A small surf town at the edge of a coastal rainforest, where fewer than 3,000 residents host more than half a million visitors a year.
Tofino's history extends back millennia through the rich heritage of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, one of the Nuu-chah-nulth nations of Vancouver Island's west coast.
That heritage traces a throughline to the arrival of the earliest non-Native settlers in the 1850s, who eventually named the area after Spanish naval officer and cartographer Vicente Tofiño. The next hundred years would see immense growth in commercial fishing, logging, and the harvest of other natural resources, which eventually led locals and visitors to recognize the need to preserve this ecosystem through the establishment of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in 1971.
Other preservation laws and standards would follow, and that is a large part of the reason Tofino and its surroundings remain such a draw today. It is a stunning nook of Canada's northwestern coast, filled with discovery and intrigue for anyone remotely interested in nature.
Why Go?
The park reserve alone is worth the trip. Nearly 200 square miles of coastal rainforest and interior are divided into three units, with the 47-mile West Coast Trail serving as one of its main backpacking highlights. There are also plenty of day hikes for more casual exploring.
The town itself is quite small, but it packs plenty of character. Surfers have long been drawn to the craggy waves of the area, and that laid-back culture has seeped into the character of the town. It is very much a seasonal place, with a population of fewer than 3,000 entertaining more than half a million visitors each year.
Wintertime is particularly special on this corner of the island, where hardy Pacific storms meet the rocky coastline for some incredible viewing of nature's fury. Summertime is the high season, with many visitors coming for the majestic landscapes and endless Pacific views.
How Do I Get There?
Speaking of remote, that is one of the first things a quick online search will reveal about its location, and it makes getting there half the fun. The easiest way is a plane ride, both seaplane and wheeled, from a few locations in or near Vancouver that will get you to Tofino-Long Beach Airport in under an hour.
The longer, more adventurous option is to drive from Victoria or Nanaimo on the other side of Vancouver Island. You will need to take a ferry from one of Vancouver's ferry terminals or from Port Angeles, Washington, to the island, then begin a 3.5- to 4.5-hour drive to Tofino. There is plenty of natural splendor along the way, so many travelers turn the trek into a longer one. Having your own vehicle is essential for exploring the region.
Where Should I Eat?
The larger area puts a strong emphasis on what is local and what is in season. Not surprisingly, there is a big focus on seafood and a strong local imbibing culture.
Most of the dining in and around Tofino is fairly casual. Wolf in the Fog offers hearty bar fare perfect after a day out adventuring. Down the street, The Schooner captures a quintessential local seafood vibe. Just to the south of town, Moss & Milk Cafe graduated from a booth at the seasonal Tofino Market to a permanent spot at Tsawaak RV Resort by Tinwis, a beloved stop for fresh, Mediterranean-inspired fare. Tofino Brewing Co. is perhaps the most popular beer stop in the area, with the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor seating to take advantage of sudden rain showers, or imminent sunshine.
Where Should I Stay?
Tofino, as a region, is much larger than just the town. Visitors can stay as far south as Ucluelet, about 40 minutes away, or even on a nearby island. One of the most anticipated openings in recent memory is Wahous Wilderness Lodge, slated for later this year. The floating property, owned and operated by the Ahousaht First Nation, is a 25-minute boat ride northeast from Tofino into Quait Bay. It will feature 16 rooms, four private cabins, and endless access to even more remote British Columbian wilderness.
Closer to civilization, Hotel Zed Tofino is a popular and reasonably priced choice off the main highway, situated nicely between Tofino and nearby Long Beach. Right in town, Himwitsa Lodge offers the ideal locale to explore the shops and artisans of Tofino's core while enjoying views of the harbor and the mountains.
How Much Does It Cost?
The best value comes during the off-season, typically October through May. There is plenty to do during this time, but some seasonal activities wind down and the weather becomes much more unpredictable.
As of mid-February 2026, hotel pricing was running from $175 to around $300 per night. There are also Airbnbs available throughout the area with more price variability. Prices tend to stay stable through the busiest months, but expect a wider range once the tourist season is over.
Activity prices also run the gamut. Surfing lessons can range from $70 to $140 per person, depending on whether you want group or private lessons. A day out on kayaks can cost upward of $100, but that may include a guided tour through the more popular routes. Boat outings are generally affordable, with even a full-day tour coming in at less than $200 per person: short island hops, whale watching, or bear spotting along the shorelines.
You will be spending most of your time outdoors, and many of those attractions are free or have a low-cost day pass. Just keep in mind that you are visiting a thriving, sensitive ecosystem, so tread lightly and do your part to keep it pristine for the next season of visitors.
Photos: Jeremy Koreski, Kyler Vos and Marcus Paladino for Tourism Tofino.
This story appears in Beach Happy Magazine, Issue No. 24 (Spring 2026). Read the full issue here.
