Are you looking for a perfect place to spend your short vacation and enjoy it before you are called back to your office?
Look no further than Tofino, which is popularly considered among the best travel destinations in Canada. I guarantee that you will never lack fun things to do in Tofino!
In Tofino, you will get lots of attraction centers and exhibitions that will leave you with unforgettable experiences.
Some of the most incredible tourist attractions in Tofino include Long Beach, Fish Taco, Meares Island, Wolf in the Fog, Chesterman Beach, and lots more.
Let’s quickly learn more about this beautiful city and the things that await you there!
Where is Tofino?
Located on the western edge of Vancouver Island, Tofino sits on the tip of the peninsula around Clayoquot Sound, featuring lots of historical exhibits and stunning attractions.
According to the 2016 Canadian population census, Tofino has about 1,932 population.
In other words, it is a tiny district compared to its popularity and several incredible sceneries, although it remains one of the larger service hubs in the area.
This city lies inside the traditional territory of the Tia-o-qui-aht First Nation, at the very heart of the Clayoquot UNESCO Biosphere Region.
It is a diverse community yet united in its determination to secure the tremendous natural and cultural environments surrounding it.
In fact, Tofino is connected in many ways ranging from the kelp in the Pacific Ocean and the black bears of the forest to the masses that reside there.
You will have so many things to do in Tofino, some of which are as follows:
See Also: Things to Do In Nanaimo (BC)
Fun Things to Do in Tofino, BC
1. Tacofino’s Fish Taco
Are you looking for the best place to catch some fun while you are on holiday in Tofino? The perfect thing to do is to eat the best fish taco in the world.
Tofino is popularly known for its beautiful attraction centers and holiday venues, some of which offer you a fantastic culinary scene and testable bites.
One of such perfect places is Tacofino’s Fish Taco, which is arguably the best fish on the planet.
This center began in a food truck in Tofino and has become renowned with food trucks and taco bars, which are presently situated in Vancouver and Victoria, where you can branch off to get yourself some great tacos.
Address: 1184 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
2. First Nations Art Galleries & Shops
You would not lack any fun things to do in Tofino. Another top thing to add to your itinerary is First Nations Art Galleries & Shops.
Don’t forget that Tofino has a rich indigenous lifestyle and is located in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
The city has been a residential area for the indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth tribes for more than 5,000 years.
Meanwhile, the First Nations Art Galleries & Shops is located in Tofino and is a perfect place to source wooden carvings, wall art, moccasins, masks, and jewelry.
This gallery is seated in the House of Himwitsa and features great paintings and original prints.
You can also explore the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery (Henry Vicker is a notable Canadian-First Nations artist renowned for his prints), whose work is loved by many, and you won’t be exempted.
Address: 300 Main St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
3. Wolf in the Fog
Have you tasted Canada’s most delicious, delectable recipes? You can have a taste of what you will always get by stopping at Tofino to eat at its award-winning eatery, otherwise called Wolf in the Fog.
This eatery was awarded 2014’s Best New Restaurant in Canada by Air Canada Enroute.
It has continued to become BC’s top dining spot. Their cuisine is motivated by the coast and the surrounding forests. There are also fresh seafood dishes and veggie dishes gotten from seasonal ingredients.
Their menus include fantastic cocktails and craft beer. You can book a reservation long before coming, especially during the summer.
Address: 150 Fourth St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
4. Long Beach
Looking for a perfect place in Tofino to while away your free time and enjoy every moment of your sightseeing adventure? You can stroll along Long Beach at sunset.
It is one of the most enjoyable adventures for you, especially given that it depicts the origin of surf culture in Tofino.
Initially, during the 1960s, the area featured a paved highway where surfers would travel to Long Beach, which subsequently became home to the first surf school established in 1968.
You are free to stroll through the west-facing beach for sunset to view attractive colors brighten up the sky and water.
Meanwhile, situated in Pacific Rim National Park, Long Beach lies more than 16 km long, which makes it the longest beach on Vancouver Island. Make Long Beach your holiday adventure, and it will give you moments to remember.
