Tofino Guide ~ English

TOURISM TOFINO

You can Feel it all around you.

Tofino Mudflats Photo by: The Solidarity Union

DiscoverJUST LOOK AROUND. TOFINO WILL CAPTIVATE YOUR EVERY SENSE.

It’s the feeling of peace you get from kayaking or boating the calm inside waters of Clayoquot Sound. It’s the bobbing heads of hooded surfers braving legendary swells on endless beaches. It’s food so fresh that you often pass it on your morning stroll. It’s muted silver skies ushering in brilliant horizons just for you - or so it seems. It’s salt-bathed streets teeming with restaurants, galleries and resorts constructed in true West Coast fashion. It’s living history nestled into surreal landscapes. This is Tofino, and you have to see it to believe it.

GeographyTofino is located within Clayoquot Sound, which

includes extensive ancient coastal temperate rainforests, rivers, lakes, marine ecosystems and beaches. It also includes part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Strathcona Provincial Park, and several other protected areas. Clayoquot Sound contains one of the world’s largest intact temperate old-growth rainforests.

PopulationWith a year-round population of 1,600 that swells

during the summer months, Tofino comprises a mere 11.05 square miles of land on the Esowista Peninsula. Bordered on the south by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and on its other three sides by the Pacific Ocean, Tofino is as far west in Canada as you can drive, and is often dubbed “the end of the road” for having the only paved road to the open ocean in Canada.

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This Nuu-chah-nulth saying is often used in conversation

around Tofino. It signifies agreeing to something, much

like saying “okay,” and can also mean “goodbye.”

Tofino is home to the one-of-a-kind pastime of winter storm watching.

Every November through February, Mother Nature puts on a show with

roaring waves as high as 20 feet, gales howling between windbent

trees, and ample rain to keep our rainforest thriving. Suit up for

adventure in head-to-toe raingear - or cuddle up by the fireside and

witness the fury outside. But in true Tofino fashion, don’t forget your

sunglasses, as this can change at a moment’s notice!

Chuu!

You do

what each winter?

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1. Clayoquot SoundPhoto by: Stuart May

2. Beach BubblesPhoto by: Pacific Sands Beach Resort / Hubert Kang

Seastar (left)Photo by: Marnie Recker

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In Tofino, it feels natural to celebrate throughout

the year. Join in these annual events:

Tofino Festivals

March •PacificRimWhaleFestival

May •FeastTofino

•ShorebirdFestival

June •TofinoFoodandWineFestival

July •PacificRimSummerFestival

August •TofinoLanternFestival

September •CarvingOntheEdgeFestival

•CulturalHeritageFestiva

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October •TofinoFilmFestival

November •ClayoquotOysterFestiva

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Canada’s Surf TownIt’s no wonder that Tofino is Canada’s surf capital. Year-round surfing, combined with knowledgeable surf instructors and several shops make Tofino an ideal surf destination. Oh, and Tofino offers some excellent, fresh and filling post-surf meal options.

Play in TofinoCOME OUT (OR STAY IN) AND PLAY IN A NATURAL PARADISE.

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Wildlife GaloreWhale watching season, with frequent sightings of a

variety of wildlife, spans almost year-round, from March through October. The Vancouver Island black bear can be seen foraging for food along beaches on the calm waters of Tofino Inlet during bear watching boat tours. Prime birdwatching is found on the protected Tofino Mudflats, on our beaches and further offshore.

Play On the WaterKayak the life-filled waters of Clayoquot Sound on a

guided tour. Fish bountiful offshore waters, hook salmon on the fly inshore, or travel to your remote freshwater fishing spot in a seaplane. Explore an alternative to surfing with the re-born sport of stand-up paddle boarding.

Play On LandJoin an interpretive program in Pacific Rim National Park

Reserve, or plan a private nature tour. Wander through the whimsical - and unconventional - Tofino Botanical Gardens. Take in Tofino on two wheels and rent a Beach Cruiser bicycle or a scooter. Ride the ramp at the new Tuff City Bike Skills Park, or shoot a hole in one at the Long Beach Golf Course.

Air PlayGet a breathtaking perspective of Clayoquot Sound

on a scenic flight. Travel to remote Hot Springs Cove by air or boat, and soak in its alternating hot and cool geothermal goodness.

