A small town on Vancouver Island, Tofino is known for its picturesque rainforests, inlets, lakes and sandy beaches. A hotspot for surfers, laid-back Tofino offers nature hikes, bird watching and whale-watching excursions.

Things to do

Tofino’s white sandy beaches will lure you in with a chance to surf, swim, picnic and stroll the shoreline. Sign up for a surf lesson at Chesterman Beach or Cox Bay Beach, admire the waves from an observation deck at Wickaninnish Beach or camp overnight at the oceanfront sites along Mackenzie Beach.

Lace up your hiking boots at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where you can traverse trails through coastal towns, lush vegetation and ocean coastlines. For something different, hike the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island to marvel at an old growth rainforest with a 2,000-year-old Hanging Garden Tree.

You’re spoilt for choice with outdoor adventures in Tofino, from ocean kayaking through Clayoquot Sound and Broken Island Group to salmon and halibut fishing. You can even sign up for whale-watching tours where you can also spot grey whales, sea lions, seals and sea otters.

For a dose of culture, meander through the exhibition halls at Eagle Aerie Gallery. You’ll find a collection of prints, paintings and carvings by local artists. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a day at Tofino Botanical Gardens, which showcases native trees and plants along a scenic walking trail.

Getting around

Tofino/Long Beach Airport is an international airport located 19 kilometers south-east of Tofino or you can catch a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo. The most convenient way to get around Tofino and nearby natural attractions is by car.