Tofino is named after Vicente Tofiño de San Miguel, a Spanish hydrographer and cartographer who mapped Spain’s coastlines. In 1792 two Spanish commanders set out on a voyage in B.C., and named a nearby inlet after their teacher, Tofiño, to honor his work.
Cowichan Valley to Tofino
Nestled into the rugged mountains along the Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino is roughly 280 km northwest of Cowichan Valley. It is also around a four hour drive.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Located around 30 km south of Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is known for its dramatic Pacific coastline, a temperate rainforest and a top destination for surfing and hiking. It is also a great place for storm-watching, with many photographers taking in the beauty of Long Beach, which stretches 16 km.
Cox Bay is a popular spot for those looking to catch a lot of waves. The bay is a well known year-round surf spot with the largest swells coming in the winter time. It also has a short, but steep 2 km round trip hike that overlooks the bay from the cliffs above.
Sitting on the sandy shorelines of Tofino, Tonquin Park is a short rainforest to beach walk. It is known for tidal pools and as a fabulous spot to catch sunsets. The park also has 3 km in walking trails.
Known as one of the top places in North America for learning how to surf, Chesterman Beach consistently attracts surfers of all levels. It is also an amazing place for storm watching.
Tofino Campgrounds
Food and Drink!
Things To Do Around Tofino
Surfing
It is no surprise to see surfing on the list. The town is known around the world for its world-class waves and cold-water surf culture. Year-round surfing is also common with many flocking to beaches in the winter when the waves are more fierce.
Long Beach, Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach and Wickaninnish Beach are some of the top spots to catch waves, although some more experienced surfers may venture off to other inlets by boat or car. Boogie boarding or body surfing is popular for many looking to ride through barrels. A wet suit is highly recommended when entering the ocean, and surf board rentals can be found at Swell Tofino and Long Beach Surf Shop.
Sitting on the Pacific Ocean comes with its perks. Grey whales, humpback whales, and orcas are common sightings. The Whale Centre is a top choice for tours, and they also offer bear watching and hot spring tours.
Long Beach Golf Course offers a 9-hole championship course, 18-hole mini golf course and driving range.
Biking
Biking in Tofino is extremely popular with many scenic trails through temperate rainforests. ʔapsčiik t̓ašii is a continuous paved path between Tofino and Ucluelet through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It is roughly 44 km round trip. Another great biking option is the Multi-Use Path (MUP), an 8.8 km paved route through town that passes Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay. Tofino Electric Bikes has rentals, along with Tofino Bike Co.
Roy Henry Vickers Gallery
Roy Henry Vickers Gallery has prints and original paintings that feature a distinct West Coast Indigenous style. The artwork blends traditional Pacific northwest imagery together with eye-popping colors. Vickers is known for carving as well.
Ziplining
West Coast Wild Zipline has six ziplines with the longest one spanning over 400 meters. It also features scenic views of the Kennedy River canyon. The nearby Kennedy Lake is best suited for swimming.