The Best 3 Day Itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet
Tofino and Ucluelet are undoubtedly two of my favorite Vancouver Island destinations. This 3 day itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet is a little more relaxed than hiking Juan de Fuca Trail, but it still captures the best of the island’s west coast. In fact, not only can you go surfing in Tofino, but you can also explore Pacific Rim National Park and discover hidden beaches in Ucluelet.
If you’ve ever found yourself comparing Ucluelet vs Tofino, the truth is, both towns offer something special. Tofino is all about surfing, long sandy beaches and a lively local community, while Ucluelet feels more rugged and peaceful, with its dramatic cliffs and forested trails. They’re only about 40 minutes apart, so instead of choosing Ucluelet or Tofino, the best experience is exploring both.
In this blog post, you’ll find a 3 day itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet, complete with tips, highlights, best activities and some of my personal favorites.
Overview: 3 Day Itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet
- Location: Tofino and Ucluelet, West Coast on Vancouver Island
- Distance from Vancouver: 5 hours (the ferry to Nanaimo is just under 2h, the drive between Nanaimo and Tofino or Ucluelet is around 3h)
- How to get to Tofino: ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and then drive on Highway 4 to Tofino
- How many days to spend in Tofino: 3 days minimum, but ideally 1 week or more
- Where to stay: Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Airbnbs or campgrounds
- Main activities: surfing, whale watching, bear watching, hot springs cove, hiking
How to Get to Tofino and Ucluelet
If you’re driving from Vancouver, the main way to get to Tofino and Ucluelet is by taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. On a clear day, you can even see Vancouver Island from viewpoints along the Sea to Sky Highway or Cypress Mountain. From there, follow Highway 4 all the way to the West Coast. At the final junction, turn left for Ucluelet or right for Tofino.
💡Local Tip: Make sure to book the ferry well in advance! Around the May long weekend or in summer, reservations can sell out quickly. If you don’t have a booking, you’ll likely end up waiting in the standby line for at least one ferry, which could add extra hours to your road trip.
On the drive between Nanaimo and Tofino, make sure you stop along the way to check some of the local sites. Although the entire drive is around 3 hours without breaks, it’s best not to rush it.
Another route is from Victoria to Tofino, which takes you on a scenic road trip through the heart of Vancouver Island. This drive is a bit longer and takes around 5 hours without stops, but it’s a great alternative for a west coast road trip.
For those that prefer to fly to Tofino, you can take a Harbour Air flight from Vancouver. Keep in mind that in this case you’ll need to arrange local transportation to visit the areas around Tofino.
Best Time to Visit Tofino and Ucluelet
There’s no wrong time to visit Tofino and Ucluelet, but the best time to visit Tofino is generally from May to September. But, if you’re after storm watching and smaller crowds, the months from November to February are perfect.
In my opinion, the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer a great balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. You can still enjoy hiking, surfing, exploring the beaches and taking part in excursions. However, keep in mind that the ocean breeze can make even sunny days feel cooler and rain is always a possibility.
Where to Stay in Tofino and Ucluelet
There are various accommodation options in Tofino and Ucluelet along the West Coast, depending on your budget and preference.
If you want to stay closer to Tofino, one of my favorite resorts is Pacific Sands Beach Resort, though it can be a bit pricey. I recommend checking during the shoulder season, when they often offer great deals. Alternatively, you can look for options on Airbnb or Booking, but keep in mind that accommodations in Tofino can be quite expensive.
On my first visit to Tofino and Ucluelet, we decided to stay in Ucluelet, just a 35-minute drive from Tofino, for a quieter and more budget-friendly option. We booked an Airbnb near the Wild Pacific Trail, enjoying the proximity to the ocean and outdoor activities, while still being close to restaurants and pubs to explore in the evening.
Campgrounds in Tofino
Campgrounds are another popular alternative. I recommend booking well in advance if you’re visiting during the peak summer months or long weekends. On another visit in Tofino, we stayed at Green Point Campground, but below I include some additional campgrounds in Tofino and Ucluelet:
- Bella Pacifica Campground: 4 km from Tofino, on Mackenzie Beach, excellent for visiting the Pacific Rim National Park, open between March and November.
- Chrystal Cove Beach Resort: 4 km from Tofino, on Mackenzie Beach, glamping and cabin experiences are also available.
- Surf Grove Campground: 8 km from Tofino, on Cox Bay, very popular for beginner surfers.
