How to get here!

The journey to the "wild side" of Vancouver Island offers matchless views as you wind through majestic forests and snow-capped mountains on Highway 4. From the "junction" (where the highway splits) it is 8 kilometres to Ucluelet or 36 kilometres to Tofino. Pacific Rim National Park lies between the two villages. Estimated times depending on road conditions. Distances are short, but the road through mountains should be enjoyed slowly.

Driving Directions:

Traveling north from Victoria or Duke Point ferry:

• Follow highway 1 north to the welcome to Nanaimo sign. Do not exit for downtown Nanaimo
• Take Highway 19 overpass North towards Qualicum Beach
• Take Exit 60 onto Highway 4 (Pacific Rim Highway) to Port Alberni. You will pass Cathedral Grove on this scenic mountain road
• Go straight through Port Alberni, turning right at the T-junction to Tofino/Ucluelet
• The highway follows Sproat Lake and Kennedy River through snow capped mountains. Allow 1 ½ hours between Port Alberni and the T-Junction by the Pacific Rim Visitors Centre.
• Turn right to Tofino (30 minutes) or left to Ucluelet (10 minutes).

From Departure Bay ferry:

• Follow traffic up the hill to the North Island Highway. Turn right through Nanaimo, to Highway 19. Then follow above directions.

From Comox airport:

• Turn right at Knight Road, and right again at onto Military Row. At the next stop sign turn left on Ryan Road.
• Follow signs to Nanaimo over the 17th street bridge
• Turn left onto Cliff Avenue and follow signs for highway 19 southbound to Nanaimo (29th St. connector).
• Take the highway 4 exit for Port Alberni/Pacific Rim National Park

Public Transport

From VANCOUVER AIRPORT:

• Traveling from YVR to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal: Hop on the Canada Line Sky train at the airport - purchase a ticket for a 2-zone fare from the vending machine before you board - credit card/change should be $9
• Get off at Vancouver City Centre Station
• Head out to W Georgia Street & go across the road heading east. Walk past "The Bay" store and catch the bus "257 Horseshoe Bay Express" at Seymour St. It will drop you off right at the ferry terminal. (You can also catch the #250 but it's slower).
• You can purchase Tofino Bus tickets online or reserve at 1.866.986.3466 to Ucluelet or Tofino
• Check Tofino Bus schedule for the ferry you should catch for direct connections

Traveling from VICTORIA AIRPORT:

• Transfers from Victoria Airport to the Victoria Bus Depot are offered by AKAL Airport Shuttle Bus (1-877-386-2525). From there Tofino Bus offers service.

 

West Coast T R A V E L --S E R V I C E S

BUDGET CAR/TRUCK RENTALS: Tofino Airport 250.725.2060 Located at the airport terminal at Long Beach, open 7 days a week. Free customer pick-up in Ucluelet and Tofino. www.bcbudget.com

ORCA AIRWAYS Tofino-Ucluelet Airport 1-888-359-6722 Daily scheduled flights serving Long Beach and Vancouver. One hour direct flight. Shuttle available to or from Tofino hotels. Charters or freight service available. www.flyorcaair.com

TOFINO BUS and Bike rentals: 564 Campbell St.Toll Free 1-866-986-3466 or local BEACH BUS transport: 250-725-2871Vancouver and Victoria daily express motor coach. Service to Port Alberni and Nanaimo. Beach Bus is your transportation between Tofino, Ucluelet and all beaches/trails in between. Check website for current schedules and reservations: www.tofinobus.com

TOFINO TAXI and LIMO SERVICE Call: 250-725-3333 Serving both Tofino and Ucluelet. 24 hour reliable service. Airport limo service and Vancouver Island destinations.

B.C. TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES: Ucluelet Information Centre: Box 428, 1598 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 Canada (250) 726-4641 year round. www.uclueletinfo.com Tofino Information Centre: Box 249, 1426 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 Canada (250) 725-3414 seasonal. www.tourismtofino.com Pacific Rim Visitor's Centre: 250-726-4600 at the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. Centre also offers Pacific Rim National Park visitor services March to October.

Whether you come here for the whales, the rainforests or just the peace and quiet, the west coast is easy to visit but very hard to forget.

WEATHER Current Tofino Forecast : Includes current radar image Coastal weather patterns can change very rapidly on the Wild West Coast, usually to dramatic effect. Even in the rain the charms of rainforests and coastal vistas are a memorable experience. Current and forecasted: Wave and Surf Conditions   •Current Tide Tables Click here for a special storm watching page

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