Situated on the distant west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a pure paradise with an unrivalled sense of neighborhood. Deemed Canada’s surf capital, this secluded village has a laid-back vibe with countless alternatives for exploring the rugged coastal panorama.
Tofino is awash with out of doors actions and a top-tier eating scene you’d anticipate from a a lot larger metropolis. Spend your days mountain climbing, fishing, browsing, or simply combing the various seashores whereas bears and whales reside within the distance.
We spent 5 days in Tofino and had a tremendous time stuffed with nature and wildlife viewing. In the event you’re considering of planning a visit and on the lookout for issues to see in Tofino, look no additional! We’ve rounded up the prime issues to do in Tofino for the avid accountable traveler.
Tofino Marina
About Tofino, British Columbia
Located on the roaring shores of the Pacific Ocean, Tofino is a small city on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It’s located within the distinctive Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Area with delicate natural world all through. Because of excessive ranges of year-round precipitation, the area has lush temperate rainforests and is sprawling with marine life.
The village of Tofino is house to lower than 2,000 residents and is a hotspot for out of doors adventures. Surf tradition radiates by means of the realm and wildlife viewing right here is second to none. The city additionally attracts a novel winter pastime: storm watching. Each winter, when the Pacific ocean pumps out large waves and guests from throughout Canada cozy up in resorts round city, admiring the fierceness of mom nature.
Whether or not you might be considering of visiting Tofino in the summertime to take pleasure in browsing, wildlife watching and mountain climbing or desire to go to within the winter to admire nature at its finest, there’s a cause to go to Tofino irrespective of the season.
Crystal Cowl Seashore, Tofino
Tips on how to Get to Tofino, Vancouver Island
Tofino is related to the remainder of Vancouver Island by way of the totally paved Freeway 4. You may drive there from Nanaimo in about 3 hours. From Victoria, the drive is a bit of longer at 5 hours. In the event you’re coming from Vancouver to Tofino, you’ll additionally must tack on the 2-hour ferry trip from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay.
An ideal possibility for touring to Tofino and not using a automobile is to take the Tofino Bus. It providers Victoria and Nanaimo and can set you again CAD $70-105 every manner. You may sit again and benefit from the trip earlier than getting dropped off proper in downtown Tofino. In the event you’re touring from June-September, you may benefit from the free shuttle that connects downtown to the various Tofino seashores.
The final possibility for attending to Tofino is to fly. In the event you’re questioning methods to get to Tofino from Vancouver in file time, e-book a flight with Pacific Coastal Airways. The scenic flight is 45 minutes and prices about CAD $250-300 every manner relying on the season. Harbour Air additionally presents seasonal flights from Vancouver proper into Tofino Harbour.
En path to Tofino
Finest Time to Go to Tofino
The perfect time to go to Tofino for nice climate and very best seashore circumstances is throughout the summer time from June-September. Summers in Tofino are delicate however not scorching with common temperatures round 19°C (66°F). That is peak vacationer season so anticipate busy eating places and be sure you e-book your lodging effectively prematurely.
That stated, the gorgeous coastal city continues to be superb year-round. Visiting within the shoulder season is an effective way to keep away from crowds on seashores and mountain climbing trails whereas nonetheless having fun with the outside.
Early spring is a tremendous time for Tofino whale watching with temperatures hovering round 10°C (50°F). Winter in Tofino is simply barely cooler however brings superb alternatives to winter storm watch. No matter time of 12 months you go to, be sure you pack rain gear!
Tofino in the summertime
Finest Issues to do in Tofino on Canada’s West Coast
From seaside eating to lovely seashores, you’ll be spoiled with concepts for what to do in Tofino.
Discover the Mountain climbing Trails of Pacific Rim Nationwide Park
The neighbouring Nationwide Park is about 20 minutes outdoors of downtown Tofino and is among the prime locations to go to in Tofino. It’s house to Lengthy Seashore, which in our opinion is the most effective seashore in Tofino. Plus the park additionally presents 12 km of mountain climbing trails – a lot to maintain you busy for a couple of days.
Most trails within the park are brief and flat, making them simple to sort out for guests with any health degree. Listed here are a few of our favorite trails so as of choice.
Pacific Rim Nationwide Park map
Rainforest Path (A & B) – 1 km every
There are two loops on the Rainforest Path, every 1 km with a winding boardwalk by means of the rainforest. These interpretive trails inform an fascinating story and are all about immersing your self within the rainforest setting, relatively than getting a exercise. En route, you’ll see big cedar bushes and western hemlock.
South Seashore Path – 1.6 km
This path follows a well-kept boardwalk and finally descends by means of the dense forest to a finely pebbled seashore on the Pacific shoreline. As soon as on the seashore, you may really feel the mist of the ocean waves as you stroll alongside rock formations and crashing waves.
