Vancouver Island – A Family Adventure
When Thomas and I travelled to Vancouver Island back in 2008 on our honeymoon, we completely fell in love with the place. So when we planned our family trip to Canada in 2022, it was a non-negotiable stop – we simply had to go back. And it didn’t disappoint.
Getting There – Ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo
After picking up our rental car – a surprisingly spacious white Jeep that became our travel companion for the next 11 days – we drove out to Horseshoe Bay. From there, we took the BC Ferries crossing to Nanaimo.
We had booked our ferry tickets online before we left Denmark, which turned out to be a really good idea. The ferry was completely full in July (high season), and I’d absolutely recommend booking in advance. The crossing itself was smooth and cosy – we grabbed some food, played a few games, and enjoyed the views from deck.
First Stop – Qualicum Beach
Instead of driving straight across the island, we decided to split the trip and spend a night on the east coast. Our stop was Qualicum Beach, a small and charming town right by the water.
The people were incredibly friendly, and we wandered through some of the little shops before stocking up at the supermarket for a relaxed dinner. After days of eating out in Vancouver, it was honestly such a treat to have pizza on the hotel room in comfy clothes.
We stayed at Qualicum Beach Inn, a cosy place with an indoor pool. The kids loved it – and so did we after a long day of travelling. We even struck up a lovely chat with a family from Vancouver.
We absolutely loved this place, it made the perfect layover stop and the pool was a great bonus – you can book it directly here.
Tofino – Surfer Vibes and Stunning Nature
The next morning, we grabbed some fresh bread, had a slow breakfast, and then hit the road towards Tofino. It’s a small town on the west coast of Vancouver Island with a unique surfer vibe, laid-back locals, and breathtaking surroundings. We had booked our accommodation well in advance (four months earlier!), and I’d definitely advise anyone else to do the same – there are only so many rooms and cottages, and they get snapped up quickly. Tofino is so popular in the summertime.
We stayed at Duffin Cove, in one of their two small waterfront cabins. It was perfect for us – two bedrooms (one of them a loft with twin beds), a small kitchen, a cute bathroom, and a little terrace with chairs and the most incredible view. Right next to the hotel was a small square with street food stalls and picnic tables, which quickly became one of our go-to spots.
If you’re heading to Tofino, this is the place I can’t recommend highly enough — it was incredible.
Exploring Tofino
On our first day, we wandered along the main street, browsed through the little shops, and ended the evening with takeaway in our cabin and a stroll down to the waterfront. Watching the sunset while water planes landed and locals caught crabs along the shore was actually quite magical.
The following day we went on a whale watching tour – an absolute highlight! The kids sat right at the front of the RIB boat and loved every second of the ride. The tour operators in Tofino are really respectful of the wildlife: we saw whales, but always from a safe distance so they weren’t disturbed. We also spotted sea lions and sea otters basking on the rocks.
It was one of the absolute highlights of our trip — seeing whales off the coast of Tofino. You can join the same tour we did with GetYourGuide
On our last day in Tofino, it rained. But that didn’t spoil the mood – we drove down to Ucluelet, another charming coastal town, did a bit of shopping, and then enjoyed a cosy afternoon with movies in bed in our cabin. Sometimes those slower days are just what’s needed. especially for the children. Our cabin even had an electric fireplace, so we turned that on while it was raining outside.
Back to Nanaimo – and a Bear Encounter
On our return journey, we once again had ferry tickets booked in advance, so everything went smoothly. But the real highlight was on the road: we spotted our first black bear! A big one, right by the roadside. We slowed down the car in amazement, only to get honked at by the vehicle behind us – apparently, you’re not supposed to cause traffic jams while admiring bears. We later saw several more in better situations, but that very first sighting was so great for the kids.
Where to Stay – Our Recommendations
Tofino
- Duffin Cove – A lovely waterfront hotel with cosy cabins (our favourite!). See more photos and current rates here.
- Long Beach Lodge Resort – Stylish rooms and beachfront views, great for families. Check availability and latest offers.
- Pacific Sands Beach Resort – Perfect if you want direct beach access and plenty of space. See why this one’s so popular.
Ucluelet
- Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – Modern design with dramatic coastal views. Check availability and see the ocean views for yourself.
- Waters Edge Shoreside Suites – Spacious suites with full kitchens, ideal for longer stays. See current rates and photos here.
- West Coast Motel on the Harbour – A more budget-friendly option without losing the charm. Find out why it’s such a local favourite.
Victoria (if you head south)
- Fairmont Empress – The iconic luxury hotel in the heart of Victoria, full of history and old-world charm. See rooms and current rates here.
- Hotel Grand Pacific – Family-friendly and perfectly located near the Inner Harbour. Check availability and family-friendly offers.
- Magnolia Hotel & Spa – Boutique style, a bit more intimate but still central. Explore rooms and spa packages here.
Where to Eat in Tofino
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Wolf in the Fog – A creative, award-winning restaurant with amazing seafood dishes.
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Tacofino – A legendary food truck turned restaurant – their tacos are a must.
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Shelter Restaurant – A cosy spot with hearty dishes, perfect after a day outdoors.
Budget Tips – Canada Is Pricey
One thing that really took us by surprise was just how expensive Canada is, especially food. Grocery prices were noticeably higher than in Denmark, and restaurant meals added up quickly. If you’re travelling as a family, I’d recommend choosing at least one accommodation with a small kitchen – it’s both practical and a nice change from eating out every single day.
Final Thoughts
Vancouver Island is a place that stays with you. From the surfer vibes of Tofino to spotting black bears by the road, every day brought something new. For us, it was a return after many years – and it still felt just as amazing. Next time (I really hope there will be a next time!), we hope to make it down to Victoria too. Canada has truly found a permanent place in our hearts.
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