sludick

Honestly, I don't think it's worth staying somewhere in between Tofino and Victoria. Add that other night either to Tofino (3 is NOT too many) or Victoria. Take the full day to get between the two, stopping at all those places Colleen mentioned.

The ferry is very worthwhile to us, love that trip. Suggest you go one way via Horseshoe Bay, the one way via Tsawwassen.

A couple of dining suggestions on the island, where you have amazing views are the Fetch at Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet (we had lunch on the patio) and the Great Room at the Long Beach Lodge in Tofino (dinner, inside). Both are on the nicer end, both were spots we took pictures from our table of the gorgeous ocean vistas.

While you are in the Tofino area, be sure to try a couple of the trails along the Pacific Rim, just right long the road between Tofino and Ucluelet. Aaaaa-mazing.

aussiedreamer

Thank you.

dottyp

Hi, aussiedreamer

just chiming in with our experience re transport between Vancouver and Vancouver Island in early October 2013. We headed for Victoria as we only had 2 nights and wanted to see Victoria and the Butchart Gardens. We caught the ferry across - fantastic trip, lovely ferry. We really enjoyed Victoria, btw, and would love to return - as we would to all places we visited in Canada! Returning to Vancouver we took the suggestion of AndrewDavid, a regular Fodors contributor, and took the float-plane back. It was around $NZ300 each but quick and afforded an amazing view of Vancouver, the mountains and of course Victoria and surrounds.

Enjoy Canada - it is an amazing country with lovely people and stunning scenery. Can't wait to return

BC_Robyn

Victoria's very pretty, but Tofino's sublime - a photographer's paradise. In general, the scale of scenery on the west coast of Vancouver Island blows everything along the east coast out of the water. Tofino (and the Pacific Rim National Park area) is one of my favourite places in the world. 3 days would not be too many, especially since you stress your interests are scenery, photography, walking, eating, and drinking. Be sure to hit up Wolf in the Fog, and Tofino Brewing Co. while you're there. Have fun!

BC_Robyn

p.s. This image always accurate portrays what a visit to Tofino is all about: http://gotofinoapp.com/unjimages/ima...tography02.jpg

BC_Robyn

And this link might give you some visual inspiration for what you'll find on the ground: https://www.gotofino.com/tofinobeach...eaches-trails/

aussiedreamer

Thank you all so much.....we are getting very excited. We've just booked a cabin for two nights in Tofini.... http://www.crystalcove.ca

I've also mapped out some lovely drives......

Two nights to book in Victoria and we are ready to go

live42day

crystal cove is lovely. Good choice.

CrystalCoveTofino

Thanks so much for choosing Crystal Cove Beach Resort! If we can be of any assistance with your planning, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at [email protected] or through our website at http://www.crystalcove.ca/contact-us

We would be happy to make your stay in Tofino even easier by taking care of your shopping and having it put away in your cabin prior to your arrival. All you need to do is send us your grocery and beverage list (including alcohol) at least 72 hours prior to your arrival and we will take care of the rest. We can even include specialty items such as fresh crab, locally hand-made chocolates, or gourmet platters.

live42day

wow, awesome service crystal cove. I will remember that for future