Cool Things To Do in Tofino in 3-Days

 

This post will show you the best things to do in Tofino. Considering it’s not a big place, you may wonder how many days you need for Tofino or even if it’s worth the trip.

It may be a small town, but there are so many things to do that three days is not nearly enough time, but is a pretty good start. That’s why we prepared this Tofino itinerary with all there is to see and do in this beautiful part of British Columbia.

Getting To Tofino and Around

The easiest way to get to Tofino is by flying. Daily scheduled flights operate between Tofino and Vancouver’s South Terminal with Pacific Coastal Airlines.

By the way, make sure to check out our very useful Vancouver itinerary! In addition, Harbor Air currently offers daily scheduled flights from downtown Vancouver to Tofino Harbour, landing at Tofino Resort + Marina.

You can also fly into Nanaimo, which is a 3-hour drive to Tofino. However, once in Nanaimo, you will need a rental car to get to Tofino.

The easiest way to get around in Tofino is by car because there are no public transport options other than taxis.

You can drive from Vancouver to Tofino, then take a ferry from either Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver or Tsawassen in Delta.

The 3-hour drive from Nanaimo to Tofino is along the scenic Highway 19, so you won’t be disappointed by this route. Plan for a minimum of five hours to complete this trip.

You can also get to Tofino using the Tofino Bus Island Express, which operates a daily service from Parksville, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Victoria to Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni.

Things To Do in Tofino: Itinerary For 3 Days

Things To Do In Tofino On Day 1

The first day of your Tofino itinerary should be spent exploring the beaches, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities in Tofino.

Cox Bay Beach Walk

To start your morning, grab a coffee from the Tofitian and go for a beach walk along Cox Bay, where during low tide, you can observe starfish and other sea creatures.

The sand is perfect for walking, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore tidal pools, so don’t forget to bring your camera.

Breakfast/Brunch at Long Beach Lodge

After your beach walk, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Long Beach Lodge, where the dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows and looks out over the ocean.

You can enter Long Beach Lodge right from the beach, making it easily accessible from your beach walk on Cox Bay Beach.

See Also: The Perfect 3-Day Vancouver Itinerary

The brunch at Long Beach Lodge is divine and is served daily from 8 am until 1 pm. They also serve coffee from The Foggy Bean in Ucluelet, which people will wait in line for over 30 minutes for a simple cup of coffee, so you know it will be good to sip on over brunch or breakfast.

Surfing, One of the Best Things To Do In Tofino

After breakfast, Cox Bay Beach is a popular spot for surfing, so if you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a surfboard and wet suit from Surf Sisters at Pacific Sands Resort and try your hand in the waves.

Surf Sisters also offers surfing lessons which will have you catching waves in no time.

The pounding waves of Tofino make it the best destination for surfing in Canada. You can surf year-round, but thick wetsuits to combat the cold water are needed. Even on sunny days in February, you might believe that summer has finally arrived with all those brave souls heading out into open water.

Go Hiking, One of The Highlights of Your Tofino Itinerary

If you aren’t interested in surfing, consider doing one of the many hikes that Tofino is known for. The Cox Bay Lookout Trail offers a stunning view out over the Bay towards Pettinger Point.

The Canso Plane Crash Hike is perfect for any history buff and can be accessed from the lower parking lot at Radar Hill.

The top of Radar Hill is a great spot to take in the beauty around Tofino. You can peer out over both forests and oceans from this elevated point. It’s not quite 360 degrees, but it offers a unique perspective of the Tofino area.

The Rainforest Trail is a short hike through the rainforest, where you’ll be able to walk on elevated boardwalks amid giant trees with their lush branches overhead. The path may not always remain dry, but don’t let this discourage visiting because this hike, with the sight, sounds, and smells, is definitely worth the effort.

Have A Pint At Tofino Brewing Co

After your hike, reward yourself by stopping in at Tofino Brewing Company for a pint of their signature beer. Located just 3 minutes from Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino Brewing Company is an excellent choice for good beer.

They also offer brewery tours daily at 3 pm, including 3-oz samples of five different beers plus a souvenir glass to take home.

Dinner In Downtown Tofino

End your first adventurous day in Tofino by dining at one of the many restaurants in Tofino. You could stroll through the streets of Tofino on your way to dinner to get a taste of this eclectic and unique town on the wild west coast.

Things To Do In Tofino BC: Day 2

The second day of your Tofino itinerary starts with an early morning whale watching tour or deep sea fishing tour that departs from Tofino Resort Marina.

Go Fishing

Fishing off the coast of Vancouver Island is a real adventure. Fishing can be best from June through September but if you’re looking for something different, try heading out when herring run from March to April near new moon phases.

It is the perfect time to look into this delicious fish without too many other boats around for company.

