The best way to experience all Vancouver Island has to offer is by driving from Victoria to Tofino. Driving lets you experience the cities, small towns, and breathtaking views that are unique to the island. It’s a long drive but you can break up the journey by stopping along the way.
On our trip to Vancouver Island, we wanted to see as much as possible. Renting a car gave us that freedom but getting a car is only the first step. Planning is important for any road trip and driving from Victoria to Tofino is no different. Keep reading for to find out how to get there, where to stop, and what to expect on your journey.
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Driving from Victoria to Tofino: Time & Directions
Even though it’s a beautiful trip, driving from Victoria to Tofino is a long one. The total trip is over 300km (almost 200 miles) and takes over 4 hours non-stop. You should plan some stops along the way so make sure to leave yourself lots of time.
Luckily, it’s a pretty easy drive from Victoria to Tofino. Once you’re out of Victoria you’ll take Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) around the East coast of Vancouver Island. From there, it’s time to veer West at Parkville on Highway 4 to Tofino.
Highway 4 does make a turn in Port Alberni but it is well marked. There is also a turn North to the Pacific Rim Highway but you can’t miss it. Worst-case you’ll end up in Ucluelet which is only 30 minutes South of Tofino.
What Kind of Car Do You Need to Drive from Victoria to Tofino?
This is an important question you need to answer before setting off on your trip! The general answer is to get a car that will at least fit everyone in your group plus bags. However, there are a few other factors that you must consider.
First, what are you planning to do in and on the way to Tofino? If you’re just driving straight there with light activities planned then any car should do. On the other hand, you’ll need something with AWD (All Wheel Drive) if you plan to go off the beaten path a bit. The main roads on Vancouver Island are well paved but you’ll quickly hit gravel if you stray too far.
Second, what season are you visiting? Summer on the island is warm and usually dry but other seasons can get wet. You’ll want something taller with AWD in the rainy seasons to handle what nature brings.
The final thing you need to consider is what you’re comfortable with. If driving big SUVs or RVs make you nervous then stick to something smaller. There are lots of smaller cars that come with safety features and AWD available.
We drove a brand new Buick Enclave SUV and loved it! There were some smaller parking lots that made it feel beastly but overall it was a great drive. Check out a local Enterprise to get a great deal like ours.
What to See Between Victoria and Tofino
Bathroom Breaks While Driving from Victoria to Tofino
OK, let’s start with an important one. As we mentioned, the drive between Victoria and Tofino is a long one so you’ll probably need to stop at least once. This is especially true if you started your trip after Tea at The Empress like us!
There is a lot of driving through mountains and forests but, luckily, there are some strategic places to stop. There are cities like Mill Bay, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, and Parksville along Highway 1. Each have tons of bathroom options if you or someone in your group needs to stop.
If you don’t stop at one of those we recommend you at least need to stop in Port Alberni. It’s about halfway between Victoria and Tofino with bathrooms, gas stations, coffee shops, and food. Port Alberni is also the last major stop before you get to Tofino.
Goats on The Roof - Coombs, BC
If you’re looking for a unique experience on Victoria Island then plan on stopping in Coombs. There you’ll find a one-of-a-kind market with a one-of-a-kind attraction. The Old Country Market is home to Vancouver Island’s famous Goats on The Roof!
The resident goats roam freely along the grass-covered roof to the delight of visitors. They are happy to have their photos taken as they munch on the grass. Don’t get too close though – the goats have been known to drop unwanted surprises on people!
Old Country Market is so much more than the Goats on the Roof. The Market itself is full of produce, groceries, fresh-made treats, and all sorts of goat merchandise. With the added restaurants and small shops, this a great place to stop during your drive from Victoria to Tofino.
Cathedral Grove
The scenery on the drive from Victoria to Tofino is breathtaking. The best place to experience nature’s beauty along the way is Cathedral Grove. Here you’ll find yourself amongst trees that started growing centuries before Canada even existed!
Cathedral Grove is located inside MacMillan Provincial Park about 20 minutes East of Port Alberni. There are two trails on either side of Highway 4 with modest parking at each trailhead. There is a shoulder to park on as well but it’s much safer to wait for a spot in the deginated parking lots.
Walking down either trail will have you surrounded by ancient forests of Douglas Firs and Red Cedar. The biggest tree in Cathedral Grove, creatively named “The Big Tree”, is 76m (250ft) tall, 9m (30ft) around, and over 800 years old! Douglas Firs can live to be over 1,000 so The Big Tree still has a few centuries left.
The Hole in the Wall - Port Alberni
After you leave Cathedral Grove, but just before you reach Port Alberni, there’s a great place to stop and explore. The Hole in the Wall is the perfect chance to get out of the car and stretch your legs before the final push to Tofino. It’s a little tricky to find at first but once you get on the trail you can’t miss it.
You can find the entrance to the Hole in the Wall trail almost directly across from Coombs Country Candy. There is gravel shoulder parking for about 4-5 cars at the trailhead but it’s usually full. The best place to park for the Hole in the Wall is beside the candy store which has much more parking.
The trail itself is really easy and downhill on the way in (read: fully uphill on the way out). It’s mostly gravel with some rocky sections but nothing crazy. Follow “Hole In The Wall” signs at each fork and you’ll be there in about 10 minutes. You’ll reach one big clearing with no sign but just stay right and you’ll be on your way.
The Hole in the Wall itself was made when a utility company needed to drill through rock for a pipeline in the 1960s. The pipeline is long gone but it left behind a seemingly natural hole with a stream flowing gently through it. There is also a large collection of inukshuk up and down the river that help add to the atmosphere.
Coombs Country Candy - Port Alberni
The last place to stop while driving from Victoria to Tofino is conveniently located across from The Hole in the Wall. Coombs Country Candy isn’t just a good place to park it’s also a fantastic place to stock up on road trip snacks. We went in for some ice cream but quickly became kids in a candy store – literally!
Coombs Country Candy has everything: different types of popcorn, ice cream, handmade chocolate treats, candy apples, and fudge. They even have a large selection of sugar-free candy and dairy-free gelato. We highly recommend their ice cream and fudge if you’re looking for a sugar high that will last until Tofino!
Is Driving From Victoria to Tofino Worth It?
Driving from Victoria to Tofino is SO worth it! The journey is full of winding forest roads, picturesque views, and interesting places to stop. It’s also the easiest and fastest way to get between both cities.
You’ll also be rewarded at the end of your trip because Tofino will be yours to discover. We’ll get into more detail about Tofino in an upcoming blog so stay tuned!
If you want to learn more about Canada, check out our other blog posts to help plan the perfect trip. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new posts and upcoming giveaways!
