Ahhh Tofino. The name itself already sounds so soft and sweet and magical, right? Like some funky candy from a Harry Potter or Roald Dahl book.
Located at ‘the end of the road’ on the west side of Vancouver Island, Tofino (with its 2000 permanent inhabitants) is home to miles of ancient coastal rainforests, rivers, lakes and white sand beaches.
It’s difficult to explain what kind of vibe to find in Tofino, but I think the pictures in this article will already give it a bit away. Especially the sunsets are very typical for this area. I heard so many stories about this little town that I was pretty sure I could only be disappointed when I arrived there myself. But it’s true, there’s just something about Tofino. Again, I was able to picture myself living there.
This place is exceptional for adventure lovers and no matter the time of year, you’ll always have a lovely time in here. Yup, even during the darker months of the year. In fact, people love to go storm watching in winter, while leaning into the howling wind and facing the horizontal rain showers; a peculiar pastime right?
I didn’t had a car myself in here and although that was a bit inconvenient from time to time it was still possible to do a lot. Moreover, hitchhiking is fairly common. So although it may take a little longer to get somewhere, in general there are several possibilities to see the area.
So bundle up your better outdoor gear, put a sunglass on your face (even on the murkier days, ’cause you never know when the sun will be out in here), pump up those bicycle wheels and enjoy the forces of nature. You might even see a whale or two on one of your adventures!
A stroll @ downtown Tofino
Let’s start at the beginning: go explore the inner street circle of Tofino! As I was walking around I noticed that Tofino has a lot of quirky, little shops. In the 60s the art scene got a big boost in here with the arrival of the hippies and that is to be felt everywhere around town.
Take a sneak peek at the Roy Henri Vickers Gallery, find organic goodies at LA Pharmacy (you wouldn’t expect it, but they have a GREAT organic cosmetic selection over there), shop a warm scarf at Piña Styles or some locals jewellery at Tree House Gift.
Also go for a cup of coffee at Rhino Coffee House, eat some noodles at Sea Monster Noodle Bar, eat a slice at Tony’s Pizza or an ice cream on the corner of The Sugar Shack. And enjoy all the lovely vistas on the surrounding nature in between!
Train those calf muscles @ Lone Cone Trail
If you’re looking for an intense, full day hike then Lone Cone might just be the trail for you. The towering Lone Cone rises from the ocean on Meares Island and is visible from Tofino.
From the top (as I spotted on Instagram) the 360° view is absolutely spectacular. You can clearly see the islands dotted around the town of Tofino in the Pacific Ocean. However, it’s tough to reach this view as you have to climb more than 700 meters in just over 1.5 km. So go early in the morning and pick a bright day.
I recommend this hike because it doesn’t require a car to get there.. just a boat ride! Both Lone Cone Hostel and Tofino Water Taxi can take you to Meares Island (the first one is the cheapest). I wanted to do the hike so badly myself but I was too late in the season and the water taxi already stopped going there. But boy it looks tempting…↓
Coffeetime @ Common Loaf Bake Shop
I liked this place so much that it deserves a private mention. Although the service in here is a bit ‘rough’ so to say, unfortunately, the daily selection of goodies at this coffee and bake shop can’t be beaten in town. I ended coming back at this spot in downtown Tofino day after day.
The place is homey, you can find books for free on the outside and the prices are quite neat too. Plus, those pies are to die for!
The Common Loaf Bake Shop is also a great place to order a take-away sandwich if you’re planning to do a hike, surfing or biking session.
Go kayaking @ everywhere you can’t go by foot
Okay, so I haven’t done this myself, so I can’t like really recommend it.. but I have been watching the kayaks gliding slowly and silently through the water and it looks absolutely peaceful!
Tofino is perhaps a perfect spot for a paddling adventure as there are so many islets and little bays around. Places that are exceptionally difficult to reach otherwise.
So I’d say go! And rub it in on what a fine thing I missed out on 🙂
Rent a bike and head to the beaches
As I stayed at HI Tofino Whalers on the Point Guesthouse, I rented a bike over there for a day, just to be a little bit more mobile. If I remember correctly this was something like $22,- CAD for a whole 24 hour period. Expensive, but worth it.
