Alternative to Tofino?
Dec 1st, 2006, 07:42 AM
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Alternative to Tofino?
Just got excellent advice from Judy on the Vancouver portion of our July trip. Moving on to Nanaimo and then Victoria, but really conflicted about Tofino, somewhat due to distance, but specifically due to cost. If we skipped it (I hear the collective gasp of horror!)could we see some of the coast by going around to Sooke? Or is it Tofino or nothing? What about the other Gulf Islands? Anyone recommend Salt Spring, Galiano, others? For how long? Thanks, everyone.
Dec 1st, 2006, 08:03 AM
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I wouldn't say that Tofino is an absolute deal-breaker, but that stretch of coast is somewhat unique - it's the most accessible part of the extreme west coast, with nothing between it and Japan, more or less.
If you want coastline, but don't want to go all the way to the west coast of the island, you could do the old island highway from Parksville to Courtney - it more or less follows the ocean for that entire part of the trip and you'd see lots of coast. Keep in mind, though, that you're on the east coast of the island and can see the mainland most (if not all) of the time.
If you're going to do that (and not having read any of your other posts), I'd do Victoria first, then Nanaimo - that way you're not back-tracking.
If you want coastline, but don't want to go all the way to the west coast of the island, you could do the old island highway from Parksville to Courtney - it more or less follows the ocean for that entire part of the trip and you'd see lots of coast. Keep in mind, though, that you're on the east coast of the island and can see the mainland most (if not all) of the time.
If you're going to do that (and not having read any of your other posts), I'd do Victoria first, then Nanaimo - that way you're not back-tracking.
Dec 1st, 2006, 09:06 AM
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If you're looking for something less than $300/night then contact the Tofino Chamber of Commerce.
Contact them and ask for a complete list of all accommodations options-include your dates.
The do a search on nearby Ucluelet and so the same.
For something different check this out and consider a day trip or even a few days in Bamfield http://www.barkleysoundmarine.com/
The coast in/around Sooke is somewhat underwhelming IMO but Port Renfrew can be lovely.
However you'll need to drive to get there-driving is what it's all about.
Contact them and ask for a complete list of all accommodations options-include your dates.
The do a search on nearby Ucluelet and so the same.
For something different check this out and consider a day trip or even a few days in Bamfield http://www.barkleysoundmarine.com/
The coast in/around Sooke is somewhat underwhelming IMO but Port Renfrew can be lovely.
However you'll need to drive to get there-driving is what it's all about.
Dec 1st, 2006, 09:51 AM
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Neither of those options offer the spectacular scenery and "end of the earth" feeling that Tofino does, IMO. Not that they aren't each lovely in their own right, but if you can go to Tofino (i.e, if you have enough time to make it worthwhile--at least 3 nights), then IMO you should go. It's my favorite place in the NW (and there are plenty of contenders!).
I noticed that you have a/c as a requirement in your other thread. I've stayed in Tofino at places like Middle Beach (which has a number of rooms under $300/night but doesn't have a/c) in high season with no problem sleeping at night--it's pretty rare for a/c to be necessary. I live in Seattle and I don't use my a/c more than about 10-12 nights a year, if that--I didn't even bother to put it in in the summer of 2005--and Tofino is generally cooler than Seattle due to the ocean breezes. So I wouldn't let lack of a/c stop you from choosing a place to stay.
I noticed that you have a/c as a requirement in your other thread. I've stayed in Tofino at places like Middle Beach (which has a number of rooms under $300/night but doesn't have a/c) in high season with no problem sleeping at night--it's pretty rare for a/c to be necessary. I live in Seattle and I don't use my a/c more than about 10-12 nights a year, if that--I didn't even bother to put it in in the summer of 2005--and Tofino is generally cooler than Seattle due to the ocean breezes. So I wouldn't let lack of a/c stop you from choosing a place to stay.
Dec 1st, 2006, 09:54 AM
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If I was going to miss Tofino I would want to take in the scenery of (the drive along) Howe Sound on the mainland. On the island you could stay by the beach in Parksville, although that is a whole different bag of beans to Tofino. I've heard some say they have enjoyed their stay at Point-No-Point Resort past Sooke. There are cabins in the trees above an interesting bit of rocky shoreline. I'm not a fan of their tea room though.
http://www.pointnopoint.com/location.php
Personally, I think I'd rather spend the time driving to the Tofino area than waiting in ferry line-ups to go to one of the gulf islands, which aren't that scenically spectacular IMO. Recently I discovered that I much prefer San Juan Island in Washington State... although I do have a soft spot for Hornby Island but that takes two ferry trips to get to.
http://www.pointnopoint.com/location.php
Personally, I think I'd rather spend the time driving to the Tofino area than waiting in ferry line-ups to go to one of the gulf islands, which aren't that scenically spectacular IMO. Recently I discovered that I much prefer San Juan Island in Washington State... although I do have a soft spot for Hornby Island but that takes two ferry trips to get to.
