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Parks | Tagged Posts

2019
29
June
What are the must-see attractions in Tofino and Victoria for a 7-day trip?

Question:

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Chris

Hello, we have planned a trip for 7 days over to the island from the north shore to Tofino, Victoria on Sept. 14 and possibly Salt Spring island if we have time. We will be starting in Victoria. Do you have any suggestions on an itinerary, places to see, things to do, places to eat, etc. Any and all information would be valuable to us. We have never been to Tofino and we haven’t been to Victoria in over 25 years. Really looking forward to it!

Humans say...

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Bree

Sooke potholes

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Chris

That looks interesting! Thank you so much!

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Barb

Jam Cafe for brunch in Victoria

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Paul

http://www.thebluefoxcafe.com/

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Pia

Tacofino in tofino

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Madara

Pia with 2hr wait

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Chris

Sabhai Thai in Sidney, Red Fish Blue Fish in the inner harbour, Crow and Gate in Cedar (Nanaimo) Gabriels for breakfast in Nanaimo, Melange was amazing for dinner in Nanaimo, Little Qullicum Falls, Ammonite Falls, Parksville, drive the Oeanside route from Nanaimo to Coutenay/Comox. Goats on a roof, The cathedral forest (if it's open - was closed last weekend) Sobo Cafe in Tofino, The Shady Rest Pub/Hotel in Quallicum has the best patio and views. I know this is mainly food stuff, but that is what I do best

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Stephani

Food in Tofino: Wolf in the Fog, Kuma, Pluvio in Ucluelet, Wickanninish for brunch or happy hour
To do in Tofino: beaches!!
Food in Victoria: Agrius, Olo, Tapa Bar, Red Fish Blue Fish, Canoe (great patio), Little Jumbo (cocktails)
To do in Victoria: Walk along Dallas Road/Clover Point, Royal BC museum, day trip to Sooke, hike/drive to top of Mount Doug, Butchart Gardens, beaches: Willows, Cordova Bay, Island View

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Stephani

Also day trip to Cowichan Valley for wineries and cideries, if that’s your thing

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Khonghie

Tofino Sea Monster noodle bar for sure.

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Constanc

The Wild Pacific trail in Ucluelet is a must.

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Isabel

Constanc agreed. It's a "do not miss".

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Constanc

Also, goats on a roof on your way there

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Constanc

https://oldcountrymarket.com

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Jennifer

... following

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Isabel

Tofino....Cox Bay beach and adjoining Chesterman beach are the best I've seen there so far. Plus Wild Pacific Trail (lighthouse loop) in Ucluelet, as said above. Have a great trip!

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Lisa

If you’re going to Coombs have lunch or dinner at Cuckoo!! It’s fabulous!

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Janice

In Victoria stop for ice cream at Fisherman's Wharf and stroll to check out the cute houseboats. It's going to hopefully still be nice so an ice cream at the Beacon Hill Drive-In is a must... And take some time to wonder around beacon hill park and youll likely encounter some wild peacocks!
Craigdereck castle is cool to see, as is the royal museum. When heading north from Victoria, be sure to stop for breakfast or lunch at the restaurant right on the wharf in downtown Sydney. Then definitely take the afternoon to explore butchard gardens...
If you want a relatively easy hike for some great views, look to walk up mt tolmie. Take a drive through Uplands and take in the jaw dropping mansions there... And in sooke too. Check out the whale watching options too as thats a fun thing to do... But sometimes you get lucky and see whales while on the ferry...
Best italian restaurant in Victoria is easily the one near the Laurel Point hotel. And while you're in the area splurge on a horse drawn carriage ride. If you like seafod there are lots of great restaurants around the inner harbour and along wharf st.
If you like thai food, best place is down in caddy bay at the end of Mackenzie. Endless pubs downtown for good old pub grub if that's your thing...
If you have any questions about Victoria let me know. I lived there for a couple of years and still have friends there.

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Robert

https://vancouverisland.travel/.../pacific-marine-circle.../

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Carla

Lucky you !

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Karen

Tofino- Tacofino taco truck, along with the ice cream in that same parking lot...soooo yummy! All the beaches are beautiful but Chesterman is my favourite.
Coombs- goats on the roof plus lunch at the a Italian place (outside is so pretty!)
Victoria- Butchart Gardens, Royal BC museum
Salt Spring- Ruckle Park is stunning
Have fun!

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David

Just let the Island take you. Slow down (Island time is real), take the time to go down roads that you think you shouldn’t. Spinnakers pub is nice. A walk along Dallas road and the break water is awesome.

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Sharon

We just floated the Cowichan River in Lake Cowichan area and had an awesome time! So relaxing and beautiful. Check out the Tube Shack for rentals and info.

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Stacey

Stay home

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Madeline

Stacey pffft

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Stacey

? ? Now is not the time to travel outside your community - stay home be safe.
Reply to Stacey
Michelle Cruickshank
Tofino - on the drive over there’s Wally Creek which is beautiful. Also Cox Bay hike, it’s a bit muddy so definitely wear proper shoes).
https://www.alltrails.com/.../cox-bay-trail-via-sakurai-lane
Also highly recommend checking out tacofino, though there will probably be a wait!

