We are planning a 10-day vacation in August with our 3 kids, ages 19, 16, and 13. We're planning to start in Victoria and spend at least a day there, then head north. We definitely want to go to the Telegraph Cove/Port McNeill area for the Orcas, and want to spend a few days in Tofino. My question is, with all that driving distance, what would be the best route to drive? What is the driving distance between Telegraph Cove and Tofino? If we need to stop somewhere in between, what is the best town to stay in?

Also, should we try to work in the Gulf Islands for a couple of days? Is there anything unique there that we shouldn't miss? We're from Seattle--are they similar to the San Juan Islands?

Any recommended accommodations for families would be much appreciated as well. We need to keep the cost down to the $200/night range.

Thank you very much!

Seems the easiest route would be to drive from Victoria up to the Tofino area, spend your time there; then up to Port McNeill. Tofino to Port McNeill is easily done in a day without having to stop en route. You might want to check out the cabins at the Cluxewe Resort, just north of Port McNeill.

Port McNeill back to Victoria is easily done in a day.

Jrry

http://www.tofinovr.com/main.htm check this site out. might be more then your budget but we stayed there and they were great. some have ocean views and you can sit on your deck and watch the surfers. kitchen was well stocked with utensils, spices, etc.

re my above post - when you get into this site, click on condos and then
s. chesterman (which is the name of the beach)

Thanks for the tip on the condos in Tofino. They look great. I was also looking at a place called The Cabins in Ucluelet. Do you anything about those? They are also on the beach. Any big difference between the two locations?