Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens Tours

Tofino Botanical Gardens showing a garden and a pond
Tofino Botanical Gardens showing a lake or waterhole and forest scenes
Tofino Botanical Gardens which includes a garden and a pond
Tofino Botanical Gardens featuring signage and a garden
Tofino Botanical Gardens which includes outdoor art, forests and a garden


Venture into a coastal rainforest, stroll along waterside trails and study native and foreign plants at these beautiful botanical gardens.

Walk among the trees of a temperate rainforest, explore gardens filled with native plants and spot wildlife by the pond when you visit Tofino Botanical Gardens. The 12-acre (5-hectare) site is tucked away on the western coast of Vancouver Island. Its collections include plants from Chile and Japan and art installations.

A series of stone paths and boardwalks lead through the attractive grounds. Stop by the large cedar tree that's believed to be the oldest in the gardens. The tree serves as a host to numerous plant species which can be seen growing on its branches. Enjoy the scents in the herb garden and the bright colors of the flower garden.

As you make your way through the gardens, you will come across a number of wooden sculptures situated among the trees and shrubs. The highlights include the abstract Determined Woman and Cycladic Dancer.

Be sure to stop off at the pond where you may see ducks and frogs. Next to this small body of water is a wooden gazebo by local artist Jan Janzen. The lower part of the beautiful wooden structure was put together without using pegs, screws or nails.

Look at the plants brought over from forests in southern Chile. They closely resemble those on Vancouver Island but are from different plant families. The reason for the similarities is that the environmental conditions in both these places are the same.

From the center of the garden make your way to the expansive mud flats of Clayoquot Sound. Gaze out over the dark mud and water toward the tree-covered islands, including Meares Island.

Tofino Botanical Gardens is a 5-minute drive south of central Tofino and is open every day.

There is a small admission fee. Children under the age of 12 get in for free. On-site facilities include a café. For details and prices, visit the official website of the gardens.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

2.5 out of 5
1119 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Hotel Zed Tofino

Hotel Zed Tofino

3 out of 5
1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Hotel Zed Tofino
Tofino Resort & Marina

Tofino Resort & Marina

3 out of 5
634 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
Tofino Resort & Marina
Tofino Motel Harborview

Tofino Motel Harborview

2.5 out of 5
542 Campbell St., Tofino, BC
Tofino Motel Harborview
Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses

Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses

3.5 out of 5
1110 Fellowship Drive, Tofino, BC
Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses
Middle Beach Lodge

Middle Beach Lodge

3.5 out of 5
400 Mackenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC
Middle Beach Lodge
Gorgeous Oceanfront Rancher with Stunning views, Sauna, Hot tub and Pool table!

Gorgeous Oceanfront Rancher with Stunning views, Sauna, Hot tub and Pool table!

Tofino
Gorgeous Oceanfront Rancher with Stunning views, Sauna, Hot tub and Pool table!
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

Tofino
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman
Cox Bay Beach Resort

Cox Bay Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
1431 Pacific Rim Hwy Tofino, Tofino, BC
Cox Bay Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tofino Botanical Gardens

At Tofino Botanical Gardens, visitors can explore beautiful flower gardens and enjoy guided tours. The area is perfect for a picnic, with tables available for a relaxing meal. Nearby, experience thrilling activities like surfing and whalewatching, or take a trip to Ucluelet. Don't miss out on Tofino's vibrant food tours to savor local flavors while taking in stunning sunsets.

Food and drinks

Savor fresh seafood at The Botanist Restaurant, known for its innovative dishes. For a quick snack, try the Fairmount Bagel, offering delicious bagels. Don’t miss the Tea Room for a cozy spot to enjoy a selection of teas and light bites after exploring the gardens.

Shopping

Tofino Art Glass, located 1 mile away, offers unique handcrafted glass art perfect for souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting the Tofino Market 12 miles away for local crafts and goodies, or the Long Beach Marketplace for a wider selection of gifts and apparel.

Recreation

At Long Beach Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking scenery, just 6 miles from Tofino Botanical Gardens. For relaxation, head to Schooner Cove, 7 miles away, where you can unwind in a serene coastal environment. Clayquot Arm Provincial Park, 14 miles away, offers peaceful nature trails for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Schooner Cove Trailhead, located 6 miles from Tofino Botanical Gardens, offers stunning coastal views and a thrilling hiking experience through lush landscapes. Similarly, the Rainforest Trail, situated 11 miles away, immerses you in a magical world of towering trees and vibrant greenery, perfect for adventure seekers.

Find the best attractions near Tofino Botanical Gardens

During your visit to Tofino Botanical Gardens, you can explore a variety of attractions, including stunning beaches, national parks, and nearby islands. This destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking memorable experiences. Don't miss the chance to wander through the beautiful Tofino Botanical Gardens, where you'll find a diverse collection of plants and natural beauty that showcases the region's unique ecosystem.

  • Chesterman Beach: Just 1 mile from Tofino Botanical Gardens, Chesterman Beach is known for its stunning sandy shores and vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, or surfing, all while taking in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes.
  • Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: Located 5 miles away, this national park offers thrilling adventures amidst spectacular scenery. Explore lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife while hiking its extensive trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  • Tonquin Park: This urban park, just 1 mile from the gardens, is ideal for families and offers a peaceful retreat. Enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful ocean views, making it a great spot for relaxation and outdoor activities in a city setting.

Best time to go to Tofino Botanical Gardens

The best time to visit Tofino Botanical Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Tofino Botanical Gardens falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Tofino Botanical Gardens falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.4°F (5.8°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.9°F (7.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July58.8°F (14.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tofino Botanical Gardens

To save money on your visit to Tofino Botanical Gardens, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Chesterman Beach, Mackenzie Beach, and Cox Bay Beach. The best time to visit for lower rates is from January to February or November, while booking hotels about a month in advance often yields the best prices. Check last-minute deals on Expedia for additional savings, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for discounts. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive offers and rewards for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tofino Botanical Gardens are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Tofino Botanical Gardens about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget and preferred destination, among other options. You can arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Tofino Botanical Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.