A Pacific Rim Highway road trip from Nanaimo to Tofino, BC
Some roads become as iconic as the destinations they lead toward, and British Columbia’s Pacific Rim Highway is one of them. When you crest the hill and turn the corner just before that first panoramic view of Kennedy Lake, you’ll soon arrive in the beautiful seaside communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. Drive this road more than once, and that moment of anticipation blends with nostalgia in a way that’s truly special.
The journey to Vancouver Island’s west coast is as important as the destination. Get ready with this guide to a Pacific Rim Highway road trip from Nanaimo to Tofino. By planning ahead for the most popular stops like MacMillan Provincial Park and the Kennedy Lake lookout, you’ll be ready to make the most of this awe-inspiring scenic drive.
We’ve gathered this information from multiple drives across the Pacific Rim Highway, including in August 2024 hosted by Destination British Columbia and in May 2025 hosted by Hyundai Canada during our first drive of the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9. Have questions about planning your own road trip on the Pacific Rim Highway? Join our Facebook community!
Pacific Rim Highway: What to know before you go
The Pacific Rim Highway is part of British Columbia Highway 4, which at 162 kilometres is the longest east-west route on Vancouver Island. Technically, Highway 4 is divided into two parts: the Alberni Highway runs from Qualicum Beach to Port Alberni, and the Pacific Rim Highway stretches from Port Alberni to Tofino.
This fully paved highway has two lanes for most of its length with occasional sections for overtaking. Getting to Tofino from Qualicum Beach takes roughly two and a half hours. Add another half hour if your drive starts in Nanaimo.
Before you set out toward Tofino and Ucluelet, it’s very important to have your accommodation booked in advance. Hotels and campgrounds often book out months ahead in this area, and cancellations are infrequent. Plus, boondocking or backcountry camping are not permitted anywhere in Tofino and Ucluelet, and this rule is strictly enforced. It’s a long drive back across the island if you don’t find a place to stay, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Check out our recommendations for hotels and camping in Tofino and Ucluelet >
The Pacific Rim Highway passes through several First Nations of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people, whose traditional territory is on Vancouver Island’s west coast. These include Tseshaht First Nation, Hupačasath First Nation, Ucluelet First Nation, and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
Start your Pacific Rim Highway drive in Nanaimo
For many travellers, Nanaimo is a natural entry point to Vancouver Island and to the Pacific Rim Highway. BC Ferries sailings land here from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and from Tsawwassen south of Vancouver.
Arriving via the Gulf Islands and Victoria is another popular option, which is typically reached by taking a ferry from Tsawassen to Swartz Bay just north of Sidney, BC. Expect the drive from Victoria to Nanaimo to take between one and a half and two hours depending on traffic. Travellers can also reach Nanaimo with ferry connections further north on the island such as Comox from Powell River on the Sunshine Coast or Port Hardy from Prince Rupert.
While you’re in Nanaimo, search for whales at some of the seaside city parks like Neck Point Park and Piper’s Lagoon Park, explore some of the many hiking trails, hop over to Gabriola Island, and plan a bakery crawl on the Nanaimo Bar Trail!
Parksville and Qualicum Beach
Drive for half an hour north from Nanaimo to reach Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Both the city of Parksville and the town of Qualicum Beach connect to Highway 4 from BC Highway 19, the major north-south route on Vancouver Island. Highway 4 begins on the waterfront in Qualicum Beach, but most drivers approaching from the south head toward the Pacific Rim Highway with a quick cut across Highway 4A.
In the Parksville area, whale watching tours are very popular, as is the shallow beach at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park has waterfalls and a suspension bridge that can be viewed with a short walk. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in nearby Errington has more than 60 animals in rehabilitation including eagles, owls, black bears, and more and offers viewing and education opportunities.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
As you follow Highway 4 westbound, the first major landmark is Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Here, you can follow hiking trails around a gorge to view the picturesque upper and lower falls. Spend an hour hiking to the waterfall viewpoints, linger longer at the picnic sites, or go for a swim at the Cameron Lake day-use area just 5 kilometres west of the park’s main entrance. A campground is also available for overnight stays.
The drive continues along the shore of Cameron Lake for another 6 kilometres before you reach the next destination.
MacMillan Provincial Park
Located on the western end of Cameron Lake, MacMillan Provincial Park is a must-see destination. The highlight is Cathedral Grove, a stand of gigantic Douglas fir trees that’s the most accessible anywhere on Vancouver Island. In this old-growth forest, some of the trees are more than 800 years old, including one with a circumference of more than 9 metres!
This park gets a lot of traffic, both of the car and pedestrian varieties. Please follow the posted speed limits and drive with caution through this section of highway. You’ll often find cars parked along both sides with people walking freely around and between them. Within the park, it’s very important to stay on the established trails to keep the forest floor healthy. BC Parks advises not visiting the park on windy days as trees and branches can fall without notice.
Port Alberni
The next settlement on Highway 4 as you continue westbound is Port Alberni. While this city of roughly 18,000 people seems to be deep inland, it’s connected to the Pacific Ocean by the Alberni Inlet, the longest inlet on Vancouver Island.
If you’re planning to camp or stay in a cabin in Tofino and Ucluelet and will need supplies, note there are only smaller shops and grocery stores in both Tofino and Ucluelet. If you would benefit from a shop at a big box store, Port Alberni is the place to do it. It’s also smart to check your fuel or electric range before going any further. You’ll drive another 100 kilometres before you’ll find another gas station or EV charger, so this is a good spot for a top-up if you need it.
Sproat Lake
As you leave Port Alberni and transition from the Alberni Highway to the Pacific Rim Highway, you’ll pass through Tseshaht First Nation and then reach the shores of Sproat Lake. At its eastern end, Sproat Lake Provincial Park provides access to the Sproat Lake Petroglyphs (K’ak’awin). The park also has a swimming beach, fishing, boating, waterskiing and windsurfing, some short hiking trails, and camping.
If you’re camping with a group, Taylor Arm Provincial Park is 10 kilometres to the west and has three group campsites available.
The section of Highway 4 from Sproat Lake to Ucluelet is the most scenic portion of the drive. Get your cameras ready!
Kennedy Lake
For roughly 45 minutes after you depart Sproat Lake, you’ll trace through a valley along winding highway flanked by mountains on either side before reaching Kennedy Lake, the largest freshwater lake on Vancouver Island. Keep an eye out for the Kennedy Lake Lookout, which will come up quickly as you first approach the lake from the east. You won’t want to miss these spectacular views!
Kennedy Lake Provincial Park is a day-use park located directly lakeside roughly 5 kilometres west of the lookout. This park offers paddling, fishing, and a swimming beach. There are no other services at the park — including running water, so it’s important to bring your own — and fires are not permitted.
Tofino and Ucluelet, the end of the Pacific Rim Highway
Follow the Pacific Rim Highway for another 10 kilometres from Kennedy Lake Provincial Park to reach its junction with the Tofino-Ucluelet Highway. If your final destination is Ucluelet, turn left here to follow this short highway spur until it turns into Peninsula Road as it enters the community.
If you make a right turn to stay on the Pacific Rim Highway, you’ll pass through the full length of the Long Beach sector of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve before reaching the highway’s terminus at the Government Wharf in Tofino.
Discover these things to do while you’re in Tofino and Ucluelet >
Explore more road trips in British Columbia >
