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Nanaimo to Tofino (4 days)

Gemma, Off Track Travel - (offtracktravel)
Itinerary created by
Gemma, Off Track Travel
What you’ll do

Driving from Nanaimo to Tofino is one of the most scenic road trip adventures you can have in British Columbia.

Travelling from one side of Vancouver Island to the other, this winding route passes serene lakes, ancient forests, golden beaches, and misty mountain ranges.

And the journey is only half of it—the destination is just as special.

Tofino, a small, vibrant community, sits on Vancouver Island's wild western edge. Picture crashing waves, windswept beaches, rugged cliffs, and a vibe like nowhere else in Canada!

This four-day itinerary features all of our favourite stops between Nanaimo and Tofino as well as ideas of things to do in Tofino and Ucluelet.

We've driven this scenic road trip over two dozen times over the last few years.

4 days is an ideal length of time, but if you can, stay in Tofino or Ucluelet for another night or two. I have suggested a choice of activities for day 2 - if you have extra time, choose more of these to enjoy!

Make your way from Nanaimo to Tofino via these amazing locations. If you don't have time for everything, don't worry, you have another chance on the way back!

1

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Beautiful long beach with mountain views
Category
Beach

12.8 km (8 mi)

16 min

2

This one is optional

Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
Quirky market with resident goats
Category
Photospot

10.4 km (6.5 mi)

10 min

3

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Series of waterfalls and rapids in mossy canyon
Category
Waterfall

8.1 km (5 mi)

8 min

4

This one is optional

Beaufort Picnic Site
Beaufort Picnic Site
Scenic spot for a picnic next to Cameron Lake
Category
Park

4 km (2.5 mi)

3 min

5

MacMillan Provincial Park
MacMillan Provincial Park
Old growth forest next to Highway 4
Category
Sightseeing

19.2 km (11.9 mi)

18 min

6

This one is optional

Port Alberni
Port Alberni
Grocery, coffee, gas stop on the way to Tofino
Category
Shop

42.9 km (26.6 mi)

37 min

7

Taylor River
Taylor River
Rest area and swimming spot with turquoise coloured water
Category
Sightseeing

14.9 km (9.3 mi)

12 min

8

Wally Creek
Wally Creek
Roadside stop with beautiful mountain and river views
Category
Sightseeing

6 km (3.8 mi)

4 min

9

Giant Cedar Trail
Giant Cedar Trail
Scenic hike among ancient cedar trees
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
0-30m

57.3 km (35.6 mi)

50 min

10

Choose the option that fits you the best

Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Dreamy oceanfront beach houses with floor-to-ceiling windows
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$$
Ocean Village Resort Tofino
Ocean Village Resort Tofino
Cosy cabins on Mackenzie Beach
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Green Point Campground
Green Point Campground
National park campground behind beautiful Long Beach
Category
Campsite
Est. Price
$