The South Seashore Path hyperlinks up with the Nuu-chah-nulth Path, which runs by means of a dense a part of the forest to Florence Bay. The overall combines path is a 6.1 kilometre calmly trafficked path that options lovely wildflowers. It’s appropriate for all ranges. We noticed a black bear with cubs on this path throughout our go to and had been later advised that this specific bear is steadily seen on this path. So if you’ll hike alongside this path, be sure you hike with a gaggle, make noise as you stroll and all the time carry bear spray, simply in case.
Bear on the path in Pacific Rim Nationwide Park
Willowbrae Path – 2.8 km
Comply with the brief gravel path down the wood staircase that opens as much as a pretty secluded seashore. Watch the ocean waves roll in as birds circle above the bushes.
Shorepine Lavatory Path – 800 m
The Lavatory Path is the one wheelchair-accessible path within the park with a boardwalk loop circling a novel bathroom ecosystem. It’s in contrast to wherever else within the park! The path is roofed in thick sphagnum moss and twisty shore pine bushes.
Guided Hikes
With a number of distinctive natural world within the Tofino space, becoming a member of a guided hike is a unbelievable technique to take all of it in. Liam at Lengthy Seashore Nature Excursions presents guided hikes within the space. Hikes vary from day hikes in Pacific Rim Nationwide Park to heli-hiking within the close by Clayoquot
Go on a Black Bear Watching Tour
The forests and surrounding islands of Tofino are house to 1000’s of black bears. They like to discover close by Clayoquot Sound with its rocky shoreline and ample water environments. You might be fortunate sufficient to see a black bear on the highway or on a mountain climbing path, however we extremely suggest bear-watching excursions.
On our tour with Tofino Resort + Marina, we noticed bears majestically going about their day within the Tofino Inlet. Our information was educated and knew the most effective spots to see bears of their pure habitat. Excursions are 3 hours and begin at CAD $129 per particular person.
Bear watching in Tofino
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Tofino is bursting with marine life and is a tremendous place to see humpback whales and gray whales. Tofino whale watching season spans year-round however is finest from Might-October. In Might, an estimated 20,000 grey whales feed within the space round Tofino throughout their migration to Alaska.
Whale watching is among the finest issues to do in Tofino and was an unforgettable a part of our journey. There are a number of operators operating Tofino whale watching excursions however we suggest a accountable marine tour operator, Distant Passages. They provide half-day excursions selling a accountable method to wildlife viewing. Charges begin at CAD $129 per particular person.
Gray whale in Tofino
In the event you’re on the lookout for a mixture of the most effective issues to do in Tofino, BC, try Tofino Resort + Marina’s Final Journey. You’ll embark on a half-day of crabbing and bear or whale watching on a non-public boat with a information. Then the day with a crab feast at 1909 Kitchen Restaurant after soaking within the sights of Clayoquot Sound.
Go Kayaking
Surrounded by the peaceable waters of Clayoquot Sound, sea kayaking in Tofino is an effective way to discover the water. Paddlers can take pleasure in a calm paddle across the outer coast islands or spend a half-day exploring Meares Island. Look out for wildlife like sea otters, sea lions, and eagles as you head into the water.
Tofino tourism operators supply many excursions and day journeys across the harbour and inlets. Distant Passages has Tofino kayaking excursions for all talent ranges beginning at CAD $73 per particular person.
Go Fishing
Clayoquot Sound boasts unbelievable year-round fishing with among the finest salmon fishing alternatives in Vancouver Island. Spring sees spot prawns and crab whereas late summer time is prime for coho salmon and albacore tuna.
Tofino Resort + Marina presents accountable saltwater fishing charters for halibut, tuna, salmon, and lingcod. Ice your catch to take house or have it cooked up at 1909 Kitchen.
Go Browsing
Being Canada’s surf capital, Tofino is the spot to catch some waves. Whether or not you might be an avid surfer or an entire newbie, it’s a should to attempt Tofino browsing. With 35 km of browsing seashores, Tofino has year-round breaks for all expertise ranges. Learners can be part of browsing classes from Pacific Surf Co or hire gear from the various surf retailers on the town.
Among the finest seashores for Tofino surfers are Cox Bay Seashore, Chesterman Seashore, and Lengthy Seashore. Every has constant breaks and nice swells for any surfer.
Browsing in Tofino
Browsing in Tofino
Seashore Hopping
The perfect seashores in Tofino are…just about all of them! The pounding waves of the Pacific Coast create sandy seashores every with their very own appeal. Plus, seashore fires are permitted at Mackenzie and Chesterman Seashore, which is an effective way to spend a night.
Listed here are among the finest seashores in Tofino:
- Lengthy Seashore – That is our favorite seashore with 16 km of sandy shoreline in Pacific Rim. Go to Lengthy Seashore for strolling, wildlife viewing, and storm watching within the winter.
