Tofino harbour looking across Clayoquot Sound toward Meares Island

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Tofino harbour and Meares Island. Photo: গীতাশ্ৰী গগৈ আপ্তে · Source · CC0

Find beaches, practical information, places to stay and ideas for your next day on the coast.

Updated · Independent visitor guide

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Tofino BC: a little closer to the wild

Plan a trip to Tofino, BC: beaches, surf lessons, whale watching, Hot Springs Cove, rainforest trails, where to stay and eat, and how to get here.

Things to do in Tofino

The best things to do in Tofino, BC: surf lessons, whale watching, Hot Springs Cove, sea kayaking, rainforest hikes and rainy-day ideas, with planning tips.

Surfing in Tofino

Surfing in Tofino: beginner beaches, water temperature, wetsuits, lessons at Cox Bay and Chesterman, surf events and how to plan your first surf day.

Whale watching in Tofino

Tofino whale watching guide: grey whale and humpback seasons, tour length, boat types, what to wear and how to choose a responsible operator.

Hot Springs Cove from Tofino

Hot Springs Cove from Tofino: boat and floatplane times, the 2 km boardwalk, park and stewardship fees, what to pack and how to plan the day.

Tofino hikes and rainforest walks

Tofino hikes: Rainforest Trail A and B, Shorepine Bog, Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, Tonquin Trail and the 25 km ʔapsčiik t̓ašii pathway, with lengths and tips.

Kayaking in Tofino and Clayoquot Sound

Kayaking in Tofino and Clayoquot Sound: guided tours, Meares Island, tides and currents, what to wear and how to paddle respectfully.

Storm watching in Tofino

Storm watching in Tofino: when storm season peaks, the best viewing spots at Chesterman, Cox Bay and Long Beach, and how to stay safe.

Things to do in Tofino when it rains

Things to do in Tofino when it rains: galleries, museum, brewery and distillery tastings, spas, sheltered rainforest walks and storm watching.

Tofino beaches: find your stretch of coast

Tofino beaches compared: Chesterman, Cox Bay, Long Beach, tinwis and Tonquin. Parking rates, access points, surf, family beaches and safety.

Chesterman Beach, Tofino

Chesterman Beach, Tofino: 2.7 km of sand, North and South access, Frank Island tombolo, parking, tides, surf lessons and nearby stays.

Cox Bay, Tofino

Cox Bay, Tofino: surf beach access, boardwalk and Maltby Road trail, pay parking, undertow safety, storm watching and beachfront stays.

Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: park passes and fees, day-use lots, Combers Beach, nearby rainforest trails and Green Point.

Tonquin Beach and the Tonquin Trail

Tonquin Beach, Tofino: walk the 3 km Tonquin Trail from town, find the trailheads and parking, and catch sunset over Clayoquot Sound.

tinwis Beach, Tofino (formerly MacKenzie Beach)

tinwis (formerly MacKenzie Beach), Tofino: calm water, access and parking, the Mobi-Mat at Hellesen Drive, the beach’s name and nearby stays.

Where to stay in Tofino

Where to stay in Tofino: town vs Chesterman, Cox Bay and tinwis beachfront, resorts, cabins and camping, plus what to ask before booking.

Tofino camping and RV stays

Tofino camping guide: Green Point Campground sites, season and reservations, private campgrounds near town and rules for vehicle camping.

Tofino accommodation finder

Tofino accommodation finder: filter 68 hotels, beach resorts, B&Bs, cabins and campgrounds, then check availability direct or on booking sites.

Where to eat in Tofino

Where to eat in Tofino: dinner reservations, casual tacos and pub food, coffee shops and breweries, with addresses and dietary planning tips.

Plan your visit to Tofino

Plan your Tofino visit: when to go, where to stay, how to get here, getting around, weather, families and travelling respectfully.

Getting to Tofino

How to get to Tofino from Vancouver and Victoria: BC Ferries routes, drive times, Highway 4 winter tires, flights, floatplanes and buses.

Getting around Tofino and parking

Getting around Tofino: beach pay parking rates, downtown parking season, West Coast Transit, the summer shuttle, multi-use path and park passes.

Best time to visit Tofino

The best time to visit Tofino: summer beaches, whale season, spring and fall shoulder months, winter storm watching and what each costs in flexibility.

Tofino weather, tides and travel conditions

Tofino weather and tides: where to check forecasts, swell, road and ferry conditions, winter tire rules, ocean safety and what to pack.

Tofino in winter

Tofino in winter: storm season, what to do on wet days, winter tire rules for Highway 4, what is closed and where to stay.

Tofino with kids

Tofino with kids: calm beaches, tide pools, short rainforest loops, family stays, free youth park admission and rainy-day plans.

Visit Tofino with care

Visit Tofino respectfully: Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht territories, wildlife distance, beach rules, parking, fires and supporting local business.

Tofino itineraries and trip ideas

Tofino itineraries and trip ideas: three days, one full day, slower stays and seasonal swaps, built around weather and travel days.

Three days in Tofino

A flexible three-day Tofino itinerary: arrival beach walk, a surf, whale or hot springs day, then rainforest trails and Long Beach.

Ucluelet day trip from Tofino

A Ucluelet day trip from Tofino: driving time, the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop, Amphitrite Point Lighthouse and park stops on the way.

Tofino local business directory

Tofino local business directory: selected restaurants, cafés, stays, campgrounds, surf schools and tour operators with links to current details.

About Tofino BC

About Tofino BC, an independent visitor guide to Tofino and Clayoquot Sound: how we research, what we link to and what we never collect.

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