How many days to see Vancouver Island?
 

Hello Canada experts! C:)

We are planning a little winter vacation up to Vancouver Island and, since it's our first trip to the area, are wondering how much time is appropriate.

Specifically, we will be staying at the Wickaninnish Inn near Tofino. Would we be better off using this as a base for five nights and venturing out from there or should we break up the time and stay somewhere else as well? Also, what day trips do you recommend and where else might you stay between there and Seattle (or surrounding areas)?

Thanks a million for any and all suggestions! *-:)

I think 5 nights in Tofino sounds perfect!! However, it means that you won't have enough time to visit more than the Pacific Rim area because it is quite a long drive from Tofino to Victoria (approx. 6 hours), and you would require at least two days there (I would recommend more than two days but I am in love with Vancouver Island so no amount of time is long enough!!!)

Vancouver Island is one of those places where there are places you can't get there from here. Big inlets with no bridges get in the way.

Therefore, think of Tofino as a relaxing / rugged outdoors place, worth a couple of days.

Then (see below) drive to Victoria, and assign it a day or two, for indoors and more elegant, less rugged, outdoor activities.

Then (see above) drive north up the inside coast (you can't drive up the outside, Pacific Caost) to around Comox, if you want to spend more time, or make arrangements to get to one of the smaller islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland. These are generally known as The Gulf Islands and Saltspring and Bowen are popular with visitors.

Now, about when to visit Victoria. Depending on when and how you return to the mainland, and whether you go to the north side of Vancouver, the south side of Vancouver (near the airport) or head south into the USA, you may want to save Victoria for your last days, since it is near the south-Van and USA ferry boats.

BAK

are you arriving in victoria and starting your 5 days from there? or where are you arriving on the island? what time of day do you arrive.

ltt,

We are actually flying into Seattle, renting a car and then taking it from there. Depending on what time we arrive in Seattle, we will either stay there overnight or begin the journey and stop overnight on the way. We are still in the process of working out all of the details--with all of your help.

Thanks Borealis, Bak and ltt!

Strive

I've been to Tofino many times and have flown into Seattle and Vancouver. Either way, I've driven to the Tsawwassen BC Ferries terminal and taken the ferry to Nanaimo where I spend the night. Then it's about a 3 hour drive to Tofino. Five nights has never been too much time for my wife and me. Ucluelet has the magnificent Wild Pacific Trail, and Pacific Rim NP offers many beaches and rain forest trails to explore.