On Vancouver Island and Canada’s west coast, lies the very lovely and picturesque Tofino. This natural wonderland has numerous sandy beaches, flourishing rainforests, majestic lakes, and hidden inlets. There’s also many excellent spots for swimming, surfing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, and walking. In recent years, Tofino has been enjoying a surge in top eateries and breweries, which makes it a great destination for those seeking culinary delights.
1. Tofino Botanical Gardens
It’s always an enjoyable experience visiting the botanical gardens after arriving at a particular destination. Tofino has small but remarkably beautiful botanical gardens that will entrance you. These gardens are situated next to a restaurant and are easy to miss if you don’t look carefully. But once you enter, you’ll discover a natural wonderland that’s filled with an impressive variety of trees, plants, animals, and sculptures. There’s also a walking trail leading to the nearby bay, which is very picturesque and worth the trip.
Tofino Botanical Gardens
Address: 1084 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0, Canada
Website: Tofino Botanical Gardens
2. Lone Cone Hike
Book a campsite or dorm at our office at The Shore off of Main St. in Tofino and jump on the 10 min water taxi that takes you over to Meares Island!
Posted by Lone Cone Campground and Hostel on Monday, 15 June 2015
Avid hikers who enjoy challenging hiking routes should consider the Lone Cone Hike on Meares Island, just off the coast from Tofino. The hike trail cuts through the island’s dense forests. But best be cautious, as there’s some slippery spots on this path. The hike takes around 4 hours to complete, with plenty of gorgeous scenery to take in. Accessing Meares Island is by water taxi, and the trip to the island is enjoyable and a little melancholic on a foggy day.
Lone Cone Hike
Website: Lone Cone Hike
3. Cox Bay Beach
Swimmers and surfers in Tofino have the rather enticing Cox Bay Beach at their disposal. What’s noticeable about this beachfront is that there aren’t any resorts or other developments nearby. It’s really a slice of an unspoiled surfer’s paradise, without the hustle and bustle of modernity. And the best part is that you can learn to surf or even rent surfboards, so there’s no need miss out on all that surfing fun if you’re not an expert. Alternatively, you may just want to chill and enjoy those amazing beachside views.
Cox Bay Beach
Address: Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
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4. Eagle Aerie Gallery
Sunday Funday! We are open 10 am - 6 pm. Come visit us! . . Thanks for the photo + stopping by @she_is_wild!...
Posted by Roy Henry Vickers Gallery on Sunday, 9 July 2017
Indulge your inner hipster by visiting the Eagle Aerie Gallery, which is a cool art gallery tucked away in a side street. There’s plenty of amazing pieces on display, and they’re quite affordable, which is a terrific way of bringing art to the masses. Much of the art in this gallery is by local artists, and they often leave their own comments next to their work that visitors will love reading. The gallery’s staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they give great advice to prospective art collectors.
Eagle Aerie Gallery
Address: 350 Campbell Street, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0, Canada
Website: Eagle Aerie Gallery
5. Henry's Carving Shed
Have you had a chance to stop by Henry Nolla's Carving Shed on Chesterman Beach? Here's a familiar scene...Feather...
Posted by Wickaninnish Inn on Tuesday, 26 February 2013
If you’re seeking that perfect souvenir to bring back with you from Tofino, then add Henry’s Carving Shed on your list. A local wood carver, George Yearsly, runs this shed and carves some stunning items out of the region’s cedar trees. George is an approachable individual, and you’re welcome to ask him about his carvings and production techniques. You’re bound to be impressed by his handiwork and purchase a few of his good.
Henry's Carving Shed
Address: Wickaninnish inn on Chesterman’s, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0, Canada
6. Tofino Brewing Company
Posted by BritneyandJordan Fitch on Sunday, 7 August 2016
Canadians love their beer. Therefore, it’s perfectly normal for Tofino’s locals to have their own modern brewery that’s rather special. The Tofino Brewing Company is a stylish hangout that’s situated in the industrial district. There’s always a nice variety of high-quality beers on tap, and the friendly staff will hook you up with the right brew. Moreover, this is a great place to mingle with the locals and enjoy some good music.
Tofino Brewing Company
Address: 681 Industrial Way, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0, Canada
Website: Tofino Brewing Company
7. Chesterman Beach
Sunset surf on Chesterman steps from Nalu House #YourTofino #Surfing
Posted by Nalu House on Sunday, 17 September 2017
There are so many open spaces in Tofino that it will satisfy just about every type of nature lover. And for those individuals that love beaches, then Chesterman Beach will certainly impress them. This serene and sandy shore is ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, bird watching, kite flying, surfing, and even boogie boarding. So there’s plenty of fun activities to partake in here, and they provide the perfect excuse to take some snapshots to show friends on Instagram.
Chesterman Beach
Address: Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0, Canada
8. Schooner Cove
Roxanne Brown - Schooner Cove, Tofino
Posted by Global BC on Sunday, 15 November 2015
Schooner Cove is a rather secluded beachfront but possesses an almost mystical ambiance. This is probably due to the nearby rainforest and island that provide the kind of backdrop straight out of a water painting. Simply put, this is the ideal spot for long lazy walks by following the boardwalk trail. One can even reach the nearby island when the tide is low.
Schooner Cove
Address: 2040 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
9. Tonquin Park
Tonquin Beach, Tofino BC
Posted by Aerial Andrew on Tuesday, 10 November 2015
Tonquin Park is a good place for some bird watching, walking, jogging, and other fitness activities. But this park also has a pleasant surprise that many visitors are not privy to. There are several scenic trails that go through the park, but they don’t end here. Instead, they lead to a gorgeous sandy beach that boasts some of the most stunning sunsets.
Tonquin Park
Address: Tonquin Park Road, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
10. Clayoquot Sound
We are looking forward to our Clayoquot Sound sea kayaking trip this September from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove! Find out...
Posted by Ontario Sea Kayak Centre on Saturday, 13 May 2017
There’s just something about Clayoquot Sound that will unleash both your inner adventurer and romantic spirits. This is such an incredibly picturesque water inlet that you’ll want to explore it immediately. And the best way to transverse such a large body of water is by kayaking. Make your way towards the various secluded shores, which lead to some fun walking trails. More importantly, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the indigenous wildlife, such as the seals and gray whales.
Clayoquot Sound
Address: 331 Neill St, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Tofino’s many great spots
As we’ve already determined, Tofino has so many excellent natural spots that visitors will have a hard time choosing which to visit first. Hikers, surfers, and swimmers have much to do here, but even those who simply want to see the sights have a plethora of spots to choose from. There’s also some great places to eat, drink, and view amazing artwork in Tofino.
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