Things to do in Tofino

Activities, attractions and tours

Tofino featuring boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Tofino
Tofino featuring a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Tofino which includes zoo animals and dangerous animals
Tofino which includes night scenes, general coastal views and a bay or harbor

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Top places to visit

1. Chesterman Beach

Grab a board and tackle the gentle breakers at Chesterman Beach or sit back and look on as rookies and experts surf the waves together. The 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) white sandy expanse is a popular place for learning how to surf. It's also where you can walk to an island, see migrating whales and explore tidal pools for marine life.
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Chesterman Beach showing general coastal views and rugged coastline

2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a natural and cultural wonder with rainforests, beaches and history. It is the main attraction on Vancouver Island, offering something for every type of traveler, from campers and sunbathers to history buffs. Camp and hike in the park, which stretches across more than 123,000 acres (50,000 hectares) of picturesque landscape and ocean.
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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve which includes forest scenes and hiking or walking as well as an individual femail

3. Mackenzie Beach

Visitors flock to Mackenzie Beach to enjoy its calm waters and family ambiance. The Vancouver Island strip of sand is particularly popular because it is close to the town of Tofino and is protected from high winds by rock formations. Its calm waves create a family atmosphere, since more adventurous swimmers and surfers make their way to tougher waters farther south.
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The calm waters of this beach near Tofino make it an ideal spot for families to take a break from city life and go for a swim.

4. Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens

Walk among the trees of a temperate rainforest, explore gardens filled with native plants and spot wildlife by the pond when you visit Tofino Botanical Gardens. The 12-acre (5-hectare) site is tucked away on the western coast of Vancouver Island. Its collections include plants from Chile and Japan and art installations.
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Tofino Botanical Gardens featuring a pond and a garden

5. Tonquin Park

Tonquin Park is comprised of a leafy tract of preserved rainforest, which leads from the edge of Tofino to the sandy shores of Clayoquot Sound. Explore the walking trails that wind through the forest reserve and find scenic boardwalks and two sheltered beaches. Admire views of a magnificent ocean panorama dotted with islands.
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Tonquin Park showing rugged coastline and general coastal views

What to do in Tofino

Popular places to visit

Tofino Botanical Gardens featuring a pond and a garden

Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens

Venture into a coastal rainforest, stroll along waterside trails and study native and foreign plants at these beautiful botanical gardens.

Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens
Tonquin Park showing rugged coastline and general coastal views

Tonquin Park

Via a network of walking trails, make your way through verdant old-growth forest to gentle waters and a wide sandy beach on the Pacific Coast.

Tonquin Park

Tofino Bike Park

Enjoy an outing to Tofino Bike Park during your stay in Tofino. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Tofino Bike Park

Tofino Art Glass

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Tofino Art Glass in Tofino. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Tofino Art Glass

Eagle Aerie Gallery

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Eagle Aerie Gallery during your trip to Tofino. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Eagle Aerie Gallery

Maquinna Provincial Marine Park

Explore the great outdoors at Maquinna Provincial Marine Park, a lovely green space in Tofino. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Maquinna Provincial Marine Park

Areas of Tofino

Tonquin Park which includes general coastal views and rugged coastline

Tonquin Beach

If you're spending some time in Tonquin Beach, Tonquin Park and Tofino Bike Park are top sights worth seeing.

Tonquin Beach
Ucluelet which includes a sunset, a bay or harbor and mountains

Ucluelet

Frequently asked questions

Is Tofino worth visiting?
Famous for its watersports and coastal beaches, discovering cool things to do in Tofino is a cinch. Make sure to add Chesterman Beach to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Tofino?
After you've visited major attractions like Chesterman Beach and Mackenzie Beach, spend some time enjoying the food and retail options in Tofino.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tofino?
You can't leave without checking out Chesterman Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Tofino.
Is three days enough to stay in Tofino?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Chesterman Beach, Mackenzie Beach and Cox Bay Beach with a three-day getaway in Tofino. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Ucluelet.
Is Tofino a walkable city?
That all depends on what you want to do and see in Tofino. Several leading attractions, like Chesterman Beach, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a wander through one of Tofino's cool neighbourhoods, Tonquin Beach is 0.97 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Tofino with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all the family, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Tofino with kids.
What to do in Tofino for adults?
Tofino Art Glass is one of the top things to do in Tofino. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Tofino?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Tofino. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Chesterman Beach is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.