I absolutely loved cruising around in here. There’s a separate biking lane – to make the trip a little safer – and the beaches are just absolutely magical down on the west coast. No matter what particular strip you’re walking on, tidepools with sea life, bald eagles and dense forests are never far away. Some of the beaches are wide and long and others are more like tiny bays, but all of them a joy for lovers of nature.
Make sure to at least include these beaches below!
Middle Beach ↓
MacKenzie Beach ↓
Chesterman Beach ↓
Walk @ the Tonquin Trail
Added to that previous activity, the first beaches as seen from town are only reachable by foot. The trail that starts at Tonquin Beach is relatively new and leads all the way via a rugged shoreline to Middle Beach
You could either hitchhike back to town from there or walk back via the same route (walking it twice isn’t a punishment at all :))
Tonquin Beach ↓
Third Beach ↓
Go for a stroll @ Tofino Botanical garden
I think my expectations were a bit too high when I arrived at Tofino Botanical Garden (admission $12,- CAD) . Although this place is more like a combination of a little cultivated garden and mini-farm plus a tiny trail through a natural rainforest along the lake, I still thought it was worth a break.
I think this place is especially nice for kids, also because there’s a nice chicken and goat petting farm for them to visit. Moreover, there’s also a nice restaurant at the entrance of the park, great if you’re in need for a lunch or cup of coffee.
Throughout the first part of the trail you’ll also encounter a couple of art installations, which are cool. On the other side of the forest you’ll find a peaceful lake, full of birds.
The garden is fairly close to town so you could either walk there, go for a hitch or add it to the itinerary if you’re planning on renting a bike.
Hike the Wild Pacific Trail @ Ucluelet
Another great (half a) day trip would be a visit to southern Ucluelet, also known as ‘the next Tofino’. This town is home to the superb Wild Pacific Trail, the WPT. And nope thy Reese Witherspoon adorer, that has not to be confused with the PCT (the Pacific Crest Trail); the hike that has been made famous by the book (and movie) ‘Wild’.
Although it might just be as much of a healing kind of experience as the PCT, the Wild Pacific Trail in Canada is only 9 km / 5.5 miles long. Sounds a lot more feasible right? But don’t be mistaken, although short the trail is absolutely stunning for sure.
Read more about the trail and my experience in here!
Crashing the waves @ a surf session
Tofino is Canada’s surf capital and whether you’re a pro or a beginner, surfing is one of the most exciting outdoor adventures Tofino will offer you!
There are several surf shops in town where you can rent your equipment. Remember before striking out to ask what the better spots are to start out at. Rip currents can be tricky in here and as every beach is surrounded by rocky headland you really must know where to go!
So reside in nature, get wet and balance on that board! And enjoy the views on the coast in between as they are amazing.
Increase your sugar levels @ Chocolate Tofino
This little gem of a shop is located right on the main road and a must stop for every sweet tooth. On the inside of this wooden joint you’ll find a superb selection of hand made chocolates, ice cream, gifts and a friendly staff who’ll explain you all about the chocolate process if you like. Moreover, if you peek over the counter you can see how it’s all been made.
On colder days there’re often having 2 x 1 hot chocolate deals, which is great in case you and your pal just hopped off those surf boards!
Chase the sunsets @ the Pacific side
The horizons of Tofino are brilliant and even the locals still head out for an end-of-the-day-tanning-in-golden-hues-session.
From town it’s easy to walk to Tonquin beach ↓. This might just be the best spot to see it the sun go down anyway. On a good day the crowds you’ll encounter will attest to that.
Any spot at the beach or on one of the rocks will do, but if you want to take it to a higher level then there’s also a nice viewpoint a bit south of the beach. The stairs in the middle will lead you to it.
Over here you’ll find this bench and this treehouse-like platform ↑
If it’s not too dark you might also consider walking a little further south to Third Beach. ↓
That reminds me, don’t forget a flashlight! Just in case the dark comes creeping in a little sooner than expected. And these forests have a high ‘forbidden forest’ kind of feel when it’s dark. It creeped me out!
Well, that’s it. What more can I tell you… ah yes don’t forget to snuggle up by the fireside at the end of the day!
Here’s where to go in Tofino and around!
