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Two people standing at the beach at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
Wide view of the beach - Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
Wide view of the beach - Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
A woman walking along the beach at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
Wide view from the right side of the beach at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
View of Love Sign Curved on the woods at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
People waling on the beach at Tonquin Park -  Vancouver Island
View of the Ocean between trees at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
View of visitor services & parking in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Pacific Terminus Trans Canada HWY - Tofino BC,  Vancouver Island
View of the wharf in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Solar Geodesic Dome Nature House in Tofino, Vancouver Island
Wide View of the Beach in Tofino, Vancouver Island
A woman sitting on the beach in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
View of the  Solar Geodesic Dome Nature House in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Wide view from the right side of the beach at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
Wide View of the Beach in Tofino, Vancouver Island
Solar Geodesic Dome Nature House in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Wide view from the right side of the beach at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
A Woman walking along the beach - Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Tofino Surf Shop view - Live to Surf,  Vancouver Island
Tofino Surf Shop view ( inside of the store),  Vancouver Island
Wide view from the left side of the beach at Tonquin Park,  Vancouver Island
Tofino Visitor Center View,  Vancouver Island
Tofino Welcome Board,  Vancouver Island
Visitor services & parking in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Whales, kayaking & hot spring in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Tofino Welcome Board,  Vancouver Island
Accommodation & Bar in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
Tofino Visitor Center View,  Vancouver Island
Tonquin Park in Tofino,  Vancouver Island
People standing near the store and services in Tofino,  Vancouver Island

Tofino

Tofino is a district south of Clayoquot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia. The settlement was named in 1909 when the first Tofino Post Office opened; the name comes from the nearby Tofino Inlet, which was named in honour of Admiral Vicente Tofino de San Miguel y Wanderiales (or Vanderiales). Tofino has developed from a small fishing village to a tourist destination. It is known for its incredible sunset with views of the ocean. One of the beauties of Tofino is the celebration of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival every March, which is the time of the migration of thousands of Gray Whales.
This small district is also a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer due to the various water sports. Tofino's summer is so busy that the population expands too many times more than its winter size. Winter in Tofino also has its charms. Many people come to visit West Coast for storm watching and whale watching in Tofino. The majority of the tourists who get attracted are surfers, hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, anglers, and nature lovers. However, when it comes to Tofino, everyone can plan to have a perfect time.

Average Weather in Tofino

The marine west coast climate of Tofino gives it cool weather in the summer and mild in the winter due to the Proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Average high temperatures in the summer and winter are 19.1°C (66.4°F) and 8.1°C (46.6°F).

The Best Time to Visit Tofino

June to September is the best time to visit Tofino; many tourists come to see Tofino's attractions at this time.

How to Get to Tofino?

Tofino Airport Transfers

You have two ways to access Vancouver Island by plane, one from Nanaimo Airport (YDC) and another from Comox Valley Airport (YQQ).


Seaplane to Tofino

Harbour Air has direct seaplane service between Tofino and Vancouver.


Ferry to Tofino

The nearest ferry accessibility to Tofino is via Ahousat and Hot Springs Cove.

Top 10 Attractions in Tofino

Visiting Tofino

Discovering Beauty and Entertainment in Tofino

Beautiful parks and gardens surround Tofino, all of which you have to see or your trip will be a loss. This district is almost a heaven for nature lovers. Natural beauties are scattered throughout the district. It includes Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, natural caves and many other wonders. Tofino, with these beauties, doesn't fail to provide entertainment. Golfing and surfing in British Columbia's capital of surfing, kayaking, and zip line are just examples of what awaits you.


Tofino gardens

Gardens, Parks, and Natural Green Attractions in Tofino

  • Tofino Botanical Gardens
  • Cougar Annie's Garden: Boat Basin
  • Tuff City Bike Park
  • Anchor Park
  • Tofino Village Green Tuff City Skate Park
  • Maquinna Provincial Park
  • Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
  • Tonquin Park
  • Third beach
  • Sunset Bench at Middle Beach

Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, and Water-based Activities in Tofino

  • Sunset Bench at Middle Beach
  • Third beach
  • Long Beach
  • Chesterman Beach
  • Cox Bay Beach
  • Tonquin Beach
  • Wickaninnish Beach
  • Tonquin Park
  • surfing 
  • kayaking
  • canoeing
  • stand-up paddleboarding

