AlvicBC

Can anyone on the Island, or even someone who has done the trip before, tell of any good stopping sightseeing touristy kind of things to do between Parksville and Tofino? How lovg is that drive, work colleagues tell me like two hours and others say four?

We are going April 10-14.....is it likely to be pissing with rain the whole time? As I live in the BC Interior no doubt my April experiences with weather are a lot different!

Anyone done the Hot Springs tour in Tofino??

JonboyE

Cathedral Grove is worth a stop - massive old growth cedars. Once you reach Long Beach there are plenty of opportunities to park and get out. There is an interpretation centre in the National Park that is worth a visit.

I would plan on near four hours than two. And yes, it will most likely be persisting down.

AlvicBC

Thanks JonboyE!! I might have to invest in sone Goretex clothing and a brolly then

Oink

You should rent a motorbike and ride across the island.

Stinkypup

If you are a masochist or... 100% waterproof

Aviator

One of the best ways to see the island with opportunities to stop and for sightseeing. Might do a few days ourselves this summer.

By air is also awesome, but stopping opportunities are more limited.

Stinkypup

Summer, yes- early to mid April? Risky
How is the bike? Did you have to wait long for the replacement?

AlvicBC

Ha ha.... Nice and all as that would be, my mum and Aunt from the UK will be with us and methinks they would not appreciate this

Stinkypup

Two bikes with sidecars and it would be like a Canadian episode of Wallace and Gromit- sorted

bananahammock

Coombs Old Country Market is a popular short stop, it's close to Parksville. Sproat Lake makes another interesting short stop, especially if the Martin Mars is there. Ucluelet is great, the Wild Pacific Trail is a lovely walk.

Personally, I love Chesterman beach ... You can stand in the middle, close to Frank Island, & watch the tide come in on either side of you & the sunsets are fab! In Tofino town, Tonquin Beach is a 20 minute walk from Main St & is quiet & beautiful!!

If you don't stop its approx 3 hours, I was there a couple of months ago & it took me 5 because I kept stopping to take photos! (I attached one )

Of course it'll rain ... Apparently it never stops here

AlvicBC

Lol be more like an episode of Carry On Round the Island

AlvicBC

Well hallo you!!!! Sounds like something we will be doing too - stopping around every corner for photos lol. Thanks for the ideas, will look into them too. I'm so excited!!! I don't care if it rains all week lol.

Stinkypup

Maaaaatron!- Will you be the young Barbara Windsor?

AlvicBC

not sure if I could fill Barbara Windsors "shoes" cough cough

Aviator

All got sorted, we got a different bike in the end.