17 EPIC Things To Do In Tofino, BC In 2023

(This post has been updated on October 15th, 2022)

Imagine yourself putting on your wetsuit, grabbing a surfboard, and spending all day out in the wild Pacific Ocean waves.

You come back to shore to watch the sunset with your friends around a beach bonfire, and then wrap up the day falling asleep to the sounds of the rainforest just out your door…

Sounds like a dream?

Man surfing in Tofino, BC

We thought so too until we experienced Tofino in real life!

Situated on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Tofino is Canada’s surf capital of the country, filled with endless ways to connect with nature and experience life by the sea!

From storm watching in the winter to hand-painted sunsets in the summer, there are so many amazing things to do in Tofino.

Berty and I recently came back from our own picturesque trip, and we couldn’t get to the computer fast enough to tell you all about it!

Read More: The Complete Tofino Packing List (with free checklist!)

Wild Pacific Trail near Tofino, BC

In this post, we’re sharing the most amazing activities to plan a long weekend trip to Tofino, including our favorite restaurants, places to stay, and adventures to take.

There are so many cool things to do in Tofino, so let’s get right into it!

Rainforest Trails in Tofino, British Columbia

Where is Tofino, British Columbia?

Tofino is a small oceanside town located on the western coast of Vancouver Island. It’s part of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere, which includes temperate rainforests, rocky shores, and alpine peaks all in one unique place.

It’s known for its surf culture, island hopping, and luxury oceanside resorts tucked away in all corners of its temperate rainforest!

Getting To Tofino

Directions to Tofino, BC, Vancouver Island Route Map TheMandagies.com

There are a few ways to get to Tofino but the easiest and most accessible is by car. Here are some common distances and driving times from nearby cities:

  • Port Alberni to Tofino: 126 kilometers, 2-hour drive
  • Nanaimo to Tofino: 207 kilometers, 3-hour drive
  • Victoria to Tofino: 318 kilometers, 4.5-hour drive
  • Vancouver, BC to Tofino: 283 kilometers, 5.5-hour drive (with a ferry ride)

Getting To Tofino By Bus

It connects through major Vancouver Island cities like Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville, Ucluelet, Port Alberni, Campbell River, and departing from the Nanaimo Bay Terminal.

Getting To Tofino by Air

Is there an airport in Tofino? In fact, there is! IN addition to sea plan landings, YAZ is a small airport located in the Pacific Rim National Park. However, it serves mostly private planes and limited commercial flights.

It’s not common for visitors to fly into Tofino (tickets can be quite expensive) and the most popular mode of transportation is by car.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Tofino?

Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to visit Tofino.

Each season offers a unique take on the area, and we think that the season to visit depends on the type of activities in Tofino that you want to do.

On average, the weather ranges between 38 degrees and 67 degrees Farenheit. It rarely gets warmer or colder than that!

Here’s what you can expect from the weather in Tofino based on the seasons:

  • Tofino In The Winter: Lots of rain, stormy weather, and more rain. Perfect for storm watching, fewer crowds, and hiking trails all to yourself.
  • Tofino In The Summer: Gorgeous sunsets, endless options for tours (everything is open!), surfing opportunities, and delicious restaurants to try.

Berty Mandagie taking photos in Tofino, British Columbia

How To Pack For A Trip To Tofino

Packing for a trip full of things to do in Tofino looks a little different from your typical beach destination.

You’ve got to consider the things to do in Tofino during the season you want to visit!

While there are gorgeous sandy shores for those long walks on the beach, the temperatures are a little colder than say, Orange, County, California. You can expect to bundle up a bit more than usual!

We’re sharing a few key tips for what to pack for a trip to Tofino, but if you’d like the whole list, we’re giving you a free printable below!

Rain Jacket – Vancouver Island is home to some of the oldest temperate rainforests in the world, and the western side receives around 260 inches of rain per year! Make sure to pack a breathable rain jacket for Tofino hikes, and a sturdier one like this for trips to town.

Waterproof Boots or Shoes – Between high tide and muddy trails, dry feet are essential for a good visit to Tofino. We personally love the St Elias boots by Vasque for their sturdiness and style.

Dry Bag – From whale watching trips to climbing around the rocks during low tide, make sure to keep your gear dry in adventures in Tofino. We bought these dry bags from Amazon in multiple sizes, and we love how sturdy they are!