Lengthy Seashore, Pacific Rim Nationwide Park
- Cox Bay Seashore – This can be a prime browsing seashore the place you may watch seasoned surfers within the water all day. Due to the swells, it’s additionally nice for Tofino storm watching.
- Chesterman Seashore – The most well-liked seashore for locals, Chesterman is superior for browsing and seashore walks. At low tide, you may stroll out to Frank Island for gorgeous panoramic views.
- Mackenzie Seashore – This seashore is calm and sheltered, making it good for households and swimming. It’s additionally very best for paddleboarding and constructing sandcastles.
- Wickaninnish Seashore – Situated on the finish of Lengthy Seashore, Wickaninnish has an statement deck with sweeping views of the west coast. Go for a seashore stroll and look out for distinctive driftwood alongside the way in which.
Strive Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Similar to browsing, SUPs all the time dot the waters round Tofino. Whether or not you’re beginner or have gone stand-up paddleboarding many occasions, the calm waters round Tofino supply a superb place to paddle. Mackenzie Seashore is the most effective place to SUP due to the sheltered cove that’s protected against the wind. We’ve additionally seen folks SUP’ing proper within the harbour!
Go to the Scorching Springs
Take a ship or floatplane to Scorching Springs Cove north of Tofino to soak in pure geothermal rock swimming pools. After a scenic hike, spend a while admiring the forests and coastal wildlife whereas enjoyable in a pure spa. Sadly, Scorching Springs Cove was closed throughout our go to, as a result of ongoing pandemic, however all of us indicators level to its reopening in 2022.
Do Winter Storm Watching
Tofino in winter has its personal set of thrilling actions. The uncovered coast and delicate winter create roaring storms with pounding waves and raging winds. Watching the storms from Chesterman Seashore or Cox Bay is definitely some of the distinctive issues to do in Tofino.
Go to Ucluelet and Stroll the Wild Pacific Path
On the opposite aspect of the Pacific Rim Freeway is the laid-back city of Ucluelet. Referred to as “Ukee” by locals, the village shares the identical rugged shoreline and loads of eco-tourism alternatives. Simply the most effective issues to do in Ucluelet is kayaking.
Kayaking to the Damaged Group Islands is a world-renowned journey with unbeatable views throughout. And the corporate that’s famend for it’s Majestic Ocean Kayaking. They provide day excursions to the Damaged Group Islands, in addition to multi-day, tenting and kayaking journeys that draw vacationers from all around the globe.
Kayaking in Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
Again on land in Ukee, you may stroll the 9 km Wild Pacific Path by means of the rainforest and rocky coast. On the town, seize a beer on the Ucluelet Brewing Firm or pop into the Foggy Bean Espresso Firm for a recent batch of roasted beans or a cup of espresso or tea.
Ukee additionally presents its personal share of fishing charters, whale watching excursions, and browsing spots.
Finest Eating places in Tofino on Vancouver Island
For a small village, Tofino has a formidable roster of top-tier eating choices. Lots of the finest Tofino eating places work with the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild to usher in the freshest produce instantly from native farmers. Listed here are a couple of that we suggest.
1909 Kitchen
Set on the picturesque Tofino Resort + Marina, 1909 Kitchen presents a stacked fish-forward menu that celebrates the waters it overlooks. Get pleasure from panoramic views of the Tofino Inlet over a plate of prawn ceviche and seaweed crisps. Their plates are finest loved when shared, so deliver a superb urge for food, nice firm and luxuriate in sampling their native specialties.
Plus, for CAD $49, the kitchen will cook dinner your personal catch from a fishing or crabbing constitution.
1909 Kitchen, Tofino Resort & Marina
Tacofino
It will just about be a criminal offense to go to Tofino with out grabbing a taco on the beloved meals truck, Tacofino. They’ve now expanded to a number of areas throughout Vancouver however the unique meals truck is the most effective place to devour a fish taco and watermelon basil freshie.
Photograph Courtesy by: Vacation spot BC
Bravocados
Serving up a mouth-watering menu of plant-based gadgets, Bravocados makes use of recent native components to boost the bar on vegan meals. Sit on their cute sidewalk patio with a few Monster Bao Buns and a fresh-pressed juice.
Wolf within the Fog
A Tofino basic, Wolf within the Fog honours its wild environment with a menu of native fish and foraged fare. Pair your seacuterie platter with a glass of BC wine or a playfully named home cocktail for among the finest meals in Tofino.
Drinks at Wolf within the Fog. Photograph Courtesy by: Vacation spot BC
Shelter
Shelter has lengthy been a fixture in Tofino’s bustling restaurant scene. It focuses on recent native components and sustainably sourced meat and seafood. Their produce comes from an on-site backyard paired with native craft beers and BC wines.
