Guidebook for Tofino
Great Eats in Tofino
This is a list of all the restaurants popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Please let me know if you'd like additional information on vegan and veggie options in Tofino. That's my specialty! Please note that some restaurants close for a period of time during the winter.
Popular amongst locals and tourists. A selection of seafood and other options. Some veggie options. Open for lunch and dinner.
55 moradores locais recomendam
SoBo TO-GO
311 Neill StPopular amongst locals and tourists. A selection of seafood and other options. Some veggie options. Open for lunch and dinner.
Delicious, affordable noodle dishes. Some veggie and gluten-free options too. For veggies, my favourite is a vegan version of the Dan Dan. Open 11am to 6:30pm, closed Mondays.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Sea Monster Noodle Bar
5-421 Main StDelicious, affordable noodle dishes. Some veggie and gluten-free options too. For veggies, my favourite is a vegan version of the Dan Dan. Open 11am to 6:30pm, closed Mondays.
A favourite, trendy evening spot for many locals. Has a great lounge with a selection of drinks and an appy menu. The restaurant is on the pricier side but has a good selection. Not very veggie friendly though.
68 moradores locais recomendam
Shelter Restaurant
634 Campbell StA favourite, trendy evening spot for many locals. Has a great lounge with a selection of drinks and an appy menu. The restaurant is on the pricier side but has a good selection. Not very veggie friendly though.
Japanese fusion, mostly ramen style dishes, affordable dinner spot. Some veggie options. Gluten-free is harder here but possible.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Kuma Tofino
101 Fourth StJapanese fusion, mostly ramen style dishes, affordable dinner spot. Some veggie options. Gluten-free is harder here but possible.
Local bakery with a selection of breads and other baked goods. Offers basic breakfasts, lunches, pizza and other snacks. Open 8am to 6pm.
23 moradores locais recomendam
Common Loaf Bake Shop
180 First StLocal bakery with a selection of breads and other baked goods. Offers basic breakfasts, lunches, pizza and other snacks. Open 8am to 6pm.
Donuts, good coffee, breaky, lunch and snacks. Open 7:30am to 5:00pm.
21 moradores locais recomendam
Rhino Coffee House
430 Campbell StDonuts, good coffee, breaky, lunch and snacks. Open 7:30am to 5:00pm.
A favourite amongst locals and visitors. This popular food truck offers a selection of tacos and burritos. Great veggie and gluten-free options. Open 11:00am to 7:00pm in the summer. Shorter mid and low season hours.
60 moradores locais recomendam
Tacofino
1184 Pacific Rim HwyA favourite amongst locals and visitors. This popular food truck offers a selection of tacos and burritos. Great veggie and gluten-free options. Open 11:00am to 7:00pm in the summer. Shorter mid and low season hours.
Popular food hut offering a section of mostly seafood burgers, fish & chips, etc. Some outdoor seating provided. Open 9:00am to 8:00pm during summer months. Shorter mid and low season hours.
42 moradores locais recomendam
Wildside Grill
1180 BC-4Popular food hut offering a section of mostly seafood burgers, fish & chips, etc. Some outdoor seating provided. Open 9:00am to 8:00pm during summer months. Shorter mid and low season hours.
Wide selection of menu items with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. On the pricier side. Not very veggie friendly.
24 moradores locais recomendam
The Schooner Restaurant
331 Campbell StWide selection of menu items with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. On the pricier side. Not very veggie friendly.
Delicious locally made chocolate and ice cream. Vegan options too!
42 moradores locais recomendam
Chocolate Tofino
1180A Pacific Rim HwyDelicious locally made chocolate and ice cream. Vegan options too!
Have a drink and a snack or dinner at the Great Room. Great sunset spot for cooler days!
35 moradores locais recomendam
Long Beach Lodge Resort
1441 Pacific Rim HwyHave a drink and a snack or dinner at the Great Room. Great sunset spot for cooler days!
Oyster bar and restaurant featuring a variety of seafood options. Great sunset spot.