Address: PO Box 897, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, V0R 2Z0
5. Saturday Market
Looking for the best place to get an unforgettable shopping adventure, look no further than the Saturday Market at Tofino. It offers you the best shopping experience, and you will be sure of getting everything you desire in Tofino.
Meanwhile, this market is always opened every Saturday from May Long Weekend to Thanksgiving and is a market that features local vendors who deal in artisan products.
Located in the heart of Tofino Village Green, a park in the center of the city, the Saturday Market will give you an enjoyable shopping experience.
Address: Village Green, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
6. Wickaninnish Inn
On any of your visits to Tofino, you can stop by one of the boutique hotels with ocean views, one of which is Wickaninnish Inn.
Meanwhile, Tofino is renowned for its luxury accommodations and boutique hotels along the coastline, and they can be pretty costly in the summer period.
However, during the fall or winter, it will be very affordable. Talking about the best resorts in Tofino, you can’t look past the Wickaninnish Inn, which lies just on the ocean, and is a top hotel with ocean views.
It is the perfect hotel for any visitor seeking a brief stay in Tofino.
The Wickaninnish Inn is a member of the Relais & Chateau luxury brand, featuring a group of first-class landmark resorts and eateries from around the planet.
Feel free to stroll to Chesterman Beach close to it and taste some fresh seafood inside their fabulous dining eatery.
It doesn’t end there! Because thanks to this world-class inn, you can also feed your eyes with the ocean views or hang back in your suite by the fireplace.
It offers delectable meals as well as the best country wines. You will find the relaxation you wished for in this inn.
Address: 500 Osprey Ln, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
7. Virgin Falls
Everyone loves fun, especially someone in dire need of relaxation and an enjoyable place to be away from stressful work days.
One of the best things to do if you want to catch the fun you genuinely desire is by enjoying a drive into the backcountry to check out the wilderness around Tofino.
One of the top scenic spots is Virgin Falls, which takes around 1.5 hours of driving via forest roads to get to the great waterfall.
But all that is required to reach these falls is a 4×4, and you won’t find the roads scary; besides, you could do around 80% of it in a 2WD vehicle.
You can come with some flip-flops because you’ll probably need to walk through the shallow creek to reach the falls. Then, you will need to save another 1.5 hours to return to Tofino. Camping in the area is free if you want to.
Address: 161 First St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
8. The Schooner Restaurant
Apart from the many attraction centers, Tofino also offers a wide variety of delectable fresh crab dinners.
One of the best restaurants that offer such delicious dinners is The Schooner Restaurant. Situated in Tofino, this restaurant is a seafood eatery that was opened in 1949.
The Schooner Restaurant’s menu includes crab leg and butter appetizers, which you can do anything to get. It also features other delectable like fresh crab, salads, corn, and baked bread.
You will also be served s’mores over a beach bonfire, although you will have to make do with the eatery during rainfall.
Address: 331 Campbell St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
9. Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Another memorable experience in Tofino will take you inside the Pacific Sands Beach Resort, where you can get the enjoyable moments and relaxation you need. It is another incredible beachfront hotel featuring wild ocean sceneries.
Pacific Sands Beach Resort is situated just in the center of Cox Bay Beach, a fantastic crescent-shaped beach surrounded by rugged cliffs. Meanwhile, this bay is perfect for surfing and is also notable for featuring some of the largest waves in storm-watching season.
You can grab a coffee in the morning and take some steps from your hotel to the beach.
You can warm up close to the fireplace or inside your hot tub to witness the stormy sights, especially during rainy periods, or visit the onsite surf shack to rent surfboards or schedule a surf lesson.
Address: 1421 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Ucluelet (BC)
10. Ancient Cedars Spa
If you want to unwind from stress, one of the best ways to do that is by being on the receiving end of a massage. And the best place to do that is the magical city of Tofino.
For the best treat, you can schedule a massage center that opens onto the ocean, which you can get with Ancient Cedars Spa.
Considered the best luxury spa in Tofino, Ancient Cedars Spa offers a soft massage while hearing the sounds of the waves crashing into the rock.
