on the ferry to Victoria and follow directions above. Total time about 9 hours.

Where do you recommend stopping along the way?

Victoria, BC is beautiful, but takes some time to see the sights. If you want to check out the sights, we recommend:

• Butchart Gardens: Especially during the spring months and for their winter lights show.
• The Empress Hotel: Beautiful old hotel overlooking the water
• Horse drawn carriage ride around Victoria: A great trip for kids.
• Strolling around the harbor: The path seems to go forever and is gorgeous every step of the way

Nanaimo isn't really known for it's good looks, but is in the midst of a downtown revitalization project. The beach downtown is nice, but if you're heading to Tofino you should hold off on that.

Stop at Tim Hortons along the way for a genuine Canadian experience. (Mmmm... coffee and donuts).

If you are coming from Seattle or Victoria, Serious Coffee in Mill Bay (about 45 minutes north of Victoria) has great coffee and sandwiches. They are right off the highway on the left (west) side at the traffic light. Watch for the sign.

The Kennedy River, along the Port Alberni Highway, has some remarkable vistas.