Tofino Holidays

Best time to visit Tofino

The best time to visit Tofino is during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). There is also less precipitation during the summer months, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, and whale watching.

However, it is important to note that Tofino is a popular tourist destination, so the summer months can also be busy and expensive. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider visiting Tofino during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. During these times, the weather is still mild, but hotel rates and airfare are typically lower.

Discover Tofino

With its rugged natural beauty, Tofino in British Columbia is a delightful place to explore on holiday. Famous for its easy-going, friendly nature and excellent surfing, it also boasts many upscale resorts, spas and restaurants. Whether you are looking for a holiday with hot sunny beach days, long hikes through the old-growth forests, or cosy ‘snuggled under a blanket watching the crashing winter waves’ kind of days – Tofino is the place for you! The city’s downtown is located on the tip of the peninsular and has a lovely fresh openness about it, with sea on all sides. The streets are lined with charming local stores, restaurants and cafés leading down to the waterfront and docks.

The beauty of Tofino is that is doesn’t close down for winter. Their philosophy is you simply need more layers and wellies! Winter storm watching is a popular pursuit and there are few better feelings than standing on the edge of the forest, clad in full wet-weather gear watching the awesome winter waves crashing on the shores, tumbling huge pieces of beautiful driftwood up the beach and dragging the pebbles back with a throaty roar. Followed, of course, by a hearty meal of delicious fresh local produce cooked by one of the town’s fantastic chefs.

Tofino welcomes you at any time of year, and its charming rugged landscapes cannot fail to captivate. In fact you may find you want to return just to experience its many changing seasons.

Things to do on Tofino holidays

There are many ways to get out onto the water, from fishing trips into some of the country’s best salmon and halibut areas – available even for those who have never fished before - to kayak or canoe adventures, surfing or paddleboarding lessons, and of course whale watching trips. You cannot leave town without heading out to see these magnificent creatures and Tofino offers many well-informed tour guides ready to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Make the most of the opportunity to watch grey, humpback whales and the distinctive orcas play and display in their natural habitat. You may also spot sea otters and friendly seals frolicking in the waters, and black bears feeding on the banks.

There are a great many scenic hiking trails in around the town, from gentle strolls along the rocky shorelines, exploring the colourful tidal pools on Long Beach, to more strenuous hikes through the forests and marshland. Take a water taxi across to Meares Island and follow the Big Trail along the boardwalks through the ancient cedar forest to the impressive Hanging Garden Tree. If you are feeling energetic, hike the challenging Lone Cone trail up the steep slopes to the summit of the Lone Cone Mountain for some simply stunning views across Clayoquot Sound and the islands.

Tofino has a strong arts scene and there are several galleries and studios in the area, including the Eagle Aerie Gallery downtown which is housed in a traditional-style longhouse and showcases the work of Canadian artist Roy Henry Vickers. If you are lucky enough to visit while he is in town, you can hear his inspirational stories first hand. The town loves a festival and there is always something going on. The Winter Music Series’ happens in February, the great Pacific Rim Whale Festival is in March when the whole region celebrates the Grey Whale Migration, and the Clayoquot Oyster Festival is in November where local chefs compete to create delicious new oyster recipes.