Visit British Columbia's Tofino Village For A Stunning Nature Experience

Tofino is perched on the end of a peninsula overlooking Clayoquot Sound on the western shore of Vancouver Island, one of Canada's great destinations for wildlife watching adventures. The village and its surroundings offer the splendor of British Columbia's natural beauty within reach of Vancouver. With many miles of serene beaches and lush forest there's lots to explore in Tofino. What is more, the village's reputation as an idyllic spot has made it a destination for discerning tourists in its own right, which means there is no shortage of creature comforts and great places to eat in town.

Tofino feels about as end of the road as you can get, situated at the terminus of Highway 4 on the Esowista Peninsula. The quickest and easiest way to get there is by small plane from Vancouver International Airport, which only takes around 50 minutes. Arguably the best approach, however, is making a journey of it with a ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia and a scenic drive. The entire trip will take around five hours, and catching a little salt spray during the boat trip will whet your appetite for what awaits on the rugged shores where rainforest meets the Pacific Coast. The village makes a great base of outdoor living and also has a small but lively cultural scene, so be prepared to make Tofino your next home away from home.

Tofino's main draw is its spectacular natural surroundings. The coastline surrounding the village has an abundance of beautiful beaches: Take a leisurely walk along the appropriately named Long Beach with its 10 miles of golden sands, delve into the tide pools of Cox Beach for marine life, of take to the waves at Wickanninish Beach. It's a great destination for meanderers, families with kids, and surfers alike. Even if the ocean is a little chilly for you, bring your swimwear so you can bask in the mineral pools of Hot Springs Cove, a short flight or boat ride from the village.

The beaches of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound are bordered by old-growth cedar forests which has several trails to explore by foot or by bike. There are nine official trails in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, only a 15-minute drive from the village. Many of the trails are well-maintained with wooden boardwalks to make your walk all the more pleasurable. Cyclists are also catered for with bike rentals and a scenic 15-mile multi-use pathway.

The forests, beaches, and ocean are teeming with wildlife, from roaming black bears, otters, and sea lions to tufted puffins, eagles, and other bird species. In fact, you can check another experience off your bucket list and spot a rare bear on Vancouver Island. The best time of year for whale watching is between March and November, and it is a highlight of a trip to Vancouver Island as orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales migrate to the area to feed. Go on a whale-watching tour to get a closer look.

Tofino is a small town of only around 2,000 residents but it has a wonderful cultural scene with galleries, craft markets, boutique stores, and public art — be sure to check out the totem pole carved by local indigenous artist Joe David. There are regular open mic nights and live music to enjoy and festivals throughout the year. 

Every March, the region celebrates the migration of marine mammals with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, a week of activities including chowder chow-downs, fun for the kids, and a center piece parade of floats. In the summer, the town is filled with music at Tofino Jazz Festival, and the Clayoquot Salmon Festival celebrates one of the region's most essential industries. Moving towards Christmas, revelers and seafood lovers come to enjoy the Tofino Oyster Fest, opening with a costume ball and plenty of fresh oysters.

Locally-harvested seafood is also prominent in the town's culinary scene, with stylish restaurants offering up seasonal delights such as Dungeness crab, salmon, shellfish, and barnacles. Eating in Tofino isn't just about the fishy stuff, however. It is a haven for foragers who come to gather wild foods such as mushrooms, berries, and seaweed while savoring the forests and the coastline. Tipplers will also find something of interest in the range of handcrafted beers at Tofino Brewing Company, or sampling organic spirits at Tofino Distillery where you can chase the green fairy with Psychedelic Jellyfish absinthe!