Get the Most Out of Your Trip to Tofino, British Columbia

Located on Vancouver Island's west coast, Tofino is one of Canada's most popular surf destinations. With an awe-inspiring coastline, amazing food scene and plenty of outdoor activities to explore, this laid-back surf town is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Tofino is also renowned for its ethically sourced food and wildlife. You'll find everything from fresh foraged mushrooms to locally crafted beer at many of the restaurants in this area.

It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Canada in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Toronto you can rent a car from 18 euros per day, in Vancouver from 17 euros per day.

Day 1

With its pristine ocean, rainforest and infinite wildlife, Tofino is an all-year-round destination that is sure to please even the most avid traveler. Spending a couple of days in this beautiful little town is a must-do for anyone visiting Vancouver Island and we’ve put together the perfect itinerary for those looking to get the most out of their trip!

The first day of the trip is all about exploring the beaches and nature that Tofino has to offer. Start your morning with a coffee at Tuff Beans on Campbell Street, a cute cafe with a nautical theme that will make you feel like you’re on board a pirate ship (or at least you will if you go for one of their delicious muffins).

Take the opportunity to stroll around Tofino and check out all the shops before heading out to Long Beach to catch a beautiful sunset and spend some time relaxing in the sun. Alternatively, try a hike up the Wild Pacific Trail.

You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as stunning scenery of the rainforest and surrounding mountains. If you’re in the mood for a bit of a culture fix, you can also stop at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre to learn more about the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have lived on these beaches since time immemorial!

A day in Tofino wouldn’t be complete without a whale watching tour. This is a must-do when visiting the West Coast and there are plenty of tours to choose from. Jamie’s Whaling Station, the oldest company in Tofino, offers a variety of whale watching tours that will get you up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

After a fun and educational whale watching adventure, you can spend some time at the beach! There are so many incredible beaches in Tofino, from a quieter beach just for kids to a secluded beach that’s more intimate.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also do whale watching, kayaking, camping and fishing while you’re in Tofino! For a little something extra, consider booking an evening tour to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 2

Tucked away on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a world-class surf destination that also offers stunning hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Spending three days in this coastal town will give you the perfect amount of time to experience it all!

One of the most popular activities in Tofino is surfing, so make sure to get your gear together before heading out to one of the many beaches. With over 35km of coastline, Tofino offers waves for every skill level, and it’s easy to find a spot to suit your own personal preferences.

Another top activity in Tofino is whale watching, with orcas, humpbacks and grey whales all regularly seen here. This is an amazing experience and a must-do whilst in Canada, but it can be very busy so make sure to book your trip well in advance if you want to avoid the crowds!

The ocean in Tofino isn’t always as nice as it is during the Summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day at the beach. Grab a picnic lunch from one of the local eateries and head down to Long Beach, which is aptly named for its 16 km stretch of white sand that is perfectly suited for walking on at high or low tide. The view into faraway islands covered in salt spray is awe-inspiring and you’ll be able to see the countless shapes of ocean life beneath you as you relax on the sand or float in the driftwood furniture that lines the shoreline!

Alternatively, book a whale watching tour that will take you out to Clayoquot Sound for a day of nature and wildlife exploration. This is a great way to spend your second day in Tofino and you’ll be able to take in some of the beautiful scenery while listening to the sounds of whales and dolphins.

Finally, you should stop by the Kwisitis Visitor Centre on your way out of Tofino and take a look at the incredible collection of indigenous artefacts that are on display there! This is a must-see for any visitors to Tofino and will give you some insight into the traditional lifestyle of the First Nation people of this region.

Day 3

Tofino is a beautiful coastal town on Vancouver Island that’s become increasingly popular with visitors for its scenic beaches, wilderness hiking trails, and epic adventures. It’s also one of Canada’s most popular surf destinations, so there’s plenty to keep you busy if you only have a few days to explore.

The best time to visit Tofino is in summer when the weather is pleasantly warm and you can enjoy camping, hikes, whale watching excursions, and beach fires without a hood on your wetsuit! However, it’s important to note that during the summer season, accommodation can be more expensive and it can get quite busy in Tofino.

So, to avoid getting overwhelmed with crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons like late May or early June or mid to late September if you’re looking for a more tranquil and quiet experience. You’ll still get to enjoy everything Tofino has to offer but you won’t have to fight with crowds or pay exorbitant prices for accommodation!

If you’re planning to do some hiking on your trip, we’d recommend heading to Tonquin Park for a relaxing day hike in the forest. It’s only a short drive from downtown Tofino and is a wonderful place to take a break from the city.

Another great hiking destination that’s easy to reach from Tofino is the Wild Pacific Trail, located a little bit farther down in Ucluelet. It’s an amazing way to spend the day and gives you a chance to see more of the gorgeous rainforest scenery that Tofino is famous for.

It’s also a good idea to try and get out on the water for some sea kayaking or stand up paddle boarding to really immerse yourself in the wilderness. You can find a number of tour companies that will take you out on these fun activities in the area.

A final activity you should add to your list of things to do in Tofino is a whale watch excursion. This is a truly special experience and you’ll likely have the opportunity to see different types of whales such as Orcas, Humpbacks, and Gray whales during your visit.

Day 4

A quaint little surf town nestled in the rugged beauty of British Columbia's west coast, Tofino is a place where you can truly unplug and let go. Whether it's soaking in the healing waters of Hot Springs Cove, or finding serenity in the lush rainforest, it's easy to lose yourself here.

You could easily spend a week exploring this small, yet incredibly diverse town. With awe-inspiring beaches, a quaint downtown filled with shops, trendy local eateries, and ample outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in Tofino!

Tofino is also a top destination for surfing, which you should make time to experience. Known as Canada's surfing capital, Tofino has some of the best swells on the west coast.

If you're a beginner, it's easy to rent a surfboard from Pacific Surf Company and hit the waves. They're a local, environmentally conscious company that offer lessons for beginner and intermediate surfers and create stylish, socially-conscious apparel.

Another way to get to know Tofino is to take an adventure hike! Start your day with a chilly, but rewarding hike to Cox Bay Lookout, which offers incredible views of Tofino and the surrounding islands.

Hike through the forest to reach Cox Bay, then take a break at the Long Beach Lodge's restaurant for some wholesome food and drinks to warm up after your hike. This cozy place has floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to watch surfers at Cox Bay, as well as breathtaking ocean views.

Then, head to Mackenzie Beach for a relaxing stroll on the beach and soak up some rays before the sunset. While this beach isn't as big as the other Tofino beaches, it's still a great choice for a family-friendly walk and a perfect spot for a bbq at the end of the day!

Tofino is also a top location for whale watching, with several species of whales that call this area home. Whether you're looking to see the majestic Orcas, Humpbacks or Gray Whales, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.