7-Day Vancouver Island Itinerary: From Vancouver to Tofino

Looking for a doable and unforgettable 7-day Vancouver Island itinerary from Vancouver to Tofino with kids? This trip is packed with everything families love: ocean views, outdoor adventures, tide pools, cozy campgrounds, and the small-town charm that makes the Island so special.

We travelled to the island this April, using a campervan from Venture Vans, which made the whole experience flexible and fun. We stopped when we needed a break, parked close to beaches and trails, cooked some meals on go and never felt rushed.

This route gave us the perfect mix of activity and downtime, great for curious kids, tired parents, and anyone who wants to see the best of Vancouver Island without overdoing it.

👉 Interested in visiting? Download this itinerary in a PDF version to help you plan your trip.

Keep reading to see exactly where we went, what we did, and how to make the most of a week on Vancouver Island with kids.

🗺️ Itinerary Summary: Vancouver Island with Kids (7 Days)

Route:
Vancouver → Nanaimo → Qualicum Beach → Ucluelet → Tofino → Return to Vancouver

Total Drive Time (approx.):

• Vancouver to Qualicum Beach (via Nanaimo): 135.6 km (plus the ferry ride)
• Qualicum Beach to Ucluelet: 139 km
• Ucluelet to Tofino: 40 km
• Tofino to Nanaimo: 200 km
• Nanaimo to Vancouver (via ferry): 126 km (plus the ferry ride)

Overnight Stops:

• 🏕️ Night 1: Riverside Resort & RV Park – Qualicum Beach
• 🏕️ Nights 2–3: Ucluelet Campground – Ucluelet
• 🏠 Nights 4–6: HI Tofino Hostel – Tofino
  

👉 Interested in visiting? Download this itinerary in a PDF version to help you plan your trip.

Day 1 – Getting to Vancouver Island (from Vancouver)

We started our trip by flying into Vancouver with Flair Air, from Calgary. It was a quick flight (and we even arrived in advance). Because we were flying with Flair Air, we made sure to pack light (we purchased one checked bag for the whole family).

After landing, we took an Uber from the airport to Kitsilano to pick up our Venture Vans. This compact, family-ready campervan came fully equipped with everything we needed (bedding, kitchen gear, camp chairs…you name it).

🚍 If you rent a campervan from Venture Van, use code LOVELIFEABROAD15 at checkout to get $15 off the daily rate.

We were then ready to drive to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. If you’re early for your sailing, we recommend a quick stop at Lions Bay for a picnic with a view. It’s a quiet, scenic spot just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

Note: Because we didn’t know how long it would take at the airport to get our bags or the ride to Kitsilano and getting the campervan would be, we didn’t pre-booked our ferry ride to Nanaimo. Since we were travelling during shoulder season, it wasn’t really an issue, but if you travel during the summer, you might want to play it safe, take a later option and see if you can board an early ferry if needed (or relax at Lions Bay as we did!).

How to Get to Vancouver Island

The ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s a beautiful ride, with lots of space to move around and enjoy the views.

It takes a good hour to get from the airport to Horseshoe Bay (if there isn’t too much traffic), so plan ahead.

🛳️ Onboard amenities: A café-style restaurant, a small shop, and an indoor toddler play area (ages five and under)

🌬️ Tip: Bring a jacket—the outdoor decks can be windy but worth it for the scenery

📶 No WiFi on board

✅ Book in advance, especially during weekends and holidays

Once we arrived in Nanaimo, we drove to Qualicum Beach for just under an hour, where we stayed at Riverside Resort & RV Park. It was peaceful, kid-friendly, and a perfect first stop to ease into road trip mode. 

There is a mini-golf on-site (free for guest), so we took advantage of it, and did a game before bed.

Day 2 – Pacific Rim Hightway to Ucluelet

We started the day with a relaxed morning at Riverside Resort & RV Park in Qualicum Beach (with another round of mini-golf). After breakfast, we headed just down the road to Seaside Nature Park, near the Faye Smith Memorial Pavilion, where the kids spent a good hour tide pooling. It’s an easy stop with big rewards.

We hit the road toward Ucluelet by mid-morning, taking our time on the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4). This stretch is full of family-friendly stops and stunning scenery.

Our first stop was Little Qualicum Falls, an easy forested loop with bridges, waterfalls, and safe railings.

• Distance: 2.9 km loop
• Elevation gain: ~75 m
• Difficulty: Easy
  

This loop trail winds through a lush forest with wooden bridges and a few great waterfall viewpoints. It’s mostly flat, with a few short uphill sections, and the path is well-maintained. There are railings at the views, but you’ll still want to keep younger kids close in some areas.

We then had a picnic on one of the picnic tables at the trailhead.

Next, we explored Cathedral Grove, where you can walk among giant and old Douglas firs on short, flat trails. 

• Distance: 1.2 km total (two short loops on either side of the highway)
• Elevation gain: Minimal
  Difficulty: Very easy

This old-growth forest is a must-stop. You’ll walk beneath towering Douglas fir and red cedar trees, some over 800 years old. The paths are flat and accessible, perfect even for toddlers.