Ice House Oyster Bar
81 West StreetOyster bar and restaurant featuring a variety of seafood options. Great sunset spot.
1909 Kitchen at the Tofino Resort has a beautiful view, cozy atmosphere with tasty small and large plates. Also great to check out The Hatch at Tofino Resort, which is a pub with a waterfront view. Great cocktails, beer and wine selection and a nice menu.
Tofino Resort + Marina
634 Campbell St1909 Kitchen at the Tofino Resort has a beautiful view, cozy atmosphere with tasty small and large plates. Also great to check out The Hatch at Tofino Resort, which is a pub with a waterfront view. Great cocktails, beer and wine selection and a nice menu.
Tofino's one and only vegetarian restaurant. As a vegan who likes great food, I enjoy many of the dishes at Bravocados. Some of my favourites are the buffalo-style cauliflower wings, the Chz burger (yum!), and their caesar salad.
11 moradores locais recomendam
Bravocados
368 Main StTofino's one and only vegetarian restaurant. As a vegan who likes great food, I enjoy many of the dishes at Bravocados. Some of my favourites are the buffalo-style cauliflower wings, the Chz burger (yum!), and their caesar salad.
A new restaurant popular with both locals and visitors. Shed has a nice, casual environment and a nice big patio for summer afternoons and evenings. The menu is diverse enough to satisfy most groups. If you're veggie or vegan, the options are limited.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Shed
461 Campbell StreetA new restaurant popular with both locals and visitors. Shed has a nice, casual environment and a nice big patio for summer afternoons and evenings. The menu is diverse enough to satisfy most groups. If you're veggie or vegan, the options are limited.
Arts & Culture
Great local gallery featuring works from Roy Henry Vickers, a talented First Nation artist.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Roy Henry Vickers Gallery
350 Campbell StGreat local gallery featuring works from Roy Henry Vickers, a talented First Nation artist.
Great local gallery featuring the work of local artist Mark Hobson.
11 moradores locais recomendam
Mark Hobson Gallery
366 Campbell StGreat local gallery featuring the work of local artist Mark Hobson.
Drinks & Nightlife
Popular local brewery. Open in the summer months from 11am to 10pm. Shorter mid and low season hours.
58 moradores locais recomendam
Tofino Brewing Co
691 Industrial WayPopular local brewery. Open in the summer months from 11am to 10pm. Shorter mid and low season hours.
There are occasionally bands playing at the legion on the weekends, karaoke on Wednesday nights, and other fun nights include darts, pool and other activities. For more information on the local music scene check out Tofino Time magazine.
Royal Canadian Legion
331 Main StThere are occasionally bands playing at the legion on the weekends, karaoke on Wednesday nights, and other fun nights include darts, pool and other activities. For more information on the local music scene check out Tofino Time magazine.
The Hatch is a great local waterfront pub with a creative cocktail menu, nice selection of beer and wine and a tasty menu.
10 moradores locais recomendam
The Hatch Waterfront Pub
634 Campbell StThe Hatch is a great local waterfront pub with a creative cocktail menu, nice selection of beer and wine and a tasty menu.
Tofino's first and only distillery making Small Batch Vodka, Jalapeño Vodka, West Coast Gin, Old Growth Cedar Gin, and Absinthe. Tofino Distillery has a tasting room where you can try some of their mini-cocktail tasters.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Tofino Distillery
681 Industrial WayTofino's first and only distillery making Small Batch Vodka, Jalapeño Vodka, West Coast Gin, Old Growth Cedar Gin, and Absinthe. Tofino Distillery has a tasting room where you can try some of their mini-cocktail tasters.
Getting Around
Local bus company providing transport around Vancouver Island, as well as a local Beach Bus, which runs between Tofino and Cox Bay daily during the summer months. Also rents bicycles. For more info visit www.tofinobus.com
19 moradores locais recomendam
Tofino Bus
346 Campbell StLocal bus company providing transport around Vancouver Island, as well as a local Beach Bus, which runs between Tofino and Cox Bay daily during the summer months. Also rents bicycles. For more info visit www.tofinobus.com
Local airport with three companies (Pacific Coastal, Orca Air and KD Air) offering flights daily between Tofino and Vancouver. Offers some flights between Tofino and Victoria during the summer months.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Tofino-Long Beach Airport
188 Airport RdLocal airport with three companies (Pacific Coastal, Orca Air and KD Air) offering flights daily between Tofino and Vancouver. Offers some flights between Tofino and Victoria during the summer months.
