Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a popular area for surfers, hikers, whale watchers, and all-around outdoor enthusiasts.
By Kilee LeBlanc
When you think of Canada, the last thing you’d think of is surfing. However in Canada, and more specifically the province of British Columbia, boasts some of the best cold-water surfing in the world. Located on the far west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is an incredibly popular area for not only surfers but hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, fishers, and all-around outdoor enthusiasts. It’s wild, natural beauty makes it the perfect place for adventures but also a great place to sit back and relax on the beach with a glass of wine and a good book.
Whether you’re looking to get active, relax, or a mix of the two, Tofino is the perfect place to spend a weekend or an entire week. But you may never want to leave! Here are some ideas of things to see and do in Tofino.
Getting to Tofino, B.C.
From the
Escape campervan rental site in Vancouver, there are two options to get to Vancouver Island.
- Via the ferry from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
- The ferry in Horseshoe Bay
Especially during weekends in the summer, ferries fill up quickly and waiting times can take hours if you do not have a reservation. Making a ferry reservation is highly recommended and can be done via the
BC Ferries website. There is an additional charge to reserve, but it is so worth it!
Where to Stay in Tofino, B.C.
Tofino is a camper’s paradise with many options to park your Escape campervan within a very close distance to the ocean.
Bella Pacifica Campground,
Crystal Cove, and
Mackenzie Beach Campground are private campgrounds steps from Mackenzie Beach that offer sites perfect for campervans. Be sure when booking to choose a site that will fit the campervan, are some are slated for tents only.
Green Point Campground is the only campground in Pacific Rim National Park and is located on Long Beach. The campground is extremely popular and books up quickly during its operating dates from May to October. Like the campgrounds on Mackenzie Beach, make sure to book a drive-in site as some are slated for tents only.
If the popular oceanside sites are booked up,
Surf Junction and
Long Beach Campground are located inland and offer great sites, along with a few other campgrounds in the neighbouring town of Ucluelet.
It is important to be aware of operating dates of campgrounds. Some are open only from Spring to Fall (May to October). During this time, campgrounds fill up quickly especially on weekends and it’s recommended to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Where to Eat & Drink in Tofino, B.C.
Being so close to the ocean, Tofino is teeming with fresh seafood. Catch it yourself on a fishing tour, purchase at the
Trilogy Fish Company to cook up at your campsite, or head into town to enjoy a meal at one of the many different restaurants in town serving seafood.
A short distance from Mackenzie Beach is the Live to Surf complex which houses the incredibly popular (and rightly so)
Tacofino serving up fresh and delicious tacos and burritos out of a food truck at the back of a parking lot. You’ll likely be greeted with long lines, but for the best fish taco in town, it’s worth it. For those looking for something other than Mexican inspired, the
Wildside Grill next door offers fish and chips, succulent salmon burgers, and a Boston style creamy clam chowder that will warm you up after a morning of cold surf.
Wash your meal down with a beer from
Tofino Brewing Company. Order a tasting flight in their cozy brewery to discover your favourite brew and take a growler to go enjoy back at your campsite. Be sure to try their Kelp Stout and Spruce Tree Ale for a taste that’s uniquely West Coast.
Tofino is one of those places where you’ll book for a weekend and never want to leave. Do yourself a favour and plan to spend at least three nights exploring, eating fresh seafood, and watching incredible sunsets in this West Coast paradise. From
Escape Campervan’s Vancouver rental site, it has never been easier to catch a ferry over to Vancouver Island and see why the island is known for its relaxed vibe, people, and lifestyle. You’ll see there’s lots to do in Tofino. So go ahead and
book your campervan today.
