Originally Posted by gglave

I would start by looking at the days they offer the Orca tours, and frame your trip around that, tacking Whistler onto the beginning or the end, depending on what works for you & the schedule.

I would also aim to sleep in Vancouver the night before your flight. So if your flight is on the 8th, travel back to Vancouver on the 7th and sleep the night of the 7th in Vancouver. This provides you with a day of buffer in case something goes awry. The ferry system is well-run, but the ferries are complex vessels pushed to the max in the summer months and 'stuff happens.' I'd hate for you to be stuck on the Island as your flight is taking off.

Finally, I'd say two nights in the Wick Inn is probably fine. If you leave Quadra (or Campbell River) in the morning you'll be there early afternoon, and if you leave Tofino mid-day you'll be back in Vancouver in the evening. Still gives you plenty of time to explore the beach and Tofino, and head to the hot springs.