Tofino Water Taxi offers water taxi service to a variety of local destinations outside of Tofino. Visit their website at tofinowatertaxi.com for more info or call them toll-free at 1-866-794-2537.
Tofino Water Taxi
750 Campbell StreetTofino Water Taxi offers water taxi service to a variety of local destinations outside of Tofino. Visit their website at tofinowatertaxi.com for more info or call them toll-free at 1-866-794-2537.
See Tofino from a bird's eye view. Tofino Air offers floatplane service to remote local destinations and scenic tours.
Tofino Air Lines Ltd
50 First StSee Tofino from a bird's eye view. Tofino Air offers floatplane service to remote local destinations and scenic tours.
See Tofino from a bird's eye view. Tofino Air offers floatplane service to remote local destinations and scenic tours.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Atleo River Air Service Ltd
Wingen LaneSee Tofino from a bird's eye view. Tofino Air offers floatplane service to remote local destinations and scenic tours.
A bike is a great way to get around Tofino and out to the local beaches and the multi-use path between Tofino and Cox Bay makes this easy and safe.
TOF Cycles Co
A bike is a great way to get around Tofino and out to the local beaches and the multi-use path between Tofino and Cox Bay makes this easy and safe.
Entertainment & Activities
Offers whale watching tours, bear watching tours and tours to Hot Springs Cove.
10 moradores locais recomendam
The Whale Centre
411 Campbell StOffers whale watching tours, bear watching tours and tours to Hot Springs Cove.
Offers whale watching tours, bear watching tours and tours to Hot Springs Cove.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Ocean Outfitters
368 Main StOffers whale watching tours, bear watching tours and tours to Hot Springs Cove.
Offers whale watching tours, bear watching tours and tours to Hot Springs Cove.
11 moradores locais recomendam
Remote Passages Marine Excursions
51 Wharf StOffers whale watching tours, bear watching tours and tours to Hot Springs Cove.
One of my favourite local tours! T'ashii Paddle School offers tours in traditional First Nation dugout canoes with knowledgeable local guides. They offer a few options with one of these being a tour to the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island where you'll see 1000+ year old trees and lush temperate rainforest.
Swell Paddle + Surf Tofino
1101 BC-4One of my favourite local tours! T'ashii Paddle School offers tours in traditional First Nation dugout canoes with knowledgeable local guides. They offer a few options with one of these being a tour to the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island where you'll see 1000+ year old trees and lush temperate rainforest.
Great local kayak company offering a variety of tours.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Tofino Life Clothing
320 Main StGreat local kayak company offering a variety of tours.
Surfing is a popular activity in Tofino! Take a surf lesson with Surf Sister Surf School. Experienced and fun surf instructors will show you the ropes and set you up with the gear you need.
25 moradores locais recomendam
Surf Sister Surf School
625 Campbell StSurfing is a popular activity in Tofino! Take a surf lesson with Surf Sister Surf School. Experienced and fun surf instructors will show you the ropes and set you up with the gear you need.
Surfing is a popular activity in Tofino! Take a surf lesson with Pacific Surf School. Experienced and fun surf instructors will show you the ropes and set you up with the gear you need.
11 moradores locais recomendam
Pacific Surf Co.
441 Campbell StSurfing is a popular activity in Tofino! Take a surf lesson with Pacific Surf School. Experienced and fun surf instructors will show you the ropes and set you up with the gear you need.
