Situated on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, the small village of Tofino is defined by its windswept beaches and rocky coastlines, encircled by old-growth rainforests. Surrounded by the biodiverse UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve and with 35 kilometres of stunning coastline and beaches, Tofino offers numerous outdoor activities on land and sea. Aquatic enthusiasts will enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and cold-water surfing in the rolling waves, while opportunities to hike through forests, go beachcombing, and discover First Nations history and culture abound on land. The strong locavore culture celebrates the best that the nearby ocean and land have to offer.

Whether it’s leaning into the wind on a beach walk, hiking along a mossy rainforest trail, or dining on freshly caught seafood, Tofino offers unforgettable coastal experiences capped nightly with spectacular Pacific sunsets.

Tofino is accessible via airline service to the international airport hub in Vancouver (YVR), with transfer options into its small Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ). By car, travellers from the Lower Mainland arrive on Vancouver Island via BC Ferries service into Nanaimo, then drive westward along Highways 19 and 4 to the northern end of the road.

Tofino’s downtown is compact, and it’s easy to get around by bike or on foot. If you’re staying outside of the centre, having a car will make accessing beaches and trails easier. Tofino has an on-demand TikiBus service, as well as options for bicycles and rental cars, taxis, and a locally owned ridesharing service to get you to and from your house rental.

Tofino’s busy seasons vary based on the time of year. Its summer season runs from May to August. This peak visitation period corresponds with the region’s best and warmest weather, when temperatures reach into the low 20s Celsius but can remain breezy with ocean winds. Fall is a fantastic time to visit Tofino for good autumn weather and fewer crowds. The winter season centers on watching powerful Pacific storms that pound the coastline. Storm watching is at its peak from November to March and attracts many people to the village. While the temperature can dip into the single digits in winter, snow is rare along the coast. However, the ocean breezes are constant, and fog is common, so be sure to have layered clothing and adequate rain protection, including footwear.

Surfing

Tofino’s steady wave activity and 35 kilometres of beaches have fostered a strong cold-water surfing community. The water temperature ranges from 7 to 15 degrees Celsius, so if you’re new to this style of surfing, put on a wetsuit and rent a surfboard for lessons from local experts. Instructors are steeped in local surf culture and able to help total novices ride Tofino’s incredible waves.

Hot Springs Cove

Soak in the natural pools at Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, northwest of Tofino. These tempting geothermal hot springs flow down a waterfall, filling several natural rock pools situated by the ocean. The Cove is accessible via a scenic 1.5-hour water taxi ride or a 20-minute float plane ride from Tofino.

Nuu Chah Nulth Trail

Tofino is home to a sizable network of scenic hiking trails. The Nuu Chah Nulth Trail is the longest trail in Pacific Rim National Park, located south of the village. The 3.8-km path winds its way along a beach trail and onto wooden boardwalks that feature a stunning moss-covered temperate rainforest overlooking Long Beach.