 


Emily Mandagie walking on beaches in Tofino, BC

Where To Stay In Tofino

There are many amazing places to stay in Tofino! From inexpensive rental cabins’s to splurge-worthy resorts, we’ll share some of our favorite accommodations in Tofino to check out.

Vacation Rentals in Tofino

Between private homes and cabins, there are so many ways to stay in a vacation rental in Tofino, almost as if you were living among the neighborhoods! Berty and I were able to book a really inexpensive room in a home walkable from downtown Tofino this way. Here are some suggestions:

($$) Heron’s Perch at Chesterman’s Beach – (Gorgeous cabin with beach views, sleeps 6)

($$) Double Jacuzzi Suite – (Right in downtown Tofino, sleeps 4)

Beach Lodges in Tofino

There are many gorgeous lodges in Tofino that line the shoreline on the peninsula. Among resorts, there are often options to stay in the larger lodge, or in your own personal cabins on the property.

($$) Ocean Village Resort -Mackenzie Beach (fun rounded cabins, perfect for the whole family)

($$$) Long Beach Lodge – Cox Bay (luxury stay RIGHT on the ocean)

($$-$$$) The Shoreline Tofino -Downtown Tofino (cozy a-frame cabins with unique and personal touches)

Camping in Tofino

Driving an RV around Vancouver Island? If you are hoping to save a little money by camping, there are some good options for camping near Tofino.

Crystal Cove Resort is an excellent option for RVers, Bella Pacifica Campground has a walk-in beach site, and Surf Grove is central to all the action, with tons of options for all types of campers.

Ocean Village Resort Cabins in Tofino, BC


All The Best Things To Do In Tofino, British Columbia

1. Surfing In Tofino

Suring in Tofino, BC

It’s no secret that people from all over the world come to surf in Tofino. Known for its unique swells in the frigid waters of the Pacific Northwest, Tofino attracts a certain breed of surfers that aren’t afraid to face the cold water and stormy waves!

You can watch people go surfing in Tofino pretty much any time of year, with the most popular places to surf (for the pros) being at Cox Bay and Long Beach.

If you want to watch but not stand out in the cold, visit the Long Beach Resort for happy hour and sit in their lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the bay. (All while sipping your cocktail!)

Surf shops in Tofino, BC

Want to try surfing in Tofino for yourself? Here are some of the best surfshops, gear rental places, and surfing schools In Tofino:

Things To Do In Tofino, BC - Sea Kayakers

Is kayaking or paddleboarding in Tofino more your style?

Take a more relaxing visit on the ocean at Mackenzie Beach or Middle Beach (rentals available at Tofino Paddle Surf) or even on the east side of the peninsula for more calm and protected waters.

Rent at Live to Surf for the closest access to the east side!


2. Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Emily Mandagie exploring Pacific Rim National Park - TheMandagies.com

The Pacific Rim National Park is just south of the town of Tofino, just waiting to be explored by adventurous visitors! This park protects over 500 square feet of rocky shoreline, dramatic cliffs, and stunning temperate rainforest areas.

Some fun and easy hikes near Tofino in the Pacific Rim National Park include the leisurely walk to Radar Hill, strolling the vast shores of Long Beach, and exploring the Kwisitis Visitor Center at Wickaninnish Beach. No matter the trail, you’ll experience the natural and rugged beauty that surrounds Tofino right here.

If you’re looking for fun outdoor activities to do in Tofino, a trip to Pacific Rim is a perfect choice!

Read More: 11+ Epic Things To Do In Pacific Rim National Park in Vancouver Island


3. Storm Watching

Berty Mandagie - Best Photo Spots In Tofino, BC
Coolest things to do in Tofino in winter? Storm watching!

One of the most popular things to do in Tofino during winter is storm watching.

You can do this by visiting beaches during high tide, and SAFELY watching the waves crash on the cliffside in a dramatic fashion. There are plenty of places to go storm watching in Tofino, but here are some of our personal favorite spots:

Sunset Point at Cox Bay

If you are looking to get a little closer to the action, consider venturing out around Sunset Point on the north side of Cox Bay. Here, you can sit near a cove and watch sneaker waves crash dramatically against the rocks.

