Surf, whale watch, explore the beach or hike one of the many rainforest trails through Pacific Rim National Park. Bookended by Ucluelet on one side and Tofino on the other, the area offers a wealth of natural wonders.
Rent a Bike. Tofino has a 7km paved bike path that runs from Cox Bay almost into downtown Tofino, passing by several beaches along the way. This is a multi-use path, so you could be sharing the route with skateboarders, tots on tricycles and the occasional surfer with a board tucked under their arm. For bike rentals, visit tofcycles.com
Hang 10 in Tofino. Want to learn to surf? You’ve come to the right place. Here are three rental places and surfing schools in Tofino: Surf Sister, surfsister.com; Pacific Surf Co, pacificsurfschool.com; Tofino Surf School, tofinosurfschool.ca.
Watch Whales. A jaw-dropping experience in Tofino is an Ocean Outfitters whale watching safari. Book fully enclosed boat and Zodiac tours with potential bonus sightings of sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters, bald eagles and more.
See the Sawmill. McLean Mill is the perfect place for a stroll any time of year. Whether it’s to take in history or to go for a scenic walk with your family or furry baby, you won’t be disappointed. The surroundings are breathtaking. Grab the family, bring a picnic and make it a day at the Mill! mcleanmill.ca
Explore the Trails. The stretch of Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-Tofino-Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails, beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca
Get Wild on the WPT. At the Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park, follow cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. See the sights from viewing platforms situated at the best headlands along the route. Marvel at nurse-logs, raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and ferns. Walk the trail in two main sections: Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach. wildpacifictrail.com
Littles to the Lighthouse. Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and 2.6km long, can be walked in a 30- to 45-minute loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk. The trail includes frequent viewpoints and benches for watching whales, birds or catching the sunset. wildpacifictrail.com
Learn About Local Marine Life. Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-and-release aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity of local marine life. Follow the Salmon Trail in the summer with five self-led learning experiences between Tofino and Ucluelet. uclueletaquarium.org
Get Out in the Garden. The Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens (formerly the Tofino Botanical Gardens) provide a space for humans to learn from nature in both natural and landscaped environments. The majority of the beautiful 10-acre site is home to coastal rainforest and its many living species. An enchanting trail system is designed to help visitors navigate through the forest and along the waterfront, which is also a globally recognized important bird area. clayoquotcampus.ca
Try Out Tuff City Skatepark. Tuff City Skatepark is a surf-inspired park built and powered by the determination of local residents. The result is a well-designed, safe skateboarding area for the young and old, those who are learning or experienced skateboarders. tourismtofino.com
Or Ride on Over to the Bike Park. This mountain bike park is Tofino’s newest addition to its outdoor playground. The park is located beside the Tofino Community Hall and includes a pump track, tabletop jumps, a learning area, ladder planks and other natural obstacles. The park is “use at your own risk” so think safety first when biking in the park.
Indulge in Gelato. Chocolate Tofino offers handmade gelato flavours including Dutch chocolate, salted caramel, white chocolate raspberry, hammerhead—a secret recipe—“kookville” and lavender honey. With a menu that’s “sometimes seasonal, sometimes as we please,” you never know what delights you’ll find. chocolatetofino.com
