The Tofino Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to start your day surrounded by nature. These gardens offer various pathways that lead you to explore the garden’s diversity, from rainforests to shorelines. The trails are well maintained and offer informative signage, making it easy to learn about plants and wildlife.
The natural Hot Springs Cove is a must-visit destination. You may reach the site by taking a 30-minute boat ride followed by a brief but blissful 30-minute hike through the old-growth forest. The natural hot springs are located right on the coast, offering a stunning view of the Pacific Northwest's unique landscape.
The Wolf in the Fog restaurant is an exceptional place to have lunch in Tofino. The restaurant offers locally sourced meals with a varying menu that changes from time to time. You can try their tasteful dishes such as seafood chowder, beef tartare, and more. The restaurant has won numerous awards and is mentioned in many food critics' recommendations.
Chesterman Beach is a picturesque, sandy beach known for its outstanding surf breaks, and it's a lovely place for an afternoon walk. You can watch the surfers ride the waves, rent a surfboard if you want to try, or just relax and play in the sand.
The Tofino Art Gallery is a non-profit gallery that features local artist's work, with elements inspired by the area's natural beauty. The gallery exhibits many pieces of art such as sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and more. Here, you'll find exceptional souvenirs to take home while supporting local artists' work.
Since Tofino is a town itself, travel distances are relatively short. If you're staying in town, walking is the best getting-around option. But, if you do not want to walk, you could consider renting a bike or a car for the day. Bicycles could be rented for around $30, while cars start at $60 per day. Getting on a boat tour costs around $120 per person, and exploring more sites outside the town is better done by car.
If you have more time in Tofino, you can consider visiting other areas like the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach, Lighthouse Trail, and Strawberry Island. These are among the most popular attractions near Tofino worth exploring. If you have less time, you can skip the Tofino Art Gallery for a shorter itinerary.
The closest airport to Tofino is Tofino/Long Beach Airport (YAZ), which is located around a 25-minute drive northwest of Tofino. The airport is small and services limited commercial flights, but it provides scheduled flights to Vancouver. Another alternative is the Comox Valley International Airport (YQQ), which is a two-hour drive from Tofino. Private charters fly from Comox to Tofino occasionally.