We are planning to spend 3 days in Vancouver Island this July and wondered if it would be better to base ourselves out of Tofino or Nanaimo? We booked a place in Nanaimo basically because we are traveling by ferry from Seattle and then on to Vancouver by ferry so thought this was a convenient spot.<BR><BR>Since then, I've read postings mainly about Tofino and the ones I saw on Nanaimo weren't very complimentary!<BR><BR>We are two families traveling with our 4 children (ages range from 5-12). We were hoping to do hiking, whale watching and whatever else others might recommend.<BR><BR>Appreciate any and all comments!<BR>Thank you!<BR>

I'd skip Nanaimo. Go to Tofino or consider Parksville by Rathtrevor Park where your kids could also play on the beach. There are several places to stay on or above the beach such as: Greycrest, Tigh-na-mara, Beach Acres, and Madrona Beach Resort, and probably others I don't know about. Bring sand buckets.

tofino. hands down. the recreational opportunities are awesome in that area -- especially if you're into hiking and whalewatching. my personal favorite is to take a water taxi to hotsprings cove. it's a great hike and soaking in the natural hotsprings is a treat.<BR><BR>the weather can be a bit more unpredictable, but you should catch some beautiful days in july.

Another vote for Tofino, and especially for Hot Springs Cove. Once the water taxi drops you at the dock there, it's a bit of a hike to the hot springs; make sure you take lots of water with you if you go during the day. (I've also gone at night - in which case you need a good flashlight.)

Oh Please!!<BR><BR>LOL!!!<BR><BR>It hurts when I laugh!<BR><BR>Nanaimo!!!<BR><BR>Too much!

Lets see what does Nanaimo have to offer!!!<BR><BR>WESTWOOD LAKE - beautiful & warm, as well as hiking suitable for families<BR>MOUNT BENSON - many great hiking trails<BR>WORLD BATHTUB RACE-family festivites in JulyNECK POINT/PIPER'S LAGOON - scenic parks/beaches for families<BR>AFFORDABLE ACCOMODATION!!!!<BR>FARMERS & FISHERMANS MARKET - fresh veggies, seafood and local artisans crafts<BR>BOWEN PARK - outdoor concerts in the park<BR>BUTTERTUBS MARSH - wildlife sanctuary<BR>MORRELL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - "<BR>SALT WATER FISHING - rent a boat, take a charter<BR>GOLFING - 20 golf courses within one hour of nanaimo<BR><BR>Sailing, kayaking,canoeing, tennis, swimming, diving, harbour cruises, bungy jumping, indoor climbing centers,<BR><BR>the list goes on...................

Thanks for the responses.<BR><BR>We weren't actually planning on doing anything in Nanaimo except to use it as a base for day trips.<BR><BR>We have only 2 full days and thought it might be too far of a drive from Tofino to Nanaimo for our ferry ride back to Vancouver (which will be early morning).<BR><BR><BR><BR>

sorry nanaimo. i'm sure you're right but for the most part, the city is simply a place to catch the ferry. my loss i'm sure.<BR><BR>todd, it's approximately a 3.5 hour drive from nanaimo to tofino, depending on traffic. you could use nanaimo as a base, but you won't get much time on the west coast.<BR><BR>my suggestion would be to book nanaimo for the last night before you leave and book the first two nights in tofino or ucluelet.

Okay, thanks. We'll probably drive out to Tofino instead and either leave very early to get a ferry out of Nanaimo or just overnight there instead.<BR><BR>Thanks everyone!<BR><BR>

Hi Todd; Just another suggestion for you...if you are looking for a base, I would recommend Parksville/Qualicum Beach area. This is an oceanside resort area with some fantastic ameneties...Driving distances are: 45 minutes from Nanaimo Ferry/2 hours from Tofino & Long Beach/2 hours from Victoria/2 hours from Campbell River. It is easily accessible to all island destinations and I feel is a more relaxing, scenic spot than the city of Nanaimo.

