Tofino

Tofino, population 2,500 in 2021, is a former logging and fishing village that has become a center for ecotourism and activities such as whale watching, surfing, and camping. It is located on Clayoquot Sound, on the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, 208 km (129 miles) west of Nanaimo. Clayoquot Sound is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Understand
Tofino Inlet was named in 1792 by the Spanish explorers Galiano and Valdés, in honour of Admiral Vicente Tofiño de San Miguel y Wanderiales (or Vanderiales), under whom Galiano had learned cartography.

By car
Tofino is only reachable by travelling west on Highway 4, which starts near Qualicum Beach. The road, best driven during the day, is very twisty and narrow (particularly west of Port Alberni) but offers great views of lakes and mountains on the west coast. Coming from Victoria, take Highway #1/#19 north 160 km to the Highway 4 turnoff west to Port Alberni.

Airline

 * Regularly scheduled flights to Tofino from Victoria (YYJ) and Vancouver (45 minutes) are $250-300 one-way.

Ground Transportation


If you do not rent a car, you can arrange for a taxi or ride hailing, see below.

Seaplanes

 * Seasonal flights to Tofino from downtown Vancouver (1 hour) and Victoria harbour (1 hour). Expect flights to Victoria to cost $320 to $400 one-way.

By boat
If you are starting from Vancouver, catch the ferry from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen to Nanaimo on BC Ferries, and drive the rest of the way.

In the summer you can catch the M.V. Frances Barkley from Port Alberni to Ucluelet (37 km south from Tofino), 4½ hours, $30 one-way.

Get around
The town is small enough to walk through. A dedicated walking and bike path runs all the way down to Cox Bay. A free shuttle bus with a surfboard rack runs hourly in the summer season giving access as far as Cox bay.

By bicycle and foot
A multi use bike and foot path runs along the north side of Highway 4 with a space between the path and the highway. The path connects with the multi use path that travels throughout Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which travels near the south side of the highway. It is possible to travel from Ucluelet by multi use path, except for a 1.2-km section immediately south of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where travel would need to be done on Highway 4 in an area with narrow shoulders. Construction to close the 1.2-km gap in the multi use path is to be completed by Summer 2023.

Do
Tofino is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world. The long sandy beaches south of town are the main attraction, as are whale watching, hot springs, and surfing. In the winter, many of the facilities close up. However, there are still a number of travellers who come to see the storm season. For hikers, Tofino is a gateway to the Island's backcountry. With a guide or on your own, explore amazing trails or paddle beautiful inlets. There is still a lot of wildlife, such as Orcas, Bald Eagles, and bears. Tofino and Clayoquot Sound is a world renowned kayaking destination offering wilderness experiences on daily trips between 2 - 6 hr or even multi-day kayak adventures. Usually no previous experience is required.



Surfing locations
Tofino is the surfing capital of Canada. There are only beach breaks in Tofino. Surfing (with a 5mm wet suit, like everybody else surfing here) is popular whenever the surf is up. Winter brings higher waves yet the temperature is still moderate enough to surf. There are 3 surfing beaches and all can get busy in the high season. Many surf shops in and out of town provide rentals and lessons



Sleep
During high season (May–September) hotels here are among the most expensive in BC. During the off-season better deals are available. If you don't mind the 2 hour drive each way, considerably cheaper accommodation is available in Port Alberni.

Campgrounds
In the summer the campgrounds are very popular. There are a number of public and private campgrounds in the Tofino area. Most of these operate from about Mid-March to October or November.



Vacation rentals
Private cabins, homes and condominiums are available year round. This option is ideal for couples, families or groups who desire a self-catered holiday.



Connect
Cell phones work in Tofino, but data connections can be very slow. Computers with Internet access are available at a few shops in town (such as the Tofino Pharmacy and Tofitian Coffee Shop). Free Wifi is available at Darwins Cafe at the Tofino Botanical Gardens.