Things to Do in Tofino, Vancouver Island – Complete Travel Guide
- cam.campo
- Sep 20, 2025
- 7 min read
Tofino, this small town seemingly frozen in time with its unique atmosphere, is a must-stop on Vancouver Island. However, reaching Tofino is something you have to earn, as getting there requires crossing the island from one coast to the other, ending with a drive through the Pacific Rim National Park.
In addition to offering plenty of activities that we’ll present in this article, Tofino also allows you to discover landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in Canada.
Discovering Tofino’s Landscapes
Nestled between Clayoquot Sound and Pacific Rim, Tofino is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for diverse scenery.
Clayoquot Sound
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Clayoquot Sound is a group of islands, both large and small, that you can explore by boat, zodiac, or even sea kayak.
This archipelago is teeming with life, with rich and diverse flora and fauna. Among the islands, you’ll find Meares Island, which is quite large compared to the others. It is home to a magnificent temperate rainforest, a type of vegetation you wouldn’t expect to see here.
Maquinna Island offers another natural wonder that travelers greatly appreciate: hot springs, with water reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius as it flows from the rock.
To explore Clayoquot Sound, we recommend the agency Remote Passages, which offers a variety of excursions.
More information in this article : Discovering the Clayoquot Sound archipelago from Tofino
Pacific Rim
Discover a park with extraordinary landscapes, featuring long sandy beaches and lush rainforests. Whether you’re looking to go hiking or simply relax on the beach, there’s something for everyone.
For hiking, we recommend:
Halfmoon Bay Trail (3.6 km round trip)The trail starts from the Willowbrae parking lot.The walk is fairly demanding, with steep slopes where stairs have been built. This trail leads to a secluded beach scattered with pieces of driftwood.
Rainforest Trail B (1 km) or Rainforest Trail A (1 km)These trails don’t lead to a beach but take you through a beautiful forest. A small parking area is available between Green Point Campground and Wick Road, but it is reserved for cars only. For RVs, you’ll need to park at Combers parking lot and start your walk with an additional 2 km along the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii Trail (pronounced ops-cheek ta-shee).
When it comes to beaches, you’ll enjoy:
The famous Long Beach, a vast sandy beach stretching for several kilometers
Florencia Beach, the closest Pacific Rim beach to Ucluelet
Schooner Cove Beach, a much narrower and more secluded beach
Things to Do in Tofino
There’s no shortage of activities in Tofino. Adventure-seekers, get ready—you’ll have plenty to do before you ever get the chance to feel bored!
In this article, you’ll find information on the following activities:
Visiting the town of Tofino
Surfing on the beaches of Pacific Rim
Weaving through the islets of Clayoquot Sound by sea kayak
Soaking in natural hot springs
Going deep-sea fishing
Admiring the island’s landscapes from a seaplane
Encountering the island’s wildlife
Tasting Tofino’s local spirits
Visiting the Town of Tofino
Get lost in the small streets of this town with its unique atmosphere. A surfer’s haven that blends Indigenous culture with modern vibes. You’ll come across totem poles and a charming little church along the way.
Surfing on the Beaches of Pacific Rim
Surfing in Canada may seem surprising at first, but no—you’re not dreaming. Tofino is the perfect place for this activity, and surf schools are plentiful. With its long sandy beaches, the waves of Pacific Rim are enjoyed by surfers of all levels, from beginners to the most experienced.
If you’d like to take a lesson, we recommend Tofino Surf School, which offers 3-hour group sessions as well as private lessons.
For more details about surfing in Tofino, check out our dedicated article. Where to Surf in Canada? Discover Tofino on Vancouver Island
Weaving Through the Islets of Clayoquot Sound by Sea Kayak
Sea kayaking is an excellent way to explore Clayoquot Sound. It’s not an activity you can easily do without a guide—but considering the labyrinth formed by the small islands of Clayoquot Sound, that may actually be for the best. In addition, the park has strong currents that you need to be aware of in order to navigate safely.
For your excursion, we recommend Remote Passages, which offers various tours, including one with a walk on Meares Island to discover the temperate rainforest.
If you’d like to learn more, check out our article on discovering Clayoquot Sound from Tofino
Soaking in the Hot Springs
For a truly unique experience and a chance to warm up, head out for a dip in the hot springs of Clayoquot Sound. This is a full-day excursion, accessible by boat from Tofino. For this trip, we once again recommend Remote Passages.
