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City guide

Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC

Tofino is a town of approximately 2,516 residents on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The District of Tofino is located at the western terminus of Highway 4 on the tip of the Esowista Peninsula at the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound.

Type CityPopulation 2,516

Why go

  • District municipality in British Columbia, Canada.
  • Known for surfing, hippies.
  • 1 hand-picked place to stay.
  • Served by Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ).

History

Tofino is a town of approximately 2,516 residents on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The District of Tofino is located at the western terminus of Highway 4 on the tip of the Esowista Peninsula at the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound. It is situated in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, who have occupied Clayoquot Sound for thousands of years. European and American vessels began trading along this coast in the late eighteenth century, and permanent non-Indigenous settlement began in the 1890s; the community took the name Tofino, after nearby Tofino Inlet, in the early 1900s, and its post office opened in 1909. Tofino was incorporated as a municipality in 1932 and as a district in 1982.

Where to stay

1421 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 3A0, Canada
Indoor

Airports

Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) 11 km to the centre
188 Airport Rd, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Tofino Water Taxi
Ferry terminal · 1 km from the centre
Outdoor
Lone Cone - Meares Island
Ferry terminal · 2.1 km from the centre
Outdoor
Opitsat Water Taxi
Ferry terminal · 2.2 km from the centre · Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Outdoor
Opitsaht
Ferry terminal · 4 km from the centre · Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Outdoor
Opitsat Water Taxi
Ferry route · Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Outdoor
Lone Cone - Meares Island
Ferry route
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ). Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 4 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Tofino Water Taxi, 1 km); routes include Opitsat Water Taxi, Lone Cone - Meares Island.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach

Tours & experiences