About Tofino

Tofino Sound, Tofino Food and Wine Festival

ABOUT TOFINO

Tofino has a quaint and beautiful village-feel, and is located at the tip of Esowista Peninsula near the entrance to Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Once a predominantly resource-based timber and fishing town, Tofino has become a favoured destination for travellers from around the world because of the pristine landscapes, rugged coastline, and miles of spectacular sandy beaches.  The abundance of activities and wide range of accommodation and dining options always keeps a visit to Tofino new and fresh, even for seasoned returning visitors.

Tofino boasts miles of sandy beaches to the south, islands of old-growth cedar, migrating grey whales, hot springs, sea lions, and a temperate climate.  Tofino’s docks bustle with local fishermen and act as launching points for numerous sea kayaking, whale watching, wildlife, hot springs and cultural tours. Local boats also supply the 1,500 residents of five Nuu-chah-nulth communities and others who make their homes on the nearby islands and secluded shores of Clayoquot Sound.

Photo Credit - Stuart May

TOFINO’S FOOD SCENE

Spring in Tofino marks a time of new beginnings and appetizing, fresh selections on the local menus.  Local chefs work magic with the first tender offerings of the year, creating delicacies that are light and refreshing. Inspired dishes will surely awaken your taste buds from their long winter’s nap!

Working with local artisan farmers, Tofino’s restaurants strive to offer high quality ingredients in unique ways.  You are as likely to find house-smoked bacon or halibut as a baja-style fish taco or plate of braised bison. This eclectic mix of styles is as diverse as the many cultures Canada represents, allowing guests to experience a wide variety of tastes and textures, available to be paired with a stunning array of wines and craft beers.

Photo Credit - Rebecca Wellman

 

TOURISM TOFINO

Tourism Tofino is a destination marketing organization (DMO) promoting Tofino’s extensive destination attributes, local events and hospitality industry businesses. Tourism Tofino also partners with other tourism organizations to create awareness of regional tourism initiatives for visitors worldwide.

 

 

 

DRIVING TO TOFINO

To reach Tofino by car from the British Columbia mainland, you’ll first need to take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay, or Tsawwassen, to Nanaimo. The Horseshoe Bay terminal is north of Vancouver and this ferry route takes just under 2 hours while the Tsawwassen terminal is south of the city, closer to the USA border and it takes just a little over 2 hours. Currently, the Duke Point terminal is closed until further notice.  The Horseshoe Bay and the Tsawwassen ferry arrive at the Departure Bay terminal in Nanaimo. For more information, please visit www.bcferries.com

Once in Nanaimo:

  • Travel north on Highway 19 for 43 km (26 miles),
  • Take Exit 60 onto Highway 4 (also known as the Pacific Rim Highway ) heading west for 156 km (97 miles). You will drive through spectacular Cathedral Grove, historic Port Alberni (drive straight downhill and turn right at the junction), and on the winding road around Sproat and Kennedy Lakes. You will also drive through scenic Sutton Pass, at an altitude of 250m (850 feet) – where we especially recommend heeding to the speed limit. Travel westward until you come to the junction between Tofino and Ucluelet.
  • Turn right at the Tofino/Ucluelet junction and drive north towards Tofino for 28 km (17 miles). You will drive right through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; take a break and get your first view of the ocean at the Incinerator Rock parking lot at Long Beach (watch for the green sign signaling the turnoff), or continue toward Tofino.
  • Once you exit the Park, pass the Long Beach Lodge Resort, 1431 Cox Bay.   Look for the Tourism Tofino Info Centre on the right side of the road, stop in and say hello!
  • Your overall travel time from Nanaimo to Tofino will range between 2.5 and 3 hours - we wish you safe travels!

Driving from the Comox Valley Airport:

  • Turn right at the airport entrance onto Knight Road.
  • Turn right at the intersection onto Military Row (drive approximately 2 kms).
  • At the next stop sign, turn left onto Ryan Road.
  • Continue on Ryan Road (past Home Depot and down the hill), watching for signs indicating Nanaimo.
  • Turn left just past the Superstore complex following the road to the 17th St Bridge, where you will turn right.
  • While on the bridge, get into the left hand turning lanes.
  • Turn left onto Cliffe Avenue, and continue to follow signage that will direct you to turn right onto the 29th St connector.
  • After turning right onto the connector, continue until you see signs that direct you to Highway 19 southbound toward Nanaimo.
  • Once on Highway 19 South, watch for signs pointing you to Highway 4 West toward Port Alberni/Pacific Rim National Park Reserve/Tofino, and exit in this direction.
  • Once on Highway 4, you will drive through spectacular Cathedral Grove, historic Port Alberni (drive straight downhill and turn right at the junction), and around Sproat and Kennedy Lakes. You will also drive through scenic Sutton Pass, at an altitude of 250m (850 feet) – where we especially recommend heeding to the speed limit. Travel westward until you come to the junction between Tofino and Ucluelet.
  • Turn right at the Tofino/Ucluelet junction and drive north towards Tofino for 28 km (17 miles). You will drive right through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; take a break and get your first view of the ocean at the Incinerator Rock parking lot at Long Beach (watch for the green sign signaling the turnoff), or continue toward Tofino.

Once you exit the Park, pass the Long Beach Lodge Resort, 1431 Cox Bay, and Pacific Sands Beach Resort, look for the Tourism Tofino Info Centre on the right side of the road, stop in and say hello!

Your overall travel time from the Comox Valley Airport to Tofino will be approximately 3 hours- we wish you safe travels!