Guide to Tofino: A Pacific Northwest Paradise

Beaches

• Chesterman Beach - Three kilometers of soft sand and sunset views, Chesterman Beach is more protected than other beaches in Tofino, making it more mellow and better suited for beginner surfers to learn. Explore sea life at low tide in the tidal pools at Frank’s Point or walk to the very north end of the beach to Driftwood Cafe (part of The Wickaninnish Inn ); just steps off the sand, it’s the perfect spot to grab your coffee / tea to go.

• Cox Bay - A beautiful stretch of beach where many of the town's hotels are located (including one of my favorites - the beach houses at Pacific Sands). Known for consistent surf and incredible storm watching at Pettinger Point, a short accessible trail at the beach’s far north end.

• Long Beach - Located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When the tide is low, you can walk for what feels like forever (16km in fact) all the way to Wickaninnish Beach.

• Wickaninnish Beach - A seemingly endless, soft sand beach located a few km north of the Tofino-Ucluelet junction, Wickaninnish Beach is the lesser trodden south end of the 16km stretch that starts with Long Beach. While Long Beach draws the crowds, at times, you’ll quite literally have this entire beach to yourself.

• Tonquin Beach - The only beach located in town, follow Tonquin Trail through the rainforest to this lovely protected cove.

Adventures

• Surfing - Considered to be Canada’s surf capital, this is definitely one of Tofino’s main draws and with 35km of beach, surfers of all levels can enjoy the waves year round. There are a number of surf schools and rental shops to choose from Long Beach Surf Shop is a favorite!.

• Storm watching - A major draw during the winter months, my favorite spots are Pettinger Point - off a short (easy) trail on Cox Bay, this point is the perfect spot to watch the winter surf (also great for sunsets!) And The Point at Wickaninnish Inn. Reserve a table by the windows for brunch or happy hour - a truly dream-like spot to watch the winter waves roll by.

• Remote Floating Sauna - A luxuriously remote (as in completely off the grid) floating sauna experience a 35-minute boat ride from Tofino Resort & Marina. Relax in the wood burning sauna, cold plunge in Clayoquot sound, paddle board, kayak and even fish for crab and prawns that are yours to take back to dinner.

• Hot Spring Cove - A go-to day trip for locals and visitors alike, Hot Spring Cove is a group of geothermal hot spring pools surrounded by ancient cedars, found at the end of a 30-min boardwalk in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. The hot springs are accessible only by boat / float plane and there are local tour providers who can organize all of the details for you.

Wellness

• Ancient Cedars Spa at The Wickaninnish Inn - Easily the town’s most luxurious spa experience with several private treatment rooms, a steam cave (which can be booked for private experiences) and oceanfront patio to lounge pre / post-treatment. My go-to treatment is the Pacific Sea Salt Glow; a full body exfoliation using sea salt and seaweed foraged from local shores.

• Moon Jelly - A 15-minute boat ride from town, Moon Jelly is another remote sauna experience centered around the health benefits of salt water and seaweed.

• Tuff City Saunas - These private sauna rentals can be found beachfront at Pacific Sands Resort and MacKenzie Beach Resort, offering the perfect opportunity to create your own sauna + cold plunge cycle, alternating a dip in the Pacific followed by a rotation in the sauna.

• Tofino Yoga - Hone your practice in the fresh ocean air with the waves crashing at your feet by booking a regularly scheduled morning yoga class at MacKenzie Beach during the spring / summer season or book a private beach yoga session for your group - all mats and props are provided.

Shop

Merge - A must visit boutique tucked away located in the cutest pink building in an alley off Tofino’s main drag (Campbell St). Merge has an amazing curation of sustainable, locally made jewelry, clothing, home goods and self-care. Their namesake roll-on perfume has developed a cult following.

• Wolf in the Fog - Dinner and cocktails are not to be missed at this PNW-inspired, seafood-forward restaurant. With numerous accolades under its belt, including Canada’s Best New Restaurant and recurring rankings as one of the top restaurants in the country, a reservation is a must.

• The Pointe Restaurant at The Wickaninnish Inn - The setting alone makes this restaurant an experience you’ll always remember. Reserve a window seat for brunch and watch the surfers on the point, or for happy hour to watch the sunset over the horizon.

• The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge - A cozy, rustic room perfect for happy hour sundowners, watching the surf roll in at Cox Bay.

• Picnic Charcuterie - A teeny tiny, female-run delicatessen, Picnic is the spot to grab local and / or ethically sourced charcuterie, preserves and cheese. Grab a picnic platter to go for the perfect beachside snack.

• End of the Road - A group of container businesses at the very end of Campbell Street (the main street through town) for more grab & go, laid back fare. You’ll find smoothies and acai bowls, artisanal ice cream, poke and more.