Looking to escape the hustle bustle of Vancouver? Experience the beauty of British Columbia with this Tofino Travel Guide. For those of you who haven’t heard of Tofino, BC, it’s a small surf town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. After a scenic ferry ride (from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, on BC Ferries) and stunning 3-hour drive through the mountains, you will arrive at this sleepy little town; but don’t be fooled, there is plenty to see and do, all of which I’ve covered for you in this Tofino travel guide!
Why Travel to Tofino BC?
Adventure seekers can delight at the endless activity options, while nature lovers will enjoy all the wildlife, rainforest, and rustic coastlines. Even city dwellers will be impressed with some of Canada’s top-rated restaurants, quirky surf shops and relaxing spas. Tofino, BC truly has something special for every type of traveller, all year-round.
Now, I’m not claiming to be a Tofino expert, but after 5 years living on Vancouver Island, I’ve been to Tofino too many times to count. So let’s just say, I have some Tofino travel experience to share. Tofino is truly one of my favourite places in Canada, due to its laid-back surf town vibes.
Since my recent trip in March, some friends have asked me for a Tofino travel guide, so that’s exactly what I’ve created for you; however, it’s turned into quite the epic post, so grab a coffee or some vino (depending on the time) and continue on. Also, make sure to check out my IG Story Highlights for some more snippets of my recent trip in March (just scroll back on my Highlight section)!
Tofino Camping & Accommodation
Like I mentioned, I’ve travelled to Tofino too many times to count, and every time I’ve stayed somewhere different. In the summer, camping is a great way to experience Tofino, but any other season I recommend Airbnb, VRBO, or there are also many beautiful resorts, depending on your budget. Below are some options I’ve either stayed at or where I want to stay in the future. For this Tofino travel guide I’ve listed them in order of price, starting with the least expensive and ranging up to more luxury resorts at a higher price point:
Bella Pacifica Campground
Beachfront camping, with clean washroom facilities and picnic beaches. Prices range depending on the season. For the summer months make sure to book a space in advance, as these do fill up.
Ocean Village
Beautiful beachfront cabins. I haven’t stayed here, but I’ve always wanted to. Just look how cool these cabins look!
Beautiful + Spacious Inlet Getaway
Our friend’s beautiful VRBO rental that is tucked into the woods and is perfect for bigger groups or families. We loved using their big kitchen, log burning fireplace, and private hot tub daily! This cabin also allows dogs, if you have a furry friend joining you.
Middle Beach Lodge
I stayed here for my brother’s wedding and was absolutely blown away by the service, location and stunning rooms. It was so cozy and comfortable, and the lodge went above and beyond to offer everything we needed for our stay. They even had rainboots, jackets and umbrellas for guests to use, but my favourite part was the homemade chocolate cookies they put out before bed. Clearly, they know the way to my heart!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdTl0P7lJ8g/?taken-by=middlebeachlodge
Wickaninnish Inn
A cozy chic resort, with every room offering ocean views. They are also known for their restaurant and lavish spa treatments.
Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Suites right off the beach with private hot tubs, and small kitchens.
Things to Do in Tofino BC
Surf in Tofino, BC
Without a doubt, the most famous Tofino activity is surfing! Regardless, if you want to learn how to surf, or already know how to hang 10 and catch a wave, make sure to try BC’s most famous surf area. Although the water is colder, the best swell is in the fall and winter months.
- Already a pro? Make sure to rent a wetsuit and maybe booties, as the water is cold all year-round! Some beaches to surf at are Middle Beach, Chesterman Bay, Schooner Cove, or Cox Bay
- Never surfed a wave in your life: no worries, there are plenty of great surf lessons and camps to help you become a pro in no time! Look up Surf Sisters Surf School or Pacific Surf co. to get you started.
Since I don’t have any photos of myself surfing (although I swear I have!), here are some epic shots from Instagram to get you motivated to get out there!
Whale Watching Tour with Ocean Outfitters
During our 3-hour tour, we not only saw grey whales & humpbacks but also eagles, porpoises and sea lions. We absolutely loved our guide, Ryan, who went out of his way to find us whales and show us a good time! I loved that Ocean Outfitters had a variety of tours per day, and a variety of boats to better suit the weather. For example, we had originally booked on a zodiac boat, but due to the stormy weather, we were able to change onto a boat that offered shelter and a viewing deck for a better experience.
Meares Island (Easy Hike)
A hidden gem off the coast of Tofino, BC, which is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in BC. You do need to hire a sea taxi to get you there and back, but the small expense ($10 ferry round-trip & $20 park fees) and 10-minute boat ride gave us this little island all to ourselves for the afternoon. The size of these trees still amazes me, and it felt so peaceful to be amongst these giants for the afternoon. It took us about two hours to walk around the island!
*Note: Guided kayaking tours to Meares Island are also a great option if you have good weather.