Thanks Christine. I'm actually looking at this now and trying to book at the Tigh Na Mara.<BR><BR>With 4 kids, I think the early drive back from Tofino to Nanaimo to catch the ferry (we'd have to leave at 6:30 a.m.) would be too much. We also aren't keen on spending 2 nights on the east coast then having to drive back for 1 night prior to our departure.<BR><BR>We'll have to do Tofino in a day or skip it for another trip. Is Tofino do-able in a day trip from Parksville?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Joy<BR><BR>

Hi Joy; <BR><BR>Tofino is definitely a "do-able" day trip; however, a portion of the 2 hour drive from Parskville to Tofino is a relatively narrow and winding road so it may take a bit longer if the weather is not optimum. It is very safe but can make for a "long" day trip. All that being said, it is my favorite place on earth so it is definitely worth it!!! Hope you have a wonderful time. (just returned to Calgary from the Island - the reason for my delayed response)

I highly recommend Beach Acres in Parksville. There are cabins or townhouses. The McClure House B&B Restaurant on the premises is EXCELLENT for dinner. Be sure and check out Coombs Country Market - its a fun stop with lots to look at.

In my opinion, if your destination is Tofino and the west coast of Vancouver island, by all means stay there. You won't regret it. Making day trips across the island twice each day would get tiresome, especially after a large outing on the beach and in the rainforest.<BR><BR>When my parents took me and my sister to Tofino, we took the ferry from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, and then drove to Parksville where we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening. The following day we woke up early and took our time along the highway to Tofino. There are many places to stop off along the way such as Cathedral Grove.<BR><BR>We spent 3 nights in Tofino at the Ocean Village resort (private beachfront cabins on McKenzie Beach - just 2km south of Tofino, and directly north of Long Beach) - and still until this day, that was one of my favourite summer vacations. <BR><BR>I hope to go back this summer! You'll love it!

Thanks everyone. One last question...<BR><BR>Any recommendations on how to spend our time in Tofino? I think we'll have a good four hours there.<BR><BR>Appreciate your help!

You'd be wise to spend it in Parksville - we go every yr. to Graycrest Resort - it's fabulous. Tofino is wonderful too but weather hampers the outside activities.

Todd:<BR>Tigh Na Mara is just fine but right next door is Beach Acres and it has the only flat beach access in that particular area. Tigh Na Mara is up on a cliff and it is quite a hike down to the beach and back.<BR><BR>Although I love the Tofino area, I think your choice of the Parksville area is wise as you really need a few days in the Tofino area to appreciate it and you would really be rushing to get back for the ferry. Cantrary to some of the other opinions, your original thought of Nanaimo wasn't bad either-- especially if you were going to use it as a base. It is central for trips up and down the Island and they have really done a good job on the town in the last couple of years---especially the waterfront.<BR><BR>If you chose Parksville, then Englishman River Falls and Park is nice for a hike, Coombs is tacky as hell but fun, and don't miss Cathederal Grove on the way to Tofino.<BR><BR>enjoy<BR>

Thanks for the good advice. Unfortunately, Beach Acres was over our budget so we ended up at Tigh-Na-Mara. How long is the hike down to the beach?<BR><BR>I'm glad someone realized my intention of staying in Nanaimo was not to sightsee there, but simply to use it as a base. I agree after reading and doing more research that Parksville is a better alternative - but geez, did some of those people have to get so rude on the board, especially when it's a forum to ask these types of questions?<BR><BR>Thanks again.<BR><BR>

Todd:<BR><BR>Sorry, didn't mean to imply that you had a long hike to the beach.It is just that you constanly have to go up and down somewhat steep stairs as opposed to a gentle hill at Beach Acres -- not far at all. You will enjoy Tigh Na Mara.

Thanks for the reassurance. I had suddenly pictured a long difficult walk which would be okay for us, but hard on my parents!<BR><BR>Any favorite hike(s) you could recommend for our day trip out to the Tofino area?<BR>