Victoria to Tofino ?

[bigbadboss101]

We are doing some planning for our honeymoon at the end of August. My fiancé is getting her papers renewed therefore likely won’t be able to leave the country without some hassles. Therefore we are looking at the West coast. I am thinking we would fly to Victoria, rent a car and travel and make a few stops. For those who have been there can you recommend some places to visit and stay a day or two? For now I think we would start in Victoria, and end in Tofino. What places in between is worth some time? TIA

[DeleriousZ]

The old growth forest just between Nanaimo and Port Alberni is definitely a must see. There's also a pull out along the way where you can stop and walk down to the river along some rocks and stuff. Pretty sweet place when the river is reasonable, not sure how it is right now.

[masoncgy]

I live on the Island, so I can offer up some suggestions.

In Victoria, there's the Inner Harbour area to check out for sure, which includes the Royal British Columbia Museum, definitely worth a look. South of downtown, there's Beacon Hill Park which I like to take my kids, peacocks wandering around, lots of trees & gardens and stuff if you're into that.

Heading up Island, I suggest taking some of the offroads instead of just going along highway 1. Take the South Shawnigan Lake exit and cruise up to Shawnigan Lake, very nice spot and scenic drive.

Heading up a bit further, there's the Kinsol Trestle:
http://cowichanstation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/kinsol_trestle_12.jpg

Cowichan Bay is worth a stop to look around:
http://images.britishcolumbia.com/images/cities/20.1.jpg

Transfer Beach in Ladysmith (where I live):
http://www.ourboler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/12-07-P5-Transfer-Beach-Ladysmith-ampitheater.jpg

Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville is a must see:
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/0c/f3/cb/rathtrevor-beach-picnic.jpg

On the way to Port Alberni from Parksville/Qualicum, check out Cathedral Grove... big, old Douglas fir trees... easily the biggest trees I've ever seen...
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/16/b7/29/cathedral-grove.jpg

...and of course, no trip to the West Coast of the Island would be complete without an afternoon at Long Beach:
http://www.eaglewingtours.com/userimages/Image/Long%20Beach%20BC.jpg

This is just a sample of things you can check out on the Island, there are many more. I have been living here for just about 3 years now and I have barely scratched the surface out here.

[sxtasy]

:werd: to masoncgy's post. Only thing on that list that I would skip is the kinsol trestle. Sooke is a nice spot, if you stop there check out the Sooke potholes (great spot for swimming and sightseeing). I also enjoy Salt Spring Island, spend a day or two sightseeing, walking around town/Saturday market, vineyards, good local music.

Coombs is also a decent spot to stop on the way to Tofino, funky little market town. If you are willing to spend some money there are really nice resorts in Tofino. Also try out surfing/fishing/whale watching while in Tofino. Personally my favourite spots are Schooners Cove and Cox Bay. Enjoy and BC=bring cash

[ExtraSlow]

While in Tofino, ask around about any live bands that week. they have a surprisingly active local music scene for such a small town. I've seen some amazing shows in the legion there. Also, if you see that Taco trailer, eat there.
Lunch at the wikaninnish inn is much cheaper than supper, and easier to get into as well. Worth it for a "cheap splurge"

Try to get to the rocks at green point at low tide. Tide charts are available in every parking lot of the national park, as well as in a few places around town.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
While in Tofino, ask around about any live bands that week. they have a surprisingly active local music scene for such a small town. I've seen some amazing shows in the legion there.

:werd: The legion is so... well... legion like :rofl: , but a lot of good bands play there, as there is no other venue to speak of.

Oh, and best place for sunset in Tofino

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=49.146752,+-125.913118&num=1&t=h&vpsrc=0&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&ll=49.146714,-125.91315&spn=0.006183,0.01604&z=17&iwloc=A


Park there, and walk around the wood paths to get to the beach, and if the tide is out, walk around the cliff. It's a nice walk after an in-towndinner, and surprisingly few people. We always take a blanket and some beers.

[sxtasy]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Also, if you see that Taco trailer, eat there.

This!!! Tacofino! :clap: :drool:

[ExtraSlow]

The dude spends half his time in Alberta I seem to recall. Although i'm hardly reliable. last time I ate there was after a concert (at the legion, as mentioned) and I was so drunk I laid down and had a nap behind his trailer. he thought this was hilarious, and fed me free tacos when i woke up. We talked at length, although I'm not sure what about.

[sxtasy]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: A true west coast sloppy night. Bet those were some dam good tacos.

[ExtraSlow]

I think they were good. I blame the cheap lucky extra they were selling at the legion that night.

[bigbadboss101]

thank you everyone!