If you’d like to learn more, check out our article on discovering Clayoquot Sound from Tofino
Going Deep-Sea Fishing
Agencies such as Cleanline Sportfishing offer excursions in the Clayoquot Sound archipelago for fishing.
All equipment is provided—you just need to dress warmly. And if you’ve never fished before, it’s a great way to discover the activity with the guidance of a professional.
→ Book your excursion by clicking here
Admiring the Island’s Landscapes by Seaplane
Quite common on the island as a means of transport, the seaplane is also a unique activity to discover the stunning landscapes surrounding the town.
From the long sandy beaches of Pacific Rim to the islets of Clayoquot Sound and the thousands of square kilometers of forest, the views will take your breath away.
→ Book your excursion with Atleo Air by clicking here
Wildlife Encounters on the Island
The flora and fauna surrounding the town of Tofino are incredibly rich. Many excursions are available to experience them up close. We recommend the tours offered by Remote Passages, which include a circuit to observe bears and another excursion to spot whales, sea otters, and—if you’re lucky—even orcas.
Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus, consultez notre article sur la découverte de Clayoquot Sound depuis Tofino avec Remote Passages
Tasting Tofino’s Spirits
An activity less connected to nature but just as enjoyable for a change of pace. The Tofino Distillery offers tastings of their handcrafted spirits. You’ll find a bar set up right inside the distillery, with a really charming atmosphere and inventive, well-thought-out décor that makes the place especially pleasant..
Two tasting options are available:
A tasting of 3 original mini-cocktails made with the distillery’s spirits. Special mention goes to the cocktail with grape, vodka, jalapeño, and lemon (15$ + tax for the tasting of 3 small cocktails).
A tasting of one of the distillery’s handcrafted spirits in its pure form.
You can also choose one of the drinks from the menu if you’re there simply to enjoy a glass rather than a full tasting.
Beautifully designed bottles are also available for purchase, with prices ranging from $25 to $75—but buying isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying a drink.
→ No reservation is required for the tasting. Simply head to the distillery at 681 Industrial Way Unit G, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
For more information, visit their website: tofinocraftdistillery.com
Where to Eat and Have a Drink in Tofino?
Shelter
634 Campbell St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
Looking for a chic yet affordable restaurant with a feeling of being immersed in nature? Shelter is the place for you. Slightly set back from the town, you’ll enjoy the large bay windows offering stunning views of the ocean and the islets of Clayoquot Sound. It’s also an ideal spot for an aperitif, with the beautiful evening light setting the perfect atmosphere.
As for the food, we chose the seafood casserole, which was excellent, and a chocolate cream with sea salt for dessert.
SHED
461 Campbell St, Tofino, BC V0R 3A0, Canada
An ideal spot to enjoy a hearty burger with a refreshing cold beer, all at fairly reasonable prices.
Be aware, however, that you’ll need to be patient if you don’t have a Canadian or American phone number, as they won’t be able to take your reservation or add you to the waitlist—which can quickly become frustrating.
Common Loaf Bake Shop
180 First St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
A perfect spot for breakfast or to grab a sandwich for lunch.
We had eggs with toast—the bread was really good, and as for the eggs, you can choose from different cooking styles: fried, scrambled, and more.
As for the sandwiches, the quality of the ingredients really stands out, with a tempting variety of options. We especially enjoyed the bacon, cheese, and spinach sandwich.
Tacofino
1184 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
Well known throughout Western Canada, the original Tacofino food truck was born in Tofino. Since then, Tacofino has become a true institution not to be missed. After a good surf session or a hike in Pacific Rim National Park, you’ll love these fabulous tacos with their varied and refined flavors.
We recommend ordering 2 tacos if you’re not too hungry, or 3 if you’ve got a bigger appetite. The fish taco and the crispy chicken are real gems. The food truck also serves burritos and gringas (though we’re not quite sure what those are!).
Tofino Distillery
681 Industrial Way Unit G, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
Tofino Distillery is a unique spot to enjoy a drink. Take advantage of the charming bar set right inside the distillery and taste one of the island’s spirits.
(see the section: Things to Do in Tofino)
Where to stay in Tofino ?
Paddler’s Inn
320 Main St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
A charming little guesthouse with 6 rooms where the bathroom and toilets are shared.
Comfortable and very clean rooms that we can only recommend for your stay. Located by the sea, some rooms and the shared kitchen offer a splendid view of the bay—perfect for watching sea otters swimming in the early morning.
In addition, the guesthouse is located above a small café, so you can enjoy breakfast in the morning without having to head out into the town’s streets.
→ Book your room directly in cliquant ici