Play InsideAdmire West Coast creativity in our art galleries and

studios. Re-connect your senses during spa time. Find your balance with a yoga session. Get a feel for local marine life in the open touch tanks of the Ucluelet Aquarium. Learn about our region’s cultural and ecological history at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

1. Sunset SurfPhoto by: Jeremy Koreski

2. Surf Pro at WorkPhoto by: Jeremy Koreski

3. Hot Springs CovePhoto by: Canadian Tourism Commission

4. Beach Cruiser BicyclesPhoto by: Wickaninnish Inn

5. Oceanfront SpaPhoto by: Wickaninnish Inn

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FreshThis is where your seafood is fished from waters just

minutes away from your table. Indulge your senses with wild Pacific salmon, halibut, spot prawns or a perfectly boiled Dungeness crab. Cook your own catch at a beach BBQ, or watch a private chef prepare the fruits of your labour.

InspiredYou’ll be hungry after exploring Clayoquot Sound.

Our dynamic culinary community crafts high-quality ingredients into dishes that restore, satisfy and impress.Brand-name establishments are deliberately absent

from Tofino. Eating here has its own distinct flavour: devour your fish taco on the beach, watch the sunset while you sip some BC wine or locally-brewed beer, or try a creative dessert by candlelight.

Savour &TOFINO’S BURGEONING FOOD SCENE IS FRESH, INSPIRED AND SEASONED WITH SALT AIR AND CELEBRATIONS.

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Celebrations

Feast Tofino - May - This multi-week series of events shines a spotlight on the region’s boat-to-table cuisine. Tofino restaurants offer set-price menus, paired with a range of interactive events hosted by local and visiting chefs.

Tofino Food and Wine Festival - June - The marriage of food and wine is celebrated during this popular week-end, anchored by Grazing in the Gardens. Set within the Tofino Botanical Gardens, this afternoon presents local food and wine at every turn of the winding forest path.


Nightsherearecalm,awayfromthelightsandbustleofthecity.Youmightheartherhythmicroaroftheoceanoraneagle’sflutteringcall.Inwinterstormseason,relaxinsideasgaleshowlthroughancient,wind-benttrees.

Snuggle in a cozy cabin on Tofino Inlet’s calm waterfront. Sleep in a contemporary oceanfront resort with a touch of authentic West Coast charm and a host of amenities. Celebrate a family getaway in a spacious vacation home. Get to know the hosts of your bed and breakfast or hostel, or get settled under starry skies in your tent or recreational vehicle (RV).

Because Tofino is remotely situated on Vancouver Island’s west coast, a minimum two-night stay is recommended to reap the benefits of our natural, cultural and culinary riches.

Stay in TofinoYOU’LL FIND OVER 100 ACCOMMODATION CHOICES, EACH OFFERING RAW WILDERNESS AT YOUR DOORSTEP.

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1. Finishing TouchesPhoto by: Canadian Tourism Commission

3. Dungeness CrabPhoto by: Hubert Kang

2. For the Love of SeafoodPhoto by: Chris Pouget

4. Private Forest CabinPhoto by: Heron Cottage

5. Hot Tub by the BeachPhoto by: Pacific Sands Beach Resort / Raeff Miles

Clayoquot Oyster Festival - November- Roughly 10,000 oysters, many cultivated in the waters just outside Tofino, are consumed during this annual festival. Highlights include the Mermaid’s Ball and oyster farm tours.

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Wonder & ConnectTOFINO OFFERS NATURAL OPEN SPACES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-gUIDED ExPLORATION.

clayoquotbiosphere.org

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Estimated 150 Bird Species*

*www.tourismtofino.com/tofino-activites/birding

Of the estimated 150 species

of resident birds in Clayoquot

Sound, you might see black

oystercatchers, Steller’s jays,

osprey and more.

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With its variety of natural habitats, knowledgeable residents, breadth of community organizations and the infrastructure for activities on land and sea, the region offers educational experiences for groups of all sizes.

Chances are there is an educational opportunity that will match your interests. Take in an illustrated talk on maritime history, hear stories of the region’s first residents during a canoe trip, learn how to kayak, or discover why mud really does matter to a variety of animals, from wolves to worms. Perhaps you are more interested in culinary arts, yoga, gardening or picking just the right place for a business retreat? The range of opportunities, accommodations, facilities and easy access to “natural classrooms” mean that you can customize a trip to fit your needs and interests.

Education is already a priority for the region — communities are engaged and working together to create great educational opportunities. We see the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve region as the ideal education destination; it’s a place where you can build your knowledge and skills while also rejuvenating your spirit.

InJanuary2000,ClayoquotSoundwasdesignateda UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This recognition celebratestheuniqueecosystemsofClayoquotSoundandthepeoplewhohaveworkedsohardtoencouragearespectfulandsustainablerelationshipwithourenvironment.TheUNESCOrecognitionbroughtrepresentativesfromtheregiontogethertocooperatethroughtheClayoquotBiosphereTrust(CBT).Asacommunityfoundation,theCBTsupportscommunitieswithfundingandlogisticalsupportforinitiativesthathelpensurestrong,vibrant,unitedculturesintheregion.