Dec 1st, 2006, 10:04 AM
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I agree - the scenery around Tofino is spectacular and if you're going for west-coast coastline, you can't go far wrong.
There should be a number of places between Tofino and Uclulet that are under $300 (not far between the two, they are on either side of Long Beach).
There should be a number of places between Tofino and Uclulet that are under $300 (not far between the two, they are on either side of Long Beach).
Dec 2nd, 2006, 07:36 PM
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Personally, I live in Vancouver and don't see any need to stop here. If you're starting in Seattle, you could always take the Victoria Clipper (ferry service) from Seattle to Vancouver Island. That way, you don't have to pay for rental car and deal with any cross border hassles. Driving through the Peace Arch crossing is long and tedious. A wasted day. While Tofino is a nice spot, the first week of August will mean it'll be extremely busy. Affordable accommodation will be at a premium. Optional itineraries are available on the BC Ferry website (bcferries.com).
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Dec 2nd, 2006, 09:59 PM
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Have you looked into staying at a B and B...a few years ago we stayed at Red Crow which had a separate entrance for each of the 2 suites as well as a separate cottage suitable for a small family. Had a great breakfast , delivered at a set time each day. There are many B and B's, in fact a friend found the charming signs to be an excellent photo opportunity and has an album on rooms to try in Tofino.....good way to remember the names for future visits.
If you're really trying to keep to a budget, then try getting just a room in town, at a private residence...they'll lower the price if you want to get your own breakfast. I'd grab a yogurt and an apple at the grocery store before missed Tofino.
TIPS:
1. Bring your National Parks pass and you can park for free, otherwise if you want to hike around there is a daily charge.
2. Spend time in the quirky places like the Tofino Kayaking Club, even if you don't kayak. There is a bookstore, latte maker in the back and you can sit outside and find someone interesting to listen to or observe.
3. Try new flavor of Haagen Daaz...they have an amazing selection of ice cream for such a tiny town.
4. Bring your raincoat and rubber boots - it really pours, remember its a Rainforest.
5. Spend some time on Long Beach. Very spiritual . Great for long walks, or jogs. Believe me, this is sand you can run on. In fact, one of my patients, a pilot, used to land his plane on Long Beach before the air strip was built. If you're brave and can stand a full body wetsuit and ear muffs, you can surf therevin July.
5. You can get dinner at the Wick Inn unless you are a guest there, but there are no restrictions, last I heard, at lunch and the food is awesome.!!
6. If you're wantin to break up the drive, stop at Coombs, (Goats on the Roof). They have a wonderful market, coffee and lunch. And they have goats on the roof.
Because of the time spent driving in to Tofino, you should stay 3 nights, and you will want to stay 3 nights. Agree with the other posters that you should plan not to backtrack. The Tofino coast area is very differet than Sooke and IMO the drive is easier to Tofino. The road to Sooke is windier and hillier and honestly there isn't much there, except Sooke Harbor House, which is divine and trendy but very pricey.
Salt Spring Island is popular...its own destination, worthy of at least a couple of days. It is known for the crafts and artisans as are many of the other Gulf Islands. Haven't been to Hornby Island , but my neighbor goes for 6 weeks each summer and loves it.
If you're really trying to keep to a budget, then try getting just a room in town, at a private residence...they'll lower the price if you want to get your own breakfast. I'd grab a yogurt and an apple at the grocery store before missed Tofino.
TIPS:
1. Bring your National Parks pass and you can park for free, otherwise if you want to hike around there is a daily charge.
2. Spend time in the quirky places like the Tofino Kayaking Club, even if you don't kayak. There is a bookstore, latte maker in the back and you can sit outside and find someone interesting to listen to or observe.
3. Try new flavor of Haagen Daaz...they have an amazing selection of ice cream for such a tiny town.
4. Bring your raincoat and rubber boots - it really pours, remember its a Rainforest.
5. Spend some time on Long Beach. Very spiritual . Great for long walks, or jogs. Believe me, this is sand you can run on. In fact, one of my patients, a pilot, used to land his plane on Long Beach before the air strip was built. If you're brave and can stand a full body wetsuit and ear muffs, you can surf therevin July.
5. You can get dinner at the Wick Inn unless you are a guest there, but there are no restrictions, last I heard, at lunch and the food is awesome.!!
