There’s no shortage of ways to spend summer days in Tofino. This guide isn’t meant to be read top to bottom (unless you really want to). Skip around, follow your curiosity, and dive into whatever feels most like your kind of Tofino. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Beach Days + Surfing
- Hiking in the Beautiful Rainforest
- Biking Along the Pacific Rim + Beaches
- Wellness + Relaxation
- Restaurants + Cafes
- Stay + Adventure With Us
- Events + Festivals in Summer 2025
Beach Days + Surfing
Stretching for kilometers along the rugged west coast, Tofino’s beaches are a blend of misty coastline, rolling surf, and that iconic fine, golden sand perfect for barefoot strolls. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, there’s no better way to experience the thrill of Canada’s surf capital. Surf schools offer lessons for all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect family activity.
⚠️ Ocean Safety Reminder:
Always check the conditions before heading out. Tofino’s beaches can have strong rip currents—if in doubt, don’t paddle out. Stay within your ability, and never surf alone.
Surf Beaches
If you’re surfing, which beach you choose to go to depends on the swells & winds. Check out the surf forecast here.
- Cox Bay – consistent swell, popular with locals and pros, often holds surf contests, usually has the biggest waves out of all the beaches, can be mellow in the summer, one of Tofino’s most popular beaches, especially for surfing
- Chesterman Beach (North & South)– there are actually two beaches with different parking lots: Chesterman North and Chesterman South. North is more reliable and consistent than South as South only works on a S to SW swell
- Rosie Bay– experts-only, good to practice airs or one big maneuver per wave, rocky, basically a short-boarding wave only, can be dangerous for beginners, access is through Chesterman South by paddling around the rock on the left (closest to Cox Bay)
- Long Beach – Canada’s top surf destination, dreamy mellow, long waves when conditions are right, great for beginners, gorgeous at sunset, beginners should stay away from Lovekin Rock due to rips, currents and bigger waves
- Mackenzie Beach – most surf forecasts are generally wrong about this beach’s conditions, there are no waves here in the summer, will have waves in the winter when everywhere else is huge (10+ ft), good for paddle boarding in the summer as it’s lake-vibes
- Florencia Bay – in Ucluelet, less busy, definitely a hidden gem, sheltered from the wind making the water quite calm, doesn’t always have waves but an awesome place to be when it does
- Wickaninnish Beach – in Ucluelet, powerful waves and fewer crowds, generally for more experienced surfers
The Inside Scoop for Beach Days
- There’s a volleyball net at North Chesterman, and we’re big fans of bringing spikeball and other beach games to North Chesterman, Tonquin, and Mackenzie.
- For a proper beach hang, Tonquin is one of the best spots. It’s protected from the wind, so it’s less chilly when tanning—same goes for Mackenzie.
- Cox Bay has a few cafés and restaurants open to the public, including The Beach Shack and Surfside Grill, just steps from the beach.
- Beach fires are permitted at Mackenzie and Chesterman Beach (both north and south ends), between 8 AM and 10 PM. Fires must be in approved portable fire pits and only allowed when there’s no fire ban in place.
Surf Lessons & Rentals
Don’t forget, we’re in cold water over here in the North! We recommend a 5/4mm wetsuit and booties, but you could get away with a 4/3mm wetsuit and no booties on a hot day. Here are some of our favorite surf lesson and rental options:
- Long Beach Surf Shop – rentals only, great shop, right at the top of the Tofino Resort + Marina hill
- Surf Sister – rentals, group and private lessons, surf coaching, camps, family friendly, great shop, across the road from Tofino Resort + Marina
- Pacific Surf Co – rentals, group and private lessons, camps, great shop, short walk from Tofino Resort + Marina towards town
Hiking in the Beautiful Rainforest
Lush, misty, and full of west coast magic—the forests around Tofino are home to some unforgettable trails.
🗺️ Tip: Some trails require a short drive or bike ride out of town. Bring water, proper footwear (be ready for mud), and be bear aware.
- Rainforest Trail (Loops A + B) – easy, 2.6km, 44m elevation gain, wooden boardwalks under ancient canopy
- Tonquin Trail – easy, 4.5km, 95m elevation gain, forest meets ocean with bonus beach time, boardwalks
- Cox Bay Lookout – moderate, 3.1km, 143m elevation gain, short but steep; views worth every step
- Canso Plane Crash Site – moderate, 7.9km, 256m elevation gain, a moody trek through wetlands to a WWII relic
- Lone Cone Trail – hard, 15 minute water taxi to get there, steep and rewarding climb with epic views of the Clayoquot Sound
- 5040 Peak – very hard, 8.4 km, 933m elevation gain, very steep, not for the faint-hearted, 1 hour drive from Tofino, but we thought to throw it in here for you experienced hikers, iconic BC hike with gorgeous views, can camp at the top in tents or book the alpine hut, recommended in July-September to avoid too much snow at the top, bring crampons
Biking Along the Pacific Rim + Beaches
Rent a bike and explore the scenic Pacific Rim. The multi-use path stretches from Tofino to Ucluelet, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
We also recommend biking along any of the long surf beaches (North Chesterman, Cox Bay, Long Beach) at sunset.
