Location: Tofino
Top Things to do in Tofino
What to do and see in Tofino, Vancouver Island: The Best Things to do
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. Pacific Rim National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,337 reviews
Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve consists of 3 units stretching from Tofino, the northern end, to Port Renfrew at the southern end, on Vancouver Island. These 3 units are: 1) The Long Beach Unit located between the beach towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, 2) The Broken Group Islands located in Barkley Sound and accessible only by boat, and 3) The West Coast Trail stretching for 75 km from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. Only experienced trekkers should attempt this trail. We got to explore the Broken Group of Islands when we joined one of the Whale Watching tour operators in Ucluelet. We were taken across the small islands in Barkley Sound, towards the south-east of Ucluelet, and saw the spectacular views of these islands covered by a small forest of trees, and rocks with a lot of kelp floating around. Finally the captain of the motorised boat spotted a humpback whale which we followed for quite a while as it kept spouting and breaking the surface of the water every few minutes. We even saw a group of grunting and squabbling sea lions on a rocky island, a sea otter floating on it’s back in the water, and some sea eagles perched up on tall trees of some of the islands. Likewise, a walk along the Long Beach near Tofino and along the West Coast Trail must be as mesmerizing for the incredible coastline scenery with the temperate rain-forests of the islands meeting the ever turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the wonderful aquatic and terrestrial fauna like whales, orcas, dolphins, wolves, bears, cougars, and myriads of smaller creatures along the shore.
2. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
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!
3. Clayoquot Sound
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Clayoquot Sound is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Major inlets include Sydney Inlet, Shelter Inlet, Herbert Inlet, Bedwell Inlet, Lemmens Inlet, and Tofino Inlet. Major islands include Flores Island, Vargas Island, and Meares Island.
Reviewed By S_Leach - Nanaimo, Canada
This area of the World is spectacular. We are fortunate to live in Nanaimo, just a short drive away. We were just here for a couple of nts. (B.C. officially inCovid Phase 3) to shake off the isolation cobwebs... a day's kayaking w/ Tofino Sea Kayaking gear & guide was just what we needed. We took in the amazing vistas, listening to the sound of our oars cutting through the water. Our guide, born & raised in Tofino, was SO informative that we came away with a much grater appreciation for the area, history & people. Up close & personal tour of Clayoqyot Sound is not to be missed when visiting the area. We loved seeing a bit of local wildlife too .. timid harbour seals came up to our kayaks to see what we were all about & eagles flew overhead in abundance.
4. Cox Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
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.
5. Rainforest Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 891 reviews
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
6. Hot Springs Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Hot Springs Cove is about one and a half hours north of Tofino. It's located right in the heart of Clayoquot Sound.
Reviewed By full-mountie - Fort Langley, Canada
We lucked into some great sunny, calm weather for December … and took the day-trip out of Tofino to Hot Springs Cove … we went with Ocean Outfitters who were very well-organized. It was a 6-hour trip … an unhurried 1.5 hours to get there … we did some wildlife viewing and saw sea otters close up and grey whales farther away … 0.5 hour walk on a boardwalk through the rainforest … to get to the Hot Springs … then 2 hours @ the Hot Sprigs before the return trip. One thing to keep in mind … the actual hot springs are NOT super big and there has been no man-made intervention to enlarge them … as a result ... our 2 boats which numbered 17 people were accommodated easily … I am not sure that would be the case in the Summer when … I am told … there can be hundreds of visitors in a day. A most enjoyable day …
7. Long Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,235 reviews
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.
8. Tofino Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By travellovelots - Penticton, Canada
Make sure to include the connector portion which includes majestic trees to add to the beautiful beach experience.
