oceanrose10

We are flying into Seattle late August and plan on taking ferry across to Victoria and renting a car. From there we want to see and hike the Juan de Fuca P.P. and then head up to Nanimo and then to Parkvile and then to Tufino. If time then go back to Nanimo and head to Strathcona. Does this sound possible for 8 days? Would also love to go to Hornby an old Hippy place. and may do some kayaking. Does this sound like we are fitting in too much?

Please suggest a different itinerary for us

Thanks for your help.

live42day

You should re post this to 'British Columbia'

Yes you are trying to fit in way too much. You will spend the entire vacation either in the car or on a ferry.

First off it would really help to know how many people are with you? Kids? What is your objective. You say kayaking on Hornby and hiking the Juan de Fuca so I assume you like the outdoors.

Eight days could look like this:
Ferry to Victoria. at least three nights in Victoria, maybe even four because you wont get there until half the first day is gone and there is a lot to see. One of the days will be taken up by your hike, which is amazing too by the way.

Drive up to Nanaimo and maybe spend the night in Parksville. You dont say what your interests are in these two places. Nanaimo does not have a great deal to offer for such a short vacation. Parksville has a great beach and some activities for kids if you have them. Wildlife Recovery Centre, Coombs Market, McMillian Park, (old growth forest).

From there you need to make a choice in my opinion. Hornby and Strathcona or Tofino.

Hornby requires two more ferries. They are both amazing places but it depends upon what you want more. There is a very laid back lifestyle on Hornby, you can do some kayaking and maybe some biking around the island. There are some great beaches there but not the wild surf that Tofino offers. Strathcona is a ski resort in winter but a great hiking area in the summer time. You would need to spend a night in that area most likely as well. Courtenay or Comox.

Tofino has surfers, also the hippie lifestyle, amazing scenery as well. In August there will be fog in Tofino until possibly noon each day. Hornby will be warmer overall temperature wise. In Tofino you can also do some whale and bear watching tours.

Because of travel time you will need at least two, preferably three or more days at either location.

Which ever one you choose make SURE that you book a hotel before you get there as August in both locations sell out fast and you may not be able to find a room if you dont arrange anything.

You will then need to spend another full day driving back to Victoria and possibly overnighting to catch the ferry back to Seattle unless you can get a late one. The drive from Tofino to Victoria is around five hours and from Hornby about the same because of the ferrys.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

mat54

Just to add another opinion, a number of years ago I visited both Strathcona and Tofino/Pacific Rim (did not get to Hornby). I "liked" Strathcona, but "loved" Tofino/Pacific Rim - very dramatic scenery and nature as well as charming town.

Sam_Salmon

FWIW-There are no hippies left anywhere but the most remote parts of BC-real estate prices have risen so much that they've been forced out of former strongholds like the southern Gulf Islands altogether-ditto Tofino home of $300/night hotels galore.

Ucluelet has always been a working class town and while it's certainly more upscale these days it's still gritty-waking up early in the drizzle and collapsing early in the evening gloom.

Lasqueti and Redonda Islands have some few pockets left but are difficult of access and none too friendly to outsiders.

I agree you don't have time to do half of what your initial itinerary holds the Good News is that kayak tours/rentals are ubiquitous/easy to arrange on short notice anywhere.

Coombs market is only of interest to those who collect tacky Made in China tourist tat and have time galore to waste-a complete bust.

live42day

Sam you opinion of Coombs is yours, and not that of many many others. As I said in other posts, there are two sides to Coombs, the market side which has some wonderful things an a fun atmosphere and the other side where the horrible huge statues are. But that being said I have met so many people that LOVE the statues as well. You can buy some fresh produce, deli items, wonderful smoked salmon etc at the market. The prices may seem high but all food products are high here on the island as alot of it is trucked over by ferry. The prices on the mainland are so much less.

Some folks love Ucluelet more than Tofino. It is a personal taste. It is clear that you dont like Ucuelet or Coombs but dont you think that people should be given the information and let them decide for themselves? Some think that Tofino is a tacky tourist trap.

Downtown Tofino still has many 'hippies' around. I am not sure where they can afford to stay, thier car or van I assume. Alot come out from Eastern Canada and hang around most of the summer. The hippies of old days (my days) would just camp on the beach all summer in makeshift lean tos, but that is no longer allowed although there are a few that still do so on remote beaches.

oceanrose10

Oh thank you everyone for commenting.
Since posting I have revised my plans
One day in Victoria seeing the gardens
One day on the uan de Fuca P.P. for day hikes. CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A COUPLE OF DAY HIKES THERE? I cannot locate good day hikes just the three day hike

Then off to Tofino or Ucluelet for Tofino/Pacific Rim trails for three nights. On way down we want to stop at McMillian rainforest and Englishman River Falls and Qualicum Falls waterfalls hike. Get in late to Tofino but will have two more full days there. I NEED ADVISE...Where in Ucluelet or Tofino can we find a very modest place no frills but clean and maybe water view for around 150.00 a night? Then off to Strathcona Park for some hiking. I NEED ADVISE....can anyone recommend two hikes with immediate level for views of glaciers etc...

Then on last day drive all the back to Victoria and catch ferry.

Thank you so much for your advice...I need to have your opinion if this is too much and if this seems possible.

I need help with accomodations and if ANYONE knows of a uncommerical kayaking experience

Joan

live42day

The Falls at Englishman River are a bit of a drive and similar in my opinion to the Qualicum Falls which are just off the highway you will be on. I think one would be enough, but it is up to you of course.
The McMillan (Cathedral Grove) is another 15 minutes from Qualicum Falls. THere is parking on both sides of the road, either side is a great walk. Then it is another 2 hours to Tofino. You can stop for lunch either in Coombs or Port Alberni.

Coombs market just opened a new resteraunt near the back and it is very nice, pizza, salads etc. Port Alberni has a few nice places as well along the way to Tofino.

I think you may have a bit of a challange to find a place in Tofino or Ucluelet for $150 in August but there are a few motels in Ucluelet for around that price I think
Try the Thornton Motel, West Coast Motel, Peninsula, Island West. There are also some B and Bs that may fit the bill

Just Google B and Bs in Ucluelet which will be less money than Tofino.

I still think you should ditch Strathcona. You are doing too much in my opinion.

live42day

I forgot, there is the Dolphin motel in Tofino, walking distance, across the highway, to Chestermans beach. I stayed there years ago and it is certainly very basic but the price is right