Vancouver Island
 

We have allocated 7 nights to Vancouver Island on our 2 week vacation. We do not care to do a lot of driving so we are planning on splitin the time between Tofino and Parksville. Right now I am leaning toward 5 nights in Tofino, but would appreciate everyone's input.

PS my wife are seniors. On this trip we will also be visiting Vancouver and Salt Spring Island.

Can't comment on Parksville, but I would go light on Tofino...in my experience you will see/do everything in two days at the most.

Bob Gardner

If you're arriving by ferry at Nanaimo, you might consider driving as far north as Campbell River. From there it's just a short ferry ride over to Quadra Island and one of my favorite accommodations on Vancouver Island... Twa Kwa Luten Lodge. This property, which overlooks Discovery Bay, features gourmet west coast cuising, and is located far from the maddening crowds around the beach area at Parksville. www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca

I'd suggest allowing 2-3 days at Tofino and then spend the rest of the week along the east coast. Telegraph Cove and the First People's museum at Alert Bay might also be of interest to you, but that would require a bit more driving.

One of the reasons Parksville is popular is because it is close to the ferry at Nanimo so it is easy to get to, it is well sheltered and is sunny. It doesn't get too much rain and fog like one may experience in Tofino even in the summer. We spent a week in Tofino in August and found out why they call it Fogust.
Parksville is well known for the beaches because the tide goes out so far it leaves a huge area of hard packed sand perfect for walking. As the tide comes back in the sand heats the water so swimming is possible. This is the reason for Parksville's popularity particularly with families.
I have been in Parksville in August and September and I didn't see those "maddening crowds" except perhaps during the sandcastle competition. If one wants to avoid that then you can go over to the Rathtrevor beach at the far end of town where it is calm and not very busy.

Hi, I would split it up 3days tofino and 4 days parksville. How Senior are you.? My dad is 83, and he came with us on a zodiac tour up to hotsprings cove{ includes a 30 min hike over flat boardwalks to reach hotspring river that flows into the ocean.} Saw grey whales on the way back. We also did a salmon fishing charter out of ucuelet. Dad was the only one who didn't get seasick. North of Parksville{about 15-20min} is the town of Qualicum, very quaint retirement community , lots of artisans, great recreation facility. We camp at Rathtrevor beach each year and love the camp ground. From Parksville it's also neat to go to Coombs for the day. The general store there is interesting, great pies and baking. You can't miss it , It,s also on the way to Port Alberni/ Tofino and there are goats living on the roof of the building. When in Tofino make sure to go to Chesterman beach at low tide. Turn left and a short walk down the beach you can access some great sea caves. Make sure you check the tide schedule. the tide in this area can rise 15 feet very quickly. Also check out the various boardwalks though the temperate rainforest. They are not strenuous, We used to do them when our kids were toddlers. Have fun and relax, the island is much slower paced than the mainland.

i'd do 4 nights in tofino. you can waunder around and explore for 2-3 days and then just relax in the beautiful scenary.

There are too many beautiful spots on Vancouver Island so I do not agree with four nights in Tofino - two is more than enough. Parksville is a good central spot to do day trips from.

I have to chip in here as we've spent enjoyable times in Parksville, Tofino and Ucluelet. BTW we are both retired and are very close to the official senior status as well. We are also travellers who enjoy the luxury of a leisurely pace now, savouring the area we are in. That said, 2 days in Tofino would never allow for enough beach walking for us.

In the fall we spent 3 nights in Tofino, at Pacific Sands then moved over to Tauca Lea in Ucluelet for 2 nights. Such beautiful, but different scenery in both areas and much to see and do. Both accommodations were superior and restaurants in the area were excellent.

A previous year we stayed near Parksville at Tigh-na-Mara (lovely setting) meandered north to Campbell River for an entire day and spent other days just exploring the area.

I would suggest staying a night around Parksville/Qualicum after the ferry as it's a good 3 hours from there across the mtns to Tofino. Not a road you want to rush either, as the scenery is beautiful so long as you don't get trapped behind a semi! You'll also want to stop at Cathedral Grove and walk through the trails, then perhaps a quick visit to Port Alberni for lunch or to break up the drive.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time, and I suspect you may feel that even 5 days weren't enough.

Hi I agree with Bert2 on that if you arrive on the island later in the day, it may be a good idea to stay around parksville the 1st night. Parksville is a 35-45 min. drive from the duke point ferry terminal {Nanaimo}. The drive across the island is nice although not strenuous, but you may want to stop a few times, Coombs,Cathedral grove, Qualicum falls, ect.

What period of time are you and your wife traveling to the island?

If you are traveling from Calgary with your RV are you towing a car? If you are my suggestion would be to use a hub and venture out each day. Nanaimo is a great place with nice campgrounds situated on or by lakes or try some really great bed and breakfasts.

Nanaimo is centrally located on the island. Victoria is 1.5 hours south....Campbell River is 1.5 hours north and Tofino is 3 hours. You could drive to tofino and stay at a bed and breakfast probably for less than gas and campsite costs for the RV. Parksville, Qualicum and Coombs are great places to stroll and visit. Courtney and Comox have wonderful shops and markets heading to Campbell River. Beautiful sea side views while driving the old island highway.

Uculet and Tofino are great, but I agree with Bob. Two days would be plenty unless you are into hiking, etc.

There is so much to see. Victoria, Chemainus, Ladysmith and Nanaimo all have so much to offer too. And Salt Spring is a artists haven full of wonders.

Good Luck