This 3 day Tofino itinerary covers the best things to do in Tofino and the surrounding area including the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. From wildlife watching to surfing, this itinerary will ensure you experience the very best of Vancouver Island’s wild west coast.
You may be interested in one of these other local British Columbia guides:
Tofino overview
A truly special place, Tofino is perhaps Vancouver Island’s most iconic town, and for good reason. This remote west coast destination is surrounded by dramatic, wild natural scenery from the rugged coastline, to calm inlets, mountain peaks and dense temperate rainforest. For nature lovers everything you could ever want is right here.
Expect sandy beaches perfect for surfing or relaxing, ancient rainforests with unique hiking trails and rich biodiversity for unforgettable wildlife watching. The town itself is a charming blend of surf town energy, fishing village history, and Indigenous culture. It’s hard not to fall in love with this coastal gem.
When to visit Tofino
Tofino is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary depending on season.
In the warmer, drier months, typically June-September, Tofino is popular with visitors eager to surf, hike, explore beaches and discover the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This is the best time for outdoor adventures and long beach days. The month of August is referred to by locals as Fogust as marine fog rolls in throughout the month.
Outside of summer, the town has become famous as a storm watching destination. During fall and winter, massive waves roll in from the Pacific Ocean, creating dramatic coastal scenery that draws photographers and storm watchers. Cosy cabins, oceanfront lodges and wild weather make winter in Tofino equally magic.
Getting to Tofino
Tofino lies on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island. While it feels far removed from the rest of the island, getting there is relatively straightforward.
Driving to Tofino:
From Nanaimo, it’s approximately a 3 hour drive via Highway 4. This scenic route is part of the adventure and includes several worthwhile stops along the way.
You’ll pass Cameron Lake, a beautiful spot for photos, and Cathedral Grove, one of Vancouver Island’s most impressive old-growth forests with two short trails that visitors can stretch their legs on. The route continues through the town of Port Alberni before a winding stretch of road leads you across the island to the coast and into Tofino.
Flying to Tofino:
One of the most exciting ways to reach Tofino is by seaplane. During the summer months, Harbour Air operates flights between Vancouver and Tofino, offering aerial views of the coastline and mountains.
Having a car is recommended once in Tofino so you can explore the beaches, trails and surrounding areas. Car rentals are available from Budget Rent-A-Car at Tofino Airport and Harbour Air partners with Budget to offer special rates.
Where to stay in Tofino
There are various accommodation options in and around Tofino, ranging from beachfront resorts to cosy Airbnb’s and campsites.
Hotels and Resorts in Tofino:
Middle Beach Lodge – It offers great value with cabins right along the water, and two beach access points. It’s peaceful, scenic and perfectly located between Tofino town and the beaches.
Long Beach Lodge Resort – A more budget-friendly option also on Cox Bay with relaxed west coast vibes and direct beach access.
Blackrock Oceanfront Resort – Located about 30 minutes from Tofino in nearby Ucluelet, this dramatic cliffside resort overlooks rugged rocky beaches. It’s a great choice if you want to save slightly on accommodation and prefer dramatic coastal scenery over sandy beaches.
Campsites:
Crystal Cove – A cabin and RV resort on Mackenzie Beach.
Mackenzie Beach Resort – Another cabin, camping and RV resort located right on Mackenzie Beach.
For more budget friendly camping options, consider: Bella Pacifica Campground, Surf Grove Campground, Green Point Campground.
Day 1: Kayaking, rainforest walk, & Wikkaninish Beach
For your first day in Tofino, assuming your arrived the night before or early in the morning, you’ll have the whole day to explore.
A great way to begin your Tofino trip is with a kayaking tour. This is one of the best ways to experience the west coast’s calm waters and rich wildlife. Half day tours are available in either Clayoquot Sound, leaving from Tofino or Barkley Sound, leaving from Ucluelet (check out Paddle West Kayaking). Many tours include lunch and are led by experienced local guides. There’s nothing better than spending a morning paddling through peaceful inlets surrounded by mountains and forest.
After your morning paddle, head to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Spanning 511km2 of Vancouver Island’s wild west coast, the park feels remote and untouched. Many areas are accessible only by boat, long, rough roads or multiple days of hiking. Adding to its allure are sandy beaches that are often shrouded in fog, unspoiled temperate rainforest, and diverse wildlife including bears, cougars and wolves. Fortunately, part of the park is located just outside Tofino. A 20 minute drive from town brings you to the Rainforest Trails. Theses two short loop trails feature wooden boardwalks and gravel pathways weaving through well-preserved old growth temperate rainforest. Choose from two short 1k loops, or do both – each are beautiful.
