Basecamp: Tofino
For adventure enthusiasts I can’t imagine a better year-round Canadian destination, with world class surfing (wave dependant), mountain biking, hiking, trail running, sea kayaking… and more passive activities such as whale and bird watching as well as walks with coffee on a seemingly endless maze of trails that are extremely well maintained there isn’t too terribly much that you can not do in Tofino. With just shy of 2,000 permanent residents, Tofino is located on the tip of the Esowista Peninsula at the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound. It is situated in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. The summers in Tofino are busy as the population swells with an influx of tourists - the winter is my preferred time to visit. The town feels sleepy and with winter storms rolling in and out the soft is incredible and the thick forests protect most of the trails from direct rain leaving perfect running conditions. After a few visits I have put together a guide for everything you need to know to make the most of your first, fifth or five hundredth trip to this little piece of paradise
how to get there
There are two main ways to get to Tofino from the mainland. The first is to fly into Victoria, BC and from there rent a car and drive just over four hours (197miles/317km) to Tofino. The other route utilizes BC Ferries via the Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanimo (Departure Bay) route and drive 126miles/203km( just under three hours). You are able to pre-book the ferry ahead of time for an added cost that guarantees your space on the ferry, otherwise drive ups are accepted as capacity allows. If you come via Victoria, I would recommend stocking up on groceries before departing the city, and we picked dup groceries in Nanimo as we took the ferry route. There is a small grocery store in Tofino.
Where to sleep
Located just n the edge of town, the Shoreline is a boutique hotel is nestled between old growth cedars, hanging on the edge of the shore. Originally built in the late 1960's this property & its architecture are the perfect place to call your basecamp in Tofino and its spacious A-Frame house and two A-Frame cabins are filled with all of the comforts of home.
The property offers five suites as well as the option for an entire takeover which would sleep up to 18 guests. It offers a hot tub (located in the A-Frame house) outdoor showers, and a sauna. This is the perfect place for a family getaway or a friends trip with so much room and easy walking access to everything that Tofino offers.
This cozy studio is ideal for adventurous couples or solo getaways. It offers a king size bed with unmatched views of the mountains of Mears Island and the Pacific Ocean and a spa bathroom (the heated floor is a godsend on cold rainy costal days) as well as a small kitchen with everything you need to cook and fast wifi ( a rarity in Tofino). With a private dock, fire pit (and complimentary fire wood) and hot tub you will be more than comfortable staying in but this property is truly built for adventures. They offer complimentary bike, paddle boarding and surf gear as well as everything you need to stay dry during those Tofino rain storms without the extra line ups and costs. And paddle boarding tours of the bay, guided hiking tours and mountains biking lessons for an extra fee. And if you are looking for something a little bit more laid back Cedarwood cove offers wellness retreat packages including yoga and massage and they even have elopement packages if that is on your to-do list.
And if there is anything that they don’t offer in-house (surf lessons, float planes, tours…) you will quickly learn that the real treat of this property is its owners. Located on site (but I promise will give you your space), Al and Michelle (and their rescue pup Koli) built this property for people to experience Tofino as a local. Catch Al heading out for his daily mountain biking and surfing trips and he will let you know where the waves are best and Michelle can be found in her green house (which she graciously allows guests to snack on fresh produce from) or heading out with Koli to grab a cup of coffee, Michelle can tell you everything going on in town from art to culture to beach clean ups and volunteer opportunities. Anything you could possibly need to enhance your visit - they will help you figure it out.
Where to find the best coffee
Rhino Coffee House (my favourite coffee - they also have amazing donuts and breakfast wraps)
What to do
Hike/run:
Rainforest Trail
Trail length: Two 1km loops (20 minutes for each)
Trail location: Pacific Rim National Park, 23.7km from Tofino
Tonquin Trail
Trail length: Variable routes, 3km loop trail
Trail location: Main trailheads are located on Tonquin Park Road and the Community Hall, just west of downtown Tofino
Cox Bay Lookout
Trail length: Approximately 3.5km return from Maltby Road parking lot (1 – 1.5 hours)
Trail directions: This hike can be hard to find as it is not marked and has multiple potential trailheads. Head to the very southern end of Cox Bay beach at low tide and look above the north facing rocks. There are a handful of different paths that travel up from the beach between the rocks. These eventually connect in the trees before the steep climbing section starts.
Cathedral Grove
Trail length: Three 1km – 2km loop trails (20 – 45 minutes)
Trail location: Located between Port Alberni and Coombs on Highway 4, Cathedral Grove can be an exceptionally busy place at peak visiting times (10am – 4pm). If parking proves difficult on your journey to Tofino, don’t worry. There’s another chance on the way back.
shop
These three little shops are all female founded and offer an array of curated gifts, household items, books and clothing - a lot local and artisan made. What I love most is that the three founders work together as a small collective and support one another. Collaboration over competition. Also, I wanted to but everything in these three shops.
relax
When we went there was a terrible winter storm so I opted to spend a lot of time relaxing indoors (see below) but there is really nothing like having a bonfire on the beach at sunset. To see the fire restrictions, click here.
What to pack
For Rainy Morning Coffee walks
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Pattern Mini Socks (these are the perfect height for the taller Blundstone boots)
For leisurely hikes down to the beach
For some of the best trail running in Canada
Patagonia Houdini Jacket (this is a very lightweight wind breaker - not water resistant/proof)
Arc'teryx Norvan SL Hoodie (Gore-Tex, lightweight and breathable)
Vuori : Energy Top (this is really comfortable and super flattering, the perfect crop)
Vuori : Lux Performance Long-Sleeve T-Shirt (size up in this one)
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes (not a true trail runner - but extremely versatile)
For staying cozy playing board games inside
additional things to know
Tofino is super expensive. Full stop. There isn’t really a way to get around this - your accommodations, food, activities will all add up quickly. Do not go to Tofino with a budget vacation mindset.
Each (Norman, non-COVID) year Tofino sees more than 600,000 tourists, but there are only around 2,000 permanent residents.
Tofino is made up of the rich history of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations.
You can not sleep in your car or RV anywhere in Tofino. If you want to sleep in your car you need to book a campsite.
You will want (need) to have a vehicle withe you. There is no public transport and only one single taxi in Tofino. You can rent a car at the Tofino airport but I would recommend (if you aren’t already driving) to fly into Nanimo or Victoria and rent a car from there. If you fly into Vancouver I would recommend (as a cost saving measure) going across he ferry as a pedestrian and renting your car on the island. It will save a lot in ferry fees.
The weather in Tofino is fairly moderate (and rainy) all year but storm season is only in the winter. During the winter season a lot of local businesses close - it is quieter and more enjoyable to visit in the winter but more lively in the summer.
Tofino is in a Tsunami area. Sign up for Tsunami alerts before you visit.
*Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made - at no additional cost to you. As always, all ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Thank you for your support!
