Planning a 2-3 day trip to Vancouver Island

I am jonesing for a road trip but am on limited time and limited budget. Want to stay close to home (Seattle WA area) and hit someplace I haven't gone before so that pretty much narrows it down to Vancouver Island.

Preferred schedule is two days, might be able to stretch to a third. The only requirment is arriving in Sydney via the Anacortes ferry about 11am on day one and returning to Sydney about 4pm on the last day for the return ferry. Looking at the map, I am thinking Sydney through Victoria to Port Renfrew, then up past Lake Cowichan and into Port Alberni or maybe even Tofino on day one. Google map says that would be about 500km and estimates 10 hours drive time (seems a little high, are the back roads that slow going?...). Day two, Tofino or Port Alberni back to Sidney via Hwy 1, or if I do a third day, Tofino/Port Alberni up to Campbell River and maybe Gold River to Courtenay and from Courtenay to Sidney on day three.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I will be looking for budget ($50-$60/night) accomodations as well as scenic side trips, etc. Any "Must see" roads I should make sure to hit? I have been on the island before (years ago) and remember it to be a beautiful place, never been on the motorcycle though and would love to close out what is passing for a summer this year with a nice ride.

One last note, as to weather - is it fairly predictable to be "good" (certainly a relative term in the NW) through mid-September?

Any and all help, ideas, suggestions, and recommendations would be appreciated.

I would be interested in joining you if you would like company & the time frame is right, when were you thinking of going?


Gary

If you are on a 50/60 dollar budget you'll likely be camping when you get to Tofino. There are campgrounds at Long Beach and outside of Tofino - you can book them online (book early they are full almost all year round). The ride from Victoria to Tofino is a full day - narrow road, usually lots of traffic�.

Sounds like a great trip. Post a ride report of your trip.

[image: View Post]V-FORE, on 17 August 2011 - 03:57 PM, said:

I would be interested in joining you if you would like company & the time frame is right, when were you thinking of going?


Gary

Tentatively planned for leaving either Sat 8/27 or Sun 8/28 and returning returning either Sun, Mon, or Tue depending on leave date and whether it goes 2 or 3 days.  I am somewhat flexible and if the weather looks no good, I might be able to push it back a week or two. Would love some company, if you were willing to split a room, it would make it even more affordable.

[image: View Post]superfunkomatic, on 17 August 2011 - 05:04 PM, said:

If you are on a 50/60 dollar budget you'll likely be camping when you get to Tofino. There are campgrounds at Long Beach and outside of Tofino - you can book them online (book early they are full almost all year round). The ride from Victoria to Tofino is a full day - narrow road, usually lots of traffic�.

Sounds like a great trip. Post a ride report of your trip.

I figured lodging might be a little more, and that is one of the determining factors between 1 night/2 days or 2 nights/3 days. Prefer not to camp as I use a CPAP machine as well as n ot wanting to carry all the requisite equipment.

Is the road to Tofino worth it? If lodging is better in Port Alberni, could stay the night there and do a R/T ride to Tofino and the coast on day 2 if it is worth the gas. I'll definitely post up a report, this will be my first road trip in about three years. Used to do 2-3 good rides a year, but have had things come up the past few that have kept me close to home. Time to get some miles under my belt!

Tofino is stunning. You can go out in the inlet for a paddle on a boat. There are some really good short hikes in the rain forest, beaches, it's awesome. Well worth the ride.
My family is from Ucluelet (pronounced Uke-U-let) which is also a nice little town with a great little hike around the oceanside.
When we went two years ago most of the hotels in Tofino were around 150/night, but it's a tiny little town so accommodation is pretty limited - thus the price.
The road is nothing spectacular to ride but the little side jaunts for walking and sightseeing are incredible. Plan to ride in, take your gear off and do some little hikes through the forest. You'll have a great time.

[image: View Post]LoneRider, on 17 August 2011 - 07:28 PM, said:

[image: View Post]superfunkomatic, on 17 August 2011 - 05:04 PM, said:

If you are on a 50/60 dollar budget you'll likely be camping when you get to Tofino. There are campgrounds at Long Beach and outside of Tofino - you can book them online (book early they are full almost all year round). The ride from Victoria to Tofino is a full day - narrow road, usually lots of traffic….

