Things to Do in Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino - Canada's Hawai

Ignite your senses and discover the beauty of Canada's ultimate beach destination - Tofino, British Columbia! Explore the silken sands, lush forests, and the breathtaking natural wonders of this majestic place.

Immerse yourself in captivating local culture with age-old traditions that shape its vibrant lifestyle. From savouring succulent seafood to indulging in remarkable outdoor adventures - Tofino offers many experiences!

Walk beneath the towering trees that line Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - complete with fabled long beaches, secluded coves, stunning sea stacks and much more! Discover tide pools teaming with life or marvel at whales breaching the surface just offshore. Kayak the glassy waters with an expert guide and admire glorious vistas from every angle.

Belong on the unexplored wilds while surfing friendly waves in Chesterman Beach, or embark on a surf expedition to some of Canada's best-kept secrets! Take a complimentary yoga class to get limber before touring nationally acclaimed art galleries full of inspiring works created by passionate locals. Taste lip-smacking treats from acclaimed restaurants as you explore picturesque coves inaccessible by land.

The possibilities are endless in Tofino - uncover its amazing experiences now! Step outside your comfort zone and make lifetime memories this summer with a visit to Canada's sparkling gem: Tofino.

Meares Island

Meares Island is a British Columbian island located off Vancouver Island's west coast in Clayoquot Sound. It is part of the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, who have had a history with the island going back to pre-contact times. The island is approximately 18 kilometres long and 3.2 kilometres wide and includes areas of temperate old growth rainforest, grasslands, estuaries and saltwater beaches.

Meares Island has significant spiritual and cultural significance to local Indigenous communities, including the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Ahousaht Nation; it has also been labelled as one of Canada's top ecologically intact islands. Along with its old-growth forests, the island contains fabulous wildlife viewing opportunities for species such as black bears, marbled murrelets, bald eagles and Steller sea lions. It also lays claim to Tree Maize Cave; an ancient shell midden that archaeologists believe could predate any other archeological site on the Northwest Coast by thousands of years.

Meares Island was once the site of protests against logging operations, including the "War in the Woods". In the early 80s, environmentalists, Tofino residents, and members of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation joined forces to prevent clear-cutting. The result was the largest act of peaceful disobedience in Canadian history, which resulted in a halt to logging on Meares Island. Visitors and locals can explore this place by water taxi or hike the Big Tree Trail. A water taxi can take visitors to the island, or visitors can paddle a kayak or paddle board to explore the island independently. Visitors may also opt to camp on Meares Island.

Whale watching

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Tofino, and it can be done in almost any weather. It's a thrilling experience that is guaranteed to be different each time you go. Not only will you see the majestic creatures, but you'll also get to see the stunning Clayoquot Sound and the power of the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to whale watching, Tofino has a wide variety of wildlife. You can find gray whales, orcas, sea lions, and even otters here. The guides are extremely knowledgeable about nature and go out of their way to make tourists feel comfortable.

Hiking

Hiking in Tofino, British Columbia, can be a rewarding experience. Several trails are easy for beginners to tackle and offer stunning ocean views. The Tonquin trail is a popular hike that passes through rainforests along the Pacific Coast. It ends at a popular beach and offers stunning sunset views. The trail is not directly on the ocean, so it's less crowded than other trails in Tofino.

Tofino is a popular spot for surfing, but there are many outdoor activities for the more serious outdoor adventurer. The town also promotes Indigenous stewardship and offers sustainable culinary options.

Surfing

Tofino is a Canadian coastal town that has earned itself a reputation as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. It has over 30km of surfable beaches, rolling waves, and spectacular landscapes. This place has attracted professional surfers and amateurs and regularly hosts events like the Rip Curl Pro and O'Neill's Coldwater Classic.

The best time to surf in Tofino is during the fall and winter. The winter waves in this Canadian city are consistent and big, making them a popular place for surfers of all levels. However, you'll find smaller waves during the summer, which is the best time for beginners.

Art galleries

Tofino is home to a variety of art galleries. Some galleries represent well-known Canadian artists, while others focus on emerging and local artists. The Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art, a new gallery, which opened in 2021, promotes and supports the local visual arts scene. The area is home to numerous internationally acclaimed artists, making it an ideal destination for art lovers. Whether you're looking for fine art prints or a beautiful piece of handcrafted jewelry, the town has something for everyone.

The Nuu-chah-nulth people of this coastal region are active artists, and the art they create is an integral part of their culture. They use art to communicate their story and use it in many ways, including ceremonial displays, canoes, clothing, and more. Tofino also welcomed a new kind of art to the town after hippies moved to the area. This new generation of artists brought the community a free and expressive flair.

