starting to plan for the next summer, a vancouver island vacation for a family of four. Would like to split our time between the area of Victoria (about a week), around Campbell River (3 days) and Tofino. However, I have found nice lake side accommodation on Sproat Lake, near Port Alberni, which seem cheaper and more peaceful than Tofino area itself. Setting a base there for a week, I have in mind Tofino and tha pacific rim, but also the boat ride through Alberni Inlet, Provincial parks and beaches near Parksville. Is this a reasonable thought or would I better off in Tofino. Thanks for your kind replies.

I think you are doing it right by staying at Sproat Lake. You can certainly take day trips from there a lot easier than from Tofino. Sometimes the weather in Tofino isn't that great and the Alberni Sproat Lake area can be warm and lovely. It doesn't take too long to get to Parksville, Qualicum Beach etc from there as well. Good decision!

I have made a stop at the westbay resort hotel restaurant during a trip from Tofino towards Port Alberni. First we were very impressed by the location, but the restaurant was a disappointment (very dirty). We did not like it. I hope the rooms are better or you refer to another accommodation.

You should also consider, that the road towards Tofino is winding single lane road. It is a time consuming trip from Sproat Lake towards the coast.

I would recommend Tofino, Ucluelet or Bamfield as location, if you main intention is to visit the pacific Rim NP and the coast.

Pacific Rim NP is diveded into three parts (long beach unit, broken island unit, west cost trail unit). You should investigate a little time, as not all units are accessible from all villages.

Port Alberni is closer to the mountains & lakes and offers good hiking and fishing activties.

Tofino offers good access to the long beach unit.

Ucluelet is the perfect gate towards the broken Island unit.

Bamfield gives access to the west cost trail unit of Pacific Rim NP.

Tofino is my fave place in BC so I think you are missing out by NOT staying there. Even when it's full, Tofino and Pacific Rim nat'l park is still pretty peaceful and always beautiful. The road is very windy so going for day trips to Tofino from Sproat Lake may not be that much fun when you're there. I would definitely find a place to stay in Tofino or Ucluelet, or somewhere in between. There are lots of houses, cottages, bed and breakfasts, etc available. Save some money and get a place with a little kitchen so you can eat in.

If you are planning to spend just three days seeing the rest of the Island I do not recommend spending it all in Tofino. That is certainly a gorgeous area but you will not be able to see the rest of the beautiful spots on the Island. If you just want a quiet getaway in a secluded area Long Beach is the place for you but when you have limited time to cover the Island you need to stay in a more central location.