Some consider Tofino to be one of the best reasons to visit British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, any time of year. This small, idyllic, coastal village lies within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, in the jaw-droppingly beautiful UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. With a diverse local community protective of its culture and environment, like-minded visitors come to enjoy all Tofino has to offer and tend to immerse themselves in it, wholeheartedly.
Here’s all you need to know to plan your visit this summer season.
What to do.
To say Tofino is ‘outdoorsy’ is an understatement. The spring and summer months mean bear spotting and whale watching are at their peak, and a guided kayak or SUP tour with Ocean Outfitters is an ideal way to see these magnificent creatures from a safe, quiet, respectful distance. The tour guides lead you from their secret, secluded shore, rather than the busier coastal push-off spots, and the water journey’s natural beauty and sights are nothing short of food for the soul. A variety of covered and zodiac boat tours are also available for those who’d rather have someone else power their wildlife-spotting water vessel.
Fishing is exceptional in these coastal waters, and Obee Fishing Charters offers tour packages skewed to a great number of seafood tastes and fishing skill levels, both in-shore and off-shore, depending on what you’d like to catch. Seems that fresh, hyper-local halibut, salmon, crab, and prawns just taste so much sweeter when you’ve caught them yourself.
In an area as special as Tofino, a visit to Kiixin National Historic Site, offered by Long Beach Nature Tours, is essential. This tour combines a boat trip to Bamfield with a guided hike and cultural tour of this important indigenous site.
Tofino Resort and Marina just launched a new floating wood-fired sauna that brings wellness and outdoor adventure together within the solitude and stillness of Clayoquot Sound. A restful experience like this after physical activity, or simply the stress of day-to-day living, is a wonderful way to calm body, mind, and spirit.
With 35 kilometers of coastline, Tofino is globally known as a surfers’ paradise, even year ‘round and the summer months with their gentler waves are ideal for beginners. Listed as one of the Top 50 surf destinations of the world by CNN, Tofino surf lessons are readily available at several schools; check out Swell Tofino, Surf Sister Surf School, and Pacific Surf Co. for expert instruction. Even if you don’t feel like hopping on a board yourself, world-class competitions and professional championships held here are thrilling to watch, especially at Cox Bay.
Looking for an evening activity? Live music is back at Lil’ Ronnie’s, and this outdoor venue is popular with locals and visitors alike seeking a fun night out. Grab a bite, then grab a seat – but don’t expect to be sitting long, the music will surely have you up dancing in no time
Where to stay.
There are several fabulous hotel options in the area, but one that shines consistently every year is Pacific Sands Beach Resort. On 41-plus acres, with 1,000 feet of beach and 1,500 feet of undeveloped coastline you’ll find this resort situated on the crescent beachfront of Cox Bay. All guest rooms are suites with kitchens plus have private decks or patios facing the beach. Guests can experience the West Coast Nordic Spa, with cold-plunges in the North-Pacific Ocean plus a woodfired sauna where you can control the fire and heat yourself. A variety of massage and treatments with nods to the sea, the land, and all things Tofino-tranquil are available on the spa menu, plus beach yoga in the summer months is a lovely way to start any morning.
The Wickaninnish Inn is a Relais & Châteaux property that is synonymous with Tofino. Many a special occasion has been celebrated here at this luxury beachfront hotel for years, and this is a favourite among celebrities, couples seeking a romantic weekend, and storm-watchers alike. Ancient Cedars Spa is the perfect place to spend some quality time rediscovering the art of relaxing, followed by a long walk on Chesterman Beach.
Where to eat.
Never underestimate the culinary quality of Tofino’s restaurants. The town has exploded over the years with highly acclaimed, award-winning eateries and it seems there is no sign of that slowing down any time soon. Whether you’re aiming for super-casual to grab a quick bite or take-out, or looking for upscale to sit, sip and savour for a few hours in a beautiful space, the choices are many depending on your tastes, time, and budget.
Case in point is newly opened Jeju Tofino, a Korean restaurant that’s wildly popular. Try the Soondubu, a spicy silken tofu and seafood stew served over rice, or their modern spin on Korean classics like Bibimbap.
The Bear, at the newly renovated MAQ Hotel has a huge patio with a friendly, casual vibe, plus Wild Origins offers Forage + Feast trips, where you enjoy a dinner that incorporates the food you gathered earlier that day. Owner/chef Paul Moran is winner of 2019’s Top Chef Canada, and if you’ve never foraged before, this is who you want to learn from.
Everyone’s favourite summer weather spot is the Sandbar Bistro at Long Beach Lodge Resort, has some of the prettiest sunset ocean views in Tofino. Kick back on the patio in an Adirondack chair at the cozy fire bowl and sip on their signature cocktail, the Tofino Sour, while you watch the sun, and the day, slip slowly away.
The Wildside Grill elevated Tofino’s take-out food truck scene back in 2008 and has opened the beachfront Surfside Grill at the Pacific Sands Beach Resort, where locally sourced seafood is the star player in their tacos, fish and chips and platters perfect for sharing. Take it back to your suite to enjoy on your private patio if you’re a guest at the resort too.
How to get there.
BY PLANE — Fly direct to Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) from Vancouver on daily scheduled flights with Pacific Coastal Airlines or Harbour Air. The stunning views from the sky provide a perspective you’ve never dreamed of and is well worth the slight splurge let alone the time saving.
BY CAR — Not in a rush, and more of an ‘it’s all about the journey not just the destination’ type? BC Ferries offers daily passages to Nanaimo, followed by a scenic 3-hour drive where taking in the natural beauty of the West Coast by car means allowing stops along the way too. Keep your eyes on the ocean while on the ferry, many a whale have been spotted along this route too.