Travelling to BC and want some tips and tricks for getting here? Sure you can use Google to find what you want but we can offer a local's insight. Check out the information we compiled and feel free to contact us if you have questions!
Victoria | Vancouver Island | Sooke | Tofino | Vancouver | Whistler
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Travel Time: approximately 3.5 hours
There are two ways to get to Tofino, BC, from Vancouver, BC. You have a choice of taking two basic routes, through Victoria, BC, or through Nanaimo, BC. Though the route to Nanaimo is much more direct, if you wish to visit Victoria on the way, the trip adds about 2 hours of driving time.
While in Vancouver, travel South on Oak Street until it intersects with Highway 99. Take Highway 99 South to Highway 17. Travel Southwest on Highway 17 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. At the Tsawwassen ferry terminal you are presented with a choice of travelling by ferry to either Victoria, BC, or to Nanaimo, BC. If you are looking for the most direct route, take the ferry to Nanaimo. If you wish to do a little sightseeing on the way in Victoria and points between such as Ladysmith, BC, or Crofton BC, then take the Victoria Swartz Bay ferry.
Once on the Island, take Hyy 14 until you see signes for MacKenzie Road. That takes you to the Island Highway. Proceed north along the Island Hwy also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. Just to the north of Victoria follow the signs to Sooke. If you are heading to East Sooke, make sure you turned left at the 17 Mile Pub and not to proceed all the way to Sooke.
If you are in North Vancouver and plan to travel to Nanaimo on the Horseshoe Bay ferry, this is also a very good route from Whistler BC or any point North of Vancouver, BC. You must keep in mind that there is no ferry service to Victoria from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, only to Nanaimo BC.
Once on the Island, take Hyy 14 until you see signes for MacKenzie Road. That takes you to the Island Highway. Proceed north along the Island Hwy also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. Just to the north of Victoria follow the signs to Sooke. If you are heading to East Sooke, make sure you turned left at the 17 Mile Pub and not to proceed all the way to Sooke.
Travel Time: approximately 4.5 - 5 hours
From Victoria, proceed north out of town on Douglas Street, which becomes the Island Hwy also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. Just to the north of Victoria follow the signs to Sooke. If you are heading to East Sooke, make sure you turned left at the 17 Mile Pub and not to proceed all the way to Sooke.
It is recommended that your car be equipped with proper snow/winter tires for the drive to Sooke BC. If you have all-season tires, please carry chains and know how to put them on. In case of heavy snowfall, a shovel and road salt are advisable. Most of the trip is through areas of little or no snow fall but on the road past Sooke winter tires and/or chains are required by law in the winter.
Use of seat belts in BC by drivers and passengers is mandatory. Use of headlights during daylight on all vehicles is highly recommended. The maximum speed limit on Highway 99 is 80 km per hour with many slower areas along the way.
All highway signs are posted in metric (kilometres per hour).
30 mph = 50 km/h, 50 mph = 80 km/h.
Gasoline is sold in litres: 1 US gallon = 3.78 litres
1 kilometre = 5/8 or .621 miles; 1 mile = 1 2/3 or 1.6 kilometres.
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