Sounds like a great trip. Post a ride report of your trip.

I figured lodging might be a little more, and that is one of the determining factors between 1 night/2 days or 2 nights/3 days. Prefer not to camp as I use a CPAP machine as well as n ot wanting to carry all the requisite equipment.

Is the road to Tofino worth it? If lodging is better in Port Alberni, could stay the night there and do a R/T ride to Tofino and the coast on day 2 if it is worth the gas. I'll definitely post up a report, this will be my first road trip in about three years. Used to do 2-3 good rides a year, but have had things come up the past few that have kept me close to home. Time to get some miles under my belt!

I think I may have some info to help you out on the trip. I have spent many, many summers on Vancouver Island, travelling across it's length and breadth. The roads you are thinking of travelling are unforgettable, the twists and turns will take both all your concentration and your breath away! If you travel from Victoria up the West coast to Port Renfrew, it is truly amazing road! There are hairpins and a couple of off-camber sections, so enjoy! It you want affordable accommodations, talk to Lucas at Big Fish Lodge in Port Renfrew. Ask him about Gaines Beach Backpacker (they just opened it last year). Tell him Zach's (his business partner) brother-in-law Zubin (me) referred you. Ask for Zach while you're there and he'll look after you. Go out to Lizard Lake while you're in Renfrew and enjoy the warm clear water! You can email him @ snaktravel@hotmail.com
If I were doing your trip in two days, I would toss the idea of Tofino unless you're willing to do at least three days. I would certainly do the back road to Cowichan and go up to the Parksville area at Englishman River Falls. If you can handle the COLD water, the pools at Englishman are crystal clear. Then think about the fact that you've done the lower part of the island, save up time and $ and come back in 2012 for more!

Spoken like a true gentleman.
The island is absolutely worth a few trips. Do part of it this time and come back to see more of it again.

[image: View Post]zubin, on 17 August 2011 - 10:53 PM, said:

I think I may have some info to help you out on the trip. I have spent many, many summers on Vancouver Island, travelling across it's length and breadth. The roads you are thinking of travelling are unforgettable, the twists and turns will take both all your concentration and your breath away! If you travel from Victoria up the West coast to Port Renfrew, it is truly amazing road! There are hairpins and a couple of off-camber sections, so enjoy! It you want affordable accommodations, talk to Lucas at Big Fish Lodge in Port Renfrew. Ask him about Gaines Beach Backpacker (they just opened it last year). Tell him Zach's (his business partner) brother-in-law Zubin (me) referred you. Ask for Zach while you're there and he'll look after you. Go out to Lizard Lake while you're in Renfrew and enjoy the warm clear water! You can email him @ snaktravel@hotmail.com
If I were doing your trip in two days, I would toss the idea of Tofino unless you're willing to do at least three days. I would certainly do the back road to Cowichan and go up to the Parksville area at Englishman River Falls. If you can handle the COLD water, the pools at Englishman are crystal clear. Then think about the fact that you've done the lower part of the island, save up time and $ and come back in 2012 for more!

I'd jump at the chance to join you and show you some of my favorites but unfortunately I'll be out of town through that entire period.


Squamish and Polarbear came over for a day ride and we went around the Renfrew loop to Mesachie lake and then up to Nanaimo with me returning to Victoria.  That was a fairly full day's riding but we did keep very near the limits most of the time due to some recent wallet scarring on behalf of one of the riders getting a bit overambitious on the way to my place in the morning.  If you do stay in Uclulet, there is a boat on dry land that is at least a restaurant and possibly also a hotel that I've always thought would be a neat place to stay.  
Edit: Not that great from some of the reviews here.

Make sure you stop in at Long Beach between Uclulet and Tofino.

Enjoy.

