Tofino B.C. / Getting Here

Our full service Fly and Tackle Shop and Charter Booking office is located at 564A Campbell Street, and is only steps away from the 4th Street Dock as well as our private accommodations: Bedwell Place and Clayoquot Vista.

Click here for a map of Tofino, BC
Click here for a map to get to Tofino, BC

Tofino is situated at the tip of the Esowista Peninsula on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is a small, yet growing, coastal community (pop 1549 census 2001) with a history steep in fishing, forestry and tourism development.

Tofino is located within one of the most dramatic and pristine landscapes in the country, and is surrounded by the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Biosphere Reserve. The Biosphere Reserve is an internationally recognized area that includes terrestrial and marine environments and extends from the southern boundary of the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to just north of Estevan Point. The Biosphere Reserve includes approximately 350 000 hectares of which nearly 83 000 hectares are marine.

Over 60% of all employment opportunities in Tofino are directly related to the tourism industry and an additional 14% are classified as tourism-dependent. Other industries include aquaculture, shipping/transportation, and construction.

The temperatures in Tofino range between 0-25 degrees Celsius (approx. 30-80 degrees Fahrenheit). The average water temperature is approximately 7-11 degrees Celsius (approx. 44-52 degrees Fahrenheit). Annually, the temperatures do not vary greatly, earning Tofino the right to claim the greatest "mean" temperature in Canada.

Located in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere, Tofino continues to thrive while maintaining unsurpassed natural beauty for generations to come.

THINGS TO DO IN TOFINO

Winter Storm Watching - experience the drama of a winter storm from the luxurious surroundings of the various resorts, Vacation homes, or B & Bs. The best time for Storm Watching is November through to February, but please don't be disappointed if your "storm" is interrupted by sunny days with blue skies.

Whale Watching Experience the migration of the Pacific Gray Whales on their annual 10,000-mile spring journey from Baja, Mexico to Alaska. The annual Whale Festival takes place during the month of March and coincides with BC's Spring Break schedule, however the whales are found within Clayoquot Sound from early March to October.

Beachcombing - Wander one of Tofino's wide sandy beaches in search of ocean treasures and explore the magic of life in a tidal pool. Chesterman Beach, Tonquin Park, Mackenzie Beach, Cox Bay and the Pacific Rim National Park's Long Beach are waiting for you to explore. Please remember to take only photos of your discoveries, as the sea creatures are live and don't travel well.

Rain Forest Walks - enjoy a leisurely walk through one of the world's largest intact, ancient temperate rainforests. The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island will lead you to the "hanging garden tree", the largest known living red cedar in Clayoquot Sound.

Sea Kayaking - Regardless of your skill level, the numerous kayak outfitters of Tofino will be able to assist you with a kayak voyage. Explore the quiet inside waters of Clayoquot Sound and watch for river otters, harbour seals, bald eagles and a variety of shorebirds. Contact Remote Passages or Tofino Sea-Kayaking Company for details.

Hot Springs Cove - A natural succession of hot pools, which are fed by underground hot springs and lead directly to the sea. Each wave creates a soothing mixture of alternating hot and cool as the seawater mixes with the spring waters. Hot Springs Cove is accessible by boat or floatplane.

Birdwatching - The west coast of Vancouver Island represents one of the most important routes for many species of migratory birds. Whether you opt to explore on your own or with a local guide, the variety of species found along the beaches and the inter-tidal flats of the many inlets will astound you.

Golfing - Long Beach Golf Course, located within the Pacific Rim National Park offers 9 challenging holes, playing long and narrow to 3,149 yards. It has a par of 72 and a slope rating of 116.

Surfing - This sport is "full-on" 12 months of the year, as the ocean temperatures remain fairly constant. Tofino hosts several surfing schools and the waves of the Pacific attract surfers from around the globe. Boogie boards, surfboards and wetsuits are all available for rent at several local shops.

Cougar Annie's Garden - . Surrounded by rainforest and mountains, this garden has endured for over eighty years and is found at the head of Hesquiat Harbour, off the West Coast of Tofino. The story of Cougar Annie is as intriguing as the scenery of her West Coast world.

Take a Spa Day - Ahhhhhhh!!! Choose from a stone massage, accupressure or reflexology treatment or a deep tissue massage and revitalize your body from head to toe. Booking your appointment early is highly recommended, as massage treatments are a popular past time in Tofino. Please contact Tofino Massage Works or the Ancient Cedars Spa at The Wickinninish Resort .

GETTING HERE

Tofino can be reached either by air, via regularly scheduled flights from both Vancouver and Seattle or by car or one of two scheduled bus systems.

Driving from the ferry terminal in Nanaimo or the airport in Comox, both located on the East Coast of Vancouver Island, will take you about 3 ½ to 4 hours. Traveling the Inland Island Highway (Highway 19) take exit # 60 for Highway 4 West. As you head towards Port Alberni you will pass Cameron Lake and Cathedral Grove (McMillian Provincial Park). You will stay on Highway 4 as you drive through one of the main commercial areas of Port Alberni until you come to a "T" junction. Take a right turn at this junction and follow the signs for "Tofino/Ucluelet". This portion of the drive is perhaps the most picturesque (and curvy!) as you past the shores of Sproat Lake, the Taylor River, the upper Kennedy River and finally, Kennedy Lake. As you reach the West Coast you will come to a second "T" junction where you will take a right turn to reach the Community of Tofino. If your drive originates in Victoria, BC's Capital City, please allow five hours (332km/206mi) to reach Tofino.

You can connect with Tofino Bus in Nanaimo or Victoria. As well, if you catch the 8:30am Ferry Sailing from Horseshoe Bay, in North Vancouver, you can board Tofino Bus at their Nanaimo depot.

Laidlaw Coach Lines provides year round service to various communities on Vancouver Island, including Tofino.

Transportation to Vancouver Island

BC Ferries For fares & schedules for sailings to Vancouver Island

Road Reports from BC's Ministry of Transportation

Coho Ferry/Black Ball Transport Vehicle ferry connecting Port Angeles, Washington with Downtown Victoria BC

Washington State Ferries Vehicle ferry connecting Anacortes, Washington with Sidney BC

West Ex Airlines Direct Flights from Vancouver to Tofino

WestJet Airlines Air transport to Comox or Victoria from over 22 departure points in Canada