Things To Do in Tofino

Winter Storm Watching - experience the drama of a winter storm with a Storm Watching Package with Clayoquot Vista. The best time for Storm Watching is November through to February, but please don't be disappointed if your "storm" is interrupted by sunny days with blue skies.

Experience the migration of the Pacific Gray Whales on their annual 10,000-mile spring journey from Baja, Mexico to Alaska. The annual Whale Festival takes place during the month of March and coincides with BC's Spring Break schedule, however the whales are found within Clayoquot Sound from early March to October. Please contact Jamie's Whaling Station or Ocean Outfitters for details.

Beachcombing - Wander one of Tofino's wide sandy beaches in search of ocean treasures and explore the magic of life in a tidal pool. Chesterman Beach, Tonquin Park, Mackenzie Beach, Cox Bay and the Pacific Rim National Park's Long Beach are waiting for you to explore. Please remember to take only photos of your discoveries, as the sea creatures are live and don't travel well.

Rain Forest Walks - enjoy a leisurely walk through one of the world's largest intact, ancient temperate rainforests. The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island will lead you to the "hanging garden tree", the largest known living red cedar in Clayoquot Sound.

Sea Kayaking - Regardless of your skill level, the numerous kayak outfitters of Tofino will be able to assist you with a kayak voyage. Explore the quiet inside waters of Clayoquot Sound and watch for river otters, harbour seals, bald eagles and a variety of shorebirds. Contact Remote Passages or Tofino Sea-Kayaking Company for details.

Hot Springs Cove - A natural succession of hot pools, which are fed by underground hot springs and lead directly to the sea. Each wave creates a soothing mixture of alternating hot and cool as the seawater mixes with the spring waters. Hot Springs Cove is accessible by boat or floatplane.

Birdwatching - The west coast of Vancouver Island represents one of the most important routes for many species of migratory birds. Whether you opt to explore on your own or with a local guide, the variety of species found along the beaches and the inter-tidal flats of the many inlets will astound you.

Golfing - Long Beach Golf Course, located within the Pacific Rim National Park offers 9 challenging holes, playing long and narrow to 3,149 yards. It has a par of 72 and a slope rating of 116.

Surfing - This sport is "full-on" 12 months of the year, as the ocean temperatures remain fairly constant. Tofino hosts several surfing schools and the waves of the Pacific attract surfers from around the globe. Boogie boards, surfboards and wetsuits are all available for rent at several local shops.

Cougar Annie's Garden - . Surrounded by rainforest and mountains, this garden has endured for over eighty years and is found at the head of Hesquiat Harbour, off the West Coast of Tofino. The story of Cougar Annie is as intriguing as the scenery of her West Coast world.

Take a Spa Day - Ahhhhhhh!!! Choose from a stone massage, accupressure or reflexology treatment or a deep tissue massage and revitalize your body from head to toe. Booking your appointment early is highly recommended, as massage treatments are a popular past time in Tofino. Please contact The Sacred Stone or the Ancient Cedars Spa at The Wickinninish Resort.

Tofino Foods and Restaurants

Caffe Vincente
441 Campbell St  Phone  (250) 725-2599
"Upscale & charming urban style 30 seat cafe, voted "Tofino's Best Coffee" by locals two years in a row!  Breakfast and Lunch served.  Quality take out for daytrips.  Beautiful Mediterranean decor and clandestine patio. Also offering high speed internet access service, with wireless access for laptops, media centre with Printer, CD writer etc.”

Calm Waters Restaurant   www.tinwis.com
1119 Pacific Rim Hwy (at the Tin Wis Resort)  Phone (250) 725-4445
Watch the majestic sunset over the Pacific Ocean while you delight in the creations of our skilled culinary team.  Enjoy an elegant dining experience in a comfortable setting.  Our diverse menu includes a variety of Nuu-Chah-Nulth cuisine as well as a traditional selection of West Coast Fare.  A full Children’s menu is available.  Reservations recommended.

Chocolate Tofino    www.chocolatetofino.com
1180 Pacific Rim Hwy   Phone (250) 725-2526
Visit Tofino's one and only chocolate shop, Chocolate Tofino.  Watch Chocolater Gordon Austin create fresh, handcrafted chocolates, homemade ice cream, gelato and sorbet, and custom-made cakes for all occasions.  For all ages, every season let us create delicious gifts.  Do not miss the sweetest place in town.

Clayoquot Cuisine Cafe    www.clayoquotcuisine.com
1180 Pacific Rim Hwy   Phone (250) 725-1234
Chef Mark Wrigley prepares marvellous gourmet meals for you and your friends, family, or lover.  Enjoy gourmet food in the warm comforting environment of the Café or arrange for your own personal catered meal in your lodging or location of your choice.  Clayoquot Cuisine offers Unique specialized dishes taking influences from Jamaican, Mexican, Spanish, European and Asian cuisine served with west coast flair.  Reservations recommended.

Common Loaf Bake Shop
180 First St  Phone  (250) 725-3915
A whole foods bake shop; specialty coffees, sandwiches, wraps, soups.  Licensed; lunch specials daily; specialty pizza and East Indian dishes on summer evenings; special cakes available on order.

