Tofino Travel and Adventure Guide
The West Coast of Vancouver Island, sometimes referred to as the “Wet Coast” is a popular Canadian destination for surfers, whale watchers, beach goers and nature lovers but there is so much more to discover. If your destination is Tofino, I am going to highlight things to do while in Pacific Rim National Park and places to visit on the way because going to Tofino is not just about the destination, but also the journey.
To get to Tofino you must first arrive on Vancouver Island. The most common ports of arrival are Victoria, Nanaimo or Comox. If you fly into any of these cities the best way to travel to Tofino is by renting a car. Driving allows you more freedom to explore along the way and sight see while in Tofino. Just know that smaller airports such as Comox and Nanaimo may have limited options for car rentals.
If you already have a vehicle, take the ferry from the mainland to Victoria or Nanaimo. You can check ferry schedules and costs here. Travelling by ferry is a unique experience and I highly recommend adding it at some point to your itinerary.
For this blog I will start from Nanaimo. Nanaimo to Tofino without any stops will take approximately 3 hours but I am going to suggest you allow time for scenic detours along the way.
Highway 19 out of Nanaimo traverses the coast 49kms to the junction with Highway 4. Exit onto Highway 4 and prepare to stop at Coombs soon after. I remember my parents stopping in Coombs on our family trips. We always ate ice cream at the Old Country Market Goats on Roof. This tourist destination is a must (trust me) and prepare to spend at least an hour or two here as it’s a great place to purchase local produce, snacks, and peruse the many small markets and shops. Before leaving town pay a visit to the butterfly garden located near the market.
Back on Highway 4, it is only 19 km to my favourite part of this drive, MacMillan Provincial Park, better known as Cathedral Grove. The grove straddles the highway and there is parking on both sides of the highway. As you approach watch for pedestrians crossing the highway, as well as vehicles travelling behind you and oncoming at higher speeds. The grove is illuminated with incandescent layers of green and home to some of the most incredible old growth on Vancouver Island like Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Grand fir. Pause and take a deep breath - the air here is like nothing you have ever felt!
If you need to stretch your legs some more, consider stoping at Hole in the Wall, search for Petroglyphs near Sproat Lake or at the popular swimming hole of Wally Creek.
From Port Aberni it is 95 km to the Highway 4 junction with the Pacific Rim Highway. Pacific Rim Visitor Centre is on the north side of the intersection and a great resource for trail closures, beach advisories and park updates You will require a park pass while visiting Pacific Rim National Park and can purchase it at the Visitor Centre. Information on park passes can be found here. If you have booked accommodation in Uculet, turn left (south) at this point. If you have a reservation for camping or accommodation in Tofino, exit right and in a mere 33 km you will arrive in Tofino. Do not rush this drive. Take in the beauty of this winding highway surrounded by towering trees and beach breaks.
Depending on your budget, preferred style of accommodation, and time of year, I suggest Crystal Cove Cabin & RV Resort, Pacific Sands Beach Resort, or The Shoreline Tofino. I have stayed at all three and recommend them without hesitation.
Crystal Cove Cabin and RV
Most cabins have beach view or beach front access and offer extras like hot tubs, bbq’s, large decks along with all the luxuries of home. Spend your evening walking along MacKenzie beach in the sunset and they are pet friendly!
Pacific Sands Beach Resort
This eco-focused resort has everything to offer its guests. Book a beach house, oceanside suite, sunset house or one of the many other options and prepare to experience the ultimate vacation stay. Pacific Sands is pet friendly and offers guests bike rentals, surf rentals and lessons, the use of fire pits and hammocks, laundry services, complimentary yoga on the beach in summer, barrel sauna rentals, spa services and delicious dining at Surfside Grill all on the doorstep of Cox Beach. Make sure you wander the boardwalk path to the beach and don’t forget to snap a photo in their signature yellow rain jacket.
The Shoreline Tofino
Located in the heart of Tofino, this 1960’s built boutique hotel is nestled between old growth cedars and blends modern surf shack cool with thoughtful touches and the comforts of home. Choose your accommodation from the 5 cabin suites or the A-frame house and they now offer an ocean view barrel sauna. The Shoreline is walking distance to the main businesses in town.
Things to do while in Pacific Rim National Park
Book a whale watching tour through Jamie’s Whaling Station, Tofino Whale Centre, or through Atleoair.
To be honest, there are so many tour companies in Tofino it comes down to personal preference, availability and cost.
Many of the boat tours will take you through a whale sighting area if you book the hot springs. An important fact to research is the type of boat you will be on for the tour. If you are fine being exposed to the elements, the dingy tour is a good option. If you want shelter and a bit of a smoother ride book the company that provides a hard cover boat. Atleoair will fly you to Hot Spring Cove as well and ask about catching the boat for your return trip. Inquire with the staff what your options are when you book.
Hike to the Cox Bay lookout.
Find the trailhead at the far south end of the beach. There is an opening into the trees that is well worn. Expect the trail to have a lot of roots and muddy sections but the view at the top is worth this short hike.
Have coffee and a donut at Rhino Coffee House or eat at Tacofino, The Inn at Tough City, or Shed Tofino.
Shop at Merge, Caravan Beach Shop, Habit Clothing and Apparel, The Factory.
Take a surfing lesson.
Hike the trails at Wickaninnish Inn and stop for a drink in their lounge, hike the Bog Trail, or to Schooners Beach. Some hikes will have an electronic payment station at the parking lot. Fees are minimal and don’t forget to put the ticket on your vehicle dash.
Relax and watch the sunset at Long Beach or Tonquin Beach.
Cox Bay Lookout by JacobKlassen