Parksville Or Nanaimo
 

We are on our way to Tofino from Victoria and would like an overnight
and an adventure either in Parksville or Nanaimo. Any Suggestions?
Preferences?

Also going to Campbell River after Tofino. Should we Stay there or on Quadra Island?

Thanks. M

If you give more ideas about your interests i can give you ideas. Are you traveling with kids, are you older?

I say Parksville, it's very nice there.

Just my husband and I and we like outdoor adventures.
thanks

I recommend Parksville and drive up to north of Qualicum to Horn Lake http://hornelake.com/

I also recommend Quadra Island and Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge http://www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca/ Great place to stay and the rates are good.

1. Parksville
2.Quadra Island

I think you should stay in Parksville. You can rent kayaks on the boardwalk and kayak around the very calm waters at the Parksville beach area. I am not sure what time of year you are coming, we have the sandcastle competition there in July

On the way to Tofino from Parksville you can stop at Coombs Market, (goats on the roof) to pick up some supplies and have lunch at the back (Cuckoos) or in the market restaurant itself. Or, pick up deli items for a picnic on the way.

About 10 minutes down the road on the Alberni Highway towards Tofino, is Little Qualicum Falls, a provincial park with a nice hike by the falls and river, through the forest and takes around an hour.

Then stop at Cathedral Grove for a walk through the forest. This can take as little as 10 minutes to an hour, depending upon how much time you have.

THanks so much for the details. I'm definitely including these tips in our trip.

Do you know much about Comox? We have a couple days on our way back from Tofino before we cross over for the trip back to Vancouver and think Comox might be a good base for a couple days. What do you think?

what month are you here? There are also the islands, Hornby and Denman which are nice too. Comox /Courtenay is a good choice. You can go to Mt. Washington for the afternoon from there: http://www.mountwashington.ca/summer.html
for some hiking and fantastic views.
As mentioned above you can check out the Horne Lake Caves on the way.

+1 for Hornby Island. Helliwell Provincial Park and Tribune Bay are great to explore. Just get ready for ferry lineups if it is a long weekend in the summer!

If you stay in Comox do make the drive up to Mt Washinton to hike around and enjoy great views , also a visit to Nymph Falls is nice, popular swimming spot for locals( not suitable for small children ) , short hike down to it.