Night 1
Hotel in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! Settle in and sleep off any jetlag at your comfortable hotel.
Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour
Prices
Highlights
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!
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+: $1,275USD per person
Accommodation 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.
Night 2
Hotel in Ucluelet
Savour little Ucluelet with a well-appointed hotel as your home base.
Night 3-4
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.
Night 5
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.
Night 6
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.
Night 7
Hotel in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! Settle in and sleep off any jetlag at your comfortable hotel.
Hotels on Standard Tour
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
Frequenty Asked Questions about Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour
How hard is the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour?
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour offers total flexibility for you to walk and explore as much or as little as you like, and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.
Is the vehicle insurance included?
No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour?
There are no meals included in this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Vancouver to start this tour?
Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You’ll pick up your rental vehicle from the airport.
Is the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour in English?
This is a self-guided tour, and the route guide, maps, and programs will be supplied in English.
Where does the Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour end?
This tour ends at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), where you can drop off your rental vehicle.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
The best time to travel to Vancouver Island for storm watching is from November through March when the waves are their most impressive.
Reviews
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Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour offers total flexibility for you to walk and explore as much or as little as you like, and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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