Hello -
Have a business trip coming up to Vancouver 1st of May for 4 nights. Hubby & I plan to rent a car and go from there to Whistler for a day, then spend 5 nights exploring Vancouver Island, finally flying back to FL from Victoria. We've never been to those locales & want nature - gorgeous scenery, hikes, wildlife & a nice place with a gorgeous view to end the day. Shopping & high tea have no appeal for me; we'd rather explore rugged coasts, see animals we've not seen, maybe kayak, definitely hike, shoot a couple thousand photos, lol. Dream trip would be 2 weeks to explore the island, but as that can't happen, how do we get the best of what we want in maybe 2 nights in Tofino or Uculet, a night elsewhere (suggestions, please), and a final day & night in Victoria before a morning flight? Thank you in advance.

For gorgeous scenery, it's hard to beat Tofino. But often overlooked is the Sunshine Coast. Here are a couple of links that will show you how to do a circle route that includes the Sunshine Coast and over to Vancouver Island, and of course you can modify to add Tofino. One shows going over to the island first and of course you would reverse that route, going first up the coast and then over to the island.

Two links:

http://www.travel-british-columbia.c...unshine-coast/

http://www.hellobc.com/driving-route...cle-route.aspx

Yes, like sludick, as soon as I read you wanted "gorgeous scenery" I thought Pacific Rim National Park and Tofino. There is a famous inn between the park and town: Wickaninnish. But there are a number of alternatives. Years ago we stayed at the nearby Pacific Sands which is a large Suite style accommodation on the water, spread over several buildings (they call themselves "resort", but I don't remember much in the way of true resort amenities, not that you really need them with that setting and view and the spectacular nature attractions of the area. These units were very comfortable and included kitchens (although again it's been a good number of years so check recent reviews). Spectacular surfing beaches (too cold and rough for much swimming) and fascinating tidepools in the rocky areas. Ancient Coastal Rain Forest with Huge Trees. In the town of Tofino there are various accommodations including condo rentals. Also interesting shops selling the famous local indigenous art, cafes and bistros, and great whale watching tours (I recommend booking ahead).
Elsewhere on Vancouver Island - Victoria is a lovely small city with a charming walkable downtown. Up the Coast from Victoria, Sooke Harbour is popular and farther on is Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park with rugged coastal scenery and more tide pools (could be done as a day trip).
I think I would plan 3 nights in Tofino (it's a good long drive so that's just 2 full days, barely enough to explore especially if you do a whale trip) and if you get bad weather one day you'll be glad to have the extra time. Then I'd probably spend 2 nights in Victoria and daytrip with a picnic to Botanical Beach one day.

Thank you both for your help. I love the idea of rugged coastal scenery - that's always a draw for those of us from flat beaches. Another place has popped up on our radar - Ucluelet Bay. Any preference on Tofino vs Ucluelet?

They're very close, about 30 minutes apart. I'd recommend you stay in Tofino but include Ucluelet ("Ukee") in what you see/do.

Until fairly recently, Ucluelet was just a quiet fishing village and First Nations area. It has grown a lot, but still doesn't have the lodging/restaurant/etc options you will find in Tofino. My cousin and his friends spend a few days there every year salmon fishing and living rustic without the womenfolk.

As you drive down from Tofino to Ucluelet, you can stop at a few places to do some pretty hikes (not long). In Ukee, maybe stop at the Fetch at Black Rock Resort, or Norwoods, for dining.

Another question, if you don't mind: Is it worth going to Whistler for an afternoon & night before going over to the island, or is that just too much with our itinerary? Unfortunately I don't yet know what sightseeing/excursions the biz trip holds, but would assume they'd get us to several of the top things to do there.
Thanks again for your help.

I would suggest staying in Tofino, there are lots of options there and May 1st is not too busy. There are many many hikes in the area, one of my favourites is Schooner Cove. You park in the parking lot, off the highway (the closest to Tofino, it is marked) and then hike down boardwalk and stairs to the beach below. If you time it when the tide is out (and not coming back in for a few hours!!!) you can head right and explore a couple of beaches with almost no one on them. Just make sure to get back before the tide comes in.

You can take a float plane or a boat to Hot Springs Cove which is fantastic. Kayaking is really only for experienced kayakers out of the harbour as there are very strong currents IMO.

You can take wildlife boat tours to search for whales and bears etc. One of my favourite leaves from Ucluelet and is called Archepelago.
http://archipelagocruises.com
I have lived here all my life and still learned a great deal from them.


When you are leaving Tofino to come back, you could go early and head to Ucluelet. It is only a few minutes past the turn off. I would suggest walking the wild pacific trail which has spectacular views along the trail that hugs the coastline. There are a number of parts to it, but one part leaves the Black Rock, as Sludick reffered to, so you can hike and then pop in to Fetch resteraunt for lunch. Norwoods is usually only open for dinner. The view at Fetch is amazing.

If you wanted to spend the day in Ukee you could then book a night in either Qualicum Beach or Parksville as a half way point to Victoria.

That would give you time to also stop at McMillan Park (Cathedral Grove) which is just past Port Alberni but before Coombs. A forest of large trees in a natural setting.

There are many great places to stay in Parksville, 'The beach club' is downtown Parksville but on a great boardwalk that goes along the beach. Or there are lots of choices at Rathtrevor beach area.

In qualicum beach, 10 minutes before Parksville. there are two nice places to stay. A newly renovated Qualicum Beach Inn, which is across the street from the beach. There is also the Crown Mansion, which is a gorgeous old house and a fantastic restaurant.

There are many hikes around Qualicum Parksville area too. If you feel you will have time you could go to Englishman River Falls

Sounds great! Thanks so much for your advice!