Hello, hubby and I will be spending a couple of weeks in Alaska then a week in the Rockies before flying from Calgary to Vancouver Island for the final week of our trip in Aug/Sept 2013.

At this stage we will be arriving early afternoon and plan on getting a hire car.

Sept 9 - arrive and spend the afternoon at Butchart Gardens, stay 1 night in Victoria
Sept 10 - drive to Tofino, stay 4 nights

Sept 11 - drive to Parksville or Qualicum, stay 1 night

Sept 15 - drive to Victoria, stay one night

Sept 16 - return hire car late afternoon/early evening and fly Air Canada through to Sydney, Australia.

I would appreciate some accommodation ideas. Tofino or Ucluelet, Parksville or Qualicum? I am leaning towards Ucluelet but am open to all suggestions. I am thinking maybe the Surf Motel or a B&B in Victoria, we won't be spending much time in the room.

As for Tofino/Ucluelet, a small cabin or similar that we can self cater, would love somewhere with a view and up to $200 per night max but cheaper would be great!!

Also help with Qualicum area, if it's just one night maybe a motel or B&B. We don't need night life, we just want to enjoy the area, have some hikes and chill out, enjoy a meal out once or twice.
Thanks!

ocean sands resort in parksville is nice. it might be too much for you for one night but if you get the ocean front rooms, the views are great. the tide goes in and out a long ways so it's great for swimming sometimes (pretty shallow so the water was warm) and when it goes out, fun to walk along.

Regarding Tofino or Ucluelet, it honestly doesn't matter - the towns are at opposite ends of a 40km peninsula with Pacific Rim National Park in between. Regardless of where you stay, you'll be spending most of your time in between the two towns, not in them. I'd just go with whatever accommodation appeals to you the most.

Thanks for your replies. Ocean View looks very nice, the studio room would suit us fine.

It seems like the Tofino/Ucluelet question comes up all the time. I just thought someone might have a little gem of a place they can tell me about. I like the look of The Whales Tail but the rooms don't see to have a view.

<i>"somewhere with a view and up to $200 per night max </i>"

Pretty much impossible @ that price point.

I am presently looking at this place, $125 a night at the inlet. Seems ok, has a grill outside and hot tub, kitchen etc. Maybe not a view of the coast but a view never the less.

Well it does help to post a link - http://www.pointwestcottages.com/

Note that you won't be on the open ocean at this place so if
you want a view w/surf and sand this won't be it.

Ocean Village Resort is my little gem, although the rates are above $200/night in the summer months. Still worth a look though: http://www.oceanvillageresort.com/

I do realise that Point West Cottages are not on the ocean but on the inlet.

Ocean Village Resort looks great, nice little cottages. Thanks, I'll add that to my list.

Someone mentioned Ocean Sands resort in Parksville. In my opinion, there's only 1 place worth staying at in Parksville -- the Beach Club. It's new, modern, right on the beach, located in downtown, and all rooms have kitchenettes. Honestly, if you're doing Parksville (which is awesome), I highly recommend this place over any others.

THe Quality Inn in Parksville is typical for rooms, but right on the beach and has an excellent restaurant..Bayside Bistro. Also have a lunch or dinner at the Qualicum Beach airport..a little local gem. Can't go wrong just driving along the ocean form Parksville to Qualicum and further if you want...great beaches and mountain views.

I have stayed at the Surf Motel in Victoria and I liked it- fabulous ocean views right from your bed. It is on a bus line so some noise but it did not bother me at all

Great walking path just across the street - and we had a kitchenette which was nice for some meals.