Tofino, photo tour the west coast trail

Christiane and Sylvia enjoy the Hot Springs in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Tofino enjoys some of the best whale watching during March and April on the west coast of Vancouver Island. While the Orcas are more likely to be spotted in Victoria, the Grey Whales frequent the waters off Tofino.

Click any thumbnail for a larger picture. To return to this page please click your browser's "BACK" button.

Tofino, on the northern boundary of Pacific Rim National Park is a relaxed, casual place; a place to get back to nature. You can walk for hours along the beach and experience the constant rhythm of rolling surf, the power of the winter storm or the silence of a protected bay. Explore pathways that lead from the beach through the rainforest to secret coves and beach caves.

Tofino, itself, can provide opportunities for shopping, visiting craft shops, museum and art galleries and watching the busy harbour. Just moments away, you can sail, cruise or fly to Hot Springs Cove to bask in the natural hot pools and waterfalls. Visitors can also take whale-watching, nature and scenic or fishing charters; or perhaps a sailing trip around Meares Island; the more adventurous may want to experience sea kayaking.

Whale watching is most rewarding during March and April when the whales are migrating from Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. This coincides with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival which also offers a wide range of other activities from crab races to golf tournaments, concerts and plays.

Nearby Long Beach, a 20-kilometer stretch of sand between Tofino and Ucluelet, a small village to the south, is the area's biggest draw. Open to the pounding Pacific Ocean the beach, inside Pacific Rim National Park, is fantastic for beachcombing, long romantic strolls and storm watching. (Note: Be extremely cautious as huge waves can unexpectedly sweep the beach.) At the south end of the beach is the Wickannish Center, (named for Chief Wickannish, the famed Clayoquot leader), a marine interpretive facility with exhibits, murals and films about the park's history, heritage and programs. Trails off the beach lead through the rain forest.

Visitors can also experience the rich native heritage of the area in the many Native galleries and craft shops.

Population: 1,103.

Access: Tofino is 42 km (26 mi.) north of Ucluelet on Highway 4, 130 km (81 mi.) west of Port Alberni and 337 km (209 mi.) northwest of Victoria. Regional air and bus lines service the area

BY ROAD: From the south, take the Inland Island Highway north out of Nanaimo to the Port Alberni turnoff (Hwy. 4), near Parksville. Head west past Port Alberni to where the highway splits to Tofino (to the north) and Ucluelet (to the south). The highway is a two-lane busy stretch of pavement, so caution is needed. From Nanaimo, the 210-kilometer trip takes about four hours. From Port Hardy, take the Island Highway south to where it connects with the Inland Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue south to the Port Alberni turnoff, near Parksville. The 500-kilometer trip takes about eight hours.

BY AIR: Major carriers have scheduled connections out of Vancouver to Nanaimo. Smaller airlines have flights out of Port Alberni. Floatplane service is also available.

Recreation Facilities & Activities: golf course, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, sailing, boating, charter tours, hot springs, hiking, camping, sightseeing, photography.

Local Attractions: Clayoquot Sound, Hot Springs Cove, Long Beach, Meares Island, Pacific Rim National Park, Wickannish nature Centre

[ TRAIL INFO / HOME PAGE ] [ RULES & GUIDEBOOK & MAP ]