Getting to Tofino from Vancouver: Updates + New Ways to Travel
Getting to Tofino is officially part of the year-round adventure. From ferries with ocean views to flights that skip the traffic altogether, there are now more ways than ever to get from Vancouver’s Lower Mainland to our stretch of surf and sunsets. Whether you’re a “road trip playlist” person or a “get me there fast” traveller, here are three key transport updates to make your journey to Tofino even smoother.
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1. Hop on a Hullo Ferry from Coal Harbour to Nanaimo
Picture this: you grab a coffee downtown, stroll down to Coal Harbour, and hop on a Hullo ferry that whisks you straight to Nanaimo in just over an hour. So, no Lions Gate Bridge, no Malahat backups—just a breezy passenger ride across the Salish Sea. Your chill Tofino getaway starts the moment you step aboard!
After docking in Nanaimo, it’s a scenic 2.5-hour drive across Vancouver Island, complete with forests, lakes, and maybe even a roadside stop for donuts. With the EVO Return program, you can grab a car in Nanaimo, then return it to jump back on your Hullo ferry. With 30 days’ advance booking and anywhere from one hour to 30 days per trip, it’s freedom on four wheels.
2. Harbour Air’s Expanded Service to Tofino
Getting to Tofino by air is already a scenic thrill. Those ocean views on approach are epic. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers regular flights from Vancouver South Terminal to Tofino-Long Beach Airport, making the journey quick and easy. Harbour Air floatplanes also connect Vancouver and Tofino with floatplane service from Coal Harbour and the Vancouver South Terminal during the warmer months.
More recently, Harbour Air expanded its offerings with wheeled aircraft service from Vancouver South Terminal to Tofino-Long Beach Airport during the fall and winter months, giving travellers another convenient way to reach the coast.
Here’s why Harbour Air’s expanded service is a game-changer for getting to Tofino during the fall and winter:
- More options: Two airlines now offer direct flights from Vancouver South Terminal to Tofino-Long Beach Airport.
- Convenience: Less than an hour in the air means more time on the beach.
- Reliability: Wheeled aircraft provide dependable service during the cooler months, when floatplane operations can be more weather-dependent.
- Quick coast access: You can be sipping coffee in Vancouver in the morning and wave-gazing on Cox Bay by lunchtime.
Need wheels when you land?
Book an EVO at both the Tofino Harbour terminal and Tofino-Long Beach Airport, or Otus Car Rentals can drop off/pick up your vehicle of choice. Otus cars are also parked and ready here at Pacific Sands for spontaneous exploring.
3. BC Ferries Updates Underway through May 2026
For many, BC Ferries is the classic start to a Tofino trip with views of the Gulf Islands, fresh salty air, and maybe a whale sighting if you’re lucky.
However, please note there are some changes affecting the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) route, now through May 2026.
What’s changing?
Vehicle travel will require booking a full-fare reservation. It’s due to construction at Horseshoe Bay that will cut vehicle pre-departure “staging space” by 25%.
It’s temporary, and there’s better news!
Full-fare reservations are required heading to Nanimo; however, you can reserve/travel normally from Nanimo back to Horseshoe Bay.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026. [see full details]
Another idea? Take the alternative Tsawwassen ferry to the Duke Point terminal in Nanaimo. And for variety on the way home, you can always catch the Departure Bay ferry back to Horseshoe Bay. Voila!
Embrace the Journey
Whichever travel option you pick, your journey sets the tone. Ferries bring the sea breeze, flights bring the thrill, and the drive across Vancouver Island brings all the road trip vibes.
Driving from Nanaimo to Tofino?
We suggest taking it slow with these pro tips and top stops along the way.
Photo credits: Hullo; EVO/Daily Hive; Harbour Air; BC Ferries
Bottom banner: Jeremy Koreski
