Perched at the very end of the road on Vancouver Island, Tofino is a place where the wild beauty of nature meets the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Stand on the shoreline, and you can almost imagine Asia on the other side of the waves. But it’s not just the stunning vistas that draw visitors to this remote haven—Tofino offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility that’s hard to find anywhere else. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you in this one-of-a-kind destination.
Surfing… and surfers
In town, it’s not uncommon to see cyclists passing by with their surfboards. Despite the need for wetsuits due to the water temperature, Tofino is undoubtedly one of Canada’s favourite surfing destinations. The town has the cool vibe of West Coast cities. One of the most popular surf schools is Surf Sisters, which caters specifically for women.
The beaches
Between Tofino and Ucluelet, there are numerous beaches that make great playgrounds. The 1.5 kilometre stretch of Cox Bay, for example, attracts both surfers and families. Early in the morning, Chesterman Beach is perfect for joggers looking for peace and quiet, just steps away from the beautiful Wickaninnish Inn. During the day, Surf Sister students take over the beach to learn the basics of surfing.
Hippie heritage
Since the 1960s, hippies have made Tofino one of their favourite destinations. You can still occasionally see people who settled here during the heyday of peace and love, as well as young people who seem to have adopted their lifestyle. Some call the town “bohemian chic”, others “hippie cool”. The New York Times even referred to
Indigenous culture
Yes, there were inhabitants when James Cook arrived on the west coast of Vancouver Island in 1778! Those interested in First Nations culture can easily find guided tours, totems and even a museum dedicated to First Nations art. For centuries, the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples lived in permanent villages along the island’s shores and valleys.
Meares Island
On the Big Tree Trail you’ll see giant trees, including one nicknamed ‘The Hanging Garden’, one of the largest red cedars in the world at around 18 metres in diameter and over 2,000 years old. You can also reach the islands by traditional canoe with a Nuu-chah-nulth guide from the T’ashii Paddle School.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
This 105-kilometre park on the west coast of Vancouver Island covers 513 square kilometres of forest, water and beaches. You’ll see giant trees, including Douglas fir and hemlock, and 20 kilometres of sandy beaches. A hiker’s paradise!
Great food
No fast-food chains here. You can eat delicious and affordable tacos and burritos at Tacofino, a food truck on the Pacific Rim Highway, or dine at The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn, part of the Relais & Châteaux network, or at Wolf in the Fog, named one of Canada’s best new restaurants by enRoute magazine shortly after it opened.
Variety of accommodations
Whether you prefer luxury, family-friendly hotels, youth hostels, cabins or camping, there are plenty of options at a variety of price points. Long Beach Lodge is particularly popular with surfers looking for comfort. Pacific Sands, for example, has been attracting visitors – mostly families – since 1973. If you’re visiting in the height of summer, it’s best to book early! While many hotels offer whale-watching packages in the summer, some focus on storm-watching in the winter.