Local participation is at the heart of the biosphere reserve concept and it is the foundation for all of the work of the CBT. All communities in the region are represented on its board and dozens of volunteers sit on advisory committees.

As a regional organization, the CBT looks beyond the divisions of the past, to find new ways to work together for a future that holds much promise. Youth is one of the core priorities of the CBT and a variety of projects, from First Nations language studies, to a high school credit course in sustainability studies, to annual scholarships and the “What I Learned About My Biosphere” field trip program, help connect youth to this special place they call home. These programs give youth an opportunity to have some of the very experiences that draw people to Clayoquot Sound from around the world.

As the CBT continues its work within the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, the organization is guided by the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations living philosophies of iisaak (living respectfully) and hishukishts’awalk (everything is one and connected). Together, we work towards a vision of Qwa’aakqinteechmis (life in the balance).

A Spectacular Education DestinationCurious about the feeding habits of gray whales,

wild berries in the forest, or whether a sea anemone is a plant or an animal? We can help. The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve region is a spectacular place for learning.

1. Atop Lone ConePhoto by: Jeremy Koreski

2. Bald EaglePhoto by: Marnie Recker

3. Humpback WhalePhoto by: Jamie’s Whaling Station/Matt Maran

4. ArrivalPhoto by: Melody Charlie

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ThecoastallowlandforestofthePacificCoastMountainregionandthenearshorewatersoftheWestVancouverIslandShelfMarineRegionarerepresentedhere.TherearethreeunitsofPacificRim:LongBeach,theBrokenGroupIslands,andthefamouslychallengingWestCoastTrail.Alongwiththesethreeunits,KennedyLakeisanenclaveintheLongBeachUnitwherevisitorscanenjoyfreshwaterswimminginawildernesssetting.PacificRimisalsopartofthetraditionalterritoriesoftheNuu-chah-nulthFirstNations.

Long Beach: It seems to go on forever!Famous for the long sandy beaches of Wickaninnish

Bay and Florencia Bay, the Long Beach Unit is the best-known and most accessible unit of the park. Exploring the rainforest trails, walking the beaches, bird watching, marine wildlife viewing, cycling, paddling and surfing are all popular!

No visit to Vancouver Island’s west coast is complete without a tour of the newly named and re-appointed Kwisitis Visitor Centre. Steeped in First Nation history and culture, with new interactive displays, this landmark is a must see stop while on the west coast.

Green Point Campground:Situated on a forested terrace above Long Beach,

this is the only campground in the Long Beach Unit of the national park. Walk-in and drive-in campsites are available on a seasonal basis. Reservations are recommended during summer months and on long weekends.

Experience TofinoPACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE IS VANCOUVER ISLAND’S FIRST NATIONAL PARK.

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1. Child’s PlayPhoto by: Parks Canada

2. Tidepool ExplorationPhoto by: Parks Canada

3. Discovering the RainforestPhoto by: Parks Canada

4. Driftwood on Wickaninnish BeachPhoto by: Parks Canada

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parkscanada.gc.ca

pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index.aspx

Long Beach Unit

TheLongBeachUnitofPacificRimNationalParkReserveoffersapproximately22kmofbeachesand12kmoftrails.

©CopyrightParksCanada(parkscanada.gc.ca)

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Explore Tofino BeachesEVERYBODY LOVES A NATURAL BEAUTY. MEET OUR BELOVED CHESTERMAN, COx BAY, MACKENZIE AND TONQUIN BEACHES...

Wake up to a perfect sunrise * dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean * learn to surf * build a driftwood shelter * beachcomb for treasures * go tidepooling for seastars, anemones and more * hold hands * say “I do” * come birdwatching * drop by the Carving Shed on Chesterman Beach * design a sand castle or fort * jump on a boogie board * ride a Beach Cruiser bicycle * play fetch with your dog * go for a run on the hard-packed sand * try stand-up paddle boarding * practice some yoga * have a West Coast beach BBQ * fly a kite * kite-surf * storm watch * spot sand dollars * surf kayak * perfect your photography skills * paint the perfect beachscape * glide on a skimboard * roll out some beach bocce * snuggle up by a driftwood log * witness an unforgettable sunset.


“PartofmysoulstaysinTofino,always.ThoughIamraisingmyboysonthePrairies,itissoveryimportanttomethattheydevelopameaningfulrelationshipwiththe oceanandthisarea oftheWestCoast.”

