Discover the wild beauty of the winter waves during a Vancouver Island road trip
Visit beautiful Vancouver Island during the wintertime on the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour. Vancouver Island offers a refuge from the snowy weather, but during the winter the waves of the Pacific Ocean are a marvellous sight to behold as they crash to the beaches of Tofino.
Spend three days exploring the rugged beaches and lush rainforests around Tofino and Ucluelet. If the weather gets rough, find a seat by the fire and watch the ocean storm spectacle. Then you’ll be treated to a scenic drive down the opposite coast where the water is calmer and the views are incredible. Winter is the perfect time to stroll the streets and explore Victoria and Vancouver away from the summer crowds- soak up the architecture, the harbours, the streets, and the sky. This tour is the perfect way to enjoy the island and witness the forces of nature at work!
Highlights of the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour
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Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Tour Begins in Vancouver
When you arrive at the Vancouver airport you can pick up your rental vehicle and check into your hotel. Take a walk along the coast and enjoy the city skyline against the beautiful mountain backdrop.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vancouver
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Journey to Ucluelet
Begin the day with a scenic ferry ride through the smaller islands to Vancouver Island. Then you’ll drive the coastal highway up island towards Ucluelet. There are several great stops along your route, including the Coombs Old Country Market, which you’ll easily recognize by its grass roof with grazing goats (yep, the Goats on the Roof Market). You also won’t want to miss the enormous ancient trees on a short hike in Cathedral Grove.
Check into the hotel where you’ll find a cozy refuge to watch the weather unfold over the ocean.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ucluelet
Distance: 257km
Meals: None
Day 3 Explore the Wild Pacific Trail and Tofino
This morning, you’ll gear up in rain boots and your raincoat and head out to explore the Wild Pacific Trail. Discover the lush green rainforest paths and the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean. Then, head into town to explore the quaint village of Tofino and visit the Kwistis Visitor Center in Pacific Rim National Park. If the weather is nice, you can sit on its terrace and enjoy the spectacular views. If a storm rolls in you’ll want a front-row seat in front of the windows of your hotel lounge to watch the enormous waves crashing into the rocks below.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tofino
Distance: 40km
Meals: None
Day 4 Watch the Waves and Walk the Beach
Depending on the weather, you can spend another cozy day storm watching from the comforts of your hotel or you can take a walk along the beach to watch the wild crashing waves and see if any daring surfers are out on the water. You can also take a stroll along the wooden boardwalk at South Beach. In the evening, head into Tofino for a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tofino
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 5 Drive DownIsland
Today you’ll drive to the east side of the island and start your drive down to Parksville. On this coast, the beaches are protected, so the gorgeous water views will be of much calmer waves. Here you’ll find endless coastline to explore, as well as small shops and restaurants in town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Parksville
Distance: 172km
Meals: None
Day 6 Visit Historic Victoria
On your drive south to Victoria, you may want to stop in the village of Chemainus to see the town buildings covered in over 40 beautiful painted murals. Then continue to Victoria, where you’ll want to explore its historic city centre. Visit the oldest China Town in Canada, and then explore the beautiful Inner Harbour and charming Fisherman’s Wharf, framed by the stunning Empress Hotel and Parliament. There’s a wacky bug zoo nearby if you’re brave!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Victoria
Distance: 150km
Meals: None
Day 7 Scenic Ferry to Vancouver
Start your day with a morning drive along Dallas Road for a spectacular view of the mountains across the water. Then, head to the ferry terminal and enjoy the pretty scenery through the islands as you cross the strait to Vancouver.
You have the day to explore Vancouver, visit historic Gastown, or the bustling shops on Robson street. You can also take a nice walk along the sea wall in Stanley Park or explore the markets at Granville Island.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vancouver
Distance: 115km
Meals: None
Day 8 Final Day in Vancouver
Enjoy your final morning in Vancouver before you drop off your rental vehicle at the airport. You can also choose to extend your stay if you want to see more of the beautiful coast.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None
Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided driving tour of Vancouver Island is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided groups of 2+: from $1,275 USD per person*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are rated 4 or more stars and offer luxury accommodations. The hotels are all in fantastic locations, and the hotels in Tofino and Parksville will have incredible ocean views.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request and may incur an additional fee.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! Settle in and sleep off any jetlag at your comfortable hotel.
Hotel in Ucluelet
Savour little Ucluelet with a well-appointed hotel as your home base.
Hotel in Tofino
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a mystical land when you see the sandy beaches in Tofino at the edge of the forest. This popular surf town keeps its cool and hasn’t been over-developed.
Hotel in Parksville
Parksville sits on Vancouver Island’s coast and has several sandy beaches, perfect for strolling. The town has a sandcastle-building competition every summer from mid-July to mid-August.
Hotel in Victoria
Victoria draws visitors year-round for its pleasant climate, undeniably kind and laid-back people, and charming downtown core. Check out the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, and Dallas Road.
Hotel in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! Settle in and sleep off any jetlag at your comfortable hotel.
What’s Included in the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour?
Meals
There are no meals included in this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Vancouver are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
This is a self-drive tour, and you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.
Also Included
- Standard vehicle rental- Category B
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 access to helpline
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Fuel
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Fuel
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour
In the two decades since Toundra Voyages Inc. was founded in 1998, the company has become North America’s go-to travel agency in customized independent and group tourism.
Tounda takes a flexible, responsive approach to developing adventure travel tours. By listening to the wants and wishes of travellers, they’ve been able to create memorable, affordable tours complemented by impeccable service.
Toundra’s mission is to create and organize tailor-made travel. They select, adapt, and personalize travel experiences in North America for each and every guest, ensuring your adventure is one you’ll never forget.
Meeting your expectations is just the beginning of what Toundra aims to accomplish. Exceeding them by providing exceptional experiences in beautiful North America is their standard, and their track record of knockout customer service and customized tour planning speaks for itself.
Learn MoreMap of Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour
Map of Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour
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