Be extremely careful to not venture near the edges (notice where the rocks are wet and stay clear), and be aware of the current tide. You don’t want to get caught stuck out there!

Tonquin Beach Trail Towards Third Beach

This covered trail sits above the water’s edge up on the cliffside.

Scattered throughout the hike are boardwalks facing the sea, where you can watch the angry waves crash against the beach below.

Long Beach Resort at Cox Bay

Looking to enjoy the waves from a distance? Stop by Long Beach Resort on Cox Bay during happy hour.

Their inviting lounge has floor to ceiling windows so you can watch the surfers brave the weather from the comfort of a couch with a cocktail in hand.


4. Wildlife Viewing and Watching In Tofino

Whale Watching in Tofino, Canada

One of the most popular things to do in Tofino is to take a whale watching tour.

There are many reputable adventure outfitters for Tofino whale watching, ready to cater to a variety of the needs and desires of their clients! We used Jamie’s Whaling Station on our latest trip to Tofino, but we’ve heard great reviews about Ocean Outfitters and West Coast Aquatic Safaris as well.

Some of the marine life that can be seen along Tofino’s shoreline includes grey whales, humpback whales, and orcas. You are also very likely to see bald eagles, sea lions, otters, and maybe even some shore creatures like bears and deer.

When is the best time to go whale watching in Tofino?

The most popular season to go whale watching in Tofino is between June and September. Make sure to book your trip then if you want to have the best chance of seeing a whale!


5. Explore Hiking Trails In Tofino

Wild Pacific Trail Sign - Ucluelet, Vancouver Island

There are some incredible hiking trails in Tofino and the surrounding area to explore.

Many of them are on the shorter side, with many winding through the forest and ending at the water.

Here are some of our favorite Tofino hikes to try:

The Pacific Rim National Park

Most of the trails are fairly short (the longest is around 8km) but they do vary in elevation. Try the South Beach Trail, Shorepine Bog, or the Rainforest Walks for a peaceful way to enjoy the diversity of nature in Tofino.

Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop in Ucluelet

The Wild Pacific Trail consists of two relatively short hiking trails in Ucluelet, that hug the rocky cliff edges of the Pacific Ocean.

This place is incredible at sunset with panoramic views of the ocean lined with sea stacks, raging tides, and several places to sit and soak it all in.

Read More: How To Practice The Meditative Art of Forest Bathing

Tonquin Beach Trail

Tonquin Beach trail is a fun hike in Tofino to try if you love wildlife and secret beaches!

Only accessible by trail, this beach is perfect for quiet morning walks and beach exploring. Don’t forget to look up because eagles are frequently spotted around here!

One of the coolest things to do in Tofino is hike Cox Bay Lookout!

Cox Bay Lookout

Cox Bay Lookout is a short but steep trail that takes you to the top of a hill located on the south part of the beach.

The trail requires some climbing on your hands and knees and can be muddy after rain showers.

However, the climb is worth the effort, because at the top you’ll see downtown Tofino and islands in the Clayoquot Sound!

Curious about more Tofino hiking trails? Add Schooner Cove, Lone Cone, the crashed Bomber site, and Willowbrae Trail to your list!


6. Take a Scenic Flight Around Tofino

Scenic and Charter Flights in Tofino, BC

There are so many things to do in Tofino and they be explored by land, sea, and even by air!

In addition to charter flights to various islands and inlets in the Clayoquot Sound, you can book a tour on a scenic flight around the area. A scenic flight tour in Tofino can provide you with geographical facts about the area, history, fun facts, and more!

Atleo Air is the most prominent flight service in the area. They provide scenic flights around Tofino, as well as charter flights, custom excursions like Hot Springs Cove, or being the transportation for a wedding event.


7. Visit Hot Springs Cove

Emily Mandagie at Hot Springs Cove, Tofino, Vancouver Island

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind activities in Tofino, a trip to Hot Springs Cove should be number one on your list!

Hot Springs Cove is in a section of Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, which is an inlet that is part of the greater Clayoquot Sound Area.

To reach the hot springs, you will need to book a tour on a charter boat or floatplane. Trips generally cost between $120-$150 per person and last about 5-7 hours.

You can expect your boat driver/pilot to drop you off at the docks of Maquinna Marine Provincial Park.