Parking can be really tricky in summer. There are two small parking lots on each side of the highway, but it’s hard to get from one side to the other (there is no turnaround).

Even in the spring, we struggled to find a parking spot, so I can’t imagine it in the summer.

We quickly stopped at McLean Mill Historic Site in Port Alberni, where the kids could stretch their legs and learn about the island’s logging history. We didn’t get the whole experience as it wasn’t officially open yet. The site fully opens for the summer season in May, so we walked around and read the different interpretive signs.

Just before leaving town, we grabbed coffee and a snack at The Riverbend Café & General Store, a cozy stop with a local feel.

We arrived in Ucluelet by late afternoon and checked in at Ucluelet Campground. It’s right by the marina, and we were lucky to get a site with waterfront views. The kids loved the small playground, and the facilities were clean and convenient. Everything we needed after a day on the road.

Day 3 – Ucluelet

We kicked off the day with a quick breakfast at the campground and then walked into downtown Ucluelet, which is a short and easy stroll from the campground.

Our first stop was Barkley Café. The coffee was excellent, and the pastries were fresh and flaky. It’s a popular spot, so don’t be surprised if there’s a short wait (especially mid-morning), but it’s worth it. We probably waited a good 30-40 minutes to get a coffee (it give you an idea).

From there, we walked to the Ucluelet Aquarium, one of the most family-friendly attractions in town. It’s a catch-and-release, hands-on aquarium, which means everything inside is local and temporary. The kids loved gently touching sea stars and anemones while learning about marine life from friendly staff. 

It’s small, but incredibly engaging.

After the aquarium, we wandered down to the dock. Keep your eyes out, this is a great place to spot sea lions, seals, or otters playing around (I must confess… I have a hard time knowing which one is which… even if you learned about it during our bear-watching tour in Tofino). 

A kids’ playground is nearby, which allows our youngest to burn off energy before lunch.

We headed back to the campground and made hot dogs for a simple lunch, then packed up for an afternoon coastal hike.

In the afternoon, we drove a short distance to the Amphitrite Lighthouse, where the Wild Pacific Trail offers some of the most beautiful ocean views on the island. We walked the Lighthouse Loop, which is:

• Distance: 2.6 km loop
• Elevation gain: ~60 m
• Difficulty: Easy

The path is well-marked and has multiple lookout points. We also found some tide pools, which turned into an unexpected highlight. The kids witnessed a crabs fight.

We ended the day back at the campground, letting the kids play while we made dinner and watched the sunset over the water.

Day 4 – Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

We left Ucluelet in the morning and slowly walked toward Tofino, spending the day exploring the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. There is a Parks Canada visitor center outside of Ucluelet. We stopped to see if we could get the Xplorer booklets for the kids, but it was sadly closed. (I hope you have more luck than us!) 

Even though the drive between Ucluelet and Tofino is short (about 40 minutes), we stretched it into a full day with several scenic and kid-friendly stops.

🌿 Stop 1: Shorepine Bog Trail

This short 0.8 km loop is flat and built entirely on a raised boardwalk, making it one of the easiest walks in the park. It winds through a misty, otherworldly bog filled with twisted trees, stunted shorepines, and even carnivorous plants. 

The trail is stroller-friendly and short enough for toddlers, but thanks to the interpretive signs along the way, it is still fascinating for older kids. It had such a quiet, eerie feel that we half-joked that it reminded us of Jurassic Park. 

The trail is next to the Kwisitis Visitor Centre (currently under renovation), but you can still access the nearby beach.

🌲 Stop 2: Rainforest Trail (Loop B)

We chose Loop B (I think…), just beside the parking lot on the left side of the highway. This 1.2 km loop takes you deep into the heart of an old-growth temperate rainforest. The boardwalk is raised and winding, with stairs and turns that interest kids. 

The trail is mostly flat but uneven in places, so it’s best for school-aged children or those in a carrier. Towering trees, moss-covered logs, and filtered sunlight make it feel like a forest fairy tale. Our kids loved spotting banana slugs and mushrooms along the path. 

The signs throughout the trail explain the unique ecosystem and help spark some great questions and conversations. Our kids got all their inspiration for a new video game from this trail. 

🏖️ Stop 3: Long Beach

Long Beach is exactly what it sounds like: a huge, open stretch of sand that lasts forever. It’s one of the most iconic beaches on Vancouver Island, and with its shallow waves and soft sand, it’s a dream for families. 

We let the kids run barefoot, build sandcastles, and play tag until they were soaked and smiling. There’s plenty of space, so it never feels too crowded even on busy days. Facilities like washrooms and parking are available at Incinerator Rock and Combers Beach access points, making planning a beach stop around your day easy.

This was an easy win with the kids—no planning needed, just plenty of open space and fresh air.

After all the exploring, we continued into Tofino and checked in at HI Tofino Hostel. It’s a relaxed and affordable option with shared kitchen access, large windows overlooking the inlet, and plenty of space for kids to hang out.

