Mackenzie Beach Tours and Activities

Mackenzie Beach
Mackenzie Beach
Mackenzie Beach featuring mist or fog, a sandy beach and surfing
Mackenzie Beach which includes mist or fog and a beach
Mackenzie Beach featuring surfing, mist or fog and a beach


The calm waters of this beach near Tofino make it an ideal spot for families to take a break from city life and go for a swim.

Visitors flock to Mackenzie Beach to enjoy its calm waters and family ambiance. The Vancouver Island strip of sand is particularly popular because it is close to the town of Tofino and is protected from high winds by rock formations. Its calm waves create a family atmosphere, since more adventurous swimmers and surfers make their way to tougher waters farther south.

Claim a spot on the sandy beach for you and your family to sit with a picnic and enjoy with a scenic view of the ocean. The beach is a hotspot for sunbathers in the summer. Dip your feet in the ocean or go for a swim to cool down after an afternoon in the sun. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water for your time on the coast. Stay for the sunset to see the sky change colours.

The beach is popular in the winter among storm watchers. The tempests, which put on a marvellous light show over the ocean, have also shaped the trees behind the beach. Note that many are bent out of shape as a result of the storms. Meander through piles of driftwood stacked on the sand. Watch kids making forts out of the sand and wood.

Take the kids beachcombing along miles of sand to find interesting items, such as seashells, fossils and driftwood. Play beach volleyball and frisbee with family and friends.

Spend the night at a resort or in the nearby campground. Scenes from the 2005 remake of The Fog were filmed on sections of Mackenzie Beach. 

Drive 1.8 miles (3 kilometres) south from the city of Tofino to reach Mackenzie Beach. It faces the Templar Channel on the west coast of Vancouver Island, just north of Chesterman Beach, Long Beach and Schooner Cove. The journey will take about 5 minutes by car, first along main roads, and then via dirt paths. Parking can be quite difficult to find at peak times.

Popular places to visit


Top Mackenzie Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

2.5 out of 5
1119 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Hotel Zed Tofino

Hotel Zed Tofino

3 out of 5
1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Hotel Zed Tofino
Tofino Resort & Marina

Tofino Resort & Marina

3 out of 5
634 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
Tofino Resort & Marina
Middle Beach Lodge

Middle Beach Lodge

3.5 out of 5
400 Mackenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC
Middle Beach Lodge
Tofino Motel Harborview

Tofino Motel Harborview

2.5 out of 5
542 Campbell St., Tofino, BC
Tofino Motel Harborview
The Maq Hotel

The Maq Hotel

2 out of 5
120 First Street, Tofino, BC
The Maq Hotel
Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses

Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses

3.5 out of 5
1110 Fellowship Drive, Tofino, BC
Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

Tofino
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman
Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging

Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging

2.5 out of 5
215 Campbell St, Tofino, BC
Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach in Tofino offers a range of delightful activities, including breathtaking sunsets and serene strolls along the calm shoreline. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, explore stunning beaches, and partake in diving excursions. The vibrant local art scene adds to the charm, while live music events enhance the overall experience, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Tofino Art Glass, just 1.6km from Mackenzie Beach, where you can find beautiful handcrafted glass pieces. If you're up for a drive, check out the Tofino Village Square, located about 19.3km away, which features a variety of local shops and boutiques.

Recreation

At Schooner Cove, a mere 11.3km from Mackenzie Beach, immerse yourself in serene surroundings perfect for relaxation and wellness. Meanwhile, Clayquot Arm Provincial Park, located 24.1km away, offers tranquil nature walks and rejuvenating vibes, making it an ideal spot for mindfulness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Schooner Cove Trailhead, 11.3km from Mackenzie Beach, offers stunning outdoor scenery and an adventurous hiking experience through lush landscapes. The Rainforest Trail, located 19.3km away, immerses you in vibrant greenery, while the Wild Pacific Trail, 33.8km from the beach, showcases breathtaking coastal views and rugged terrain.

Nightlife

Mackenzie Beach offers a laid-back nightlife vibe, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Enjoy a craft beer at the Tofino Brewing Company or indulge in fresh seafood at The Wolf in the Fog, where the atmosphere is lively yet relaxed.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach in Tofino is a fantastic destination for Aussie tourists, offering a mix of stunning beaches, beautiful botanical gardens, and urban parks. Here, you can enjoy family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, all just steps away from the beach. Whether you're soaking up the sun or exploring the local flora, Mackenzie Beach promises a memorable getaway filled with natural beauty and relaxation.

  • Chesterman Beach: A stunning expanse of golden sand, Chesterman Beach is perfect for relaxing strolls and soaking in the sun. With its laid-back beach vibes, it's a popular spot for surfers and families alike, offering breathtaking views of the Tofino coastline.
  • Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens: This enchanting botanical garden is a romantic escape filled with lush flora and tranquil pathways. Located a short distance from Mackenzie Beach, it’s ideal for family outings or peaceful walks amidst nature’s beauty.
  • Tonquin Park: An urban park that seamlessly blends nature with city life, Tonquin Park offers family-friendly trails and scenic viewpoints. It's a great place for picnics and enjoying the outdoors, all while being close to Tofino's vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Mackenzie Beach

The best time to visit Mackenzie Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March42.4°F (5.8°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.9°F (7.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July58.8°F (14.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mackenzie Beach

To save money on your visit to Mackenzie Beach, plan your trip from January to February or November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or keep an eye on last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Mondays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s tools to compare prices and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better deals. Also, consider walking or cycling to explore the area and enjoy free beach activities for a budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mackenzie Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Mackenzie Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mackenzie Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Mackenzie Beach is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Mackenzie Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.