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.