Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park

Highlights

• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve — old-growth rainforest and Long Beach
• Whale-watching by boat, in season (orcas, humpbacks, grey whales)
• Tofino's surf beaches and storm-watching in the shoulder season
• A ferry crossing and the scenic Highway 4 drive across Vancouver Island

Itinerary

Day 1

Vancouver → Nanaimo → Tofino

Depart Vancouver by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo, then head west on Highway 4 across Vancouver Island. Break the journey at Cathedral Grove, a cathedral-like stand of old-growth Douglas fir and red cedar, some over 800 years old and towering nearly 250 feet high. Continue on to Tofino, a laid-back surf town on the wild Pacific coast, known for its rainforest, beaches, and dramatic ocean sunsets over open water.

No meals included

Vancouver, BC

Nanaimo, BC

Tofino, BC

Day 2

Pacific Rim National Park

Spend a full day exploring Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where the Pacific Ocean meets ancient temperate rainforest along Vancouver Island's rugged west coast. Walk the long sweep of Long Beach, watching surfers ride the swells and waves crash against driftwood-strewn sand, then venture onto the Rainforest Trail's boardwalks through moss-draped old-growth forest. It's a striking contrast of wild ocean and dense wilderness found in few other places in Canada.

Breakfast included

Pacific Rim National Park, BC

Vancouver, BC

Nanaimo, BC

Day 3

Tofino free day

Enjoy a free day to experience Tofino on your own terms. Join an optional whale-watching tour out onto the open Pacific in search of gray whales, humpbacks, and resident sea lions, or simply spend the day exploring the village itself: browsing local galleries and surf shops, sampling fresh-caught seafood, or relaxing on one of the nearby beaches. However you spend it, Tofino's wild, laid-back coastal charm makes for an easy day to unwind.

Breakfast included

Tofino, BC

Pacific Rim National Park, BC

Vancouver, BC

Day 4

Tofino → Nanaimo → Vancouver

Begin the return journey east across Vancouver Island back to Nanaimo, retracing the forested highway with one last chance to soak in the island's rugged scenery and old-growth stands. From Nanaimo, board the ferry back across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver, watching the Coast Mountains rise ahead as the mainland comes back into view, bringing your Tofino and Pacific Rim adventure to a scenic close.

Breakfast included

Nanaimo, BC

Tofino, BC

Pacific Rim National Park, BC

Route & Distances

1. Vancouver→Nanaimoferry crossing, ≈ 2 hr
2. Nanaimo→Tofino≈ 205 km

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

Check Availability

What's Included

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

• Whale-watching tour≈ $120 CAD / person

Cancellation Policy

Good to Know

• Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
• Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
• Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
• Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

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