Vancouver Island recommendations for day trip? (hotels, shops, gardens)

[1newyorkguy]

I am looking to go over with my mom, girlfriend, and my dog. We're planning on taking a car over on a ferry. I heard Tofino is nice..is that a good place for us to go to? Any other ideas? Or specific places to see or eat at? Thanks.

[Zoisite]

If you're planning on going and returning in the same day then going to Tofino may be a bit of a push unless you get a motel there for the night and return the next day. Otherwise you won't get to see everything on the way there - Cathedral Grove, Pt. Alberni (a delightful blast from the past reminiscent of the '60's), Long Beach on the west coast of the Island, all the galleries and other things to see in Tofino.

For a single day trip I'd recommend going to Chemainus, a lovely little touristy town to walk through all the shops and view all the murals on the walls. Or go to Coombs, then to Parksville and on up through Qualicum and on to Courtney along the old coast highway. It's a beautiful drive.

Or go to Butchart Gardens - but you will have to leave the dog in the car while you're touring there. The Butchart Gardens - Home

Which ever place you do go to you should make enquiries first about where you can take your dog and remember your dog will have to remain on a leash in all public places and provincial parks.

.

[adventuregurl]

Unless they've changed the rules, Butchart Gardens is dog friendly, I had a season pass and used to walk my big dog there.

Tofino is NOT a day trip from the main land, use Mapquest and do the math. Frankly I don't think Vancouver Island is a day trip as much of it will be spent waiting for, loading sailing and and unloading from ferries. If you want to go to Tofino the few hotels that are there book up WAY in advance.

Chemainus is cute and fun but if you've never seen Victoria, I'd go there.

Originally Posted by Zoisite

If you're planning on going and returning in the same day then going to Tofino may be a bit of a push unless you get a motel there for the night and return the next day. Otherwise you won't get to see everything on the way there - Cathedral Grove, Pt. Alberni (a delightful blast from the past reminiscent of the '60's), Long Beach on the west coast of the Island, all the galleries and other things to see in Tofino.

For a single day trip I'd recommend going to Chemainus, a lovely little touristy town to walk through all the shops and view all the murals on the walls. Or go to Coombs, then to Parksville and on up through Qualicum and on to Courtney along the old coast highway. It's a beautiful drive.

Or go to Butchart Gardens - but you will have to leave the dog in the car while you're touring there. The Butchart Gardens - Home

Which ever place you do go to you should make enquiries first about where you can take your dog and remember your dog will have to remain on a leash in all public places and provincial parks.

.