- Green Point Campground: 12 km from Tofino and Ucluelet, on Long Beach, open between May and October.
- Surf Junction Campground: 33 km from Tofino, 7 km from Ucluelet, just 10 minutes from Long Beach, known for its amazing surfing
⚠️ Note: Green Point Campground is one of the most affordable options near Tofino, with rates between $30 and $40 per night. In comparison, Bella Pacifica’s beachfront sites range from $75 to $130, and MacKenzie Beach charges $50 to $90, depending on the season and site type.
Best Beaches in Tofino
If you’re planning a 3 day itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet, you may want to explore some beaches in the area. Generally, Ucluelet is mostly rocky, with only a couple of small sandy beaches, like Big Beach and Little Beach. Therefore, for sandy beaches you need to go to Tofino.
💡If you’re looking for more beach destination in BC, the Sunshine Coast has some beautiful sandy stretches worth checking out.
Most beaches in Tofino are great for surfing, but a few are particularly beginner-friendly due to their soft, sandy bottoms. When learning to surf, the focus is on balance and getting up on the board, which often means a lot of falling. Sandy beaches are ideal because they’re safer and more forgiving than rocky ones.
My favorite beaches in Tofino
- Mackenzie Beach: is known for its calm waters and gentle waves, thanks to the large rocks that shelter it from most of the wind. This beach is ideal for families with kids, but would not recommend to those interested in surfing.
- Chesterman Beach: popular for surf lessons, at low tide you can even walk out to Frank Island.
- Cox Bay: is a crescent-shaped beach known for Tofino surf competitions. It’s great for surfing, watching sunsets, exploring tidepools, or hiking to the Cox Bay Viewpoint. However, parking can be challenging.
- Long Beach: within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, is the longest beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island, stretching over 16 km. This is where I went surfing, next to the iconic boulder sitting at the water’s edge.
- Wickaninnish Beach: is located within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and adjacent Long Beach. As with Long Beach, it’s a great surfing spot but more suited for expert surfers.
💡Local Tip: The best beaches to learn surfing are Cox Bay, Chesterman and Long Beach. You can book lessons or rent gear from shops between Tofino and Ucluelet. You can find more details in the section below.
Main Excursions and Day Trips from Tofino
Tofino is not only the surfing capital of British Columbia but it’s also a perfect spot to go whale watching or bear watching, as well as head to the Hot Springs Cove. These three excursions are very popular if you’re visiting Tofino for the first time and give you a new angle of the surrounding area.
In fact, the West Coast of Vancouver Island is one of the best places to go whale watching. Grey whales and humpback whales migrate towards Alaska and they stop to feed along the west coast of Vancouver Island. In general, most tours are priced similarly, so the main factor in choosing one is typically the most convenient departure time.
Whale Watching
- Best Time: March – October
- Leaving From: Tofino and Ucluelet
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- What to expect: spot Grey Whales, Humpback Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales)
- 2025 Costs: $159 (excl. taxes & fees)
- Tour Companies: Jamie’s, Adventure Tofino, Ahous, Remote Passages
Bear Watching
- Best Time: April – October
- Leaving From: Tofino and Ucluelet
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- What to expect: opportunity to spot black bears emerge from the rainforest but also to view wildlife such as seals, porpoises, eagles and herons.
- 2025 Costs: $159 (excl. taxes & fees)
- Tour Companies: Jamie’s, Adventure Tofino, Ahous, Remote Passages
Hot Springs Cove
- Best Time: year-round
- Leaving From: Tofino
- Duration: 5.5-6.5 hours
- What to expect: Hot Spring Cove is only accessible by boat; after a 2 km hike you’ll reach the springs; you can also spot wildlife along the way to the springs
- 2025 Costs: $230-$240 (excl. taxes & fees)
- Tour Companies: Jamie’s, Adventure Tofino, Ahous, Remote Passages
Safety Essentials in Bear Country
Hiking in British Columbia is popular in summer, but you’ll share the trails with wildlife. In fact, bear sightings are common from spring to fall, so it’s important to know how to stay safe. British Columbia is home to about a quarter of Canada’s black bears and half of its grizzly bears.
Below are some tips and safety essentials when encountering bears.
- Be alert and avoid approaching bears, especially bear cubs (although they’re extremely cute).
- Avoid getting close to bears, and never try to approach them for a photo.
