Travel Advisory: Highway 4 Upgrades

Highway 4 Construction: Port Alberni to Tofino & Ucluelet (July-Dec 2025)

Planning a trip to Tofino or Ucluelet between July and December 2025? Be prepared for highway upgrades on Highway 4, connecting Port Alberni to Tofino and Ucluelet. These essential road improvements aim to enhance road safety but will cause travel delays.

Expect Delays on Highway 4

Crews will be working on the highway from July to December 2025. Here’s a breakdown of estimated delays to help you plan your journey:

Project Details & Traffic Impacts

Hydro Hill Base Repair
Location: Hydro Hill
Timeline: July to November
Traffic Impact:

• July 5 to September 25: Single-Lane Alternating Traffic – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• September 26 to October 24: Single-Lane Alternating Traffic – Daytime only

Expected Delays: Up to 30 minutes

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Highway 4 Pacific Rim Base Repair
Location: Southeast of Tofino Seaview Cemetery
Timeline: August to mid-September
Traffic Impact: Single-Lane Alternating Traffic – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Expected Delays: Up to 20 minutes

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Taylor River Area & Base Repairs and Resurfacing
Location: East of the Taylor River Rest Area
Timeline: September to December
Traffic Impact: Single-Lane Alternating Traffic – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Expected Delays: Up to 20 minutes

Specific Route Adjustments (August – Mid-September)

• Port Alberni to Ucluelet: Subtract 20 minutes from the estimated delays.
• Tofino to Ucluelet: Add 20 minutes to your total travel time.

Important Travel Tips

• Plan extra travel time: Account for potential delays, especially during peak construction periods.
• Check DriveBC for real-time updates: Visit DriveBC before you go for the latest information on road conditions and delays.
• Beware of GPS: Some GPS apps may suggest unrecommended alternate routes. Stick to Highway 4 unless otherwise advised by official sources.
• Limited cell service: Cell coverage is spotty along the route. Wi-Fi is available at the Taylor River rest area.

These Highway 4 upgrades are crucial for improving road safety on the route to Vancouver Island’s popular West Coast destinations. By planning ahead, you can minimize disruptions to your travel.