Discover the TOP 10 Things you can’t miss in Tofino, British Columbia!
Tofino is a small town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It’s known for its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures and laid back surfer vibes. My husband and I recently visited and today I’m going to share 10 things you can’t miss, where to stay and what to pack!
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HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to Tofino is part of the adventure! To reach Tofino by car, you must travel from the mainland to Vancouver Island’s east coast by ferry to either Victoria or Nanaimo.
Tofino is approximately 196 miles northwest of Victoria (4 hrs, 20 min) and 129 miles west of Nanaimo (3 hrs). If you plan on visiting anytime between October 1 and March 31, you must have winter tires or carry chains.
People flying into Tofino typically arrive at Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ). However, it serves mostly private planes and there are limited commercial flights.
We traveled from the Seattle area so we opted to take the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, and then made the drive to Tofino. The whole trip took around 10 hours, including the ferry ride, a few scenic viewpoints and some pit stops along the way.
WHERE TO STAY
On our latest trip we stayed at Hotel Zed. The property has a swanky 1970’s vibe. A couple of things we loved about this property was the barrel sauna, hot tub and the amazing restaurant on-site, ROAR!
When I visited in March I stayed at Tofino Resort & Marina. The location was great and the restaurant on-site, Shelter is amazing! If I were to stay here again I would definitely book a room with a balcony.
Other options for accommodations in Tofino:
WHAT TO DO
1. Tofino Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Tofino, this local gem offers a diverse selection of handcrafted beers. Fun fact- Tofino Brewing Co. uses hydroelectric power for all its brewery operations, making its beer production carbon emission-free.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, sample unique brews, and learn about the brewing process, making it a perfect stop for a taste of Tofino’s vibrant craft beer scene. And if you’re a fan of cider, don’t worry—they’ve got a couple of options to choose from as well.
2. Chocolate Tofino
If you are craving something sweet, then be sure to check out Chocolate Tofino! They’re known for their handcrafted chocolates, gelato and home made treats. We have visited several times to enjoy their delicious gelato, and the Salted Caramel Sundae is one of our favorites!
3. Take a hike!
Tofino offers a variety of scenic trails through lush rainforests, rugged coastlines and beautiful beaches. Here are a few I highly recommend exploring!
TOP TOFINO HIKING TRAILS
- Cox Bay Lookout – The trail begins at the southern end of Cox Bay Beach and can be quite challenging with its steep and uneven terrain. However, the spectacular views at the top make it well worth the effort
- Canso Bomber Ruins Trail– An epic hike that leads you to an abandoned plane crash site from WWll! Thankfully all 12 crew members survived the crash. Such a fascinating historic place to explore!
- Tonquin Trail – If you’re looking for an easy, relaxing nature walk, this trail is perfect for you. The trail winds through old-growth forests, offering several beautiful viewpoints and access to three different beaches to explore!
- Rainforest Loop Trail – I prefer to explore this trail on a rainy day. It features two scenic loops on boardwalks, one on each side of the highway, surrounded by massive trees, forest flora, and many shades of green.
4. Shelter Restaurant
Situated on the waterfront at Tofino Resort & Marina, Shelter Restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to eat. If it’s a nice day, I would recommend grabbing a seat on the patio so you can take in the views. Be sure to try the Surf Bowl (Tofu & Salmon are both delicious) and the truffle fries. It’s definitely a memorable spot for both locals and visitors.
5. Hot Springs Cove
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Hot Springs Cove is a natural hot spring located in Maquinna Provincial Park. Many companies offer tours to the springs, we booked ours through Tofino Resort and Marina, which offers a wide range of excursions.
The journey to the springs is absolutely breathtaking and takes about 90 minutes. On our tour we spotted several sea otters and even a whale! Upon reaching Maquinna Provincial Park, it is a 30 minute walk along a scenic boardwalk through an old-growth forest to get to the springs. At the end of the trail, there are changing rooms where you can prepare for your soak.