For dinner, we walked to The Bear Bierhaus. It had a lively atmosphere and a great mix of local seafood and kid-friendly options. Our oldest tried oysters for the first time, proof that travel expands more than just horizons!

We ended the evening with a quiet walk along the nearby beach, turning over rocks and spotting little sea creatures before heading in for the night.

Day 5 – Bear Watching Tour in Tofino

We kept this day slow and simple, and it was amazing.

We started with coffee and breakfast from Tofitian Café, a local favourite with strong coffee and plenty of space to sit outside. The kids had muffins and hot chocolate while we prepared for the morning.

From there, we headed to Cox Bay Beach. It’s a wide, open beach perfect for families, with soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space to explore. It’s also where most of the surfing in Tofino is happening.

The kids ran wild, built sandcastles, and searched for sand dollars, which are surprisingly easy to spot if you walk the beach slowly.

We brought a picnic lunch and ate right on the beach. If you’re looking for a relaxing morning in Tofino with kids, this is it—no schedule, no rush, just sea air and sandy toes.

In the afternoon, we went on a bear-watching tour with Jamie’s Whaling Station. In spring (April), tours run from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, but in summer, they usually run in the early morning due to the tide schedule. Be sure to plan your day accordingly.

The tour was a huge hit. We saw:

🐻 3 black bears foraging along the shoreline
🦅 2 bald eagles soaring overhead
🦦 5 otters playing in the kelp
🦭 2 sea lions lounging on the rocks

The tour takes place on a calm inlet, and the boats are comfortable and safe for families. No food is allowed on board, so make sure the kids eat before you go. You’ll also need to keep voices low as you approach the bears, but the quiet made it feel even more special.

After returning to the dock, we grabbed dinner at Wildside Grill, one of our go-to spots in Tofino. Their fish and chips and tacos are kid-approved, and the relaxed outdoor seating makes it easy with little ones.

Back at the HI Tofino Hostel, we spent the evening playing board games and pool in the common room, nothing fancy, just a fun way to wind down and enjoy some quiet time together.

Day 6 – Surf Lesson Day

This was the most exciting day for our kids and, honestly, the most fun for us too.

We started with breakfast at Savary Island Pie Company. Their breakfast sandwiches were a big hit, and we needed the coffee after a few days of full-on adventuring.

Then, it was time for our family surf lesson with Tofino Surf Adventures. We booked a private lesson, which included all gear: full wetsuits, booties, gloves, and hoods. The water was cold (around 10°C in spring), but we were warm the whole time. Even I stayed comfortable, and I’m usually the first to feel the cold.

Our instructor, Adam, focused on the kids at first, helping them feel safe and excited, while giving us space to paddle out and catch some waves too. It was relaxed, encouraging, and so much fun. No pressure, just progress at your own pace.

After the lesson, we returned to Wildside Grill for a late lunch. The fish tacos and chill patio vibes were the perfect post-surf reward.

Next stop: Tofino Licks. Their soft serve topped with fresh pie (from Savary Island Pie Company) and sea salt caramel is legendary, and it lived up to the hype. 

This is a must-do treat if you’re in Tofino with kids (or without).

We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering downtown Tofino. There are local shops to browse, a few souvenir stops, and the Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum, small but worth a visit if you want to learn more about the area’s history and First Nations roots.

We wrapped up the day at the playground near the community centre. It gave the kids one more chance to run around while we sat back and soaked up the last bit of the afternoon sun.

Day 7 – Return to Vancouver

All good things must come to an end, but even the journey home had its moments.

We packed up early at HI Tofino Hostel, said goodbye to the beach, and drove back toward Nanaimo. The road winds through forest and mountain passes, so we gave ourselves extra time for a few leg-stretching breaks along the way.

Once we arrived at the Departure Bay ferry terminal, we boarded the BC Ferry back to Horseshoe Bay. The return sailing took about 1 hour and 40 minutes. We spent most of it on the upper deck enjoying the views, and we played a few rounds of UNO.

Back in Vancouver, we returned our Venture Van, feeling a little tired, very sandy, and totally satisfied. The campervan setup made this trip especially easy with kids. 

If you have extra time before flying out, consider a bonus stop in Squamish or Vancouver to extend the adventure a bit.

Final Thoughts – Vancouver Island with Kids in 7 Days

This 7-day itinerary gave our family the perfect mix of nature, beach time, wildlife, and small-town exploring, all at a pace that felt relaxed but full of adventure. Travelling by campervan made everything simpler. We didn’t have to unpack and repack each night, and we always had snacks, naps, and bathrooms close by.

From tide pooling in Qualicum Beach and hiking to waterfalls, to seeing black bears in the wild and learning to surf in Tofino. Every stop felt like a new adventure. The Island really is built for families who love the outdoors, want to move at their own speed, and don’t mind a little sand in their shoes.

👉 Interested in visiting? Download this itinerary in a PDF version to help you plan your trip.