Tourism Tofino Discovery Guide

TOURISM TOFINO

YOU CAN FEEL IT ALL AROUND YOU

Photo by: Jeremy Koreski

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.

Geography

Tofino is located within Clayoquot Sound, home to extensive ancient coastal temperate rainforests, rivers, lakes, marine ecosystems and beaches. It also includes part of the 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.

Population

With 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 the 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.

Tourism Tofino | 1-888 720-34142

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.”

The one-of-a-kind pastime of winter storm watching was born in

Tofino.. 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. Beach trailPhoto by: Jeremy Koreski

Seastar (left)Photo by: Marnie Recker

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In Tofino, it feels natural to celebrate throughout the year.

Join us for these annual events:

Tofino Festivals & Events

January • New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim

February • Tofino Family Day 5K

March • ArtSplash! Annual Art Show

• Pacific Rim Whale Festival

April • Pacific Rim Tea Festival

• Tofino Film Festival

May • Feast Tofino

• Tofino Shorebird Festival

• Rip Curl Pro Tofino Canadian Surf Championship

June • Tofino Food and Wine Festival

• Pacific Rim Summer Festival

July • Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby

August • Tofino Lantern Festival

September • Carving On the Edge

• Cultural Heritage Festival

• Bruhwiler Kids Classic Surf Competition

October • Queen of the Peak Women’s Surf Championship

• Tofino Paddle Surf Invitational

November • Clayoquot Oyster Festival

December • Jingle into Christmas

• SurfCam Christmas Classic

tourismtofino.com/festivals-events

2. Oceanfront feastPhoto by: Chris Pouget

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Canada’s Surf Town

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 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. Raph Bruhwiler in the barrelPhoto by: Jeremy Koreski

2. Sunset stand up paddle (SUP)Photo by: Jeremy Koreski

3. Arriving in Hot Springs CovePhoto by: Jeremy Koreski

4. After a day of fishing...Photo by: Noel Herdrickson

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.

SavourTOFINO’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.


Nights here are calm, away from the lights and bustle of the city. You might hear the rhythmic roar of the ocean or an eagle’s fluttering call. In winter storm season, relax inside as gales howl through ancient, wind-bent trees.

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.

1. Feast on the beachPhoto by: Chris Pouget

2. Cruising up an inletPhoto by: Jill Nancy

3. For the love of seafoodPhoto by: Chris Pouget

4. Ocean Village ResortPhoto by: Ocean Village

5. Hot tub by the beachPhoto by: Noel Hendrickson

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 Masquerade 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.

In January 2000, Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This recognition celebrates the unique ecosystems of Clayoquot Sound and the people who have worked so hard to encourage a respectful and sustainable relationship with our environment. The UNESCO recognition brought representatives from the region together to cooperate through the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT). As a community foundation, the CBT supports communities with funding and logistical support for initiatives that help ensure strong, vibrant, united cultures in the region.

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 hishuk ish ts’awalk (everything is one and connected). Together, we work towards a vision of Qwa’ aak qin teechmis (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: Jeremy Koreski

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

4. CeremonyPhoto by: Melody Charlie

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The coastal lowland forest of the Pacific Coast Mountain region and the near shore waters of the West Vancouver Island Shelf Marine Region are represented here. There are three units of Pacific Rim: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the famously challenging West Coast Trail. Along with these three units, Kennedy Lake is an enclave in the Long Beach Unit where visitors can enjoy fresh water swimming in a wilderness setting. Pacific Rim is also part of the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.

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

The Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers approximately 22 km of beaches and 12 km of trails.

©Copyright Parks Canada (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.


“Part of my soul stays in Tofino, always. Though I am raising my boys on the Prairies, it is so very important to me that they develop a meaningful relationship with the ocean and this area of the West Coast.”

- S. Couillard (Lethbridge, Alberta)

1. Sibling revelryPhoto by: Jeremy Koreski

3. Beach wedding attirePhoto by: Marnie Recker

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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, a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park. 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 Tonquin Trail. Weave through ancient temperate rainforest, along the rugged shoreline and down to a cove on Tonquin Beach.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve hosts a number of trails, exploring the temperate rainforest, shorepine bogs, beaches and cultural history of the Nuu-chah-nulth people.

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

2. Storm watchingPhoto by: Sander Jain

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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, as well as Calgary and Seattle.

The options for getting to Tofino are as vast and exciting as the sights on the journey to and through British Columbia. One great option is a scheduled or chartered flight 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-Ucluelet 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: 1.250.725.3414Email: [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 TofinoThe Michelin Road Atlas rated the drive from Victoria to Tofino one of the three best drives in Canada.

GPS coordinatesLatitude 49.1025 Longitude -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:

• The towering Douglas firs of Cathedral Grove, in MacMillan Provincial Park.

• Smooth-as-glass Sproat Lake.• Salmon and trout-filled Taylor

and Kennedy Rivers.• The Lower Kennedy River

rapids by Wally Creek.

2. Scenic stop along the Pacific Rim HighwayPhoto by: Canadian Tourism Commission

1. ChesterVanPhoto by: Marnie Recker

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

Tourism Tofino Visitor Centre

1426 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.


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Tofino is for adventure (and seafood) lovers.

CanadianBiosphereReserves Association

United NationsEducational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization

Design by: Primal Communications Ltd.

Photo by: Jeremy Koreski

Thank you to Shift Strategy & Design

Documents

Tourism Tofino Discovery Guide