Tofino, in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of central Vancouver Island, is far more accessible than its rugged beauty suggests.
Over one million visitors a year journey this way to experience its magnificent isolation. Yet it never seems overcrowded. When natural beauty plays on so grand a scale, mere humans disappear into it.
The majority of Vancouver Island travellers drive. Mainlanders arrive via one of three BC Ferries terminals, Departure Bay and Duke Point in Nanaimo and Swartz Bay for Victoria. Arriving by air, visitors find rental cars (Budget, National, Enterprise) available at all major airports. Bicycle rentals are available in Tofino.
Directions to Tofino
From Victoria (Hwy 1 north) and Nanaimo (Hwy 19 north) the highway is wide, straight and well-maintained. Just west of Parksville, Highway 4 (Pacific Rim Highway) junctions with Hwy 19 and begins its journey across the Vancouver Island Mountains and on to its terminus at the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. From the junction, turn right on to the Tofino-Ucluelet Hwy (also the Pacific Rim Hwy).
Sightseeing Opportunities
The section between Port Alberni and the junction is narrow, winding, mountainous and breathtaking. Sightseeing opportunities are countless. Deer and bears aren't shy about roadsides. Bald eagles soar overhead. Recommended travel time from the Hwy 4 exit is about 3 1/2 hours, but plan another hour for scenic stops.
Bus Travel & Public Transportation
The Tofino Bus Island Express provides daily transportation to Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni from Parksville, Nanaimo, Vancouver and Victoria. Charter bus services are also available. The local Beach Bus operates once daily (twice during summer months) from Tofino to Long Beach and all points in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Greyhound Canada Bus Lines and the IslandLink Bus Service also make scheduled trips between Tofino and several island communities.
Air Travel
The Tofino-Ucluelet Airport, also known as the Long Beach airport (YAZ), is located about half way between Tofino and Ucluelet. Orca Airways provides scheduled flights between Tofino/Ucluelet and Vancouver and seasonal flights from Victoria. Tofino Air provides scheduled flights to Vancouver. Charter flights are available through Tofino Air and Atleo River Air Service.
Practical Information
While the climate in Tofino is temperate year-round, the Vancouver Island Ranges may have snow and ice in the winter months. It's prudent to equip cars with proper snow/winter tires. Drivers with all-season tires are advised to carry chains and know how to install them. In the event of heavy snowfall, a shovel and road salt make good sense. Most of the journey is through areas of little or no snow, but after the Alberni Valley, drivers cross two mountain passes that can prove challenging.
For more information, maps and brochures drop by the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre at the Tofino-Ucluelet junction or the Tofino Visitor Centre at 455 Campbell St in Tofino.
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