Museums and Art Galleries in Tofino

  • Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum
  • Roy Henry Vickers Gallery
  • The Carving Shed museum
  • Kyler Vos Gallery
  • Himwitsa Native Art Gallery
  • Jeremy Koreski Gallery
  • Village Gallery
  • Mark Hobson Gallery

Entertainment in Tofino

Festivals and Events in Tofino

  • Tofino is a vibrant and energetic town, and it seems to know how to hold a festival; here is the list of festivals; however, you need to check in the time because every year the date for festivals is different.
  • Tofino Film Festival
  • Pacific Rim Whale Festiva
  • l Artsplash PRAS Art Show
  • Tofino Shorebird Festival
  • Feast Tofino-Ucluelet
  • Clayoquot Island Open House
  • Tofino Public Market
  • Tofino Food & Wine Festival
  • Pacific Rim Summer Festival
  • Ukee Days
  • Tofino Lantern Festival
  • Tofino Beer Festival
  • Queen of the Peak
  • Tofino Oyster Festival
  • Tofino Winter Celebration Artisan Festival
  • West Coast Winter Music
  • Tofino Artist Studio Tour
  • Tofino Art in the Garden
  • Westcoast Maritime Festival

Nightlife and Entertainment in Tofino

  • The MAQ Pub
  • The Shore Event Space
  • The Hatch Waterfront Pub

Free Attractions in Tofino

  • Hot Springs Cove
  • Hiking in Long Beach
  • Pacific Rim National Park
  • Storm Watching
  • Surfing
  • Sandy beaches

Services in Tofino

Public Transportation in Tofino

Tofino is a small town, and public transportation includes water taxis and taxis.


Where to Stay in Tofino

Tofino's hotels and guesthouses are mostly located downtown. Since most public transportation services and tourist attractions are there too, it makes sense if you find someplace downtown to stay.

Hotels: Tofino Resort + Marina, Hotel Zed Tofino, Tofino Motel Harborview
Hostel:  Tofino Hostel, Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Self-Catered Accommodation: Airbnb
Guesthouse: WardoWest Dockside Lodge, Chelsea's Bed & Breakfast, On the Beach Guest Suite, Mavericks and Sun Guesthouse, Tofino Brick House, Black Bear Guesthouse, Osprey Beach House, Summerhill Guest House


Shopping in Tofino

Almost all of the shops are concentrated downtown.

Storm Light Outfitters, Merge, Driftwood Gifts Tofino, Brand Habit Clothing & Apparel, The Factory

Food and Beverage Services in Tofino

Restaurant and Café in Tofino

The majority of the restaurants are downtown.

Wolf in the Fog, Bravocados Kuma, Tofino Shelter Restaurant, The Schooner Restaurant, RedCan Gourmet, Big Daddy's Fish Fry

Tofino Restaurants and Cafes

Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Pubs, and Bars in Tofino

The Hatch Waterfront Pub, The MAQ Pub, Tofino Distillery, Tofino Kombucha, Tofino Brewing Co

Health and Wellness in Tofino

Sport and Wellness Centers and Spas Tofino

Sport and Wellness Centers, Spas, and Recreational Therapy in Tofino

Sound Skincare
Tofino Therapeutics, Massage therapist
Sacred Stone Spa
Morgan McIntosh, RMT, Massage therapist
Tofino Fitness, Gym
All of these places are located downtown.
Ancient Cedars Spa
Arbutus Health Center
Coastal Bliss Yoga
Stillwater Massage
Tofino Treatment Room: Registered Massage Therapy Studio Clinic 

What you Can Expect to Do Near Tofino

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Make your Whale watching experience memorable enough to remember it even with closed eyes. in Ucluelet, you will have ample opportunities to encounter these gigantic marine creatures, and you may be lucky to observe other wildlife too. Those whale watching enthusiasts have the chance to attend the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival happening at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet and Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast.

Tofino Whale Watching

Tofino Whale Watching

Make your adventure worthwhile on Vancouver Island by visiting Tofino and not missing its whale-watching opportunities for the world. You may have the chance to gaze upon Orcas, the most widespread marine mammal on the earth. Clayoquot Sound, located near the Tofino, is a sandy shoreline with rich rainforest.

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Welcoming kayakers from everywhere, Clayoquot Sound is a wild network of offshore islands, including alpine valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, and laidback beach towns. Rocky oceanfront coastlines with endangered and rare species living there have made this place a popular destination for paddlers who are not only satisfied by paddling and seek to experience other adventures.

