Tofino: surf, rainforest hikes, hot springs, and food worth the drive. Photo credit: Wickaninnish Inn
Quick Summary
Tofino is the surfing capital of Canada, once named the best surf town in North America. This west coast paradise offers wind-swept beaches perfect for surfing, old growth forests great for hiking, hot springs, whale watching, and incredible food—including the famous Tacofino fish tacos.
Quick Facts
- Location: West coast of Vancouver Island, BC
- Distinction: Surfing capital of Canada; best surf town in North America
- Surf-able Beach: 35 km of beaches
- UNESCO Site: Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Whale Migration: 20,000 grey whales pass every spring
Long Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Riding Waves
No trip to Tofino is complete without stuffing yourself into a wetsuit, heading out onto 35 km of surf-able beach, and wading into the Pacific Ocean to catch a wave. Surf shops provide lessons and equipment rentals for beginners, and wave reports for experienced surfers.
- Best time: Year-round; biggest waves come in winter
- Popular beaches: Chesterman Beach (10 min), Cox Bay Beach (10 min), Long Beach (20 min from downtown)
- Surf schools: Pacific Surf School, Surf Sister, Live to Surf, Tofino Surf School, Storm Surf Shop
- Costs: ~$70-80 group lesson, ~$150-170 private lesson, ~$50 full day board+wetsuit rental
Day 2: Hiking Among Giants
Tofino is located within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by ancient temperate rainforest including Pacific Rim National Park.
Meares Island Big Tree Trail
A trail through old growth rainforest culminating in a visit to the 2,000 year old Hanging Garden Tree—a monster with an 18m diameter. Beginner level, 3 km. Access: 15-minute water taxi from Tofino ($30 adults, $10-15 kids).
Rainforest Trails (Pacific Rim National Park)
Two boardwalk trails bringing you through rainforest to the valley floor. Intermediate level, 2 km per trail, 20-minute drive from downtown.
Canso Plane Crash Site
Difficult hike through forests and muddy bogs to aircraft remains from 1945. Expert level, 2 km, near Radar Hill. Do your research—trail isn't easy to find.
Day 3: Hot Spring Hunting
Hot Springs Cove offers 50°C geothermal hot springs surrounded by nature, about an hour by boat from Tofino in Maquinna Provincial Park (50 km). After a casual 30-minute walk through old growth forest, relax those muscles in untouched natural pools.
- Tour operators: Adventure Tofino, Tofino Whale Centre, Jamie's Whaling Station, Remote Passages, West Coast Aquatic Safaris, Atleo River Air Service
- Costs: $95 (fall/winter) to $195 (seaplane); summer trips in between
Other Tofino Musts
Food & Drink: Tacofino food truck (incredible fish tacos/burritos), Wolf in the Fog, Shelter, SoBo restaurants, Tofino Brewing Company.
Wildlife: Home to the greatest whale migration on the planet—20,000 grey whales pass Tofino every spring. Also popular for bear and birdwatching, fishing, and ocean kayaking.
Storm Watching: Ferocious winter storms with pounding rain and loud wind are actually fun to watch from hotel comfort—draws countless visitors yearly.
Indigenous Culture: Explore Aboriginal art of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation, who have lived, worked, painted, and carved in the region for about 10,000 years.
Follow-Up Questions
- When is the best time to surf in Tofino?
- How do I get to Hot Springs Cove from Tofino?
- What is the Hanging Garden Tree on Meares Island?
- When is whale migration season in Tofino?
- Where can I find the best fish tacos in Tofino?
Associated Entities
Tofino, Vancouver Island, Pacific Ocean, Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay Beach, Long Beach, Pacific Surf School, Surf Sister, Live to Surf, Tofino Surf School, Storm Surf Shop, Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Pacific Rim National Park, Meares Island, Hanging Garden Tree, Big Tree Trail, Rainforest Trails, Canso Plane Crash Site, Hot Springs Cove, Maquinna Provincial Park, Adventure Tofino, Jamie's Whaling Station, Remote Passages, Atleo River Air Service, Tacofino, Wolf in the Fog, Shelter, SoBo, Tofino Brewing Company, Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation, Hello BC, Destination Canada
Sources & Registry
- Destination Canada – What to do in Tofino: https://travel.destinationcanada.com/en-us/things-to-do/what-do-tofino