Learn how to stand up paddle board with experienced instructors. Or, rent the gear and have fun on your own.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Tofino Paddle Surf
1119 BC-4Learn how to stand up paddle board with experienced instructors. Or, rent the gear and have fun on your own.
Shopping
Habit Clothing
430 Campbell StPopular trendy women's clothing store.
Piña Styles
430 Campbell StClothing store offering local artist prints on a variety of pieces.
Local surf shop. Carries a selection of surf products, clothing, shoes and accessories.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Storm The Tofino Surf Shop
444 Campbell StLocal surf shop. Carries a selection of surf products, clothing, shoes and accessories.
Local surf shop where you can rent or purchase surf gear, clothing and shoes.
29 moradores locais recomendam
Long Beach Surf Shop
2060 Peninsula RdLocal surf shop where you can rent or purchase surf gear, clothing and shoes.
Local surf shop where you can rent or purchase surf gear, clothing, shoes, etc.
16 moradores locais recomendam
Live To Surf
1180 BC-4Local surf shop where you can rent or purchase surf gear, clothing, shoes, etc.
The House of Himwitsa Native Art Gallery specializes in fair trade First Nations artwork, handcrafted by the region’s most talented and innovative First Nation artisans. Beautiful award-winning, authentic First Nations rare woven baskets, Maquinna hats, masks, carvings, jewelry and more.
8 moradores locais recomendam
House of Himwitsa
300 Main StThe House of Himwitsa Native Art Gallery specializes in fair trade First Nations artwork, handcrafted by the region’s most talented and innovative First Nation artisans. Beautiful award-winning, authentic First Nations rare woven baskets, Maquinna hats, masks, carvings, jewelry and more.
Parks & Nature
Unfortunately, Schooner Cove is currently closed for upgrades to the parking area and trail.
A great local trail in Pacific Rim National Park. The trail is roughly 1 kilometres in each direction and arrives at beautiful Schooner Cove. From Schooner Cove you can choose to walk left toward beautiful Long Beach or, at low tide, you can walk to the right and explore a number of beautiful smaller beaches and sand dunes. ***Please note, if you choose to explore Schooner Cove to the right at the beach, keep a close eye on the tide. High tides can cut off access back to the trail!
Schooner Cove
Unfortunately, Schooner Cove is currently closed for upgrades to the parking area and trail.
A great local trail in Pacific Rim National Park. The trail is roughly 1 kilometres in each direction and arrives at beautiful Schooner Cove. From Schooner Cove you can choose to walk left toward beautiful Long Beach or, at low tide, you can walk to the right and explore a number of beautiful smaller beaches and sand dunes. ***Please note, if you choose to explore Schooner Cove to the right at the beach, keep a close eye on the tide. High tides can cut off access back to the trail!
Beautiful, shorter boardwalk trail through beautiful old growth forest.
8 moradores locais recomendam
Rainforest trail
Rainforest Trail - Trail BBeautiful, shorter boardwalk trail through beautiful old growth forest.
Spectacular popular beach! 2.7 kilometre stretch of white sand paradise is the most popular beach destination for Tofino residents.
40 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Chesterman
Spectacular popular beach! 2.7 kilometre stretch of white sand paradise is the most popular beach destination for Tofino residents.
Great local trail that takes you to Tonquin Beach and a few smaller beaches and finally, to Middle Beach. The trail is roughly 4kms in length each way with great viewpoints to check out as you go.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Tonquin Trail
Tonquin TrailGreat local trail that takes you to Tonquin Beach and a few smaller beaches and finally, to Middle Beach. The trail is roughly 4kms in length each way with great viewpoints to check out as you go.
Best done on a clear day, the Lone Cone hike is best for adventurers who are up for a good workout! The trail is 3.3 kms each direction with a total elevation gain of 730m. On clear days, the view from the top can't be beat. You can arrange transportation by calling the Lone Cone Hostel & Campground at 250.725.2169.
Lone Cone
Best done on a clear day, the Lone Cone hike is best for adventurers who are up for a good workout! The trail is 3.3 kms each direction with a total elevation gain of 730m. On clear days, the view from the top can't be beat. You can arrange transportation by calling the Lone Cone Hostel & Campground at 250.725.2169.
This beautiful trail is on Meares Island and therefore, only accessible by boat. You can take a tour with T'ashii Paddle School (see the entertainment & activities section for more detail) or you can hire Tofino Water Taxi to get you there (see the getting around section for detail).
