HOW TO SPEND A WEEKEND IN TOFINO, BC
Images and words by Michael Sugianto
Tofino, British Columbia is a small, picturesque town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and surfing (I’m not much of a surfer but I hear it’s World-Class), Tofino is a popular destination for both adventure seekers and those looking for a relaxing getaway.
The town's popularity is not surprising as it offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all types of travellers. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a foodie, there is something for everyone in Tofino. After three trips out that way, I’m going to share some of my favourite flics and must-visit places in Tofino.
Sharing some of my favourite beaches near Tofino, Long Beach, located in Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia, is a stunning 16-kilometre (10-mile) stretch of coastline that attracts visitors from around the world. It is personally one of my favourite beaches as it is a bit quieter being further out from Tofino. With its beautiful sandy beaches and crashing waves, it is a popular destination for surfers, beachcombers, and nature enthusiasts. It's an ideal place for a walk on the beach to catch a magical sunset along the Pacific Ocean.
Located 5km south of Tofino, Chesterman Beach is another popular spot. Divided up into two sections, North and South Chesterman, the beach is perfect for a morning or evening stroll, surfing, and beachcombing. If you’re lucky you might also get a glimpse of some of the stunning wildlife such as eagles, otters and whales. One of the more unique attractions to Chesterman Beach is Frank Island, which is a small uninhabited island that can be accessed during low tide, giving you a unique perspective of the coastline. Make sure to check the tide charts before heading out to ensure your safety.
Just a hop and a skip over from Chesterman Beach, and you’ll find Cox Bay Beach. It’s one of my favourite places to watch people surf, it is almost a stadium-like feeling as you are surrounded by the dense forest on either end of the beach. If you’re looking for a more adventurous outing that keeps you out of the water, there is the Cox Bay Lookout which I haven’t done but through social media, it seems like the go-to spot for beautiful elevated views of the coastline. As you can see in just these three beaches, they all have their own unique traits that make them all worth visiting, so I highly recommend taking a bike, a drive or a walk over to one and if not all of these beaches.
One of my favourite parts of Tofino is the awesome food options. Tacofino is probably my favourite place and a must-visit, my go-to order is the Krispy chicken burrito and a gringa (cheese or pork & kimchi are the move). If you’re a coffee lover like myself, got two recommendations, the Tofitian Cafe and Rhino Coffee. The donuts at Rhino Coffee might give it a slight edge over Tofitian Cafe for me. If you’re looking for another great place to eat, Shed Tofino is the spot for burgers and bowls.
If you’re looking for something a bit different from the beach and walkable from town, the Tofino Marina, overlooking the Clayoquot Sound, is a great start. The marina is a hub for activities, it serves as the launching point for fishing charters, whale-watching tours, and kayaking trips amongst many other ocean-based activities. It is also conveniently located near many shops, accommodations and restaurants like Rhino and Shed mentioned above.
When it comes to places to stay in Tofino, The Shoreline Tofino is a standout option. Located right on the waterfront, the hotel offers stunning views of the ocean and is just a short walk from some of the town's best restaurants and shops. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with stylish decor and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Looking to break up the drive to Tofino, located in MacMillan Provincial Park is Cathedral Grove. Walking through the grove feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with light filtering through the canopy of ancient Douglas Firs and Western Red Cedars, some reaching heights of over 50 metres. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker or just looking to stretch your legs, Cathedral Grove is a must-stop along the way.
Tofino has easily become one of my favourite places to visit on Vancouver Island, a hub for great food, stunning trails, pristine forests, amazing beaches, the list goes on. I hope these images and words, get you excited about Tofino and make a visit to this incredible place yourself.
~ Michael
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Portfolio: https://www.michaelsugianto.com/
Instagram: @mikesugianto