Shopping

If you love to shop, you'll have plenty of options in Tofino. The town is home to several small boutiques with a wide selection of clothing, art, and gifts. You can also find a few stores that specialize in local goods. Many of these shops also sell wares from the local First Nations communities.

Tofino is an excellent destination for summer visitors, but you can also visit the area at any time of the year. The climate is mild in Tofino, and you'll be able to enjoy the town's scenic beauty. There are plenty of outdoor activities, excellent accommodations and dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Vancouver?

Here are five things to do if you visit Vancouver for any length.

1. Gastown is where the locals gather. This historic neighbourhood is home to art galleries, trendy restaurants, hip bars, boutique stores, and more.
2. Granville Island - A huge outdoor marketplace where you'll find shops selling local products and specialty foods. You'll also find an indoor food court that serves fresh seafood and delicious treats.
3. Stanley Park - This park is located near Vancouver and covers almost 600 acres. It offers biking trails, boating possibilities, picnicking areas and even public beaches.
4. Chinatown, North America's largest Chinese community, is a vibrant district that offers authentic shopping experiences and colourful buildings.
5. Waterfront: Vancouver's waterfront is the perfect place to relax, enjoy breathtaking views, watch live theatre and walk along.

Is it safe and secure to travel alone in Vancouver

Yes! Solo travellers can travel around the city with no problems in many cases. You should always be aware of your surroundings, and be careful when you travel in unfamiliar areas. Vancouver is an excellent place to research the city and become familiar with its layout. It is a good idea for someone back home to know about your travel plans. This way, if anything does happen, someone will be able to point you in the right direction.

There are always risks involved in travelling, but solo travellers can reduce these risks by following simple precautions. If in doubt, trust your instincts - if it doesn't feel right then it probably isn’t. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of who or what is in the vicinity. You should keep valuables close by your body, and out of sight. Avoid walking alone in dark areas or in deserted areas. Instead, stay in well-lit areas. Vancouver is generally considered a safe place, but it is important to exercise caution as in all other places.

Is Vancouver expensive to visit?

Vancouver's cost to travel will depend on how you choose to transport yourself, your accommodation choice, and the activities that you plan. Take public transit, rather than renting a car, to save money and stay in hostels or Airbnbs. Vancouver is a very expensive place, so plan to spend more there than you would elsewhere in Canada or North America. There are many options to save money and take advantage of all Vancouver has to offer. Planning is not necessary to save money on your Vancouver trip.

Statistics

• Trends of urbanization mean the Greater Vancouver area now includes 51 percent of the province's population, followed by Greater Victoria with 8 percent. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Over 40 percent of Vancouver's residents were born outside of Canada, and the city is home to robust Chinese, Indian, and Filipino communities, to name a few. (eater.com)
• *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator's booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. (tripadvisor.com)
• During the 1770s, smallpox killed at least 30 percent of the Pacific Northwest First Nations. (en.wikipedia.org)
• The CCF's popular vote was high enough in the 1945 election that they were likely to have won three-way contests and could have formed government; however, the coalition prevented that by uniting the anti-socialist vote. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

vancouver.ca

• Our city
• Parks, recreation, and culture

vancouversun.com

• Vancouver Sun
• Needles everywhere. Ideas for ridding city of them? Not so many. | Vancouver Sun

cbc.ca

• Road signs along the Sea to Sky Highway provide insight into the history and culture of the Skwxwu7mesh. CBC News
• Temperature record broken in Lower Mainland -- again | CBC News

hellobc.com

• Vancouver Island
• Cowichan & Southern Vancouver Island

How To

Best Outdoor Activities in Vancouver

Vancouver is a popular tourist destination. You can do so many things in Vancouver, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and golfing. Here are some outdoor activities you can do in Vancouver.

• Hiking - There are many ways to enjoy Vancouver's natural beauty. The park spans 1,800 hectares (4,400 acres), making it one of the largest urban parks in North America. It's home to numerous wildlife species, including bears, wolves, cougars, deer, eagles, owls, foxes, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, porcupines, skunks, coyotes, mink, bobcats, and even mountain goats. These great hikes are perfect for those who want to go hiking around Vancouver.

1. Mount Seymour: This trail leads you through forested areas, past waterfalls. You can access the trailhead by car or via bus #5, which goes right next to the trailhead.
2. Stanley Park – Located west Vancouver, this park spans 543 hectares (1300 acre). You can walk along the West End Coastal Trail, and East Side Coastal Trail.
3. Lions Gate Provincial Park – This park is near Richmond, BC and has three main hiking routes. One of these trails is the Lions Bay Loop Trail. It takes you through coastal forests as well as grasslands.