Kuma
For a chunk of Japanese consolation meals, head to Kuma the place do-it-yourself noodles and recent fish dot the menu. Seize a Negitoro Donburi bowl earlier than indulging in a slice of yuzu matcha cheesecake.
The place to Keep in Tofino, Canada
Tofino lodging boast a stellar roster of resorts, resorts, trip leases, and tenting choices. These spots are good for romantic getaways, household journeys, or only a weekend away in paradise.
Finest Inns in Tofino
Wickaninnish Inn
The Wickaninnish Inn constantly graces the covers of magazines and journey brochures for its jaw-dropping ocean views. It overlooks Chesterman Seashore and is decked out in native artwork showcasing the realm’s tradition and heritage. The beachfront resort contains a spa, restaurant, and splendid cedar-clad rooms. Rooms begin at CAD $360 per evening.
Ecolodge at Tofino Botanical Gardens
Nestled within the picturesque Tofino Botanical Gardens, the Ecolodge is an environmentally acutely aware lodging retreat. It’s a extra laid-back possibility than luxe Tofino resorts however has an on-site cafe, communal kitchen, and gorgeous surrounding gardens. There are 12 cozy rooms beginning at CAD $139 per evening.
Resorts
Tofino Resort + Marina
Within the coronary heart of downtown Tofino, the Tofino Resort + Marina is the proper house base for all Tofino points of interest. The resort is house to 1909 Kitchen, together with balcony-wrapped oceanfront rooms steps from the most effective boutiques and surf retailers. Rooms begin at CAD $209 per evening.
Tofino Resort & Marina
Pacific Sands Seashore Resort
An ideal possibility for households, the Pacific Sands Seashore Resort sits proper on the seashore at Cox Bay. You may see whales and sea lions proper out of your room whereas soaking in an out of doors scorching tub. They provide yoga, surf leases, and a surfside grill with rooms beginning at CAD $250 per evening.
Photograph Courtesy by: Vacation spot BC
Lengthy Seashore Lodge Resort
Adjoining to Pacific Sands on Cox Bay Seashore, Lengthy Seashore Lodge has oceanfront rooms with a comfortable fireplace-laden Nice Room. The resort has 41 lodge rooms and 20 cottages good for an journey journey or romantic getaway. Dine on the Nice Room Restaurant after a browsing lesson with rooms beginning at CAD $292 per evening.
Personal Campgrounds
Bella Pacifica
This campground on sandy Mackenzie Seashore is open from March-October and is nice for households. They’re steps to the water and supply tent & RV websites with hook-ups, picnic tables, firepits, and shared bogs. Throughout summer time, websites are CAD $90 per evening.
Surf Grove
Situated in lovely Cox Bay, Surf Grove has beachside tenting with 200 serviced tent and RV websites. There are out of doors showers, glowing clear bogs, and a basic retailer on-site. Websites begin at CAD $69 per evening.
Crystal Cove
Get up by the ocean at Crystal Cove which presents serviced RV tenting with scorching showers and an on-site espresso bar. There’s a playground for teenagers and oceanfront entry to Mackenzie Seashore. Websites begin at CAD $75 throughout excessive season.
Mackenzie Seashore Resort
Keep in a classic Airstream transformed by the van conversion firm Shelter Overland! Mackenzie Seashore additionally presents beachfront and forest tenting for tents and RVs. There’s a BBQ restaurant, sauna, and surf classes with websites beginning at CAD $60 per evening throughout summer time.
Park Campgrounds
Pacific Rim Nationwide Park – Inexperienced Level
Keep in Pacific Rim Nationwide Park from Might-October above lovely Lengthy Seashore. The campground has 94 websites with facilities together with bogs, showers, and electrical hookups. Reservations are extremely really useful and will be made right here for CAD $33/evening.
Accountable Ideas for Visiting Tofino, BC
Accountable journey issues right here greater than wherever else. The delicate ecosystem in Tofino depends on the seashores, forests, and waterways to take care of the thriving pure habitat. Listed here are a couple of accountable suggestions to bear in mind throughout your time in Tofino.
- Watch out for bears – Keep on designated trails and make noise when you’re mountain climbing.
- Respect wildlife – Be alert and let wild animals keep wild. So many nice issues to do in Tofino are wildlife-driven and it’s our responsibility as vacationers to maintain it that manner.
- View wildlife responsibly – Decide to assist accountable tour operators, the place attainable.
- Dine at sustainable eating places – Tofino has an enormous emphasis on native, sustainably sourced meat and seafood, so it’s simple to make the correct selection by supporting native farm-to-table fare.
- Select Eco resorts – Go for resorts that need to protect the wilderness round it, not hurt it.