Ahousat is a short scenic ferry ride from Tofino, BC, Canada, through the Pacific Rim National Park. Charter a private ride or go with locals.

Driving to Tofino, BC, is usually the easiest option ’cause it’s hard to get around once there without a car. Side stops include Qualicum Beach, Coombs, Port Alberni, Dellas Cafe, Sprout Lake, Kennedy River Rest Stop and Kennedy Lake, part of the Pacific Rim and Parks Canada.

Taylor River is a great spot to relax and rinse, then later in the trip Rathtrevor Beach Campground usually has availability where it’s otherwise hard to find if you’d like to try and extend your stay.

Where should you stay in Tofino, BC? Honestly, if you try to go during the Summer, you’ll have to just take what’s available. Book in advance and expect to pay premium pricing if you do any of the hotels. Ideally snag a campsite with a hot tub, power and wifi. A few of the Tofino, BC, Canada, stops we’ve stayed at prior and would recommend include Best Western’s TinWis Resort, Crystal Cove Beach Resort, Hotel Zed, Bella Pacifica Campground, Surf Junction Campground and Long Beach Campground.

Went for the whale watching and it didn’t disappoint.

Telegraph Cove is north of Nanaimo, BC. It’d be cool if it were part of the Tofino trip but it’s not, and in a different direction, so you gotta build it into your itinerary if you wanna go. There are only a few hotel and camping spots in the area, operated by Telegraph Cove Resort, and no where to really buy food, so plan ahead.

Only downside is teley is a relatively long drive up the Island. Also, the initial itinerary called for two whale tours, but the 5pm sailing the day prior never went out. In hindsight, try to spend a few nights here and get two tours in ’cause you never know what you’ll capture on those trips.

Tours to check out include Tide Rip Grizzly Tours, At Water’s Edge and the premiere Prince of Whales. Even further North in Port McNeil is Mackay Whale Watching, Sea Wolf Adventures and North Island Tours. A short ferry ride away is beautiful Alert Bay and Seasmoke Whale Watching.