The Perfect Trip to Tofino | 3-Day Itinerary

Canada’s top surfer’s paradise should be at the top of your Canadian travel bucket list. If you have decided to make it your next destination and are planning your vacation, this guide will share with you how to have the perfect trip to Tofino. This 3 day itinerary will specify all the activities you need to do in Tofino to guarantee that you will have the best trip ever!

What makes Tofino so special?

Where to begin?! Tofino is a small, charming coastal town located on the western side of Vancouver Island. It is known for its natural and rugged beauty, stunning coastal views, and of course, surfing. Tofino has amazing old-growth forests that are home to bears, and expansive coastlines for whale watching. It is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, as Tofino has the best surfing in all of Canada. Additionally, the town has many cultural influences, making it a popular place for festivals and events. Lastly, in recent years, Tofino has gained popularity in its ‘foodie’ scene, with a variety of restaurants known to source local ingredients to make mouth-watering cuisine.

If your looking for other top adventures in BC – check out our road trip guide from Kelowna to Calgary!

How to get to Tofino?

By Car: You can access Tofino by car from a variety of places. The most popular starting destinations include Victoria, Vancouver (ferry to Nanaimo) and Nanaimo. Your best bet is to rent a car from one of these destinations and drive to Tofino.

By Plane: Although there is a small airport in Tofino (Tofino-Long Beach airport) that caters to daily flights from Vancouver and Victoria, it is quite expensive so we’d recommend driving (plus the drive is stunning).

What’s the best time to visit Tofino? 

Our visits to Tofino have always taken place during the summer, as the season is typically known for milder temperatures and sunny days, much like other places. However, after experiencing Tofino during a full five-day downpour in the summer and consulting with locals, we learned that the town’s weather remains consistent throughout the year. Though the winter and spring seasons are typically wetter, being a coastal town, Tofino can experience extended periods of rain in the summer. For this reason, we recommend visiting Tofino during the spring or fall when you can expect similar weather conditions without the crowds. Keep in mind that during the summer, it’s essential to book accommodations and dinner reservations in advance.

How much time is enough to spend in Tofino?

The duration of time needed for the perfect trip to Tofino entirely depends on your personal preferences. However, taking into account the travel time to reach Tofino and the vast natural beauty to be explored in the area, we recommend planning for at least three to four days. This will allow you enough time to enjoy surfing multiple times, explore the numerous beaches, embark on adventures in the old-growth forests, and savor the local cuisine.

Tofino Itinerary 

The Perfect Trip to Tofino – Day 1

Arrive in Tofino (ideally in the morning to maximize your time) and settle into your accommodation. There’s a wide range of places you can stay but we’d recommend camping at Mackenzie Beach, this retro AirBnb, or glamping on the waterfront . Remember, you’ll want to book accommodations as far in advance as possible!

Walk around town and grab a light bite

Tofino is a charming little town that’s perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying its cute shops. A casual walk around town will help you get your bearings. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend heading to the Shed for lunch. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine on their patio while indulging in their deadly poke bowl.

Afternoon Sea Kayak trip to Meares Island

A must-do activity while in Tofino is sea kayaking! With a variety of tour companies and itineraries to choose from in Tofino, I highly recommend the 4.5-hour sea kayak trip to Meares Island ($135) with Tofino Sea Kayaking. This unique kayak and hike combo provides an opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring old-growth forest on Meares Island while learning about its rich history, making for an unforgettable experience.

Sunset at Tonquin Beach

Make sure to catch the sunset every evening during your stay in Tofino because, rain or shine, it’s a stunning sight that never disappoints. After the sun has slipped into the ocean, head over to the Wolf in the Fog for an amazing dinner.

The Perfect Trip to Tofino – Day 2 

Early surf session

There’s no better way to start the day than a surf session in the morning! If you need some lessons, check out Surf Sisters – an all female surf company with informative instructors.

Then of course, coffee

There’s a couple groovy coffee spots in Tofino. Rhino Coffee comes highly rated and has some great breakfast options. HOWEVER, I’m a Tofino Coffee gal through and through. Their coffee slaps.

Hike to an old airplane crash

Time for another adventure! Take this moderate hike to a plane that crashed into the forest in 1945 (learn more here). The Canso Bomber Ruins Trail is 7.6 km and 236 m in elevation. Although a fairly easy trek, it can get very muddy so wear rain or hiking boots!

Lunch and ice cream

Check out Al’oha Poke & Tostada for the best poke bowl in town (are you sensing a theme) and some ice cream!

Sunset at Chesterman Beach

We were serious when we said you have to watch the sunset every night while in Tofino! Mix it up and head over to Chesterman Beach for a spectacular evening.

Field trip for dinner

If you’re up for a little drive to get one of the most amazing meals in the area, take the 30 minute drive from Chesterman beach to Ucluelet. Pluvio offers a unique, award winning dining experience, celebrating the best local products and natural elements of Ucluelet and Vancouver Island. 

The Perfect Trip to Tofino – Day 3

Early surf session at Cox Bay

I promised you’d be starting every morning in the water 😉 Don’t forget to follow it up with a coffee from Tofino Coffee!

Cox Bay hike 

Take the steep climb up to Cox Bay lookout (2.6 km 115 m) for one of the most rewarding views in all of Tofino!

Tacos and Beach

Grab the infamous fish tacos at Tacofino (brace yourself for a long wait, it’s worth it) and take it to Chesterman beach to soak up the sun (hopefully) and watch the surfers. 

Sunset and dinner

Tonight you’ll combine these two activities and enjoy an incredible dinner while watching the sunset at The Pointe at the Wickaninnish Inn. This is an unforgettable dining experience and a beautiful way to end the perfect trip to Tofino!

Adios, Chicos!

Tofino is such a slice of coastal paradise in Canada and we hope we help in planning the perfect trip to Tofino! Let us know in the comments what you’re most looking forward to and don’t forget to subscribe for more adventures!