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 (click here for live web cameras showing weather at elevation in winter). Distances are short, but the road through mountains should be enjoyed slowly. Highway 4 repairs can cause delays. Watch DRIVE BC for scheduled delays.

 

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
• Highway construction may cause delays (click here for current conditions) .
• 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

Remember to check for Highway 4 construction delays.

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 Vancouver Island Connector | or Island Link Tofino Express 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 see bus services below.

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

Island Link Tofino Express 1-5 times daily year round small buses servicing Vancouver Island. • For schedules and routes visit: Island Link Tofino Express. Pick up address in COOP parking lot 564 Campbell Street. Bus stop in Ucluelet is just past the Aquarium, on1645 Cedar Road and Main Street.

Vancouver Island Connector & Tofino Bus: Toll Free 1-866-986-3466 Convenient Motor Coach servicing Vancouver Island. • For schedules, bus depots and to book online visit. VIconnector.com. Pick up address in COOP parking lot 564 Campbell Street. Bus stop in Ucluelet is just past the Aquarium, on1645 Cedar Road and Main Street.

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: Visit us at the Tofino-Ucluelet Junction Information Centre. 250-726-4641Box 428, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 Canada. www.discoverucluelet.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. Visit www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/ 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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