sandx

Hi
We have put aside 4 nights for Vancouver Island and thought about stopping in Victoria the whole time with trips out to Cowichan Bay and Chemainus.
But a friend has told my husband that we must see Tofino. It seems a long way to go and unless we stay there at least 2 nights, I don't think we would do it justice.
What do people here think?
Thanks in advance.

Tim99

Tofino is a bit overrated. It is a nice place, but in summer a bit busy with many youngsters. I prefer myself the east coast. A bit warmer too.

immimi

Three nights would give you time to explore the area and enjoy
the restos.

We go to Tofino at least twice a year and much prefer it to
the eastern side Vancouver Island. To each his own, lol.

immimi

Just a thought - the west coast around Sooke is lovely; you
could drive there from Victoria in a hour or so; we stay at
Point-no-point but there is always Sooke Harbour House and
numerous B&Bs. It's not Tofino but it's very very nice.

NWWanderer

I love Tofino and also prefer it to the east coast of VI. 3 nights is the minimum amount of time to spend there, unless you're flying there, in which case you could make do with 2.

gannetmusic

What are your interests? That makes all of the difference in suggesting places to visit.

sandx

Sorry guys for being vague. We're on Vancouver Island 15th-18th September 2010 (we'd have to leave 11am for for Van Intl Airport).

We're in our early 40's, like hiking, scenery, wildlife, foodie places, quirky places, micro breweries and also exploring cites. We don't surf or like sunbathing much.

We are not visiting the East coast but will be taking an Inside Passage cruise and seeing the Rockies too.

Sooke sounds interesting - will look into that.

sandx

Sorry we are visting east coast of VI - thought you meant the Sunshine coast.

irecommend

If I had 4 days I would spend 1 in Victoria (including Butchart Gardens. One day drive up to Sooke, (walk on Whiffen Spit for a great view of the Olympic Mountains for some beach combing) and then drive up to Botanic Beach. I would then drive to Tofino for an overnight. The drive might take 6 hours, and you should stop in Cathedral Grove for a hike on the way. The next morning definitely go whale watching and to the hot springs from Tofino. Then you could drive back to Nanaimo and head to Qualicum and Parksville. You could possibly take the ferry that night from Nanaimo. Oh, this might be 5 days. This would give you a very good overview, it would be a very busy itinererary with lots of driving but it could be possible. Warning, VI is the kind of place that will just make you want more!!!

sandx

Thanks all for your valued input. I think we will have to explore VI much more on another visit. So we'll venture as far as Sooke this trip.
Thanks again.

MrShort1

Ucluelet is an alternative to Tofino. However the road to Tofino is a test of driving skill and is time consumming. In sSept. you would miss some of the holiday crowd on the winding narrow roads. I think Sooke is a good alternative for a few days. The hotsprings are not that great( small and shallow) but the views are awesome. There are flights to Tofino from Victoria and Vancouver airport which I think the next time we have a weekend is the way to go.