Northwest Ocean Adventures offers flexible fishing charters and will create an itinerary specific to your fishing preferences. For example, in Tofino, you can fish for salmon, halibut or bottom fish for Ling Cod.

The waters here are rich with life- whether it’s the spectacular scenery that draws tourists year after year or the abundance of sea life that provides a perfect habitat for marine mammals, birds, and fish.

Go On A Whale-Watching Tour

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, then a whale-watching tour is the way to go. You can see gray whales in Tofino’s waters or even orcas on occasion, and during summertime, there are humpbacks too.

These trips also give tourists some time to explore surrounding areas like scenic Clayoquot Sound with its endless views.

Adventure Tofino offers three-hour whale-watching tours. The primary objective of the tour is to view the whales.

But you will also see a variety of other creatures along the route, such as California sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters. In addition, bald eagles and various birds are a common sight on this excursion.

Explore The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet

After your tour, head up towards Ucluelet, where 3 hours is just enough time to explore the Wild Pacific Trail – a fantastic hike that takes hikers along beaches and into rainforest trails with views of the ocean.

The Wild Pacific Trail offers many different access points, but one of the most popular routes is the lighthouse loop.

The route takes you along the rocky headlands’ edge for a 30 to 45-minute walk, passing spectacular views of Barkley Sound and Amphitrite Lighthouse. Take in the scenery while keeping to the path as the rocks are not secure.

Have Dinner at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

For dinner, head to the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet. The views are rugged and spectacular. You can choose between casual or formal dining, and both offer views that are not to be missed.

What to Do in Tofino on The Last Day

On day 3 of your Tofino itinerary, take advantage of all that Tofino has to offer by visiting some more local attractions, shopping at the boutiques, or enjoying a coffee at one of Tofino’s coffee shops.

Explore Downtown Tofino

Spend a few hours strolling along Main Street, Campbell Street, and First Street. There are many stores to shop at, including boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops serving locally roasted coffees.

Don’t miss the doughnuts at Rhino Coffee House; they are legendary in Tofino. Hit the surf shops like Storm, the Tofino Surf Shop, or Long Beach Surf Shop. Head on over to Tofino Licks for some decadent ice cream or book a massage at Sacred Stone Spa.

The waterfront is a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down. Just two blocks off of Main Street, you can see Clayoquot Sound and Meares Island from here – it’s not surprising that people come for miles when they want their shoreline fix.

So walk up in one direction or another – whichever takes your fancy – and enjoy some time outdoors with friends on this picturesque stretch.

Spend Time At Long Beach

Pack a picnic lunch from one of Tofino’s restaurants or put together your own from the Co-Op and head to the most popular beach in Tofino. Long Beach is 16 km long and offers plenty of space for relaxing on the sand or on one of the driftwood “furniture” along its length.

This beautiful stretch of beach has hard-packed white sand that you can walk on at high tide or low waves for those who are less adventurous.

The view into faraway islands covered in salt spray never disappoints; time seems to stand still while staring out across this vastness where there are no boundaries between our world and nature’s infinite beauty. A mesmerizing place indeed.

Dinner At Wolf in the Fog

To dine at Wolf in the Fog, you need to make reservations months in advance, or you can attempt to score a table at the bar. This small restaurant is widely regarded as one of Canada’s best restaurants and offers an innovative menu that frequently changes with locally available ingredients.

Pacific Sands Resort

End your three days in Tofino in front of the fire at Pacific Sands Resort and watch the famous sunsets in Tofino. Then, grab a box of S’mores from the office and feel like a kid again roasting marshmallows while you are surrounded by the beauty that is Tofino.

Where To Stay In Tofino

There are plenty of accommodation options in Tofino, ranging from budget hotels through B&Bs and mid-range lodges. Here are some suggestions of accommodations in Tofino:

Budget Accommodation In Tofino

On the water in Tofino, Whalers on the Point Guesthouse is ideally placed. They provide clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodation with views of Clayoquot Sound.

Mid-Range Hotel In Tofino

Pacific Sands Resort & Spa is centrally located, right on Cox Bay Beach, has surf rentals on-site, bicycle rentals, and accommodations with full kitchens. It has everything from three-bedroom beach houses to studio suites and everything in between.

Luxury Accommodation In Tofino

The Wickaninnish Inn is a Relais & Chateaux Member located on Chesterman Beach. It is famous for storm watching, so be sure to book in advance if you want a room with an ocean view.

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend your next three days, look no further. Tofino is a fantastic place that has so much to offer- it’s the perfect vacation spot.

With everything from hiking and kayaking opportunities to whale-watching tours, there are plenty of things to do in Tofino. So what will be your favorite part of visiting Tofino?

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