Wild coast,
easy wheels.

Drive to Port Angeles, arrive early for check-in, then take the 90-minute Coho ferry. This is a travel day with a fun finish.

The direct route is easy. The Juan de Fuca waterfall route is roughly 126 miles and 3¼ hours before stops, so treat it as a full scenic day.

Cross the island through Duncan and Port Alberni. Build in a meal and playground stop rather than stacking another major activity.

Horne Lake Caves is almost perfectly placed to turn this transfer into an adventure day. Reserve the cave tour ahead.

The shortest transfer. Ride or swim in the morning and still arrive with plenty of afternoon left.

The new southbound circuit leg. Arrive early enough for a pool, playground or Rathtrevor forest walk instead of saving all the distance for departure day.

Use Duke Point–Tsawwassen: about 45 minutes to the terminal, 30–60 minutes reserved check-in, a 2-hour sailing and then the border drive. An unusual border delay can still push this past six.