From the boat launch, you’ll take a 1.5-kilometer boardwalk path through the old-growth rainforest, to the edge of the peninsula. There are pit toilets and a shelter for your items as you enjoy the springs.

Spend some time enjoying the steaming pools as you hear the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean in the distance!

Emily Mandagie at Hot Springs Cove, Tofino, Vancouver Island
One of the most unique things to do in Tofino is visit Hot Springs Cove!


8. Visit The Best Beaches in Tofino

Beaches in Tofino, British Columbia

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Tofino to explore. Here are some of the best beaches in Tofino to check out on your next trip to Vancouver Island!

Wickaninnish Beach – Home to some of the biggest swells in Tofino, you can almost always find surfers out here catching waves. Stop by the Kwisitis Visitor Centre to learn more about the indigenous culture, and take the short trail to South Beach for another awesome Tofino beach.

Long Beach – The longest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (16km). Stop by Incinerator Rock for big swells, or stay to watch the sunset.

Cox Bay – Cox Bay is known for very consistent waves, which makes it a popular beach for surfers. Stay here for sunset, and enjoy some drinks at the Long Beach Lodge, too!

Mackenzie Beach – Mackenzie Beach is a perfect spot for inexperienced surfers looking to build their confidence. It’s also a popular spot to watch Tofino sunsets, have beach campfires, and go open-ocean paddle boarding.

Chesterman Beach – Chesterman Beach is divided into two beaches: North and South. This is a great spot for beachcombing in the Pacific Northwest (come explore Frank Island during low tide!), bike riding, walks.

Tonquin Park – This is our favorite beach in Tofino. With several boardwalks, overlooks, and hidden caves to explore, this is the perfect family-friendly beach. It’s also the closest one to downtown Tofino!

Tofino Beach Tip: Make sure to have a Tofino tide chart and know the tide times before venturing out to the beaches. We save and refer to this tide chart website and even screenshot the information for the day if we know we’re going to lose service.


9. Try The Best Places To Eat In Tofino

Tacofino Food Truck in Tofino, BC

From the gorgeous dining rooms of the Tofino hotels and resorts to small surf shacks with delicious bites, there are so many amazing places to eat in Tofino! Here are some of our favorite spots to try:

Best Tofino Coffee Shops

TofitianTofitian is a super convenient coffee stop between Tofino and Ucluelet. Grab some of their iconic espresso, tea drinks, and baked goods on your way out to the next beach!

Rhino Coffee Rhino Cafe is located in the center of Downtown Tofino, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. They roast and sell their own beans and make delicious donuts and breakfast sandwiches. We came here often for breakfast!

Tofino Coffee Roasting Company – Just minutes from Downtown Tofino, this cafe is a great meeting spot to grab some take-away coffee and pastries to get on with the day’s adventures.

Best Restaurants in Tofino, BC

Best Tofino Restaurants

Tacofino – Tacofino is a food truck that serves west coast beach food (think California and Mexico-inspired tacos) with casual outdoor seating. Nearby is the Tofino Botanical Gardens, so you can enjoy a relaxing lunch hour with a stroll through the gardens!

Shelter RestaurantShelter is one of the oldest restaurants in Tofino, serving fresh and local ingredients among fireside and covered-patio dining.

Other incredible restaurants in Tofino:

  • 1909 Kitchen (locally sourced seafood, great views of the water)
  • Bravocados (Great for quick & easy vegan meals and bowls)
  • Wolf In The Fog (Cozy bar, great for late-night drinks and small plates)
  • Kuma (Japanese comfort food like ramen in a modern space)

Oysters in Long Beach Resort Dining Hall at Cox Bay, Tofino, BC
Best things to do in Tofino? Try new foods!

Best Distilleries and Breweries in Tofino

Tofino Brewing CompanyTofino Brewing Company makes small-batch, high-quality brews with hops grown in the Pacific Northwest. Come to their warehouse to enjoy huge community tables, lots of camaraderie, and great snacks to go with your beer!

Tofino Distillery – Come try some locally created spirits at the Tofino Distillery. The tasting room is open daily from 12:00pm to 7:00pm and no reservations are required.

Grocery Stores in Tofino

Not interested in Tofino restaurants? Maybe you want to save money and make your own food at home. Maybe you want to cook a hand-crafted meal for your group. No matter what the reason, there are several Tofino grocery stores to check out!