Long Beach Lodge Restaurant    www.longbeachlodgeresort.com
1441 Pacific Rim Hwy Phone (250) 725-2442
Long Beach Resort’s dining room is a relaxed, informal space where the emphasis is placed on fresh food, efficient service and meticulous attention to detail.  The room celebrates the unique environment of Vancouver Island’s West Coast, in its colours and furnishings and its stunning view over Cox Bay to the Pacific Ocean.  The menu features gourmet West Coast cuisine, handcrafted using local seafood and farm fresh Vancouver Island meats, cheeses and organic produce.  Our chef captures the intricate flavours of sea, sun, field and forest and brings them inside, and, with a twist of dramatic presentation, serves a range of tastes that appeal to many palates.  Reservations Recommended.

Pasticceria Conradi
311 Neil St,  Phone (250) 725-3799
A little taste of Europe @ the end of the road.  Homemade cakes and pastries, European style bread, paninis, pizza and pasta.  We brew serious coffee, fully licensed.

Pointe Restaurant (at the Wickaninnish Inn)    www.wickinn.com
Osprey Lane Phone (250) 725-3100
Overlooking the natural sweep of Chesterman Beach and the Pacific Ocean, the Pointe Restaurant provides 240-degree views of the pounding surf.  Hand adzed post and beam construction features soaring 20-foot ceilings, circular fireplace with hand-hammered cooper hood and chimney, state-of-the art sound and lighting, all set the stage innovative west coast Canadian cuisine.  Serving Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Reservations recommended.

RainCoast Café   www.raincoastcafe.com
120 4th Street Phone  (250) 725-2215
Intimate bistro near the downtown harbour front offering progressive Pacific Rim cuisine with a focus on fresh regional ingredients and seafood from sustainable sources.  A contemporary open space and an upbeat ambience complete this memorable culinary experience.  .  Voted “Best Place for Dinner” two years in row by readers of Tofino Time magazine.  Open daily for dinner.  Reservations recommended.
 
Sea Shanty Restaurant          www.himwitsa.com/sea_shanty.htm
300 Main Street  Phone (250) 725-2902
An idea spot to stop and catch a west coast sunset.  Overlooking Tofino’s active harbour and Meares Island, the Sea Shanty Restaurant provides the very best in service with selection of fresh caught local seafood ensuring that your west coast dining experience is unforgettable.  Open for lunch and dinner.  Reservations recommended.

Schooner Restaurant on Second
331 Campbell St,  Phone (250) 725-3444
Sitting pretty, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and a fabulous view of Tofino Inlet, the award winning Schooner on Second is a cozy, romantic restaurant show casing the best that Vancouver Island offers.  Fresh local seafood, organic Island grown poultry, and perfectly aged meats.  Hearty breakfasts, amazing lunches and decadent dinners.  Fresh, organic, innovative and more importantly, delicious.  Award winning wine list.  Open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Reservations recommended.

Shelter Restaurant www.shelterrestaurant.com
601 Campbell St   Phone (250) 725-3353
Shelter’s sophisticated seasonal menu features locally grown, organic ingredients in an elegant setting and relaxed atmosphere.  Our food-friendly wine list emphasizes award-winning British Columbia wines and international vintages.  Enjoy a glass of wine beside our wood-burning fireplace or on our heated patio for a panoramic view of Clayoquot Sound.  Intimate dining upstairs or a casual drink at the bar.  Reservations recommended
 
SOBO Restaurant   www.sobo.com
1084 Pacific Rim Hwy  Phone  (250) 725-2341
SOBO is Tofino's most unique dining experience.  Serves fresh handmade food.  SOBO is focused on using regionally grown and harvested products to create simple good fast food for locals and visitors alike.  Lunch menu from “the truck”.  Dinner reservations recommended in summer and holiday seasons.

Surfside Pizza & Catering
Home Delivery only   Phone (250) 725-3663
Specializing in in-house or off premise catering.  From 2 to 250 people, 32 foot catering unit, BBQ's, weddings, food drop-off available.  Servicing the film industry since 1993

Tuff City Sushi Bar (aka Crazy Ron’s)
350 Main Street  Phone  (250) 725-2021
Authentic Japanese sushi bar & teriyaki steakhouse, crab & oyster bar, featuring fresh local seafood.  Beautiful harbour views, waterfront patio & uniquely decorated with antiques & collectibles.  Reservations recommended.

Sweet T’s Cake and Pastry
381 Main Street (at the back of bright blue building)  Phone (250) 725-8911
Fine baking delivered to your door. Croissants, Danish, Artisan breads, all occasion cakes, cookies, and pies.  25 years of baking experience. 

Wickaninnish Restaurant   http://www.canadianprincess.com/wickaninnish-restaurant/
Wickaninnish Beach, Pacific Rim National Park,  Phone (250)  756-7706
Enjoy superb dining at the Wickaninnish Restaurant overlooking the crashing surf of famous Long Beach.  Savour fresh and delicious local seafood, exquisite pasta and sumptuous desserts all expertly prepared by our chef and staff.  A fine meal, a glass of wine and a magnificent sunset make this dining experience unforgettable.  Reservations recommend