Our Tofino Guide

Tofino is our place. We’ve loved travelling here ever since Charlie was two years old, and it has stolen a piece of our family’s hearts. It is rugged and beautiful, and one of our favourite places to watch Mother Nature work her finest. Here is where we stay, eat and play! Enjoy Our Tofino Guide.

How to Get to Tofino

Tofino is located in Clayoquot Sound, a region that takes its name from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations people who have resided here for thousands of years.

It takes about 10 hours to get to Tofino by car and ferry from Kelowna, but even though our kids are NOT good travellers, it is a fairly easy trip. The ferry ride out of Vancouver (we come from Kelowna and take the Tsawwassen Ferry) breaks up the journey, and the kids basically just run laps on the deck of the ferry the whole time (around 2.5 hours).  

You can also fly to Tofino via Pacific Coastal Airlines or Harbour Air directly. I simply pack too much stuff to fly lol. There really aren’t many places to pick up things like socks and underwear (translation, none), so double check your bags before you leave!

Where to Stay in Tofino

There are a lot of options when it comes to accommodations in Tofino ranging from luxury to camping.  We’ve stayed at a number of different places, but always come back to one.

Pacific Sands Resort is a beautiful beachfront resort and the place we travel to as a family every single year. Pacific Sands Beach Resort has the most stunning views, tons of amenities, luxurious accommodations and is steps away from having your toes in the sand and the ocean mist kissing your face. They have a range of accommodations and it is simply the best!

What to do in Tofino

Strolling the beach watching the boys play in the waves is our favourite thing to do. We make a point to book Flytographer anytime we come to Tofino to snap family pictures and have a series now documenting every year we are there. Use the Flytographer discount code FRAICHE50 to get $50 off your shoot.

1. Walk Among Giants on Meares Island

You can kayak over to Meares Island (you can also get there by water taxi). The Big Tree Trail is like stepping into a storybook—towering old-growth cedars, mossy boardwalks, and this quiet stillness that’s hard to describe. It’s a beautiful way to explore nature with kids while also learning about the land’s deep cultural significance to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

2. Let Them Loose at the Tofino Skate Park

Full disclosure: I wasn’t expecting the Tofino Skate Park to be the highlight for my boys… but they were obsessed. We ended up there almost every day. It’s tucked right in town, surrounded by trees, and has something for every age (even if you’re just spectating with a coffee in hand). Pack snacks—trust me, they won’t want to leave.

3. Spend the Day at the Beach

You really can’t go wrong with any of the beaches here. Chesterman Beach, Long Beach, and Cox Bay are our family favourites—wide open stretches of sand and tide pools to explore. Bring a kite, a boogie board, or just a cozy blanket and a good book.

4. Take a Surf Lesson Together

If your kids are a bit older (or fearless!), there are lots of family-friendly surf schools that teach the basics in a really fun and supportive way. It’s wild how quickly they pick it up—my youngest was standing before I was. The wetsuits definitely help with the chill. Long Beach Lodge or Surf Sisters both have great instructors.

5. Visit the Tofino Botanical Gardens

This spot is a bit of a hidden gem. The Tofino Botanical Gardens feel like a secret forest filled with quirky art, winding trails, and ocean views at the back. It’s peaceful, but still has enough magic to keep little ones curious.

6. Explore the Rainforest Trail

Right off the highway, this boardwalk loop through the rainforest in Pacific Rim National Park is great for all ages (and stroller-friendly). The smell alone—fresh cedar, damp moss, sea air—makes you want to bottle it up.

7. Book a Wildlife Tour

From spring to fall, you can hop on a boat and head out in search of whales, bears, sea lions, and eagles. There are options with enclosed cabins, which are great for younger kids (and moms who get a bit seasick—just saying!).

8. Rent Bikes and Hit the Multi-Use Path

There’s a beautiful path that runs from town to Cox Bay—perfect for biking as a family. You can rent everything you need right in town or from Pacific Sands Resort bike rental, including trailers and seats for littles.

9. Check Out the Ucluelet Aquarium

If the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re up for a little road trip, the Ucluelet Aquarium is about 40 minutes away and packed with hands-on exhibits. It’s all local marine life and catch-and-release, which I really loved.

10. Toast Marshmallows by a Beach Fire

There’s something about watching the sun go down with your toes in the sand and marshmallows roasting over a crackling fire. Most beaches in Tofino allow fires (just check signage), and it’s the coziest way to end a day of adventuring. Surf Side Grill in Pacific Sands also has fire pits for their guests and roasting sticks (and killer fish tacos)

A Few Tips:

• Pack layers—it can go from sunny to misty in minutes.
• Bring snacks everywhere. You’ll thank me.
• Book popular tours and restaurants ahead—Tofino gets busy fast.

Where to Buy Groceries in Tofino

We try to bring the basics with us when we come to the Island, and simply top up with the beautiful local products.  Here are the places to get what you need in the food department!

General Grocery Stores in Tofino

The biggest (and only really) grocery store is the Co-Op located on the Main Street. Two smaller grocery stores, Gaia (organic, local) and Beaches both have a small selection of goods as well. I haven’t been, but LA Grocery apparently has a basic inventory as well.

Fresh Seafood in Tofino

While I’m sure there are many places to purchase seafood in Tofino, the Fish Store is a good one to hit up. It’s located in the same industrial complex just outside of town as Red Can Gourmet and Picnic.

Bakeries in Tofino

Ouest Artisan Bakery is situated at the end of Tofino along with other shops and restaurants that are built out of shipping containers. They sell out early!  You can pre-order delicious beautiful cakes as well in case you’re celebrating a special occasion. The Common Loaf is a popular bakery offering gluten free, vegan and organic baking that is nestled right in town on a side street, and the Tofitian is right on the highway before you get into town and has been voted the best coffee in Tofino – just sayin’.

Ice Cream in Tofino

Tofino Licks is on Campbell Street, at the end of the road by the water in Tofino by Ouest Bakery and our kids gave them a thumbs up.  The Candy Jar (in town) is also popular with our boys – I now see where the saying ‘like a kid in a candy store’ comes from! They have ice cream as well.  Chocolate Tofino has homemade chocolates and gelato with a cute rustic outdoor seating area.

Charcuterie in Tofino

Oh my word, I stumbled on PICNIC and fell in love!  Such a tiny adorable place with the kindest people working there.  Grab all your charcuterie goodies here, complete with little boards you can purchase (assuming you don’t want to bring yours from home lol – something I actually considered). Just add wine.

Wine & Beer in Tofino

Oh yes, wine.  We brought a bunch with us, but there is a BC Liquor Store right in town along with one private liquor store the MAQ (in a hotel).  If you’re looking for local craft spirits check out Tofino Distillery or for beer Tofino Brewing Company.

Best Tofino Restaurants

The restaurant scene in Tofino is incredible. And as a family of foodies, I update my Where to Eat in Tofino blog every year if you want to grab my top list including the hidden gems!

Learn to Surf in Tofino

We’ve taken surfing lessons a few years in a row now (not that you’d know by watching me lol), and our favourite place to learn to surf is Long Beach Lodge. The lodge was built around the surf culture, and I can’t even begin to say enough incredible things about the staff. They have everything you need to surf but call ahead to book as they fill up quickly – don’t forget to book the outdoor hot tub for an après surf soak. Our instructor Chance, the manager of the Surf Club, is such a gifted surfer and truly a wonderful teacher.  The kids fell in love with him (especially Max)!  We hope he never leaves – we will be back.