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Getting Here
People come from all over the world to experience the wonder of the West Coast first hand. Tofino is literally at the end of the road, but getting here is half the fun. Awesome sightseeing opportunities are around every bend and turn. We want you to have an enjoyable experience getting here too, so we’ve provided some tips to help you with your travel plans.
Location
Located in the heart of downtown Tofino on the waterfront. Find us right next to the Coast Guard Station.
Driving
The drive to Tofino takes approximately 6 hours from Victoria or 3.5 hours from Nanaimo. Weather conditions play a factor in the drive, so make sure you have good tires and brakes, especially during the fall and winter when high winds and wet, slippery conditions prevail. Time your drive during daylight hours if you can. The sightseeing along the way is worth witnessing in daylight. To get an idea of road conditions, wind and weather warnings, check out the highway cams and information on environment Canada’s website.
Drive north on highway 19a until you reach the #4 junction near Coombs. Once you reach Port Alberni, it’s your last chance for fuel and food until Tofino, so make sure you’re gassed up and ready to go.
Parking
We are often asked where to park in Downtown Tofino. While finding a free parking spot in the summer months can be a challenge, there are a number of options available! Tofino is a very bicycle friendly town and Tofino Sea Kayaking has a bike rack on our property.
Day Parking for Tofino Sea Kayaking Tours
There is free 4 hour parking (between the hours of 10am – 4pm) located directly in front of Tofino Sea Kayaking, and along Main St. This is suitable for our Islander 2.5 hr and Meares Island 4 hr Tours.
As the parking restrictions are only between the hours of 10am and 4pm, if you are on one of our longer tours (such as the Hidden Places 5.5 hr or Coastal Explorer 7 hr), consider when your tour departs. For example, if your tour departs at 1 pm, and you return at 6:30, your car will have only been in a timed spot for 3 hrs (1-4pm).
As an alternative, there is paid parking just over a block away on the corner of 3rd & Main. ($3 for 12 hours)
Parking for Multi-day Rentals and Tours
We recommend parking in the Paid Parking lot on the corner of 3rd and Main. ($25 for 7 days)
Parking while Staying at the Paddlers Inn
Guests of the Paddlers Inn can park their cars overnight in front of Tofino Sea Kayaking, after 4pm, and before 10am the next morning.
Flying In
Flights to Tofino are available directly from Vancouver and Victoria. The flight time is approximately 45 minutes.