Wya Point Camping

Wya Point Camping

Find the inside campers of yours while you are camping in Wya Point Campground. In the heart of an oceanside forest, Wya Point Campground offers opportunities for camping, and you are given a chance to choose which campsite you want to spend time at. Crystal water, sandy cove, and tide rocks that offer marine life sights and several beachfront cabins and yurts with ocean-view are available in Wya Point, making it an ideal place.

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Great opportunities for kiteboarding are awaiting you in the realm of Cox Bay, no matter if you are an expert or a beginner. But beforehand, check the reports and wave directions. Besides, the magnificent beach of Cox bay offers an abundance of activities you may enjoy.

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Big swells and harsh waves have made this quiet, beautiful beach a hot spot for storm watchers and surfers. So., let your journey lead you to Wickaninnish Beach, where you can meet your expectations of adventure and fun. It's a big beach for wandering on with a nice and long curving view. Wickaninnish Beach is a kid-friendly beach with high chances of observing diverse sea life. Then, do not miss it for the world.

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

While hiking Wild Pacific, you are given a chance to enjoy a fantastic storm watching. With hurricane-force winds, both trails of Wild Pacific offer an excellent opportunity to watch storms. Not to mention that overlooking views are provided throughout the hike, which doubles the joy of walking on this long stunning trail.

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Have you ever experienced storm watching on a perched deck overlooking an eye-catching view of the Pacific Ocean? If not, Kwisitis Visitor Centre is awaiting you. As a beautiful exhibition for the natural and cultural patrimony of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this excellent Centre offers unforgettable storm watching right on the Pacific shores, which guarantees your fun and adventure.

Long Beach Storm Watching

Long Beach Storm Watching

As one of the main recreational spots in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach features strong waves pounding the beach. This quality has made this beautiful scenic beach a hot spot for surfing and storm-watching enthusiasts. It is a beautiful and pristine beach on which having a lounge time or walking feels rejoiced. You can lose yourselves in the sand of Long Beach and find them once again.

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

After a long relaxing time on Cox Bay Beach, away from all the stress from urban life, if your souls are looking for excitement, the storm-watching opportunity provided for you may be able to satisfy that need. This clean and peaceful beach offers you a pristine view of the sunset and the chance to watch the surfers skimming the water. It is a good idea to walk and feel the sand upon your feet.

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Fulfil your desires for storm watching in Chesterman Beach, near which you can find another tremendous hot storm watching spot, right on the north, Wickaninnish Inn. Chesterman Beach, known for its biggest swells, is a hot spot to enjoy storm watching. Visit the beach in winter and feel the drops of the rain upon your chicks. Also, while you are lying on the beach, you can enjoy observing paddlers and surfers doing their thing on the water.

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Lead an adventurous life and get on the road to experience new adventures. Wickaninnish Beach welcomes surfers from all around the world, and this beautiful sandy beach is a great place to forget about all the bills and responsibilities. If you are looking for more reasons that justify Wickaninnish Beach's superiority for surfers, you may consider the lack of rocks with barnacles.

Long Beach Surfing

Long Beach Surfing

Every day in the round year, whenever you are on Vancouver Island and you crave surfing, Long beach welcomes you to its sandy realm. As one of the most popular recreational destinations on the island, Long Beach is one of the destinations for the hurricanes of the Caribbean, bringing some of the biggest and mightiest waves. This quality has made the beach a perfect place for surfers.

Florencia Bay Surfing

Florencia Bay Surfing

Start your surfing diary on Florencia Bay Beach, a fairly exposed shoreline that provides exciting and consistent surfing opportunities. Waves that come from different directions and hit the sandy beach and their quality are the prime triggers for you to start your surfing journey on this beach. The usual mellow waves are exceptional and fantastic, and they have made this beach a perfect place for surfing.

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

If you are a William, it would be amazing to explore and spend time on a beach with the shape of your first name's initial. Chesterman Beach (North), as one of the most-visited beaches on Vancouver Island, offers several recreational activities on its fabulous coastline. Surfing is one of the delightful adventures provided for you, allowing one to find seasonal tides on this stunning beach.

What you Can Expect to See Near Tofino

Cape Beale Lighthouse

Cape Beale Lighthouse

The first lighthouse established in BC by the Canadian government is the original Cape Beale Lighthouse. It was constructed on the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Rim. The whole complex consists of the keeper's house and the lantern tower. Visitors can access this station by the hiking trail. The lantern tower is not open to the public, but you can enjoy the surroundings and the panoramic views.