After your walk, continue to nearby Wickaninnish Beach, a long sandy stretch ideal for walking or relaxing. It’s often quieter than other beaches in the area. Stop by the Kwisitis Visitor Centre at the end of the beach to learn about the region’s ecology and First Nations culture. The decking outside also offers beautiful ocean views and a chance to spot whales.
In the evening, head into Tofino town to watch sunset over Clayoquot Sound from the wharf at the end of First Street. Then enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in town:
- Wolf in the Fog – incredible locally inspired dishes
- Ombre – seasonal shared plates
- The Bear Bierhaus Restaurant – casual and lively
- Jeju Restaurant – elevated Korean food.
For drinks after dinner, try Shed for a lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Tonquin Trail, surfing and Cox Bay sunset
Begin your day with a stroll along the coastline. Pettinger Point, Chesterman Beach or Mackenzie Beach, located on the outskirts of Tofino, offer beautiful coastal views and at low tides reveal hidden caves and rock pools teeming with ocean life.
Around midday head into Tofino town for lunch and to browse the shops. The town centre has plenty of clothing and gift stores, art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants to explore. This is also a good time to rent a surfboard for the afternoon.
A top surfing spot is Cox Bay Beach. Bring your own gear, rent from a shop in town or hire equipment directly from beachfront hotels (check before you go though as at certain times of the year, hotels only rent to their guests). Lessons are widely available but should be booked in advance. Even iff surfing isn’t for you, Cox Bay is fantastic for relaxing and watching surfers.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach before heading to Cox Bay Lookout for sunset. This viewpoint offers one of the most beautiful views in Tofino. The trail begins at the southern end of Cox Bay Beach and is not signposted, but you should see a path leading up over rocks into the forest.
The hike is fairly challenging and often very muddy – even in summer – but the reward is worth it. From the top, you’ll see weeping views over Cox Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Clayoquot Sound and surrounding mountains. Sunset here is magical.
Day 3: Wildlife watching, coffee and tacos
Tofino and the surrounding region are a wildlife paradise, so joining a tour is a must-do while visiting. Tours depart from town and include whale watching, bear watching and sea otter spotting. We recommend the Whale Centre which offers a range of tours led by expert guides. One of our favourites is the bear watching tour, where you can see black bears foraging along the shoreline. This tour ventures into the Clayoquot Sound, known for its dramatic scenery and marine life. Along the tour, you’re also likely to spot porpoises, seals and possibly whales and sea otters. Most tours last for a couple of hours, making them a perfect way to spend your final morning in Tofino.
After the tour, head along the Pacific Rim Highway to an area with shops and cafes. Here you can find:
- Tofitian Cafe – a cute place to grab coffee and baked goods
- Chocolate Tofino – handmade chocolate and ice cream
- Surf shops and a grocery store
- Food trucks including Tacofino – a popular taco spot in Tofino.
Once you’ve filled up on tacos and treats, it’s time to leave this Pacific paradise and begin your journey home. If you plan to stay longer on Vancouver Island, check out this list of must see places, stretching from the southern tip of the island to the far northern part of the island.
Other things to do in Tofino:
If you have extra time in Tofino, consider adding these activities to your itinerary:
Explore more beaches:
There’s no shortage of stunning beaches along this coastline. Chesterman Beach and Long Beach are excellent alternatives or additions to the beaches listed in the itinerary.
Visit Ucluelet:
Often overshadowed by Tofino, the town of Ucluelet (pronounced you-klew-let) is a more low-key and rugged alternative that’s just as scenic and even more laid-back. Ucluelet offers a deep connection to the wild west coast with crashing waves, dense rainforest, and a welcoming local community.
The vibe here is a little quieter and less commercial, but no less stunning. Ucluelet is home to the famous Wild Pacific Trail, a coastal hiking route offering some of the best ocean views on the island. Visitors can get a taste of the trail by hiking one of the sections such as the Lighthouse Loop, which passes through mossy forest with dramatic views of the coast.
Ucluelet is also a great launch point for whale watching tours, sea kayaking, and fishing charters, and you’ll often spot eagles, seals, and sea lions just from the shoreline. Nearby beaches like Big Beach and Little Beach are perfect for exploring tide pools, watching the surf, or enjoying a peaceful walk.
The town itself has a cosy and creative feel, with cafés, galleries, and restaurants that highlight local seafood and West Coast culture. In the summer there are markets showcasing local artists’ crafts. It’s also a popular destination for storm watching in winter, when massive Pacific waves pound the shore in dramatic fashion.
More tours:
There are so many tours on offer in Tofino, you could spend days going on them. Two highly popular alternatives or additions to the ones listed above in the itinerary are whale watching and a natural hot springs tour.
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