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Kat

Call in your order! That goes for most places around here (ukee and Tofino)
Call ahead and pick up with out long waits

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Jill

When in Victoria, go to Chocolatis Favoris for the best icecream of All Time

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Wendy

Go to Ouestartisan patisserie in tofino...local kelowna couple moved to tofino to start this awesome pastry shop

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Susan

In Nanaimo, eat at Gabriel's Cafe. Excellent locally produced food, casual atmosphere, outside seating, take out & small beer & wine choice.

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Ingrid

Any chance you could wait til next year? Tofino is overrun with visitors and I heard the town is struggling and some would prefer no more visitors. We are trying to flatten the curve in the island.

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Madeline

Ingrid there are no cases on the island...

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Madeline

Jill Magee-Fosdick
8 active cases ... My mistake. We'd better panic and be dicks.

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Stacey

How about you just stay home - and not be a dick there?

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Tracy

Ingrid exactly!

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Renée

We just got back from a camping trip there where we took many precautions to limit our interactions with Tofitians. Bring a mask
! Most stores (every single one we encountered) required it for entry. Be patient and empathetic to the locals who are depend on tourism but warry of a second wave devestating small communities. Bring a first aid kit so if something happens you can manage the little cuts/bruises/scrapes yourselves
Hikes:
- Lighthouse loop in Uculet
- Rainforest trail, loop A & B
Beaches:
- Long beach is amazing
Food:
- Ravenlady food truck (Uculet), fish and chips are amazing
- Rhinos (
&
)
- Tacofino
Fav shops:
- Merge
- Salt
- Surf shops

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Corinne

Please stay at home. Islands are swamped.

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Donna

Please wait till next year.. We really don’t want visitors right now. We want our Covid numbers low like they have been. That’s why Most of us didn’t go anywhere this summer..

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Brandy

If you make it to SaltSpring, you must go to the cheese place! To die for!!!

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Lissa

Chocolate Tofino is amazing. If you want a truly fantastic adventure, book a trip over to Hotsprings Cove from Tofino with Ocean Outfitters. It’s amazing and worth every penny.

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BA

Wolf in the Fog, 1909 kitchen Tofino

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Russ-Ell

From Tofino water taxi to Meres Island. Breathtaking

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Tina

Spend time in Ucluelet, Wild Pacific Trail is a beautiful.walk,..start at Amphirrite Lighthouse, go to the Crows Nest store. Ukee is Tofino's beautiful cousin:)

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Phyllis

*

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Lushis

I recommend the road between Port Renfrew and Gordon Bay on Cowichan lake. It use to be a logging road and is deff the road less traveled. That is if ya want the real island experience. (Ya could take logging roads right up to tofino if ya have a good 4x4 with good tires.)
There are lots of beaches between sooke and Port Renfrew. French beach has camping and a park Sombrero has a parking lot. sandcut, mystic Beach and a few others. Also fairy lake just past Port Renfrew. You'll get the true island experience if you drive this route. Its been paved about 10 years now.

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Michelle

Morning side farm - great stop off in Parksville. Bring a milk jug for fresh milk from the cow to take for the trip. Buy cheese and get the cafe au lait

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Kimberly

https://www.airbnb.com/h/deepcovehideaway

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Kimberly

If Deep Cove on the North Shore is of interest, please check out the Airbnb link attached.

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Mark

I had two different trips to the island this summer to explore Tofino and other little towns but had to cancel due to the border closure. Maybe next year!

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Megan

Sheldon Hunter

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Chris

Wow, thank you everyone for your amazing tips. Hopefully the smoke dissipates so that we can truly enjoy our trip to this beautiful part of the world. So grateful for all these suggestions!

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Laura

Don’t miss some pot holes

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Brigitte

Victoria the Royal BC Museum is a must. Haven't been for years but could spend days in there.

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Bernadet

Tree house restaurant on Salt Spring Island...and the artists trail if it is still open.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

7-Day Island Trip Itinerary

Hello! I'm excited to share with you a suggested itinerary for your upcoming 7-day trip from the north shore to Tofino, Victoria, and possibly Salt Spring Island. Here are some recommendations for places to see, things to do, and places to eat during your trip:

Day 1: Victoria

- Visit the Royal BC Museum and explore the Inner Harbour

- Have dinner at Red Fish Blue Fish for delicious seafood

Day 2: Victoria to Tofino

- Drive to Tofino and stop at Cathedral Grove to see the ancient trees

- Check into your accommodation in Tofino and relax on the beach

Day 3: Tofino

- Take a surfing lesson at Long Beach

- Visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve for hiking and wildlife viewing

Day 4: Tofino

- Go on a whale watching tour to see orcas and humpback whales

- Enjoy a seafood dinner at Shelter Restaurant

Day 5: Tofino to Salt Spring Island

- Take the ferry to Salt Spring Island and explore the Saturday Market

- Visit Ruckle Provincial Park for hiking and picnicking

Day 6: Salt Spring Island

- Visit local wineries and breweries for tastings

- Have dinner at the Tree House Cafe for a unique dining experience

Day 7: Salt Spring Island to Victoria

- Take the ferry back to Victoria and explore the Butchart Gardens

- Have a farewell dinner at Il Terrazzo Ristorante for a fine dining experience

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip and enjoy your time on the islands! Have a great time exploring the beauty of British Columbia!



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