Bike rental options: Tofino Bike Co, Tofino Electric Bikes, and Swell Paddle + Surf Co.
Wellness + Relaxation
Slow mornings, salty air, and space to breathe—wellness here is woven into the landscape. Whether you’re recharging or starting fresh, here are three ways to unwind in Tofino.
- Floating Sauna – accessible only by boat, off-grid sauna, cold plunges, ocean views, and total stillness
- Tofino Yoga – outdoor beach front classes that connect movement with the natural rhythm of the coast
- Sacred Stone Spa – full-service spa offering massage, facials, and holistic treatments in the heart of Tofino
Restaurants + Cafes
From morning coffee to sunset dinners, Tofino’s food scene is full of local flavour and laid-back charm. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Savary Island – a cozy, waterfront cafe in town serving up comfort food, baked goods, and all the warm vibes
- Tofitian – a local go-to for coffee and some of the best savoury pastries on the coast
- The Beach Shack – laid-back eats, right on the water, think fish & chips, burgers, and breezy picnic tables with a view
- Tacofino – a Tofino staple, iconic tacos from a legendary surf shack—expect a line, and know it’s worth it
- Shelter Restaurant – elevated comfort food with a west coast twist, local ingredients, cozy setting, and great cocktails
- Schooner Restaurant – classic west coast seafood with a long-standing reputation, great for a nice dinner out
- Wolf in the Fog – award-winning, seasonal, and rooted in the coast, inventive plates and a stunning space
- Jeju – small, stylish, Korean-inspired dishes made with local ingredients—one of the most exciting new spots in town
Stay + Adventure With Us
Tofino Resort + Marina offers the perfect base for your coastal adventures. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your partner, you’ll find a range of activities and amenities to make your stay memorable. Experiencing Tofino on land is one thing, but there’s no better way to see the West Coast beauty than by boat.
- Remote Kayaking: Explore Tofino Inlet by kayak after a scenic boat ride into Clayoquot Sound. Paddle remote coastal waters and spot seals, eagles, bears—even orcas.
- Remote Floating Sauna: Take a scenic 35 minute boat ride to our unique, remote, wood-fired floating sauna. Among the vast solitude and stillness of Clayoquot Sound, you’ll find it easy to tap into quiet here.
- Hot Springs Cove Tour: Hop aboard the Hot Springs Cove Tour to experience these natural pools fed by ethereal geothermal waterfalls. On the way, take in a scenic 30-nautical-mile boat ride, and wander along a 1.5 km cedar boardwalk that winds through majestic old-growth forest.
- Whale Watching: The Pacific Ocean brims with orcas, grey and humpback whales, harbour seals, sea lions, sea otters, and porpoises. Spot incredible marine wildlife, and learn about the region’s dynamic ecosystems.
- Bear Watching: Traverse the inlet waters of Clayoquot Sound, witness coastal wildlife, and track bears as they scavenge for rock crab in their natural habitat.
- Guided Fishing: Enjoy a saltwater fishing charter for halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish. With expert guides, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
- The Ultimate Adventure: Set off on a private West Coast adventure—drop crab traps, explore calm inlets or rugged coastlines, spot wildlife, and walk the Big Tree Trail in Wanachus-Hilthuuis (Meares Island) Tribal Park. Enjoy lunch among ancient trees, then pull your traps.
Events + Festivals in Summer 2025
- Songs for the Sound (May 24): Attendees can enjoy live music, games, food trucks, and community connections as we raise funds for Clayoquot Sound restoration initiatives.
- Tofino Wine and Dine (June 7 & 8): The food and drink festival of the year with up to 100 industry presenters including restaurant, vineyards, breweries, and more.
- Tofino Jazz Festival (June 26–29): This 4-day music celebration will bring many different colours of jazz to Tofino. Enjoy music for the whole community; for all ages; including free outdoor events.
- Gust of Wind (Every Friday in July & August from 5-9pm): Join Tofino Market in the Village Green for a Night Market, yummy food and drinks, live music and more
- Tofino Market (May Long Weekend–Thanksgiving Weekend, every Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.): Browse local crafts, food, and artisan goods at this vibrant market.
- Queen of the Peak (September 26-28): Celebrate women in surfing with this popular surf competition.
For more local events, check out Tourism Tofino!
With so many incredible activities and events, Tofino is the perfect destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, you’ll find it all in this beautiful coastal town. Plan your visit and make unforgettable memories in Tofino!
