Things To Do.
.South Island - Between Victoria and Lake Cowichan
Check out Handsome Dans website for a lot of information about this stretch of coast.
Sooke Potholes Campground- 67 sites, no reservations, first come first serve. You’re not too far from East Sooke Park with lots of greats hikes, a couple lakes and some nice beaches. Sheringham Gin Distillery in Sooke is worth a look as well as Sooke Brewery!
French Beach Provinicial Park Campground- Pristine beaches, great hikes. Sheringham Point Lighthouse is nearby as well as Shirley Delicious Coffee shop (the only coffee shop around, great pastries too). If you are a gin lover then you should check out Sheringham Gin Distillery. It’s a family run business that has won several awards and has grown into an amazing company.
Jordan River Campground- You’re right on the water here with great views of the mountains in Washington. A popular surf spot for the lower West Coast it can be very busy if the surf is good.
China Beach in Juan De Fuca Provincial Park- One of my favourite spots on the coast, hike to Mystic Beach or just down to the water! Handsome Dans website has a good amount of information about the area!
Stoked West Coast Pizzeria & Market is also a perfect place to stop for a slice.
Botanical Beach Provincial Park- great place to spend a few hours exploring.
Port Renfrew is small town on the West Coast and there are a few campgrounds dotted around the area, most are first come first serve and include; Pacheedaht, Port Renfrew RV Resort,Port Renfrew Marina & RV Park, Fairy Lake and San Juan River Campsite. Avatar Grove is nearby, filled with giant trees as well as the worlds “gnarliest tree.” “Big Lonely Doug” is also a great stop!
Lake Cowichan - Plenty of campsites neighbouring this small town. Grocery stores and gas stations here too. Cowichan River Provincial Park- reservable online. Lakeview Park Campsite- reservable online. Gordon Bay Provincial Park - reservable online.
Hand of Man museum is by far one the coolest/strangest museums we have ever been to. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Nanaimo and the West Coast;
Here are some campsites in the Tofino/Ucluelet area;
Wya Pointcamp ground
Surf Junctioncamp ground
Bella Pacifica- right on McKenzie beach in Tofino right on the beach and very close to town.
Qualicum/Parksville
Places to see:
Goats on Roof in Coombs- great stop to load up on snacks, lots of choice plus you might see some Goats on a Roof too!
Hole in the Wall near Port Alberni - short hike to a “hole in the wall” with a waterfall.
Taylor Arm on Provincial Park Sproat Lake - probably our favourite stop, you can park in the car park on the right side of the Highway and follow the path underneath to the lake. About a 5 minute walk, good spot for a swim for to relax.
Ucluelet - Gypsy Drifter Shop - Small local owned shop with cool apothecary gift ideas or items for yourself.
Ucluelet - Ucluelet Aquarium - This is a catch and release aquarium.
Ucluelet - Archipelago Wildlife Cruises - Very friendly couple! We have been out so many times with them. They even provide lunch!
Tofino - If you’re planning on surfing I’d recommend renting from Long Beach Surf shop
Tofino - Jeremy Koreski has a new gallery next to Storm Surf shop, highly recommend
Beaches:
Florencia Bay - small car park but a beautiful beach, probably my favourite.
Wickaninnish Beach - lots of parking.
Long Beach/Incinerator Rock - lots of parking and the busiest beach probably. Can stroll for a few hours here.
Cox Bay in Tofino - small car park, park at Maltby Road and head in from the left side if you’re planning on the hike or just accessing the beach.
South/North Chesterman Beach - great beach for a stroll and to watch the surfers. There are small car parks at either end as well people park on the road too.
Mackenzie Beach - sheltered beach
Hiking on the Coast:
Tofino:
• Radar Hill: Easy drive up to the car park, 5 minute walk to the viewpoint.
• Bomber Hike: Park at the Radar Hill car park near the main road (not at the top of the hill) and walk back to the main road, walk South towards Ucluelet for a few minutes. The trailhead is on the same side of the road that you parked. If you pass a small building within a couple of minutes of the walk… you’re on the right track. Can be really wet if there has been rain. This used to be a kind of hidden trail but its popular now and should be easy to locate.
• Cox Bay lookout: One of my favourites. Park at Maltby Road car park south of Cox Bay. Head to the beach. Walk to the far-left side of the beach and look for the trail head. Follow the path up…. bit of a scramble at some spots. Incredible views for a short hike!
• Tonquin Trail: At the far side of Tofino….short walk on a boardwalk down to a nice sheltered beach.
Ucluelet:
• Mt. Ozzard: Around 1.5hrs up and 1hr down, incredible views to the interior snow-capped mountains, Broken Group Islands and the beaches North towards Tofino. Pack some food and lots of water. This is a longer hike but all on a access/logging road. If its clear the view really are incredible.
• Sky Couch: A “secret” spot only 5mins up the hill near the water tower on the road into Ucluelet. Incredible sunset views and of course there is a couch up there. This used to be a secret but not anymore, you’ll probably see a couple cars parked at the water tower.
• Wild Pacific Trail: Broken up into two sections…the Lighthouse Loop is a great 30min or so loop and the main part of the trail is a few KM long. Very easy to walk, lots of info in town about it. This is a must.
Restaurants (I highly recommend making dinner reservations)
Port Alberni - The Starboard Grill - Nice view of the water. Nice patio seating as well.
Port Alberni - Bare Bones Fish & Chips - A bit pricey, yet wonderful fish and chips.
Port Alberni - Twin City Brewing Company - Great local beer and food!
Port Alberni - Wildflower Bakeshop and Cafe - Great for breakfast, lunch and pastries!
Tofino - Tough City Sushi
Tofino - Tofino Brewery- grab a takeout or sit on the new patio
Tofino - Shed Burgers and healthy bowls
Tofino - Shelter Restaurant - great burgers and Tofino Beer
Tofino - Wolf in the Fog - Great sit down dinner option
Tofino - The Hatch Waterfront Pub - Has a great view of the water with outdoor and indoor seating. Live music most nights as well!
Tofino - Tacofino - DELICIOUS! That’s all I need to say about that.
Tofino - Chocolate Tofino - Also delicious and in the same plaza as Tacofino (2 birds 1 stone!)
Ucluelet - The Float Lounge at Black Rock Resort cosy spot for a beer or some food with amazing views!
Ucluelet - Howlers for a very homestyle/west coast meal (very big portions)
Ucluelet - Ucluelet Brewery- just opened recently, built inside an old church they have takeout and a patio.
Ucluelet - Barkley Cafe - Nice coffee spot and breakfast and lunch to go.
Please reach out below if you have any questions or have a suggestion for us to add to the list. Drive Safe.