Tofino Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tofino showing boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Tofino
Tofino featuring a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Tofino showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Tofino featuring a bay or harbour, night scenes and general coastal views

Located on a bay on Vancouver Island’s west coast, this resort town offers forest hikes, surfing beaches and whale-watching tours.

Once a tiny Vancouver Island fishing village, the town of Tofino is now a beachside resort town. Its wild surroundings within the Clayoquot Sound provide plenty of room to find peace. Surfing, whale watching and storm chasing are just a few of the ways to explore Tofino’s landscape.

During the summer, relax on Tofino’s beaches. Chesterman Beach is the closest to the village of Tofino. Explore the tide pools or head to Frank Island, accessible only at low tide. Trek into Pacific Rim National Park to find the aptly named Long Beach, where huge waves attract surfers. Sign up for surf school to build your skills.

Pacific Rim National Park also features excellent hikes. Beginners can take Big Tree Trail, lined with redwoods up to 1,500 years old. See the Hanging Garden Tree, which is a whopping 60 feet (18.3 meters) wide. If you are an experienced hiker, attempt the near-vertical Lone Cone Trail. From the peak of Lone Cone, enjoy a fantastic view of the hills and countless islands of Clayoquot Sound.

Get close to Tofino’s incredible wildlife on a boat tour. An estimated 20,000 whales pass along the west coast of Vancouver Island each year, so you are likely to see a gray, humpback or orca whale on a whale-watching tour. Bear-watching boat tours are available as well safely watch black bears feeding along the coastline at low tide.

Explore Clayoquot Sound on your own in a kayak. Paddle 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) west to reach a beautiful, remote beach on Vargas Island. Fish in the sound to catch delicious salmon.

While outdoor activities are Tofino’s main attractions, another great way to enjoy the area is to relax in a cozy waterfront cabin during winter and watch heavy storms roll in. Visit between November and March, when Tofino receives more than 10 storms per month.

From Vancouver, take a ferry to Vancouver Island, then make the 3-hour drive to Tofino. Beach resort meets remote mountain village in this Pacific paradise.

Where to stay in Tofino

Tonquin Park featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline

Tonquin Beach

If you're spending some time in Tonquin Beach, Tonquin Park and Tofino Bike Park are top sights worth seeing.

Tonquin Beach
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

2.5 out of 5
1119 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
The price is AU$626 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
AU$626
25 Sept - 26 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Hotel Zed Tofino

Hotel Zed Tofino

3 out of 5
1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
The price is AU$511 per night from 24 Sept to 25 Sept
AU$511
24 Sept - 25 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
Hotel Zed Tofino
Tofino Resort & Marina

Tofino Resort & Marina

3 out of 5
634 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
The price is AU$448 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
AU$448
26 Sept - 27 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (760 reviews)
"Sadly we were only able to spend 1 night, but the room was incredible, the only thing is the bathroom could’ve been a bit bigger to match the vibe of the room, other than that, it was amazing!"

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025

Tofino Resort & Marina
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.
Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos

Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos

3.5 out of 5
230 Main Street, Tofino, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Eagle Aerie Gallery are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (345 reviews)
"Great location with easy parking. Spacious room with high ceiling and a full kitchen. A bit dated but very convenient."

Reviewed on 23 Aug. 2025

Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

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

Tofino
Stay at this vacation home in Tofino. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Pacific Rim National ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)
had a great time
"good proximity to beach and other amenities. quiet and peaceful."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman
Tofino Water Front Home  Hot Tub, Beach, Private Float

Tofino Water Front Home Hot Tub, Beach, Private Float

Tofino
Stay at this vacation home in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (180 reviews)
Ok
"Beautiful view however bushes need to be cut back to experience the full view same with the bushes heading to the hot tub. Owner lives above which I wish I would have known. overall it was OK. The thing that didn’t sit well with me was the owner came to tell me on the second day, that BC Hydro had ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Tofino Water Front Home Hot Tub, Beach, Private Float
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.

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