What To Know Before Driving Highway 4 to Tofino
Before Leaving Port Alberni-
Keep in mind that Port Alberni is the last major stop before heading to the west coast, so make sure to fuel up with gas, grab groceries and pick up any supplies you may need before continuing west.
A few local stops we recommend in Port Alberni include:
- Camping, backpacking, and beach gear rentals - Alberni Adventure Gear
- Restaurants- Wildflower Cafe, Timberlodge Sushi, or Broken Bow
- Groceries- Buy Low Foods, Fresh Coast Market, RR meats
The weather changes dramatically once you head to the coast. In the summertime, Tofino and Ucluelet can easily be 10° cooler than the HOT spot of Port Alberni, especially when the fog rolls in. Visitors including myself can be surprised by how chilly and damp the evenings can feel near the beach and campgrounds.
Even in summer, bring lots of layers:
- Hoodies
- Rain jackets
- Warm socks
- Blundstones
- Toques
Plus consider bringing:
- Propane fire pit (Campfire bans are also very common throughout spring/summer/fall on the west coast- Alberni Adventure Gear rents)
- Extra tarps (as footprint under tent and above)
- Rope to hang up the tarps plus use as a clothes line:)
- Warm sleeping bags
Booking ahead is highly recommended during summertime. Campground, hotels and restaurants fill quickly and there is very little availability for last-minute walk-ins or LONG waits.
The Drive to Tofino-
The drive is stunning, very scenic but full of winding turns. Even people who don’t normally get carsick (like myself) can feel rough, especially after eating a big meal beforehand.
During summer, the drive takes longer than expected because of heavy traffic and large RVs and campers heading to the coast. Please use slow vehicle pullouts when needed and allow faster traffic to pass safely (locals will appreciate this!).
There is little to no cell service from the Bingo Bay (two lion heads) near the end of Sproat Lake until just past Long Beach. Keep that in mind before heading
Breaking up the drive makes it much more enjoyable. Some great stops along the way include:
- Taylor Arm Provincal Park - Follow the signs at the end of Sproat Lake- amazing views and swimming is incredible.
- Kennedy Lake - the largest lake on Vancouver Island! There are many pullouts spots along the road where you can stop and take it in or go for a dip.
- Snow Creek - Just off highway 4 this is a beautiful scenic spot to swim or camp
- Wally Creek - A beutuful turquoise river right along Highway 4 near Kennedy River. It is a shorter walk down to clear water, waterfalls, and rocky swimming areas.