  • Co-Op Food Store – 140 First St (Right downtown, very convenient and walkable)
  • Beaches Grocery – 1180 BC-4 (Closest grocer if you are staying near Chesterman Beach)
  • Gaia Grocery – 150 Fourth St (Downtown, Lots of fresh produce)

10. Book a Bear Watching Tour

One of the most unique Tofino activities is taking a bear watching tour! The Clayoquot Sound is the place where black bears will come down to the water to find rockfish, kelp, and starfish to eat.

Book a tour with Ocean Outfitters to boat around the calm waters around Meares Island and surrounding islands to spot them. The best times to see bears in Tofino is around April and May when they come out of hibernation, and again in October when they fish for salmon.

A 2-hour tour is about $100-$150 per person.

11. Take Care of Your Health & Wellness

It’s scientifically proven that being around bodies of water has a rejuvenating effect. Luckily, Tofino has an abundance of water around! There are several places around Tofino to book a spa day, massage, natural health services, yoga, and more.

Here are some popular wellness activities around Tofino:

12. Kayaking The Clayoquot Sound

Kayaking the Clayoquot Sounds in Tofino

The Clayoquot Sound is a delicate and unique wilderness area, protected from the turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. This makes it a great spot for kayaing in Tofino!

Tofino Sea Kayaking provides day tours for guided treks and rentals for DIY trips. If it’s your first time in Tofino, we recommend booking a guided tour – they will share stories about the area, point out native wildlife, and give you a richer appreciation for the area.

13. Go Deep Sea Fishing

If you are an avid fish lover, you will find a thrill when booking a tour to go deep sea fishing in Tofino!

Tofino Fishing Adventures provides saltwater fishing adventures that often catch Chinook Salmon, Lingcod, Pacific Halibut, and the hard-to-catch Dungeness Crab!

14. Discover More at Tofino Museums and Galleries

Tofino Art Galleries and Museums

One of our personal favorite things to do in a new place is check out the local galleries and museums! We do this to gain a better understanding of the area’s history, communities, culture, and natural landscape.

The Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum is located in Downtown Tofino and provides a rich gallery of artifacts and displays to tell the story of the area. The museum is open daily from 11:00am to 4:30pm and admission is donation based.

Sprinkled around downtown are galleries created by local artists from Vancouver Island. The arts and culture in Tofino are rich!

Our personal favorites are the Jeremy Koreski Gallery, The Village Gallery, and the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art. For more Tofino photography, check out the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, and the Eagle Aerie Gallery displayed on the exterior of the building.

15. Rainy Day Activities

Is bad weather forcing you inside? To escape the rain, there are plenty of rainy day activities in Tofino to enjoy. Here are some we recommend:

  • Ucluelet Aquarium: Excellent for kids, and also to learn about the fish of the area.
  • Take a self-guided food tour: Make it an entire day of trying new things!
  • Book a Spa Appointment: See #11 on this list for our recommendations!
  • Embrace the rain and go storm watching!
  • Curl up with a good book: Stop by Mermaid Tales Bookshop for your next reading venture.

16. Explore Clayoquot Campus (Formerly Tofino Botanical Garden)

Want to stay in town for the day? Head over to the Clayoquot Campus and see the gorgeous Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens. In 2021, this area has entered a new phase, focusing on indigenous-led conservation and celebration.

This educational space has three areas. The IISAAK lodge, The Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens, and the Little Costa Rica Cafe.

The garden is a 10-acre coastal rainforest, and is open July and August. Tickets are between $10-$20, and are free for children under $12 and Nuu’Chah’Nulth peoples.

17. Voluntourism in Tofino

Voluntourism is when visitors come to a space, and give back to the community. This can look very different depending on where you go in the world!

In Tofino, you can visit the Raincoast Education Society to join events surrounding education and restoration of the rainforest.


What are some of your favorite things to do in Tofino? Did we leave out anything you would recommend to visitors? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

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2 Comments

  1. Love your post guys! We didn’t get a chance to make it out to Tofino but would definitely love to one day! Especially with this awesome guide. Your post about the PNW are epic!!! =)

    1. Thank you Dom and Jo! Really glad you enjoyed the post, and I hope you guys get to make it out to Tofino one day soon!