6. If you're wantin to break up the drive, stop at Coombs, (Goats on the Roof). They have a wonderful market, coffee and lunch. And they have goats on the roof.
Because of the time spent driving in to Tofino, you should stay 3 nights, and you will want to stay 3 nights. Agree with the other posters that you should plan not to backtrack. The Tofino coast area is very differet than Sooke and IMO the drive is easier to Tofino. The road to Sooke is windier and hillier and honestly there isn't much there, except Sooke Harbor House, which is divine and trendy but very pricey.
Salt Spring Island is popular...its own destination, worthy of at least a couple of days. It is known for the crafts and artisans as are many of the other Gulf Islands. Haven't been to Hornby Island , but my neighbor goes for 6 weeks each summer and loves it.
Dec 6th, 2006, 01:35 PM
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We live in Sooke and have had lots of guests come to stay with us in the summer. There is whale-watching just down the street from us, lots of wonderful hiking in East Sooke, and fantastic fishing. We still have a freezer full of salmon caught in August by family who didn't want to take it back to Toronto with them. Swimming at the Sooke Potholes is fun, and there are fields of blackberries everywhere (that's true of most of Vancouver Island) - we've got lots of those in the freezer, too.
Sooke is very different from Tofino but it's a lovely place to visit. We go to Point-no-Point for lunch or tea or dinner for special occasions, although of course we've never stayed there since it's only about a 20-minute drive up the road from us. The food is wonderful, the views are spectacular, and I understand that the accommodations are lovely. There are quite a few nice b&b's in the area as well.
Sooke is very different from Tofino but it's a lovely place to visit. We go to Point-no-Point for lunch or tea or dinner for special occasions, although of course we've never stayed there since it's only about a 20-minute drive up the road from us. The food is wonderful, the views are spectacular, and I understand that the accommodations are lovely. There are quite a few nice b&b's in the area as well.
Dec 6th, 2006, 07:06 PM
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We have done Tofino several ways - as a bed and breakfast with the kids and as a (long) day trip from Nanaimo or Comox. The bed and breakfast was recommended through the local chamber of commerce (as noted in an earlier post). We really enjoyed walking the beaches and then headed to the Wickinish (? spelling) Inn for lunch and hot chocolate - a wonderful place to relax and reflect. My husband's favorite holiday adventure was likley the fishing charter (more of an excuse to get out and see a new side of Tofino and the ocean). Thought the tours in town were a bit much (but we have bald eagles and wildlife at home).Take time to rent surf boards or wet suits if you plan on swimming / body surfing. Coombs is a must and you can stock up on really interesting lunch things to picnic on the beach.
Dec 9th, 2006, 07:46 AM
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Thank you all for these terrific suggestions. I found the website for Coombs, you're right, a can't miss, and the one for Red Crow (thanks flamesfan)which may just be the ticket. We won't miss Tofino - I keep remembering we passed on Milford Sound (NZ) because we thought we come from country that looks like that (the American Rockies). Thanks for helping me avoid that sort of stupidity a second time!
Dec 27th, 2006, 03:20 PM
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There is pretty much no comparison between Tofino and any other place on south or east Vancouver Island.
Sooke itself is only 1/2 hour from downtown Victoria, and the dirve is pretty, but not unlike most oceanside/forest drives in the Pacific Northwest. The area past Sooke, to Port Renfrew, has some nice hiking along the West Coast trail (especially China and Botanical Beaches). You can do Salt Spring as a day trip from Victoria, and it is also nice, but none of these destinations are anything like Tofino.
You don't need to allow three nights for Tofino - many Victorians go there for the week end. Our friends booked a last minute B&B there last summer, $265 CDN a night, but tiny, no outdoor space, and very spare. But there is nothing like watching surfers from your balcony at one of the better lodges like the Wick or Long Beach! Also, the drive there is beautiful (scary in winter though!).
http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/Accommo...ype=LowestRate
Welcome to Paradise.
Sooke itself is only 1/2 hour from downtown Victoria, and the dirve is pretty, but not unlike most oceanside/forest drives in the Pacific Northwest. The area past Sooke, to Port Renfrew, has some nice hiking along the West Coast trail (especially China and Botanical Beaches). You can do Salt Spring as a day trip from Victoria, and it is also nice, but none of these destinations are anything like Tofino.
You don't need to allow three nights for Tofino - many Victorians go there for the week end. Our friends booked a last minute B&B there last summer, $265 CDN a night, but tiny, no outdoor space, and very spare. But there is nothing like watching surfers from your balcony at one of the better lodges like the Wick or Long Beach! Also, the drive there is beautiful (scary in winter though!).
http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/Accommo...ype=LowestRate
Welcome to Paradise.