- Never (and I really mean, Never!) attempt to feed a bear or leave food behind. As the saying goes ‘a fed bear is a dead bear‘, this really is the case. If bears get used to human food, they’ll lose their instinctive fear of humans and get closer, becoming a danger.
- On trails talk loudly and make your presence known. If you surprise a bear, they might react by attacking.
- At most trailheads, you can find updated on recent bear activity. Keep that in mind before adventuring in the backcountry.
- If you’re hiking with a dog, keep them on a leash. An unleashed dog may bring a bear back to you.
- If sleeping in the backcountry, reduce or eliminate odors from yourself and properly store food. Overnight, don’t keep food in your tent or items such as deodorant.
- Don’t run from a bear, they’ll catch up with you faster than you think. Bears can run as fast as horses, climb trees and have excellent vision.
- If you encounter bear cubs, be aware that the mother is likely nearby. Stay alert, as she can become very aggressive when defending her cubs.
- Lastly, carry bear spray and have it within easy reach, in case you need it.
3 Day Itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet
If you have a long weekend ahead and want to plan a 3 day itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet, read my recommendations below. Obviously, if you have extra time, you can spend more days exploring the west coast and Tofino area. For instance, you can hike to 5040 Peak on an overnight backpacking trip, take one of the day trips from Tofino or just relax by the beach.
I decided to skip the excursions on this 3 day itinerary to Tofino, as I had already been on a whale watching tour in Vancouver. Additionally, I spent 3 days hiking Juan de Fuca Trail where you can spot black bears along the shores. So, I decided to have a surf trip instead.
Day 1: Explore Ucluelet and Hike the Wild Pacific Trail
To begin our 3 day itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet, we left Nanaimo early in the morning. We drove for about 3 hours between Nanaimo and Tofino crossing the island to the west coast. On a second trip, we stopped along the way to check out some of the main attractions on the drive to Tofino.
We reached Ucluelet just before lunch and decided to stop for a bite at Yayu Cafe. It’s a plant based cafe with a cute outdoors space to enjoy your meal. The food was delicious!
To continue, we decided to hike the Wild Pacific Trail, from Brown’s Beach to Rocky Bluffs. It’s an easy hike along the rocky coast with amazing views over the ocean. The round trip is about 7.4 km and takes just under 2 hours.
To finish up the day, we headed to Ucluelet Brewing Company for a bite to eat and a refreshing beer.
Day 2: Head to Tofino and Hike to Cox Bay Lookout
I started the second day with a short hike around the Lighthouse in Ucluelet. It’s a 3 km long loop hike that takes around 1 hour to complete. I really loved the ocean views and how quiet it was early in the morning.
For lunch we stopped at the famous Tacofino truck, but going back I would probably skip it. I mean, the food was delicious, but the waiting line to order and to have the food prepared was scandalous. Overall, I think we waited for 2 hours after we placed the order!
In the afternoon, we headed to Cox Bay to enjoy the beach. The parking lot at the entrance of the beach is quite small, so I recommend either getting there early or parking along the main road.
We headed then to the Cox Bay Lookout, which is a short hike up at the end of the beach. For a total of 140 meters of elevation gain, you have spectacular views over surrounding islands and rainforest. The hike itself is a bit of a scramble, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes.
Another great hike with amazing views I enjoyed (although on a different trip) was the Tin Hat Hut on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a longer hike, but the views are breathtaking.
Day 3: Rent a Surf Board and Head to Long Beach
Our 3 day itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet couldn’t finish without surfing. We rented our surfboards and wetsuits at Surf Junction Surf School, where you can also book a class if you want.
Then we headed to Long Beach, put our wetsuits on and headed straight for the waves. I’d still consider myself a beginner surfer, and I found the gentle waves and soft sandy beach perfect for anyone just starting out.
It is important that you watch out the current and don’t go too far out into the waters if you’re not comfortable. Although the water was freezing, the constant movement keeps you warm, and you hardly notice the cold after a while.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! It’s so fun and rewarding once you catch your first wave.
Final Thoughts
While Tofino isn’t ideal for a day trip from Vancouver, it’s one of my favorite places to unwind and find some quiet. Personally, I preferred Ucluelet for its peaceful small-town feel and rugged coastal hiking trails. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with either.
If you’re craving island life or just need a quick escape, a 3 day itinerary to Tofino and Ucluelet deserves a spot on your list.
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