Tofino

Travel Guide
Tofino featuring boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Located on a bay on Vancouver Island’s west coast, this resort town offers forest hikes, surfing beaches and whale-watching tours.

Once a tiny Vancouver Island fishing village, the town of Tofino is now a beachside resort town. Its wild surroundings within the Clayoquot Sound provide plenty of room to find peace. Surfing, whale watching and storm chasing are just a few of the ways to explore Tofino’s landscape.

During the summer, relax on Tofino’s beaches. Chesterman Beach is the closest to the village of Tofino. Explore the tide pools or head to Frank Island, accessible only at low tide. Trek into Pacific Rim National Park to find the aptly named Long Beach, where huge waves attract surfers. Sign up for surf school to build your skills.

Pacific Rim National Park also features excellent hikes. Beginners can take Big Tree Trail, lined with redwoods up to 1,500 years old. See the Hanging Garden Tree, which is a whopping 60 feet (18.3 metres) wide. If you are an experienced hiker, attempt the near-vertical Lone Cone Trail. From the peak of Lone Cone, enjoy a fantastic view of the hills and countless islands of Clayoquot Sound.

Get close to Tofino’s incredible wildlife on a boat tour. An estimated 20,000 whales pass along the west coast of Vancouver Island each year, so you are likely to see a grey, humpback or orca whale on a whale-watching tour. Bear-watching boat tours are available as well safely watch black bears feeding along the coastline at low tide.

Explore Clayoquot Sound on your own in a kayak. Paddle 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) west to reach a beautiful, remote beach on Vargas Island. Fish in the sound to catch delicious salmon.

While outdoor activities are Tofino’s main attractions, another great way to enjoy the area is to relax in a cosy waterfront cabin during winter and watch heavy storms roll in. Visit between November and March, when Tofino receives more than 10 storms per month.

From Vancouver, take a ferry to Vancouver Island, then make the 3-hour drive to Tofino. Beach resort meets remote mountain village in this Pacific paradise.

Where to stay in Tofino

Tonquin Park which includes general coastal views and rocky coastline

Tonquin Beach

If you're spending some time in Tonquin Beach, Tonquin Park and Tofino Art Glass are top sights worth seeing.

Tonquin Beach
Hotel Zed Tofino
Hotel Zed Tofino
3 out of 5
1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
The price is RM523 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
RM523
RM613 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (992 reviews)
"Super friendly staff! Great place and location"

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Hotel Zed Tofino
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
2.5 out of 5
1119 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM691 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
RM691
RM802 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"What a quiet area of beautiful vistas to the Pacific Ocean The balconies were a welcome addition even when it was not exceptional warm. The breakfast options are a pleasure to find. Even though it is a bit out of Tofino, at abt 2 miles it was an easy walk with a path."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Tofino Resort & Marina
Tofino Resort & Marina
3 out of 5
634 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
The price is RM468 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
RM468
RM554 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (615 reviews)
"It was a nice stay and very quite"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Tofino Resort & Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos
Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos
3.5 out of 5
230 Main Street, Tofino, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Eagle Aerie Gallery are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (333 reviews)
"Amazing place. Good view. Very clean. Cosy and spacious."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2024

Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos
Reef Point Cottages
Reef Point Cottages
3 out of 5
1012 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet, BC
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ucluelet. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Terrace Beach and Little Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (551 reviews)
"Great cabin!"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2024

Reef Point Cottages
Cabins West
Cabins West
3 out of 5
258 Boardwalk Blvd., Ucluelet, BC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ucluelet. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Terrace Beach and Little Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
"Great kitchen, clean, and comfortable."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Cabins West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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