Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour

Canada
Overland
Self-Guided
Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour

Vancouver Island Storm Chasing Self-Drive Tour

Prices

From $1,275USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Discover the wild beauty of the winter waves during a Vancouver Island road trip

Explore Vancouver Island at your own pace, stopping to hike, eat, or explore whenever you’d like with this flexible itinerary.

Discover the incredible beauty of the rugged beaches of the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island and watch the incredible winter waves.

Enjoy the luxury of watching the storm waves crash from the comfort of your room or hotel lounge.

Escape the crowds and enjoy visiting beautiful Victoria and Vancouver during the quieter winter months.

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
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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 1

Hotel in Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver! Settle in and sleep off any jetlag at your comfortable hotel.

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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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $1,275USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

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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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