Where giant mossy forests meet the wild Pacific waves
Where giant mossy forests meet the wild Pacific waves
Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Trip overview
Embark on the ultimate Canadian coastal voyage, linking the soaring peaks of the Coast Mountains to the wild, wave-battered shores of Vancouver Island. Experience dramatic mountain highways, ferry crossings over deep fjords, and lush temperate rainforest hikes.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 β Vancouver
Stanley Park Seawall
An iconic paved path looping around Vancouver's premier green space, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline, coastal mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
A stunning 335-meter waterfall crashing down granite cliffs, easily accessible right off the Sea-to-Sky Highway and surrounded by lush, misty rainforest.
Highway 99, Squamish, BC V8B 0B6
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
A record-breaking gondola spanning the gap between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, providing unparalleled 360-degree views of volcanic peaks and alpine glaciers.
4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0X9
Day 2 β West Vancouver
BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay Terminal
Board the scenic 100-minute sailing across the Strait of Georgia, weaving past emerald islands with high chances of spotting marine life.
6750 Keith Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2V1
Cathedral Grove
An awe-inspiring stand of ancient giant Douglas-fir trees, some over 800 years old, towering majestically over a lush temperate rainforest floor.
Alberni Hwy, Cameron Lake, BC V0R 2S0
Chesterman Beach
A sweeping, hard-packed sandy beach famous for tide pooling, surfing, and dramatic views of the open Pacific Ocean waves.
Chesterman Beach Rd, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Day 3 β Ucluelet
Rainforest Trail
An enchanting boardwalk trail looping through a dense, moss-draped canopy of cedar and hemlock trees within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Pacific Rim Hwy, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Tonquin Beach
A hidden local gem reached by a short boardwalk hike, featuring a secluded sandy cove sheltered by rocky cliffs and coastal hemlock forest.
Tonquin Park Rd, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The BC Coast & Islands road trip covers about 335 mi and roughly 8h 22m of driving, comfortably spread across about 3 days.
This itinerary maps out 8 stops from Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2 to Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0. Highlights include Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Cathedral Grove, and Rainforest Trail.
It begins in Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2 and ends in Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,151, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
Open BC Coast & Islands in the free Road Trip app for turn-by-turn navigation, the full day-by-day itinerary, live weather, and gas-cost tracking along the route.
More road trips
Open this trip in the app
Take this route with you β navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