- S. Couillard (Lethbridge, Alberta)

1. Equipped for FunPhoto by: Parks Canada

2. Beach Wedding AttirePhoto by: Marnie Recker

3. Wet Boots and PawsPhoto by: Jill Patterson

4. A Family Surf Photo by: Pacific Sands Beach Resort / Hubert Kang

5. Learning to SurfPhoto by: Canadian Tourism Commission

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Walk the 16 kilometre (9.94 mile) Wild Side Heritage Trail on Flores Island. A 40-minute boat ride from Tofino, this trail has been used for centuries by the Ahousaht people. Run, walk, push a stroller or ride a bicycle on the Tofino Multi-Use Path, spanning 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) along the Pacific Rim Highway from the town centre toward Cox Bay Beach. Hop on a quick water taxi to Meares Island and look up at some very big, very old trees on the Big Tree Trail. The Hanging Garden Tree, with a circumference of 18.3 metres (60 feet), is the star attraction of this boardwalk trail. Meares Island is also home to the steep and challenging climb up Lone Cone, leading to an incomparable 360° view of Clayoquot Sound. Follow Tofino’s newest trail, the Lighthouse Trail. Weave through ancient temperate rainforest, along the rugged shoreline and down to a cove on Tonquin Beach.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve hostsanumberoftrails,exploringthetemperaterainforest,shorepinebogs,beachesandculturalhistoryoftheNuu-chah-nulthpeople.

Tofino TrailsExplore some of Tofino’s scenic walks and hikes:

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Getting HereGETTING HERE IS EASY, WITH ACTIVE ADVENTURE ALONg THE WAY.

Tofino is located on the ruggedly beautiful and remote west coast of Vancouver Island. If you look toward the ocean from one of our beaches, the next landmass would be Japan! This is as far west as one can drive the Trans-Canada Highway. Tofino is easily accessible from major metropolitan centres like Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. If you are travelling from abroad or outside British Columbia, the first step is to book a flight to any of the following destinations:

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR),• Victoria International Airport (YYJ),• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA),• Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), serving selected flights

from Canada and the U.S.,• Nanaimo Airport (YCD), serving some flights within

British Columbia, to and from Vancouver, Victoria and Abbotsford.

The options for getting to Tofino are as vast and exciting as the sights on the journey to and through British Columbia. Continue in the sky with some scheduled or chartered flights from various locations. Fly past wonderful views of the Beaufort (Mountain) Range and the mighty Pacific Ocean. From Vancouver, 45-minute flights depart daily - weather permitting - from the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport to the Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ). Road travel by rental vehicle, motor coach or private transport brings you face to face with rugged scenery and vibrant communities. The highlight of the roadtrip is the 1.5 hour drive west from Port Alberni to Tofino, offering breathtaking views and a taste of the wilderness to expect on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino Visitor Centre1426 Pacific Rim HighwayTel: (250) 725-3414Email: [email protected]

Don’t miss ChesterVan, a refurbished 1966 Volkswagen, housing seasonal visitor information services in Tofino’s downtown core.


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Driving to TofinoTheMichelinRoadAtlasratedthedrivefromVictoriatoTofinooneofthethreebestdrivesinCanada.

GPS coordinatesLatitude49.1025Longitude-125.873

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VANCOUVER

VICTORIA

SEATTLE TORONTO

NEW YORK

PORT ALBERNI

VICTORIA

SEATTLE

NANAIMO

VANCOUVER

WHISTLER

TOFINO-LONG BEACH AIRPORT

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Don’t miss these spectacular sights on the drive along the Pacific Rim Highway:

• ThetoweringDouglasfirsofCathedralGrove,inMacMillanProvincialPark.

• Smooth-as-glassSproatLake.• Salmonandtrout-filledTaylor

andKennedyRivers.• TheLowerKennedyRiver

rapidsbyWallyCreek.

2. Scenic Stop Along the Pacific Rim HighwayPhoto by: Canadian Tourism Commission

1. ChestervanPhoto by: Tourism Tofino

3. Driving along Kennedy LakePhoto by: Jeremy Koreski for Tofino Bus

Tourism Tofino Visitor Centre1426 Pacific Rim Highway Box 1140, Tofino BC V0R 2Z0telephone: 1.250.725.3414 toll free (North America) 1.888.720.3414

Located in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino typifies the majesty of the Pacific Northwest, boasting flawless natural beauty accentuated by a tapestry of vibrant communities.

WeacknowledgethefinancialsupportoftheProvinceofBritishColumbiathroughtheCanada-BritishColumbiaCooperationAgreementonOfficialLanguages.


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Your heart will lead the way to Tofino.

CanadianBiosphereReserves Association

United NationsEducational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization

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by: P

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Ltd

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Documents

Tofino Guide ~ English