The Drive from Nanaimo to Tofino: Top Stops Along the Way
When you’re as spectacularly remote as Tofino, getting here is part of the adventure. And who doesn’t love a great road trip? As in load the car, roll down the window, queue up your favourite playlist, and hit the highway. From majestic mountains and ancient forests to pristine lakes and meandering rivers, the 2.5 hour, Highway 4 westward drive from Nanaimo to Tofino, British Columbia delivers a stunning surprise around every corner. We suggest taking the slow lane with these top stops along the way.
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Coombs Old Country Market
Yes, those are goats on the roof.
Located: 44km from Nanaimo
Since 1973, this landmark has grown from a simple fruit stand to a celebrated market of fresh local foods, shops and artisans. The Old Country Market is not only a great stop for provisions, you can grab lunch at The Market Cafe and check out the famous resident goats who keep the sod-roof mowed.
The Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria is also onsite, bringing authentic Italy to Coombs in a relaxed, delicious way.
If there are insect lovers along for the ride, Butterfly World is also nearby, with over 500 species from all over the globe, as well as turtles, koi fish and random reptiles.
Cathedral Grove – MacMillan Provincial Park
Explore this spectacular old-growth forest, including 800+ year old trees.
Located: 20km from Coombs; 66km from Nanaimo
At 136 sprawling hectares, MacMillan Provincial Park showcases an incredible, mossy display of old-growth trees—mostly Douglas Fir—some of which are nine metres in diameter and over 800 years old. Enjoy an easy stroll along the trails for a beautiful pause and preview of more forests to come.
Here’s a fun fact for Star Wars fans! Director George Lucas chose Cathedral Grove’s mystic vibe as the backdrop for scenes in the 1983 film, Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi. That’s right, those towering Douglas Firs starred in the forest scenes of Endor, where the Ewoks lived.
Safety Note: It’s a busy stretch of road, so please be careful parking and crossing the highway!
Hole-in-the-Wall
And we don’t mean a restaurant!
Located: 33km from Coombs; 13km from Port Alberni
If you want stretch your legs for a 20-minute walk there/back through the forest, the 1.3km trail to the Hole-in-the-Wall is a fun way to explore.
This hidden gem was created years ago when a large hole was drilled through solid rock for a water pipeline for Port Alberni. It was eventually removed, leaving a peaceful, cascading waterfall that passes through the keyhole.
To reach it, park on the road across from Coombs Country Candy; right at the entrance to Port Alberni. Be sure to park along the highway (not at the store). As a favourite walk for locals that’s open year-round, you’ll likely see mountain bikers and other walkers. Note that on-leash dogs are welcome.
Sproat Lake
A perfect place to stretch your legs, let the dogs out, or take a dip.
Located: 18km from Hole In The Wall; 15km from Port Alberni
Spectacular Sproat Lake spans over 25km in length with 300km of shoreline. Until 2024, it was home to the infamous (sadly decommissioned) Martin Mars waterbomber, which sure used to come in handy during BC’s forest fire season.
Whether you stop at Taylor Arm Provincial Park, Snow Creek, or the Kennedy River Rest Stop, this lake is worth a pull-over and will most certainly take your breath away.
WestCoast WILD Zip-line
Nature from new heights!
Located: 46km from Sproat Lake; 59km from Port Alberni
Now here’s where the real adventurers in your vehicle show their stuff by strapping in with the pros from WestCoast WILD Zip-line, and soaring over mystical ancient rainforests and steep narrow canyons.
As awesome as it is well-reviewed, this team is all about safety, sustainability and providing the ultimate eco-tour. Let’s do this?
Kennedy Lake Lookout + Provincial Park
It’s so big and beautiful, you’ll think you’re at the Pacific Ocean. Close but not quite!
Located: 32km from WestCoast WILD Zip-line; 91km from Port Alberni
As you wind down towards Pacific Rim National Park, Kennedy Lake Lookout delivers panoramic views of this sprawling, 111.8km long lake—the largest lake on Vancouver Island. There are two popular sites in Kennedy Lake Park along the south shore where visitors come to swim, kayak, fish, and windsurf.
Even if you don’t want to stop, you’ll likely want to slow down and take it all in.
Homestretch to Tofino
From here, head about 35km to the Highway 4 fork in the road and turn right towards Tofino on the Pacific Rim Highway. Keep your eyes open for gobsmacking glimpses of Long Beach (see below) and more, including some breathtaking hikes in Pacific Rim National Park as you close in on Tofino.
About 10km after Long Beach, when you see the Tourism Tofino Visitor Centre coming up on your right, that’s a sign that Pacific Sands Beach Resort is coming up quick on your left. Tofino’s town centre is just 7km further.
Google Map, Video + Packing List
For more recommendations to guide your trip planning, including some eclectic eateries, we curated this convenient Google Map: Top Sights + Stops On the Way.
Follow us on Instagram? Check out a cool video on how this family enjoyed the journey to Tofino.
Need some help with packing? Follow our How to Pack for Tofino: All-Season Guide.
Drive safe, and look forward to even more try-not-to-blink moments when you get here!
PHOTO CREDITS:
Coombs Country Market: Coombs Country Market
Cathedral Grove: BC Parks
Sproat Lake: Paige Owen for Alberni Valley Tourism
WestCoast WILD Zip-line: WestCoast WILD Zip-line
Long Beach: Tourism Tofino
