Canadians have been keeping secret this wild and rugged paradise of Tofino, a tiny surf town in British Columbia. You’ll find it “at the end of the road” as they say – Tofino being as far west as one can drive in Canada, secluded on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Everywhere you look is a feast of nature’s exquisite spectacle when left to do it’s own thing: ancient rainforests, rocky coastlines swept by unforgiving winds, pristine beaches without a human touch…
Of course getting that far involves a few steps, namely a ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay followed by a three-hour drive around hairpin curves and through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, before finally reaching the ocean and the welcoming sight of Tofino.
The nature lover has found his paradise and the views are as invigorating as the fresh and pine-scented air blowing from the coast.
The interior is covered in old-growth rainforests and one of the best thing to do here is to go on a forest walk among the giants. Some trees are thought to be one to two thousand years old and you’ll definitely feel like a dwarf walking underneath this humongous canopy.
You’re never too far from a gorgeous stretch of sand on Tofino so your trail will likely lead you towards the shore for a bit of light.
The secluded Tonquin Beach has a calmness quality you’ll want to embrace and wide angles waiting to be captured.
Third Beach is even more remote, perfect for contemplation.
Closer to town, you’ll find semi-private coves and major house envy.
Known as Canada’s surfing paradise, you’ll soon notice billboards and signs all over Tofino cheekily referring to the culture.
And the coastal vibe will lead your way all over town as well.
The real hardcore surfers visit Tofino in the winter when the waves are the biggest and the water temperature still mild from the temperate climate. In the summer months, you’ll still see plenty of action though and it’s a great time for families to learn and novice to practice.
Chesterman Beach is a popular spot with soft sand, fine views, and more than enough space for everyone.
After hitting the beach, join the crowd at the orange food truck of Tacofino, undoubtedly one of the most popular lunches around and for good reason.
Parked at a surf shop parking lot on Pacific Rim Highway, the cheery operation churns out Baja fish and tuna tacos all made from scratch and seriously eclipsing any previous versions I had ever tried.
A bold statement to make but THIS my friends was the single best fish taco I ever had. I would probably trek all the way back to Tofino for that insanely delicious lunch.
It doesn’t hurt either that at the opposite end of the lot sits Chocolate Tofino, a chocolate shop and gelateria using local ingredients.
Riding your gustatory high, stop by Shelter Restaurant afterwards for their local beer tasting flight served by the fireside.
Tofino is surrounded by islands and once you’ll have done the tour of the surroundings, it’s really easy to hop in a water taxi to explore offshore.
Keep your eyes wide open for the occasional spotting of humpback whales, black bears and bald eagles.
Get off on Meares Island for the Big Tree Trail, a nature walk with, as you guessed it, more gigantic trees to marvel at.
Back on the mainland, it’s time for another amazing side of Tofino to shine through – the incredible food options. For a tiny town with a population of only about 1,600 residents, the choice and quality of eateries is phenomenal. Obviously if you don’t like fish or seafood you’ll be missing out big time but you’ll still be well taken care of. My friend and I went all out on the local bounty and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. So here are our top recommendations for eating out in Tofino:
Grab some cold smoked fish at the Fish Store.
Go to Kuma Tofino for Japanese comfort food and to-die-for tuna tataki.
Relaxed Sobo has plenty of seafood but also this amazing grilled halloumi salad.
The Schooner Restaurant will probably have a wait but its outdoor terrace and salmon burger are worth it.
And don’t even think about coming to Tofino without at least one meal at Wolf in the Fog (I think we ate there 3 times).
Rustic and laid back in the decor, it’s the perfect place to end your day with a splendid meal which has been foraged/fished/grown nearby. The small plates are all showcasing the most pristine Pacific ingredients in a blend of flavor and creativity as unique as incredible Tofino.
Poached Sidestripe Shrimps with Hakurei turnips, shrimp broth, seaweed
Albacore Tuna Tartare with cilantro, green papaya, kaffir mayo
Spiced Octopus and Pork Jowl with beluga lentils, burnt eggplant, almonds, za’atar
With all that fresh air and amazing food, it’s likely you’ll be wanting to crash on the early side, and that’s ok. Tofino has that effect of making you forget about the rest of the world and just listen in. Just try to hang out a tiny bit longer so you can witness the beautiful sunset in the wide open sky.
Who would have thought the end of the road could look like this?
Add the cherry on top by opting to fly out of Tofino instead of going back the same way with the ferry. The view from up there is unsurprisingly stunning…
…and the perspective over Vancouver Island unimaginable. Oh Canada!
