Vancouver Island Travel Forum

Hello, I am preparing on the web our trip to Canada+S Francisco (I'm late 50s+ 2 elderly but otherwise fit ladies) next August..and am stuck about V Island. Arriving ferry Aug 4th and leaving Aug 6th. I guess renting a car is the only real option for getting around. We definitely want to visit the Butchart Gardens(the most part of 1 day, I guess?).Would very much like to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and some contact with First Nation (absolutely no shopping or stays at the beach): how much can one realistically "pack"into a short stay without spending the whole time driving ? I guess Telegraph Cove for whale watching is "out"(too far), and South+maybe Central doable? Was thinking about Ucluelet and/or Tofino ? Someone suggested Southern Gulf Islands (but ferry longish..beaches and no whales ?). Would much appreciate insights from locals or people who have already been there !

your first day will be a full one ..see the gardens then go to downtown lot's to see there. next day drive north to Chemainus.for first nation. then drive north past nanaimo.take turnoff to port alberni. to cathedrall grove to see scenery. head back head to parksville for nice beach picnic at rathtrevor beach.that would be agood easy pace day. then you could board a ferry in nanaimo back to vancouver.

Thank you very much for your answer and the useful tips ! I forgot to say that we are taking the ferry back from Victoria on the 6th. All in all, we are hoping (ferry times willing) to stay the afternoon of the 4th+one full day on the 5th+most of the day on the 6th, 2 nights on the island itself. Do you think it would be too hectic to add to what you suggested say Tofino-Ucluelet (I take it the Southern Gulf islands are "out") and stay the night there, or is it not so interesting (in the hope of seeing whales ) ?

Re: How can I make the best use of 2 days and a bit on Vancouver Island ?
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 07:39 PM CEST
Thank you very much for your answer and the useful tips ! I forgot to say that we are taking the ferry back from Victoria on the 6th (the ferry return trip is already booked). All in all, we are hoping (ferry times willing) to stay from mid-morning on the 4th+one full day on the 5th+most of the day on the 6th, 2 nights on the island itself. Do you think it would be too hectic to add to what you suggested say Tofino-Ucluelet (I take it the Southern Gulf islands are "out") and stay the night there, or is it not so interesting (in the hope of seeing whales ) ?
Is it a good idea to rent a car as soon as we hit the ferry terminal in Victoria (we'll have plenty of luggage !), and then drive straightaway to the Butchart Gardens, drive again to spend the night somewhere between Victoria and Tofino (any recommendation for the hotel/motel reasonably priced would be more than welcome); drive the next day to Tofino (any recommendation for the night there would be very welcome - a cabin on a beach would be absolutely ideal-) while stopping at Chemainus and Cathedral Grove of course; and drive the last day back to Victoria to catch the ferry ?

If you want to stay in port alberni.it would be more reasonable for motels and an easyier drive to tofino.it would take about 2 hours. it is a narrow windey road.tofino is pricey but very nice . crystal cove has cabins at the beach . it will cost you 2to 300 dollars.I was in tofino last weekend and saw 2 bears along the road and lot's of whales just off the beach.

Thank you very much again Corysharon !
I take it you mean spend the 1st night at Port Alberni (driving from Victoria to there) , then spend the 2nd night in or around Tofino ?
I hope we strike it lucky in August and get to see bears (and whales, with a bit of luck ?).
Many thanks for the tip about the cabins at crystal cove too. I will start searching right away ! It i so much easier with advice from local people !