It provides the most fabulous massage that will almost force you to sleep, as it offers you the softest pampering.
Situated in the Wickaninnish Inn, this spa welcomes non-hotel guests; however, hotel guests are prioritized. In high season, the resort likes to put non-hotel guests on a waiting list and tell them about its availability a few days in advance.
Address: 500 Osprey Ln, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
11. Meares Island
You will always marvel at the beauty of Tofino when you take a walk among the tall ancient-growth trees on Meares Island.
A boardwalk into the Giant Tree Trail in Meares Island makes for an exciting adventure and should be added to your list of top things to do in Tofino.
Meares Island features the biggest and tallest trees you would have ever seen. The tree trail is a 3.2 km roundtrip, taking you via an ancient-growth forest to explore some of the biggest trees in BC. It dates as far back as 1000 years ago.
However, it would be best not to hike the trail when it’s rainy since it can get you soaked and muddy.
Meanwhile, you must board a 10-minute water taxi to reach The Big Tree Trail. After hiking, just a call, and they will quickly come and carry you back.
Address: 35 Olsen Rd, Tofino, BC V0R, Canada
12. Chesterman Beach
If you have never taken part or even experienced a beach bonfire party, you have the chance to do that during one of your travels to Tofino by joining in the beach bonfire on Chesterman Beach.
Alongside Mackenzie Beach, this beach is arguably one of the best beaches to host a bonfire exhibition in Tofino and Canada.
You will enjoy its fun activities carried out right under the appearance of a bright moon and smiling stars while listening to the ocean waves under the moonlight. Meanwhile, you are allowed to make campfires from 6 am to 11 pm.
Looking for where to get firewood? That shouldn’t be a problem either, as you can get it around the Bella Pacifica Campground at Mackenzie Beach nearby.
You can also purchase firewood there. If lighting a fire doesn’t interest you, you can opt for a night walk on the beach under the stunning moon and stars.
Address: Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
13. The Pointe Restaurant
As far as Tofino is concerned, it is home to several centers that offer stunning views and ambiance that will have visitors marvel and wonder at the city’s beauty. One of such places is the surrounding areas of The Point Restaurant.
This restaurant does offer not only its guests delicious meals but also views and ambiance, thereby giving them a tremendous and beautiful dining experience. From your table, you can get a 240-degree sight of the ocean and Chesterman Beach.
The best time to go there is before sunset, to enable you to witness the surfers surf into the sunset.
The Pointe Restaurant also offers tasty Canadian west-coast-inspired cuisine, featuring an a-la-carte menu or tasting menu, as well as a vegetarian tasting menu.
The menu includes spruce cured scallop, the morel mushrooms stuffed with foie grass, and charcoal roasted beef.
Address: 500 Osprey Ln, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
14. Smitolson’s Surf Shack
If you want some brief time away from the disturbances of your home or environment, you can visit Tofino and stop by any of the cozy B&Bs near the ocean.
In other words, an enjoyable and excellent way to stay in Tofino is when you rent a cozy cottage near the beach, and it is a lovely activity to do throughout the year to get out into nature.
One of the best cozy B&Bs you can see around the ocean is Smitolsons Surf Shack. Not only is it great for an enjoyable and cozy stay, but the Smitolson’s Surf Shack is also the best for surfing.
The most exciting part of this B&B is an authentic 1970s surf cabin, beautifully renovated with an airy and bright décor.
It’s situated in-between matured trees and lies just a stone’s throw from Chesterman Beach.
It features an outdoor shower, which makes it handy to rinse off the sand after surfing or swimming. The minimum time you can spend at this B&B is three nights.
Address: 1227 Howard Drive Tofino, BC
15. Sacred Stone Spa
Tofino is a city that offers excellent relaxation centers, no wonder it has continued to be one of Canada’s most visited tourist destinations, as tourists from far and near keep trouping into the city.
Apart from the popularly known Ancient Cedars Spa, there is also a stunning one known as Sacred Stone Spa.
Undoubtedly, the Ancient Cedars Spa is considered the best luxury spa in Tofino, but surely Sacred Stone Spa is arguably the best value spa in Tofino.