The springs feature several hot pools and even a waterfall! We were able to spend about 90 minutes relaxing in the springs; the water felt amazing and the ocean views were absolutely stunning. It was definitely an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to Tofino, a visit to Hot Springs Cove is a must!
6. Tofino Distillery
Tofino distillery offers an impressive lineup of Certified Organic Spirits. They offer flights of liquor and cocktails. Be sure to try the Psychedelic Jellyfish Absinthe!
7. Watch Sunset on the beach
Experiencing the sunset from one of Tofino’s many beaches is a must! Rain or shine, you’re likely to enjoy a beautiful view. Top spots for watching the sunset include Chesterman Beach, Long Beach, McKenzie Beach, Cox Bay, and Middle Beach.
8. Rhino Coffee House
Rhino Coffee House serves high-quality coffee made from locally sourced beans and is located in downtown Tofino. They serve breakfast all day and are known for their signature donuts and delicious sandwiches!
9. JeJu
JeJu is a family-owned Korean restaurant situated in downtown Tofino. The restaurant is cozy so I would definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time! When we visited we ordered the Galbi, which is a 35 day aged, short rib dinner for 2 served with various side dishes. It was absolutely delicious and I would definitely recommend giving it a try!
10. Surfing
Tofino offers year-round surfing and is considered one of the best surf destinations in Canada. The area caters to all skill levels, with several local spots (Pacific Surf Company, Surf Sister, and Tofino Surf Adventures) offering lessons for beginners and board rentals for those who prefer to enjoy the waves on their own.
Popular surf spots include Long Beach, famous for its vast sandy shoreline, and Chesterman Beach, which features both gentle waves for novices and more challenging breaks for experienced surfers. Cox Bay is another favorite, known for its breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Tofino’s diverse surf spots promise an unforgettable experience.
If you prefer to watch rather than surf, head to Long Beach Lodge on Cox Bay Beach. It features a relaxing outdoor area where you can sip a cocktail, take in the stunning views, and watch the surfers in action.
WHEN TO VISIT
Tofino is stunning year-round! Summer is ideal for beach outings, surfing, and hiking, while fall and winter offer a serene experience with dramatic coastal storms. Spring also provides mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds. Each offers its own unique experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to visit any time of year.
I personally prefer to visit in the shoulder season either in April/May or Late Sept/October to avoid the peak tourist crowds and enjoy optimal weather conditions.
WHAT TO PACK
- ☔ Rain Jacket: Tofino is known for its wet climate so a reliable rain jacket is essential. This one has been my go to!
- 🧥 Insulated Jacket: One of my favorite hooded puffy jackets by Columbia.
- 🗃️ Travel Wallet: This wallet has been a game changer. It can hold up to 10 cards and even some cash!
- 🚿 Travel Towel: These quick-dry towels from Nomadix are a game changer! Check them out here.
- 📱 Portable Charger: I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me! It’s compact size makes it great for portability and charging on the go.
- 🎒 13 L Daypack: This is my favorite daypack by Osprey packs! I love the simplicity and the dual side pockets.
- 🎒 24 L Daypack: If you need a little more room check out this pack by Gregory.
- 🧦 Hiking socks: Having the correct socks can help prevent blisters. These ones are my favorite and have held up well over many years!
- 📸 Camera: I am always impressed by the quality of the photos and videos captured using this camera. It’s an excellent hybrid option for both photography and videography.
- 👖 Leggings: Checkout my favorite Lululemon dupe leggings!
- ☀️ Sunscreen: Another essential rain or shine. I love the scent of this one!
- 🩴 Flip Flops: If you plan to visit in the warmer months or stay at a location with a pool, having a pair of flip-flops is a must.
- 🍅 Insulated Cooler: Keep your drinks cold and have healthier options on the go with a portable cooler. I got this one for Christmas and we bring it on every road trip!
WATCH THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN TOFINO, BC VIDEO FOR MORE TRAVEL TIPS!
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