• Golfing - Vancouver has beautiful beaches, mountains, and fresh air. Did you know that you can also play 18 holes here? Vancouver has two public golf courses, including Royal Melbourne Golf Course, which was built in 1904. The course is located just south-west of Vancouver and offers four sets. Kitsilano Golf & Country Club may also be an option, which is located north of Vancouver. It is Canada’s oldest golf club.
• Skiing/Snowboarding – Everyone loves to ski or snowboard when there is snow in Vancouver. Luckily, several ski resorts are nearby, including Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, Mt. Seymour. WhistlerBlackcomb Ressort, and Squamish Alpine Meadows. These resorts offer beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert-level skiing and boarding. They also offer rentals and lessons if needed. If you'd rather stay closer to town, try False Creek, Granville Island, English Bay Beach, Jericho Beach, Sunset Beach, or Stanley Park.
• Kayaking – Kayakers love to kayak around False Creek or Burrard Inlet during the summer. They head to the ocean in the winter. Urban Adventure Tours offers tours. The tours include standing-up paddling, kayaking, and whale watching.
• Whale Watching – Many whales live in the waters around Vancouver. This is why people travel all over the globe to see them. There are many companies that offer whale-watching tours. But, Pacific Wild offers something different. On these trips, guests will be able to travel on Zodiac inflatable boats, visit pods including orcas and humpbacks as well as gray whales. Depending on when it is, guests may have the opportunity to feed whales.
• Shopping - A Vancouver trip would not be complete without visiting some shops. Here are some suggestions:

1. Granville Island Public Market -- Located on Granville Island. This market offers everything you could need, from local artisans right to gourmet food.
2. Robson Street-This famous shopping avenue runs from Waterfront Station through Chinatown. Apple, Roots Holt Renfrew Holt Renfrew Indigo Books Swarovski Swarovski are just some of the popular stores.

• Restaurants - No trip to Vancouver would be complete without visiting one of Vancouver's many restaurants. Here are some of our suggestions:

1. Sushi – Matsuhisa Sushi is our favorite Sushi restaurant. This restaurant has been in operation since 1972. We don't know much more about it. This means that it is very old-fashioned but still very good.
2. Thai - For Thai, we recommend Baan Thai Food Village. It's the ideal place to have lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. And if you're looking for dessert, check out their banana fritter milkshake.
3. Italian - For Italian, we recommend Bar Veloce. This is a fine wine bar and restaurant that serves delicious pasta dishes such as rigatoni with meat sauce or penne with chicken marsala.

• Nightlife - Vancouver becomes a lively city after dark. Robson Street is dotted with bars and clubs, offering a variety of entertainment options. Before you go out, check out the online reviews.
• Museums: While you are in Vancouver, be sure to stop by the following museums

1. Museum of Anthropology- This museum displays exhibits on topics like First Nations culture, Asian influences, or the history of Canada.
2. Science World – Science World allows children to touch and play with real animals, learn about scientific concepts, and even make their own games.
3. Museum of Glass: Want to learn more about working with glass? Take a guided tour of this museum. The museum will give you information about the history and allow you to make your own piece of art.

• Seals – While you're in Vancouver, don’t forget to seal-watch. Seals can be found along English Bay, Stanley Park and Kitsilano Beach.
• Stanley Park – Stanley Park will make you feel like you've stepped back into time. There are many attractions available for free and you can take in beautiful views of the mountains and waterfalls as well as wildlife.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge. If you're feeling adventurous hop on to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It's right near Vancouver, just next to the Lions Gate Bridge.
• Grouse Mountain- Grouse Mountain is the perfect place to stay if you prefer to be close to the city centre. It offers stunning views over the surrounding area and has many unique attractions such as a zoo/aquarium, children's playground, and a children's play area.
• BC Place Stadium - BC Place Stadium was built in 2002 and hosts many events. Every seat has a view of the field from the stadium.
• Pacific Coliseum - Built-in 1966, this multi-purpose facility has hosted numerous concerts. This venue has hosted every kind of concert, from Lady Gaga through Willie Nelson.
• Granville Island Public Market - Located in Gastown, this public market offers fresh food from local vendors. There's everything from artisan bread to chocolates to prepared foods.
• Coal Harbour – Located in Downtown Vancouver. Coal Harbour is well-known for its waterfront walkways and shops.
• Yaletown - Yaletown is one the more recent districts of town. Yaletown is close to cafes, bars, and restaurants.
• PNE - The Pacific National Exhibition is a celebration of the nation's birthday that brings together locals as well as visitors every summer since 1886. Get ready to enjoy shows, rides, and much more!
• UBC (University of British Columbia). Founded in 1908 by the University of British Columbia, UBC is one of North America's top universities. Great learning opportunities, world-class research facilities, and great athletics; what else could you ask for?
• Chinatown – Chinatown boasts a rich heritage, vibrant energy and is an exciting area to explore.