Tofino is located on the western shore of Vancouver Island in Canada and is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and lively cultural atmosphere. Although it is renowned as Canada’s surfing capital, there is a lot more to discover beyond the surf. This delightful seaside town presents a wide variety of activities and attractions that appeal to every interest, making it a perfect spot for visitors looking for adventure, leisure, or cultural experiences.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

The park showcases a variety of environments, ranging from sandy shores to temperate rainforests along the coast (Photo: Tourism Tofino)

Established in 1970, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve extends 105 km along the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is made up of Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail. The park showcases a variety of environments, ranging from sandy shores and island chains to temperate rainforests along the coast.

Leisure activities encompass camping, kayaking, hiking, surfing, and whale watching. The park is situated within the historic lands of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. Intense rainfall supports the thick woods of sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar, which shelter numerous mammals and aquatic species.

Tofino Whale Centre

Tours feature sightings of grey whales, humpbacks, and orcas (Photo: Tourism Tofino)

Tofino Whale Centre provides exciting excursions in Clayoquot Sound, emphasising whale observation, bear observation and wildlife preservation. Being a family-owned, locally operated business, it offers educational perspectives on marine life. Tours feature sightings of grey whales, humpbacks, and orcas, as well as various other marine species. The centre aids in local wildlife studies and features a gift shop displaying an entire grey whale skeleton.

Tofino Bike Park

Riders can discover various ecosystems, such as vibrant rainforests (Photo: Tourism Tofino)

Tofino Bike Park provides an exhilarating biking adventure in British Columbia, showcasing a range of trails appropriate for every skill level. The park features the recently opened ʔapsčiik t̓ašii multi-use trail, linking Tofino to the breathtaking Pacific Rim National Park. This path is jointly managed by local Indigenous Nations and Parks Canada, supporting sustainable ecotourism. Riders can discover various ecosystems, such as vibrant rainforests and unusual bogs, all the while taking in stunning vistas. Tofino hosts the Tuff City Bike Park, which includes dirt jumps and pump tracks for extra excitement.

Canso Plane Crash Site

The plane remains at the crash site, now a popular hike destination (Photo: Tofino Trails)

The Canso Plane Crash Site, located in Tofino is a historical site from World War II. On February 10, 1945, a Royal Canadian Air Force Canso bomber crashed due to engine failure, but all 12 crew members survived thanks to the pilot’s quick actions. The plane remains at the crash site, now a popular hike destination, despite being heavily graffitied and surrounded by sharp metal edges.

Hot Springs Cove

The hot springs, emerging from rocky fissures, provide a range of temperatures for unwinding (Photo: Tourism Tofino)

Hot Springs Cove, situated in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is a beautiful geothermal getaway that can only be reached by boat or floatplane. Tourists set out on a picturesque adventure through untouched coastal woodlands, ending at a collection of mineral-laden pools offering stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

The hot springs, emerging from rocky fissures, provide a range of temperatures for unwinding. This hidden locale is perfect for nature enthusiasts in search of peace among the abundant wildlife found here, such as whales and sea otters.