10 Free Things to do in Tofino That You Shouldn't Miss

May 2, 2022 Harland Bartelt

It's true: you can surf in Canada. And Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is where you'll find exceptional surfing, Canadian-style. Busiest in summer, Tofino also fills up in winter when storm watchers descend upon this tiny town. Stay at an upscale inn and enjoy the town that affectionately calls itself The Tree Loving Capital of the World.
Restaurants in Tofino

1. Chesterman Beach

Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 Canada
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,522 reviews

Chesterman Beach

Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada

We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!

2. Cox Bay Beach

Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia Canada
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 271 reviews

Cox Bay Beach

Reviewed By must_travel_soon_10 - Mississauga, Canada

With so many resorts lining the beach strip, public access is limited. Seems to be a popular water sports area. Great wide beach.

3. Rainforest Trail

2040 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 Canada +1 250-726-3500 [email protected] http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index.aspx
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 891 reviews

Rainforest Trail

Rainforest Trail has two routes, A & B, both of which fully engulf you in the temperate rainforest full of gigantic western red cedars and western hemlocks. Sparking a sensation of zen, you will be overcome with the nostalgia of your childhood memories, ready to make more. Scan the upper canopy for birds, listen to the trickle of water and smell the life of this highly productive forest. Trail A is located on the opposite side of the highway from the parking lot. Trail B starts from the parking lot.

Reviewed By karinl357 - Vancouver, Canada

great walk - the red cedar boardwalk that takes you on the 1KM loop is in great shape and well taken care of. we did both loops A&B both were spectacular. Lots of signs and information along the way. was not expecting to pay to use, but they are definitely using the monies received to keep the boardwalk in good shape. lots of boards had been replaced. overall an easy walk - some stairs

4. Long Beach

2040 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia Canada
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,235 reviews

Long Beach

Long Beach, the longest beach of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, spans an extraordinary 16km (10mi) along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Described by locals to be magical, you will be astonished by the amount of life that call the tidal pools home. You will be sure to find crabs, shells, starfish, sea urchins and much more. As the surf comes crashing in, you will find surfers from around the world carving through the peaks of the waves. As the water settles, it gracefully rides up the beach with peaceful trickles and shimmering light from the breathtaking sunset crossing the colourful horizon. Long Beach is truly a rejunivating getaway for all ages. Whether you're looking to kickback, explore, adventure, hike, surf, or just take one of those long walks on the beach, Long Beach has it all.

Reviewed By 291DEA - Toronto, Canada

You can walk for miles along Long Beach, or the others nearby. Totally flat during low tide. Wonderful for photos, watching surfers, or storm watching.

5. Henry's Carving Shed

500 Osprey Ln The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 Canada +1 250-725-3100 https://www.wickinn.com/about/carving-shed
Excellent
50%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Henry's Carving Shed

Henry's carving shed is a West Coast authentic workshop, with a small community of hard working wood carvers. We are always at work, greeting people from everywhere and demonstrating the ancient art form of carving with hand tools. Artwork can be bought or commissioned on site and we can organize shipping. We are situated right on the exceptional Chesterman's Beach in Tofino, on the North end, next to the famous Wickaninnish Inn

350 Campbell Street, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 Canada +1 778-210-0377 [email protected] http://www.royhenryvickers.com/
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 230 reviews

Roy Henry Vickers Gallery

Eagle Aerie Gallery is Roy Henry Vickers' artist-owned gallery located in Tofino, British Columbia. This stunning traditional Northwest Coast longhouse with a carved and painted cedar plank exterior and doors of beaten copper, is a recognizable Tofino landmark. Inside discover Roy's artwork of paintings, original prints, calendars, art cards, and reproductions hanging on hand adzed cedar walls among totem poles and carvings. As you enter the large main hall, you'll notice the soft lighting and restful music that creates an atmosphere of harmony and peace. The gallery is open free to the public seven days a week throughout the year. Built in 1986 with the help of Roy's family and legendary carver Henry Nolla, this gallery welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year from all around the world. Please check the events calendar page to see when Roy is scheduled to be storytelling at Eagle Aerie Gallery - this is a not to be missed attraction! Guests gather around the centre pit in the main hall to listen to stories of Roy's life and times as well as inspiration of his work. Afterwards Roy is available to meet guests and autograph his reproductions.

Reviewed By RobertMJThompson - Victoria, Canada

The art of Mr. Vickers is world class so it's fitting that it be displayed in such a wonderfully suitable building based on traditional long house design. There is no admission price, but you'll find it hard not to buy one of the many works of art; from cards, to signed prints, to originals. Take your time to find peace and gain knowledge from your visit. Parking is on street, free and nearby.

7. Habit Clothing

104-430 Campbell St, Tofino, British Columbia Canada +1 250-725-2906
Excellent
67%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
7%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Habit Clothing

Tofino’s one-stop boutique: featuring denim (Fidelity, Joes, Silver), clothes (Guess, American Apparel), shoes (Ugg, Hunter, Puma), accessories (handbags and jewelry) and earth gentle cosmetics (MOP & 100% Pure).

8. Tofino Brewing Company

681 Industrial Way, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 Canada +1 250-725-2899 http://www.tofinobrewingco.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 405 reviews

Tofino Brewing Company

Reviewed By argos14 - Calgary, Canada

Fun local brewery with a good selection of beers on tap. Kelp stout was a favourite as was the sour and lager. Start with a flight and get a good cross section

9. Schooner Cove

2040 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia Canada
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 389 reviews

Schooner Cove

Considered by many to be one of the best boardwalk hikes around, you will be immersed in the natural serenity of the temperate rainforest. You can take the easy stairs to the beach, where you can gaze at the gentle waves crashing in. During low tide, an inviting passage presents itself so you can make your way to a small island where you may find bald eagles soaring above. Schooners Cove is nothing less than invigorating and rejuvinating. Truly a picturesque adventure.

10. Tonquin Park

Tonquin Trail, Tofino, British Columbia Canada
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Tonquin Park

Reviewed By travellovelots - Penticton, Canada

Make sure to include the connector portion which includes majestic trees to add to the beautiful beach experience.

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