Tofino travel Guide

Tofino travel guide

National Airports

Tofino is a small town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It does not have its own airport, but visitors can fly into one of the following nearby airports:

Long Beach Airport (YAZ): This small airport is located about 20 minutes south of Tofino and offers flights from Vancouver, British Columbia, and other nearby destinations.

Comox Valley Airport (YQQ): This larger airport is located about 2 hours north of Tofino and offers flights from several major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.

Victoria International Airport (YYJ): This major airport is located about 3 hours southeast of Tofino and offers flights from several major Canadian and international cities.

Visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service from the airport to Tofino. Some tour operators also offer pick-up and drop-off services for their activities and tours.

Trains in Tofino

Tofino does not have a train station or railway service, as it is a small town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The nearest train station is located in Nanaimo, which is about a 3-hour drive east of Tofino. From there, visitors can take the Via Rail Canada train service to other destinations in British Columbia or across Canada. However, most visitors to Tofino arrive by car, bus, or plane due to the remote location of the town.

Buses in Tofino

Tofino has limited public transportation options, but visitors can take advantage of several bus and shuttle services to get around the town and surrounding areas.

Tofino Bus: Tofino Bus is a regional bus company that offers scheduled service between Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni, and other communities on Vancouver Island.

Island Link Bus: Island Link Bus is another regional bus company that offers scheduled service between Victoria, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and Tofino.

Tofino Shuttle: Tofino Shuttle is a local shuttle service that offers transportation between Tofino and the nearby Long Beach Airport, as well as other destinations in the area.

Tour Operators: Several tour operators in Tofino offer transportation services as part of their tours and activities, such as whale watching tours, kayaking trips, and cultural tours.

Visitors can also rent a car or bike to explore the town and surrounding areas on their own.

How to get to Tofino

Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, and can be accessed by road, ferry, or plane.

By Car: Visitors can drive to Tofino from the east coast of Vancouver Island via the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4), which connects Port Alberni to Tofino. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours from Nanaimo, 4 hours from Victoria, and 6 hours from Vancouver.

By Ferry and Car: Visitors can also take a ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island and then drive to Tofino. The most popular ferry routes are Vancouver to Nanaimo and Tsawwassen to Duke Point (south of Nanaimo). From Nanaimo, visitors can drive to Tofino via the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4).

By Plane: Visitors can fly to Tofino from several Canadian cities via Long Beach Airport (YAZ), which is located about 20 minutes south of Tofino. Several airlines, including Pacific Coastal Airlines and Orca Airways, offer scheduled flights to Long Beach Airport from Vancouver, Victoria, and other nearby destinations.

By Bus: As mentioned earlier, visitors can also take a bus or shuttle service from other locations on Vancouver Island, such as Victoria, Nanaimo, and Port Alberni, to Tofino.

What is the best time to travel to Tofino

The best time to travel to Tofino depends on your interests and what activities you want to do.

Summer (June to September): Summer is the peak tourist season in Tofino, with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and clear skies. Visitors can enjoy hiking, beach activities, surfing, kayaking, and whale watching during this time.

Fall (October to November): Fall is a quieter time to visit Tofino, with fewer crowds and milder temperatures. The fall foliage is beautiful, and visitors can enjoy hiking, storm watching, and whale watching.

Winter (December to February): Winter is the storm-watching season in Tofino, with powerful waves, strong winds, and dramatic scenery. Visitors can also enjoy winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, in nearby Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Spring (March to May): Spring is a shoulder season in Tofino, with fewer crowds and mild temperatures. Visitors can enjoy hiking, beach activities, and whale watching during this time.

Keep in mind that Tofino’s weather can be unpredictable, and it can rain heavily at any time of the year. Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing and gear for your activities.

How to get around Tofino

Tofino is a small town, and most of the attractions and amenities are within walking distance. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas or have limited mobility, there are several transportation options available:

Car: Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Tofino and the surrounding areas. Several car rental companies, including Budget, Enterprise, and National, have locations in Tofino.

Bicycle: Biking is a popular way to explore Tofino, especially during the summer months. Visitors can rent bikes from several local shops, including Tofino Bike Co., Tuff City Bikes, and Wildside Grill.

Taxi: Taxis are available in Tofino, and visitors can call or hail them on the street. However, taxis can be expensive, and there are not many of them available in the town.

Shuttle Bus: Several shuttle bus companies, including Tofino Bus and Wilson’s Transportation, offer daily services between Tofino and other destinations on Vancouver Island, such as Victoria and Nanaimo.

Public Bus: Tofino has a public bus service, Tofino Transit, which operates from May to September and provides transportation within the town and to nearby beaches and attractions.

Water Taxi: Visitors can also take a water taxi to explore the coastal areas around Tofino. Several water taxi companies, including Tofino Water Taxi and Jamie’s Whaling Station, offer tours and transportation services.

Accommodations in Tofino

Tofino offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular options include:

Hotels and Resorts: Tofino has several hotels and resorts, including the Wickaninnish Inn, Long Beach Lodge Resort, and Pacific Sands Beach Resort. These properties offer luxurious accommodations, spas, and restaurants, and are located in scenic oceanfront locations.

Bed and Breakfasts: Tofino has several bed and breakfasts, including the Seafarer’s Bed and Breakfast, The Maq Hotel, and The Tofino Harbourview. These properties offer cozy accommodations and personalized service, and are located in the heart of the town.

Vacation Rentals: Visitors can also rent vacation homes and condos in Tofino, which offer more space and privacy than traditional hotels. Websites such as Airbnb and VRBO offer a wide range of vacation rental options in Tofino and the surrounding areas.

Hostels: Tofino has several hostels, including the Whalers on the Point Guesthouse, which offers affordable dormitory-style accommodations and private rooms for budget-conscious travelers.

Campgrounds: Tofino has several campgrounds, including the Bella Pacifica Campground, which offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and yurts for rent. These properties offer a unique outdoor experience and are located in scenic oceanfront locations.

Regardless of where you choose to stay in Tofino, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season in the summer months.