Big Tree Trail
This beautiful trail is on Meares Island and therefore, only accessible by boat. You can take a tour with T'ashii Paddle School (see the entertainment & activities section for more detail) or you can hire Tofino Water Taxi to get you there (see the getting around section for detail).
A favourite amongst locals and tourists. Hot Springs Cove is accessible only by boat or plane. It's a roughly 1.5 hour boat ride in each direction, followed by a 20 minute board walk trail. I most recommend Hot Springs on cooler, calmer days. In peak season, the springs can be very busy. In winter months, best to visit during low tide and to avoid heavy rains, which can cool the springs down.
To get there, you can take a tour with any of the local tour companies including Ocean Outfitters, The Whale Centre and Remote Passages. Or, you can fly there with Tofino Air or Atleo Air. For more information visit the entertainment and activities section and/or the getting around section.
16 moradores locais recomendam
Hot Springs Cove
A favourite amongst locals and tourists. Hot Springs Cove is accessible only by boat or plane. It's a roughly 1.5 hour boat ride in each direction, followed by a 20 minute board walk trail. I most recommend Hot Springs on cooler, calmer days. In peak season, the springs can be very busy. In winter months, best to visit during low tide and to avoid heavy rains, which can cool the springs down.
To get there, you can take a tour with any of the local tour companies including Ocean Outfitters, The Whale Centre and Remote Passages. Or, you can fly there with Tofino Air or Atleo Air. For more information visit the entertainment and activities section and/or the getting around section.
A 1.5 kilometre beach expanse offering a challenging surf break, family fun and even some solitude. At the south end of the beach you'll find a narrow trail that climbs up to a couple of beautiful look-outs. At the busier north end, you can walk a path out to the rocks to watch a beautiful sunset.
30 moradores locais recomendam
Cox Bay Beach
A 1.5 kilometre beach expanse offering a challenging surf break, family fun and even some solitude. At the south end of the beach you'll find a narrow trail that climbs up to a couple of beautiful look-outs. At the busier north end, you can walk a path out to the rocks to watch a beautiful sunset.
Situated within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Spectacular stretch of beach on the edge of golden sand dunes and the ocean's powerful waves, prepare to be awestruck by this vast stretch of beach.
44 moradores locais recomendam
Wickaninnish Beach
Situated within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Spectacular stretch of beach on the edge of golden sand dunes and the ocean's powerful waves, prepare to be awestruck by this vast stretch of beach.
This beautiful look out offers great views of Clayoquot Sound on clear days. From the top of Radar Hill, if you search hard, you can find a steep, narrow trail on the left that leads down to Radar Beach. The trail isn't for the faint of heart though! It's a roughly 1 hour steep trail down, climbing roots of trees and under fallen trees and through muddy areas. Coming back up, it's a a roughly 1.5 hour climb. Good hiking boots are highly recommended.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Radar Hill
This beautiful look out offers great views of Clayoquot Sound on clear days. From the top of Radar Hill, if you search hard, you can find a steep, narrow trail on the left that leads down to Radar Beach. The trail isn't for the faint of heart though! It's a roughly 1 hour steep trail down, climbing roots of trees and under fallen trees and through muddy areas. Coming back up, it's a a roughly 1.5 hour climb. Good hiking boots are highly recommended.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Trail sits within Pacific Rim National Park and starts at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre. A self-guided walk along the trail where you can learn about the lands and seas of local First Nations. Along the trail you'll see a unique hand-carved totem pole depicting the land (Bear with Salmon), sea (Killer Whale), and sky (Thunderbird) of this beautiful area.
Nuu-Chah-Nulth Trail
Nuu-Chah-Nulth TrailThe Nuu-chah-nulth Trail sits within Pacific Rim National Park and starts at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre. A self-guided walk along the trail where you can learn about the lands and seas of local First Nations. Along the trail you'll see a unique hand-carved totem pole depicting the land (Bear with Salmon), sea (Killer Whale), and sky (Thunderbird) of this beautiful area.