Tofino British Columbia is a very popular tourist and outdoor destination on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is located in a geographical region called Clayoquot Sound which comprises about 400,000 hectares of land and marine inlets all draining into a central marine catchment area. The beauty and cultural richness of Clayoquot Sound led to it being declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2000.
Tourism in Tofino started as early as the 1800s but did not start on its growth path until a road was cut through from Port Alberni to the east in 1959. Today tourism is king in Tofino.
The Tofino area beaches are a surfer’s paradise. Surfing schools are readily available for the many visitors who want to learn. The first ever ASP sanctioned surf event in Canada, the O’Neill Cold Water Classic, is held in Tofino in October.
Every spring the grey whale migration from Baja to Alaska is the focus of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Whale watching is a very popular Tofino attraction, with orcas and even the occasional humpback whale also seen in the summer season. Thousands of shore birds gorge themselves on rich mudflats in the area in April/May before following the whales north. And with five different species found in the area, salmon fishing is great in the Tofino area.
Don’t forget to explore the beauty of Pacific Rim National Park with its three distinct regions: Long Beach, which is the closest to Tofino and the most accessible; the Broken Islands group, which offers great kayaking opportunities; and the very challenging West Coast Trail.
Take an hour and a half boatride to Maquinna Provincial Park to enjoy a 30 minute walk on the boardwalk through old growth forest to the hot springs. Clayoquot Sound is also home to a large number of resident black bears so bear watching tours around Meares Island offer another great option to both enjoy the ocean and the calmer protected waters and view wildlife in its natural habitat.
Don’t forget to enjoy the great restaurants,native galleries and artisan studios in the village of Tofino. Its rich and spectacular natural surroundings inspire creativity in many local people, be it in local food or scenery or locally found materials. To explore this very special region select a great Tofino Bed & Breakfast and learn about ALL of the local attractions from your hosts.