Situated in the very heart of Tofino, this spa offers excellent treatments and provides welcoming and high-skilled spa therapists to give you the best. You can also get RMT massages in this boutique spa.
Address: 368 Main St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
16. Cox Bay Beach
Surely, everyone loves to use the little free time they are given to enjoy the best fun-filled moments of their life.
After all, all work and no play, they say, makes jack a dull boy! One of the best places to catch some fun is Tofino, and we recommend you try one of the best fun-filled centers around the city, called Cox Bay Beach.
Cox Bay Beach is a great center to enjoy a charcuterie picnic, as you come with your blanket and order a charcuterie board from Picnic Charcuterie, which you will bring to the beach.
This charcuterie deals majorly with using local, premium ingredients and produces most of its materials indoors.
You can come with your family and loved ones, as Cox Bay Beach offers an opportunity to watch surfers catch the waves while snacking away.
Feel free to go with your garbage bag to package your garbage, take it home after this exhibition, and ensure no trace is left.
Address: P.O. Box 1170 Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 T, Canada
17. Rainforest Trail in Tofino
Are you looking for something adventurous to do with your free time while you are in Tofino? You can walk the Rainforest Trail in Tofino and inhale the fresh oxygen-rich air while walking along a boardwalk via the age-long forest.
The trail features two 1 km loops (Loop A & Loop B), both easily accessible through the Pacific Rim Highway route.
You can do Loop A across the road from the parking lot and be happy by the humongous red cedar trees. You will enjoy the adventure that this trail offers, especially on a group walk.
Address: Rainforest Trail – Trail B, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0, Canada
18. Dockside Smoked Fish Store
If you love to fish, you will surely enjoy this adventure. Apart from the entertaining attraction centers, Tofino is also great at producing smoked salmons.
You can save a few hours of your time by visiting the Dockside Smoked Fish Store and enjoying some of the best-smoked salmons in the land.
Thanks to the Dockside Smoked Fish Store, you will find a daily selection of smoked salmon that is ready to eat.
You will see three kinds of salmon caught alive right off the coast, and they are either cold smoked or hot smoked. If your favorite is the sockeye candied strips, you will find it here.
Address: 300 Main Street, Tofino, BC.
19. Tofino Botanical Gardens
You can donate a few hours of your time to explore the beauty of Tofino Botanical Gardens.
As it stands, these gardens and the entire Clayoquot Campus are now run and managed by the Nuu’chah’nulth First Nations, which gives its guests a fantastic opportunity to know more about the plants and the west coast residents.
Also known as Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens, Tofino Botanical Gardens offer several trails and a combination of manicured gardens with natural landscapes.
It provides you the chance to see Nuu’chah’nulth carvers as well as other artists. You will find everything attractive about this garden.
Address: 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
See Also: Fun Things to Do In Victoria (BC)
20. Tofino Distillery
Have you tasted some of the best wines on offer at Tofino city? You will get the opportunity to do that to your satisfaction when you spend a few hours in Tofino Distillery.
Lying just adjacent to Tofino Brewing Co., there is the Tofino Distillery, which is a tasting room and distillery that deals in top-quality organic spirits.
If you are a liquor enthusiast, you will find this place much more interesting, as it also deals on mini-cocktail flights.
You will be offered a menu to make a selection and other great drinks to try out. There is the Bee Knees, Tijuana Go Surfing, and Tofino Pegasus, amongst other tasty wines.
Address: 681 Industrial Way Unit G, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
21. The Whale Center
Tofino is home to one of the best whale-watching adventures in Canada. You will catch some of the best whale-watching experiences via Orca Beaches near a whale-watching boat around Tofino.
You can book your whale-watching adventure with some boat tour operators in downtown Tofino who operate half-day whale-watching cruises.
These exhibitions often start from March through November. You will witness gray whales migrating through the area during the spring and fall, and orcas are in these waters throughout the year.
Aside from whales, you can also explore other marine creatures like seals, otters, and several birds.
Address: 411 Campbell St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada