Pacific Rim Highway: experience the romantic isolation of the region
Located on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia, Canada, the Pacific Rim Highway is a very scenic drive. Along the way, you can experience the iconic isolation of the area.
How long is Pacific Rim Highway?
The scenic Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) is 127 kilometers (78 miles) long, running across Vancouver Island from Port Alberni, a city nestled in the Alberni Valley, to Tofino, a pretty fishing village. This is a critical route for moving goods, linking communities, and supporting a thriving tourism industry in the region.
Is the road to Tofino paved?
The two-lane road is totally paved since 1972. Completed in 1942, the highway has been designated as Highway 4 since 1953, and it was extended in 1961 to the small community of Tofino.
How long does it take to drive Pacific Rim Highway?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 2 and 3 hours. The drive is very scenic, running across the Island’s central mountain range to the Pacific coast. It winds through ancient forest, mountain ranges, and lakes. Summer will be more crowded, but many things close during the winter.
Is the Pacific Rim Highway challenging?
Running through Vancouver Island’s rugged mountain backbone, this paved route is a steep, twisting mountain highway that often lacks shoulders. Heavy summer traffic compounds a hazardous situation. During stormy months, the section between Sproat Lake and the west coast can be extremely wet. It’s subject to flooding in parts.