Ucluelet

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is a district municipality in Pacific Rim. After Victoria, the Pacific Rim area is the second most visited tourism centre on Vancouver Island. Ucluelet has a distinctive portion in this field with salt-water fishing, surfing, standup paddleboarding, whale and bear watching, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, storm watching, and beachcombing.

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach is a large stunning beach with sand dunes and access to the rainforest. Kilometres of sands make it possible to walk on the beach for a long time. Sit on the driftwoods or cliffs to rest and enjoy the view. It would be great staying there making a fire and watching the sun touch the ocean. This beach could be your excellent choice for swimming, storm watching, and surfing.

Tofino

Tofino

Tofino with its incredible sunset is a district on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is busy in summer due to the various water sports. In winter many people come to Tofino to visit West Coast for storm watching and whale watching. The majority of the tourists are surfers, hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, anglers, and nature lovers.

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

With a stunning coastline, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is a remarkable wilderness area. It has spectacular scenery, a pristine environment and a gorgeous boardwalk. Taking a walk through its old-growth rainforest leads you to Tofino Hot Springs Cove. Wilderness camping, coastal hiking, sea kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing are among what you can expect at the park.

Low Tide Sea Cave

Low Tide Sea Cave

When the water retreat, Chesterman Beach magic will show up. Be there to watch the underwater tunnels that turn to damp passageways. This hidden jewel is the Low Tide Sea Cave. While you are walking there, it almost feels like a sandy carpet on the floor. The passage to the cave is encompassed by rock walls moss-covered with trees on top. The scenery is worthy enough to be captured.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Long Beach is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Its pristine coastal forest features trails suitable for hiking and biking. The park is one of the earliest and most popular surfing locations in British Columbia. Also, storm watching, bird watching and whale watching take lots of attention. Camping at the park makes it possible to get the most out of your visit.

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Find your peaceful and scenic area somewhere between Kennedy Lake, the largest lake on Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean. From freshwater to salty water, from beach to beach, is all the natural beauty of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, making your beach-based recreation. It is a day-use destination, with an impressive lake and a beautiful intertwined forest.

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Tofino Botanical Gardens

If you are interested in nature and culture, Tofino Botanical Gardens is a chance to learn. Strolling along waterside trails and watching beautiful plants is a great opportunity. Besides walking through stone paths and boardwalks, the herb and flower gardens give you a unique sense of freshness. Attending educational programs about the area's ecosystem is another choice you have.

Virgin Falls

Virgin Falls

In the wilderness area of Alberni-Clayoquot C, where you may have a plan for camping, there is Virgin Falls, a gift from nature to adventure lovers. An abundant fantastic forest surrounds this magnificent 53 m (173.8 ft) waterfall. The pool under the waterfall has crystal clear water with mesmerizing blue shades, perfect for swimming and photography.

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Nature heals, and her secret is patience. Gibson Marine Provincial Park on Flores Island attracts many people worldwide to kayak and gives them gifts; natural hot springs, sandy beaches, scenery, and wildlife. Hike in old-growth Sitka spruce forest, camping, soaking in the hot springs, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing are the things you can do at the park.

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs is a tourist destination with therapeutic uses for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Clear and tasteless water, room temperature, and excellent atmosphere put the hot springs into one of the most splendid sites for a relaxing experience. Soaking in hot springs despite several therapeutic benefits they have should be done by considering health conditions.

Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach

The beach is an excellent spot for challenging your talents out in the ocean and find happiness in salty waters. Cox Bay Beach is a great place for surfers also where you can do other water-based activities you desire. If you prefer walking beach to beach, start from Cox Bay Beach toward Chesterman Beach, one of the most visited beaches on Vancouver Island.

Long Beach

Long Beach

Find yourself in Long Beach and live by the currents. It is the longest one on Vancouver Island, which gives you hours of walking on the sands of the Pacific Rim region. It feels like a never-ending beach, where green and blue meet. As its park and the ocean are generous for activities, you will not regret spending more time on Long Beach.

Kennedy Lake

Kennedy Lake

Are you looking for a freshwater lake near Ucluelet? Then try out Kennedy Lake! As the largest lake on Vancouver Island, it is a reward from the Pacific Rim region. If you need a day hike and enjoy the beautiful wilderness, it's NOT too late! In the heart of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, Kennedy Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming chances.

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