Cox Bay Landing (Challenging Hike)
A more difficult hike, that isn’t well marked, but the view makes it all worth it. Unfortunately, Tofino, BC, is known to be sunny one minute and then raining the next, and that was definitely the case this day. We literally left the beach with the sun beaming down on us, and when we got to the top, the skies had clouded over and we had some very wet photos at the top. Then in the 20 minutes, it took us to get down to the beach, it was bright and sunny again. This weather left us with some very muddy shoes, so I suggest bringing a rain jacket and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Since this hike isn’t too long (just steep), you could almost do it in rain boots.
Directions for Cox Bay Landing
This hike starts at the far left-hand side of the beach (when looking towards the ocean). There is no signage, but you will see an opening in the trees near the far back corner of the woods. We took this trail all the way up until we reached this view. At times, this ‘trail’ felt more like a small muddy stream, but it did get us to the top. We also had to go up some steep areas and used the surrounding roots or trees to keep us steady.
Explore Tofino’s Beautiful Beaches
Tofino’s Pacific coastline is famous for its gorgeous sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Since there are too many beaches to list, I’ve included a great site here that lists all the local beaches & trails, with directions, photos, and what activities they are best known for (ie. surfing, swimming, SUPing, etc)!
Note: For those wondering about beach fires, only Mackenzie & Chesterman Beaches allows them.
Hot Spring Cove
Tofino’s Hot Spring is one thing I haven’t experienced, but it’s on my list for our next visit! You do have to take a boat to get to these rocky hot tubs, which can also be arranged through Ocean Outfitters.
End the Day with a Sunset Beach Walk
One of the main reasons people come to Tofino is the beautiful beaches and scenery. Since the beaches stretch for miles, you are guaranteed to find a quiet corner to enjoy the magical sunsets, and maybe even a sneaky beverage.
Looking for more adventure activities? Biking, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking, and other activities are also offered in Tofino.
Tofino Restaurants: Where to Eat & Drink
For such a small town, it always surprises me how many great food options are in Tofino. Hopefully, you’ll have time to try some of these delicious spots.
Wolf in the Fog
Awarded Canada’s number one new restaurant in 2016, this is a food experience you don’t want to miss. Most dishes are altered due to the season, but all of them are delicious. I have visited this restaurant twice as a group, as a lot of dishes are to share, but you could also go as a pair and enjoy it just as much. For a group, I highly recommend their punch bowls, as they go far, and more importantly, are very strong. 😉 Other favourites include Potato Crusted Oyster, Pork Belly, and the Albacore Tuna Poke. Make sure to ask what the seasonal specials are, as they never disappoint.
Rhino Donuts
A laid-back cafe located in the main village, perfect for breakfast but more famously known for their donuts. If you stop by, make sure to try their Maple bacon donut. I was really hoping to take a photo of them, but they were practically gone before we even got the box home.
Tofitian Coffee
Their top-notch coffee will help perk you up for an early surf session.
Shelter
Whips up a mean ‘dark and stormy’ cocktail and serves some tasty comfort food to go along with it
Kitchen 1909
The best patio in town, and a big menu to accommodate different appetites.
Tacofino
Not to be missed – the original food truck that started Vancouver’s famous restaurant chain. Make sure to try their fresh fish tacos or burritos. Also, their ‘mango-coconut Liucados’ are to-die-for and aren’t offered at any of their other locations. I would go to Tofino just to get my hands on one of those right now!
Tofino Brewery
A great place to meet some locals & try brews titled: Kelp Stout, Spruce Tree Ale & Tuff Session Ale. Doesn’t get more Canadian than that!
Kuma
Japanese-inspired tapas intended for sharing; or if you aren’t the sharing type, their ramen soups will warm you up on a cold stormy day!
SoBo
So popular they created a top-selling cookbook. A great spot for lunch – make sure to try their stuffed tofu pockets.
Ice House Oyster Bar
You can’t come to Tofino and not indulge in some seafood. All of it is caught daily, and only a mere meters away.
Shopping in Tofino BC
Saturday Summer Market: In the summer months (May -September), local artists, bakers and other vendors get together in the village to sell their goods at the outdoor market. Hours are 10am-2pm.
Otherwise, in the main village, you will find funky surf shops, local jewellers, and trendy boutiques open all year round.
Honestly, as a girl who has travelled to a lot of places in Canada and the world, Tofino is still one of my favourite spots! There is so much to see and do, and the scenery is truly breathtaking! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Well, friends, that concludes a rather extensive travel guide for Tofino, BC =, but I hope it’s helpful for those travelling here for the first time. If I haven’t covered something or you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I’ll make sure to answer them the best I can. Also, make sure to check out my IG Story Highlights for some more snippets of our last Tofino trip in March 2018!
Pin the Tofino, BC Travel Guide
To save this Tofino travel guide for later use, feel free to Pin one of the following two photos so that you can easily access this as a resource for your trip to Tofino.
Kelly says
Love this!!! I will seriously be directing everyone I know to visit this post before they head to Tofino. Love all the detail!
amberjadestorie@gmail.com says
Aw, thanks Kel! Appreciate the support and I am so happy you find it so helpful. Love ya! xo