Directions to Tofino British Columbia

There are two ways to get to Tofino, BC, from Vancouver, BC. You have a choice of taking two basic routes, through Victoria, BC, or through Nanaimo, BC. Though the route to Nanaimo is much more direct, if you wish to visit Victoria on the way, the trip adds about 2 hours of driving time.

While in Vancouver, travel South on Oak Street until it intersects with Highway 99. Take Highway 99 South to Highway 17. Travel Southwest on Highway 17 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. At the Tsawwassen ferry terminal you are presented with a choice of travelling by ferry to either Victoria, BC, or to Nanaimo, BC. If you are looking for the most direct route, take the ferry to Nanaimo. If you wish to do a little sightseeing on the way in Victoria and points between such as Ladysmith, BC, or Crofton BC, then take the Victoria Swartz Bay ferry.

Once on the Island, proceed north along the Island Hwy also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. It is the main North South highway on Vancouver Island. When you reach the Highway #4 intersection north of Nanaimo, take it west to Port Alberni, BC, on to the junction near Ucluelet, BC, turn right and pass through the Pacific Rim National Park on your way to Tofino, BC.

If you are in North Vancouver and plan to travel to Nanaimo on the Horseshoe Bay ferry, this is also a very good route from Whistler BC or any point North of Vancouver, BC. You must keep in mind that there is no ferry service to Victoria from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, only to Nanaimo BC.

Once on the Island, proceed north along the Island Highway also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. It is the main North South highway on Vancouver Island. When you reach the Highway #4 intersection north of Nanaimo, take it west to Port Alberni, BC, on to the junction near Ucluelet, BC, turn right and pass through the Pacific Rim National Park on your way to Tofino, BC.

From Victoria, proceed north out of town on Douglas Street, which becomes the Island Hwy also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. It is the main North South highway on Vancouver Island. When you reach the Highway #4 intersection north of Nanaimo, take it west to Port Alberni BC, on to the junction neat Ucluelet BC, turn right and pass through the Pacific Rim National Park on your way to Tofino, BC.

It is recommended that your car be equipped with proper snow/winter tires for the drive to Tofino BC. If you have all-season tires, please carry chains and know how to put them on. In case of heavy snowfall, a shovel and road salt are advisable. Most of the trip is through areas of little or no snow fall until you reach the Alberni Valley where you will have to cross 2 mountain passes that can have severe winter driving conditions.

Use of seat belts in BC by drivers and passengers is mandatory. Use of headlights during daylight on all vehicles is highly recommended. The maximum speed limit on Highway 99 is 80 km per hour with many slower areas along the way.