BC

[image: View Post]zubin, on 17 August 2011 - 10:53 PM, said:

I think I may have some info to help you out on the trip. I have spent many, many summers on Vancouver Island, travelling across it's length and breadth. The roads you are thinking of travelling are unforgettable, the twists and turns will take both all your concentration and your breath away! If you travel from Victoria up the West coast to Port Renfrew, it is truly amazing road! There are hairpins and a couple of off-camber sections, so enjoy! It you want affordable accommodations, talk to Lucas at Big Fish Lodge in Port Renfrew. Ask him about Gaines Beach Backpacker (they just opened it last year). Tell him Zach's (his business partner) brother-in-law Zubin (me) referred you. Ask for Zach while you're there and he'll look after you. Go out to Lizard Lake while you're in Renfrew and enjoy the warm clear water! You can email him @ snaktravel@hotmail.com
If I were doing your trip in two days, I would toss the idea of Tofino unless you're willing to do at least three days. I would certainly do the back road to Cowichan and go up to the Parksville area at Englishman River Falls. If you can handle the COLD water, the pools at Englishman are crystal clear. Then think about the fact that you've done the lower part of the island, save up time and $ and come back in 2012 for more!

Good info, thanks!

Question, judging by the AAA paper map I got of the island yesterday, the backroads from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan are gravel, is that the case? I had originally looked at google maps for road ideas, not sure if I want to do any distance on curvy gravel roads. If you could show me the paved route via google maps or a Garmin file, I'd really appreciate it.

No gravel.  It's all been paved for a couple years now.  Some chipseal but nothing loose at all.

[image: View Post]BCmcrider, on 18 August 2011 - 12:45 PM, said:

No gravel.  It's all been paved for a couple years now.  Some chipseal but nothing loose at all.

Does that go for the road from Port Renfrew to Port Alberni as well? Finalizing plans and think I am going to do 2 nights/3 days. Day one, Sidney to Port Refrew to Port Alberni, Day two Port Alberni to Tofino and back to Port Alberni, Day three Port Alberni back to Sidney.

Weather is looking good for the coming week, so everything looks like a go for a Sun departure and a Tue return.

While in Port Renfrew, stop at the Coastal Kitchen Cafe for a big steaming bowl of Seafood Chowder and a side of garlic toast.

MMmmmmmmmmm yummy! And eat outdoors on the porch if the weather is likable.

Ok,  looks like the plan is finalized!

Early ferry to Sidney on Sunday, late lunch at Coastal Kitchen Cafe in Port Renfrew, then on to Port Alberni. Day one, 183 miles after the ferry and should hit P.A. about 7pm going by Garmin's estimated travel time (consistently conservative) and allowing 2 hours of stopped time.

Day two is 291 miles, Port Alberni to Gold River and back to Port Alberni. Garmin says 5:45 riding time, and I'll plan for about 2:30 of stopped time.

Day three, is Port Alberni to Tofino and then to Sidney for the 5:55pm ferry. 286 miles, 6:30 estimated ride time and I will allow another 2:30 for stopped time. Should be home by 10pm Tue.

I am a little concerned about some of the comments about my plans being overly optimistic, but I routinely do 400+ mile days while touring. Not sure if the Island is just "slower" of you VFR folks prefer the shorter mileage days/more stops. Usually I cut about 10% off of Garmin's estimated times and never have had a problem staying on schedule. This will be my first road trip on the VFR, but I did a lot of touring on my Connie so no stranger to the road.


Will post back up a report when I get back, anyone want to hook up for all or a portion of the trip, give me a holler!

Well Big Fish is a good idea. Great spot on the beach. There is some good beach fishing probably. Watch or get a license. The road to Cowichan will not be pleasent but doable. If you do Tofino go really early because the traffic is potentially ugly. Great views - no fun. Check the run from Campbell River to Gold River. Quiet and lots of turns. There are rooms at Strathcona Lodge. Gold River relatively cheap. If you camp get a spot at Pacific Playgraounds, make a nest then do Gold River and back. Here is my idea. Anacortes to Brentwood - Mill Bay ferry/ follow water to Mil Bay / Shawingan Lake / Cowichan Bay ( nice little shops) /  back to highway. ( time issues)  to Black Creek( it will be horrible but you do not have the time) / go to coastal highway / ( Pacific Playground soon on the right / do the coast to Campbell River / do Gold River / then what ever. Ask the locals about the Ideal Cafe. You will tell you grandchildren ( If you like "beaneries") Good Luck DennisZ

On the ferry now, the adventure begins!

Made it home safely on Tuesday, full report is up in the ride report section.