Location: Tofino
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Tofino, Vancouver Island
It's true: you can surf in Canada. And Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is where you'll find exceptional surfing, Canadian-style. Busiest in summer, Tofino also fills up in winter when storm watchers descend upon this tiny town. Stay at an upscale inn and enjoy the town that affectionately calls itself The Tree Loving Capital of the World.
Restaurants in Tofino
1. Pacific Rim National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,337 reviews
Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve consists of 3 units stretching from Tofino, the northern end, to Port Renfrew at the southern end, on Vancouver Island. These 3 units are: 1) The Long Beach Unit located between the beach towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, 2) The Broken Group Islands located in Barkley Sound and accessible only by boat, and 3) The West Coast Trail stretching for 75 km from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. Only experienced trekkers should attempt this trail. We got to explore the Broken Group of Islands when we joined one of the Whale Watching tour operators in Ucluelet. We were taken across the small islands in Barkley Sound, towards the south-east of Ucluelet, and saw the spectacular views of these islands covered by a small forest of trees, and rocks with a lot of kelp floating around. Finally the captain of the motorised boat spotted a humpback whale which we followed for quite a while as it kept spouting and breaking the surface of the water every few minutes. We even saw a group of grunting and squabbling sea lions on a rocky island, a sea otter floating on it’s back in the water, and some sea eagles perched up on tall trees of some of the islands. Likewise, a walk along the Long Beach near Tofino and along the West Coast Trail must be as mesmerizing for the incredible coastline scenery with the temperate rain-forests of the islands meeting the ever turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the wonderful aquatic and terrestrial fauna like whales, orcas, dolphins, wolves, bears, cougars, and myriads of smaller creatures along the shore.
2. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada
We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!
3. Clayoquot Sound
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Clayoquot Sound is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Major inlets include Sydney Inlet, Shelter Inlet, Herbert Inlet, Bedwell Inlet, Lemmens Inlet, and Tofino Inlet. Major islands include Flores Island, Vargas Island, and Meares Island.
Reviewed By S_Leach - Nanaimo, Canada
This area of the World is spectacular. We are fortunate to live in Nanaimo, just a short drive away. We were just here for a couple of nts. (B.C. officially inCovid Phase 3) to shake off the isolation cobwebs... a day's kayaking w/ Tofino Sea Kayaking gear & guide was just what we needed. We took in the amazing vistas, listening to the sound of our oars cutting through the water. Our guide, born & raised in Tofino, was SO informative that we came away with a much grater appreciation for the area, history & people. Up close & personal tour of Clayoqyot Sound is not to be missed when visiting the area. We loved seeing a bit of local wildlife too .. timid harbour seals came up to our kayaks to see what we were all about & eagles flew overhead in abundance.
4. Walk the Wild Side Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Walk the Wild Side is a 11km hike historically used by the Ahousaht people. Visitors now have the opportunity to experience the culture of the trail while hiking along forest boardwalk and 8 gorgeous beaches. Used by the Ahousaht people for thousands of years, Walk the Wild Side Trail is an 11km escape into the remote wilderness of Clayoquot Sound. First restored in the early 1990’s, Walk the Wild Side Trail has developed into must-see ecotourism destination for those visiting Tofino and Ucluelet. Take a tour through the Maaqtusiis reserve and then head out on to the trail with your Ahousaht Heritage Trail guidebook for the ultimate cultural experience!
5. Cox Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By must_travel_soon_10 - Mississauga, Canada
With so many resorts lining the beach strip, public access is limited. Seems to be a popular water sports area. Great wide beach.
6. Vargas Island Provincial Park
7. South Beach Trail
8. Virgin Falls
9. Maquinna Provincial Marine Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
This area where underground hot springs meet the ocean is very popular with boaters around Victoria Island.
