Tofino

Travel Guide

Tofino showing a bay or harbor, a coastal town and boating
Tofino showing a bay or harbor and a sunset
Tofino showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Tofino which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals
Tofino featuring a bay or harbor, general coastal views and night scenes

Located on a bay on Vancouver Island’s west coast, this resort town offers forest hikes, surfing beaches and whale-watching tours.

Once a tiny Vancouver Island fishing village, the town of Tofino is now a beachside resort town. Its wild surroundings within the Clayoquot Sound provide plenty of room to find peace. Surfing, whale watching and storm chasing are just a few of the ways to explore Tofino’s landscape.

During the summer, relax on Tofino’s beaches. Chesterman Beach is the closest to the village of Tofino. Explore the tide pools or head to Frank Island, accessible only at low tide. Trek into Pacific Rim National Park to find the aptly named Long Beach, where huge waves attract surfers. Sign up for surf school to build your skills.

Pacific Rim National Park also features excellent hikes. Beginners can take Big Tree Trail, lined with redwoods up to 1,500 years old. See the Hanging Garden Tree, which is a whopping 60 feet (18.3 meters) wide. If you are an experienced hiker, attempt the near-vertical Lone Cone Trail. From the peak of Lone Cone, enjoy a fantastic view of the hills and countless islands of Clayoquot Sound.

Get close to Tofino’s incredible wildlife on a boat tour. An estimated 20,000 whales pass along the west coast of Vancouver Island each year, so you are likely to see a gray, humpback or orca whale on a whale-watching tour. Bear-watching boat tours are available as well safely watch black bears feeding along the coastline at low tide.

Explore Clayoquot Sound on your own in a kayak. Paddle 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) west to reach a beautiful, remote beach on Vargas Island. Fish in the sound to catch delicious salmon.

While outdoor activities are Tofino’s main attractions, another great way to enjoy the area is to relax in a cozy waterfront cabin during winter and watch heavy storms roll in. Visit between November and March, when Tofino receives more than 10 storms per month.

From Vancouver, take a ferry to Vancouver Island, then make the 3-hour drive to Tofino. Beach resort meets remote mountain village in this Pacific paradise.

Where to stay in Tofino

Tonquin Park which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views

Tonquin Beach

While visiting Tonquin Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Tonquin Park and Tofino Bike Park.

Tonquin Beach
Hotel Zed Tofino

Hotel Zed Tofino

3 out of 5
1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
$325 nightly
The price is $377 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$377 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Lovely place"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hotel Zed Tofino
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

2.5 out of 5
1119 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
$358 nightly
The price is $415 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$415 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
2 nights in Tofino
"What a beautiful way to see Tofino! Excellent location right on Mackenzie Beach, and every room has the ocean view and balcony. Spacious comfortable room and beds. Included breakfast was excellent, hot, fresh, good variety and quality. We couldn’t use the fire pits due to the provincial fire ban ..."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Tofino Resort & Marina

Tofino Resort & Marina

3 out of 5
634 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
$258 nightly
The price is $299 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$299 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (757 reviews)
"Great place to stay if your going to tofino"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Tofino Resort & Marina
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.
Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos

Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos

3.5 out of 5
230 Main Street, Tofino, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Eagle Aerie Gallery are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
"Nice condo facing the water. I can hear the waves right now as I write this since rhe windows are open."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Fred Tibbs Ocean Front Condos
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

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

Tofino
Stay at this vacation home in Tofino. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Pacific Rim National ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)
had a great time
"good proximity to beach and other amenities. quiet and peaceful."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman
Tofino Water Front Home  Hot Tub, Beach, Private Float

Tofino Water Front Home Hot Tub, Beach, Private Float

Tofino
Stay at this vacation home in Tofino. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Chesterman Beach and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (180 reviews)
Ok
"Beautiful view however bushes need to be cut back to experience the full view same with the bushes heading to the hot tub. Owner lives above which I wish I would have known. overall it was OK. The thing that didn’t sit well with me was the owner came to tell me on the second day, that BC Hydro had ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Tofino Water Front Home Hot Tub, Beach, Private Float
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.

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