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It can be easy to forget that Vancouver actually isn’t on the ocean. Many Vancouverites, myself included, refer to the beaches in Vancouver as on the ocean, but it really isn’t. There’s a whole island in the way!
The drive from Vancouver to Tofino is a long one and I can understand why many don’t make the trek across from Vancouver or up the island when visiting Victoria. It starts with a ferry ride. 90 minutes of gentle sway and rocking of a ferry boat.
Being a long weekend, C and I were up before the sun to line up for the ferry. We had debated whether or not we should have booked a reservation. In the end, we didn’t have one and had to wait one sailing. The nearby town of Horseshoe Bay has a number of coffee shops and restaurants that you can explore while you wait.
It’s hard to think that I would regularly make this journey across from Vancouver to Vancouver Island every month or so when I was going to school. For most, riding a ferry is a novelty, but all its appeal has been lost on me after one too many journeys.
Once on the other side, you arrive in the charming city of Nanaimo, home of the famous Nanaimo Bar. There’s even a Nanaimo Bar trail, but that will just have to wait for another trip to the island. Instead, we hit the road and start on the 3 hour journey to Tofino.
A part of what makes a road trip so fun are the stops along the way and the random things you can stop and check out. Here are some highlights of things to do on the way to Tofino from Vancouver:
The Old Country Market, Coombs
Start and end the journey on a sweet note by stopping at the Old Country Market in Coombs for a scoop or two of ice cream. I remember spotting this the first time I went to Tofino from the road and seeing goats on the roof. Since then the highway has been diverted and you don’t actually drive by the market unless you make a point to go and it’s definitely worth it. There were no goats on the roof either, only spotting one in the back in their huge yard.
There’s a huge selection of ice cream and I had a tough time picking what I wanted. In the end, C and I grabbed a scoop of salted caramel and red velvet. I’ve never had red velvet ice cream before which is why I picked it. It was surprisingly yummy and tasted exactly like the cake.
A market and a few other shops round out the area making it a great place to stop and stretch your legs. There’s also a restaurant if you’re after a more substantial meal.
MacMillian Provincial Park
Did you know British Columbia is home to old growth trees? MacMillian Provincial Park is home to a section of ancient Douglas fir trees, affectionately known as Cathedral Grove. The driving route takes your right to the trees. Just off the highway are trails that lead visitors through giant Douglas fir trees. To the south is the largest tree in the area, stretching more than 9 metres in circumference. To the north, you can spot groves of Western red cedar.
The best part of stopping here is getting to take in all the giants around you. Trees that have been there long before us and likely will be here long after us. Many of them are over 800 years old and attempting to wrap your arms around one is a very stark reminder of its age.
While there are trails, I found them to be extremely muddy so be prepared with proper footwear. Granted it was spring and it had been raining on and off, but I can’t imagine the trails getting all that more clearer during the summer months under the thick cover of trees.
The Drive
Much to our surprise and amusement, midway through our drive we started encountering snow. There was a thin layer on the ground and more was falling from the sky. It was the start of April and while we were at a higher elevation, it still seemed baffling. On the way back, it was a snow free journey and if it weren’t for these photos I snapped I would think that I had imagined it.
A lot of the drive hugs various lakes. My favourite of them all was Lake Kennedy which seemed to stretch on endlessly. There are plenty of pullouts and picnic areas that you’re able to stop for a rest or food break.
Pacific Rim National Park
You know you’re getting close to Tofino when you start the drive through Pacific Rim National Park. The visitor’s centre marks the fork where if you head south you go to Ucluelet and north brings you to Tofino. Throughout the park are trails of varying difficulties and the park runs along the water making for stunning beaches! I’ll have more photos and stories about the park later.
Before long you’re coming up on the outskirts of Tofino. The drive itself is very straight forward with little to confuse you. Stopping along the way to take in the stunning beauty definitely makes the trip a lot more enjoyable.
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Those old growth trees are gorgeous! I bet you are right about the muddy trails – the Pacific Northwest is a deciduous rain forest.
Yep exactly! My other half studied biology in school and he was having a field day as we were going on our hikes and walks. I learned all about the rainforests here 🙂
We love Victoria, but have never made it to Tofino. Hopefully, soon.
Yes! You gotta make the trip up the island 🙂
Good reminder that Vancouver is not actually in the ocean (had to read that line twice to get it). I have enjoyed all you posts about this area.
That’s a great trip!
Vancouver islands seems an interesting destination with so many different things! I specially like the huge old trees 🙂
Trying to hug one was definitely hard! You feel so so small.
thanks for including the map this time it makes it easier to get an idea of where you are talking about!
Hah, thanks for the feedback! I’m going to try and add more of them then!
What a beautiful area and it’s great to see the highlights of the drive. One of my favorite drives is the Sea to Sky Highway up to Whistler so I can only imagine how stunning this drive to Tofino must be. I would love to spend some time at Cathedral Grove and Pacific Rim NP.
I haven’t done the Sea to Sky drive in years – the last time I went up to Whistler was pre Olympics so I’m sure it’s completely changed. I’ll have to go do that soon and compare!
Ha, I totally thought Vancouver was on the ocean, too.
I want that ice cream! Red velvet is one of those flavors that hardly anyone does well, but when they do it’s amazing.
It’s so easy to forget that little detail! I’ll have to keep my eye out for more red velvet ice cream because I loved it! So yummy
The Pac Rim is on my list of things to do one day – it always looks so great it photos!
Thanks so much for the detailed post. One quick question, how do you carry the car on the ferry? Or did you book the car the car from Nanaimo? We are planning to camp. So getting the car from Vancouver would help. Thanks
Hi Prithu – we just brought the car with us on the ferry. They have a couple car decks on the ferry. However, note that the car price for BC Ferry can be quite steep. You can find the pricing info here: http://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/fares/