Tofino Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Tofino showing boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
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 meters) 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 gray, 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 kilometers) 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 cozy 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 NZ$235 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
NZ$235
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! (1,012 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 NZ$307 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
NZ$307
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 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! (1,005 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 NZ$212 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
NZ$212
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! (630 reviews)
"Great location and great gym."

Reviewed on 30 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
South Swell Tofino (formerly Blue Heron)
Waterfront home amid old growth cedars
South Swell Tofino (formerly Blue Heron) Waterfront home amid old growth cedars
Tofino
Stay at this vacation home in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
Wonderful cabin
"The property and home are so lovely and well maintained. Amenities are just an extra special touch, hot tub, outdoor shower, fire pit. Also so well set up with dishes and pantry stocked for cooking meals, board games, puzzles, great signage and easy instructions throughout the home. We had a wonderful ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2024

South Swell Tofino (formerly Blue Heron) Waterfront home amid old growth cedars
Tofino Waterfront Eco Condo
Tofino Waterfront Eco Condo
Tofino
Stay at this condo in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and concierge services. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Eagle Aerie Gallery are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
Location, Location, Location!
"On the Waterfront with great views as advertised. Fantastic host. Great spot for a short or longer stay."

Reviewed on 1 Sep. 2024

Tofino Waterfront Eco Condo
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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