Suggestions Vancouver Island & Tofino Trip

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

03/07/2006 01:38:47 PM · #1

I'm going to be on Vancouver Island for a few days in early April. Can any one recommend some good shooting locations? I've been to Victoria a few times but this is the first time I'm going with a camera. I'm planning on going up to Tofino for a couple of days. I was also thinking heading up to Port Renfrew for a day trip.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated
Thank you

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

03/07/2006 01:51:28 PM · #2

Long Beach (since you'll be in Tofino)

If you were going further north I would suggest Hornby Island. It may be a bit far for a day trip though.

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

03/07/2006 02:35:59 PM · #3

You'll enjoy it - it's fantastic out there. I would also take the drive north from Nanaimo and in to Strathcona Park.

Do you have a place to stay yet? If not, my mother and father in-law have a cozy Bed & Breakfast in Nanaimo - only a few hundred meters from the ferry. There you'll get the best Norwegian waffles you have ever tasted! :)

My in-law's B&B

Have a great trip!

::are

Message edited by author 2006-03-07 14:43:39.

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

03/07/2006 02:37:35 PM · #4

Oh my goodness....just driving around the island will give you SO much to shoot! It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

That said, it was several years ago I was there, so I'm struggling to remember the names of nearby towns. I know we went to Nanaimo (sp?) and I really liked Qualicum Beach, but those are on the east side of the island. Also stopped in Telegraph Cove, Campbell River, and Port Hardy.

Lots of great info on this site about all sorts of places to go :-)Vancouver Island

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/07/2006 02:51:17 PM · #5

Thanks for the tips!

Keep them coming.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

03/07/2006 04:09:10 PM · #6

This is a great place to stay right at the ocean in Tofino. This place, in Ucluet (about 20 mins. south of Tofino) is still nice, a tad less luxurious and cheaper. Access to points of photo interest, park beaches, bog and inlets are excellent from either town. Ucluet is smaller and lives off fishing, mainly. Tofino caters to tourists and charges more for most things. Both places have their own character and charm.

Wildlife? Well, it helps to have a boat or enough money to rent one with a guide. Whales migrate around this time of year. To see bears you probably need a boat, too, although there are plenty of signs cautioning you against them and against wolves. I've been there numerous times and never saw either.

If you're interested in wildlife, try eagles. Combers' Beach is a good place for this. Seals get washed up on shore. When the eagles feed on them, they're approachable. The West Coast Trail at Ucluet is another spectacular place to shoot eagles. The shore is lined with cliffs, rocks and huge breakers.

Many worthwhile rain forest excursions are available from Tofino. Long Beach looks great under fog with the sun breaking through...

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/07/2006 09:13:19 PM · #7

Thanks Zeuszen, I'll be sure to check out Combers' Beach for some eagles.

Geee

Nikon D300

03/07/2006 09:38:33 PM · #8

Pacific Rim National Park,near Tofino, is one of my favorite places as is both nearby Mackenzie Beach and Chesterman Beach. Each will afford many photograghic opportunities, waves, sand, shells, winter surfers, birds, people etc. Don't forget a rain jacket although bright sunshine can also break through the mist.Driving time approx. 4-5 hours from Victoria. Recommended to stop at Coombs for lunch and photograph the goats on the roof of the restaurant.

Botanical Beach is a great place to photograph sea life in Tide pools if you are going to Port Renfrew.Check the Tide Tables. Good stops on the way are Sooke Pot Holes, Jordan River(more surfers)and French Beach.
Lots of trees and plant life for shooting.

Wishing you a good vacation.

Shecoya

Nikon D70s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

03/07/2006 09:46:31 PM · #9

Everyone has mentioned alot of the really good stuff.. Coombs market is a fun on the way stop over..

Then wandering in the forest with the massive old growth trees .. again amazing, just as you head down the mountain and the shoreline opens up..

The Wickaninnish Inn is great for wandering around and taking pictures awesome spot for lunch one day too (it was in the Academy award gift baskets as well)

You will have an incredible experience no matter what you end up doing.. the place radiates beauty and is one giant photo op ;) I'm jellis.. :) have a great time

*edit for presentation* lol

Tofino info

Message edited by author 2006-03-07 21:57:50.

Leok

Pentax K10D

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG for Pentax

03/07/2006 10:23:36 PM · #10

I was there a year and a half ago and loved Buchart Gardens - just magnificent.

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

03/08/2006 06:31:08 PM · #11

Originally posted by Leok:

I was there a year and a half ago and loved Buchart Gardens - just magnificent.

I must second Buchart Gardens as well!! If you like to take pics of flower, it's simply a MUST! But, even if you think gardens aren't really your thing, it's certainly still worth checking out...it's just amazing, relaxing and very beautiful.