Along the Pacific Rim Highway is the Island’s year-round West Coast playground of Ucluelet, Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park, home to surfing, winter storm-watching, beach combing, wildlife excursions and more.
On the edge of spectacular Barkley Sound and bordered by ocean on three sides, Ucluelet is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Fishing guides and charters will get you on the water, or join the local experts on a West Coast wildlife tour. In harbour, visit the Ucluelet Aquarium.
Kayaking opportunities range from the inner harbour’s calm waters to the challenging Broken Group Islands, while favourite hikers’ destinations include the Wild Pacific Trail. Take to the trees for a ziplining adventure and return for winter stormwatching.
Just past Long Beach, overlooking Clayoquot Sound, Tofino is a tourism destination in the heart of pristine wilderness. To help to protect this spectacular region, Tofino was designated BC’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Outdoor activities include whale-watching, fishing, kayaking, diving and guided bear-watching tours. Hikers enjoy many trails in the Long Beach area and surrounding the townsite.
Tofino is also Canada’s surfing capital, with year-round opportunities to catch a wave and fine surf schools to get you started. Unique attractions include the Whale Centre Museum and Hot Springs Cove.
Despite its popularity, Tofino retains its peaceful, rustic ambience, with quaint shops art galleries and cafés blending easily with world-class resorts and fine dining establishments
Facts
- Tofino is Canada’s surfing capital
- Tofino’s exposed coast make it famous for winter storm watching
- Home to an iconic 800-year-old Western Red Cedar.
- The longest annual migration of any animal in the world can be seen at Tofino’s Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Watch nearly 20,000 migrating Grey whales.
- Tofino was designated BC’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Tofino has a temperate coastal rainforest climate with significant rainfall through the year.
Getting Here
Flying: Fly to Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) from Vancouver with Pacific Coastal Airlines or Harbour Air. There are also options to fly to with Nanaimo (YCD) and Comox (YQQ).
Bus: Tofino Bus offers services to Tofino from Vancouver and throughout Vancouver Island.
Ferry: From Vancouver take BC Ferries to Nanaimo from there take BC-19 N and follow BC-4 W to Tofino.
Vehicle: Nanaimo is a faster option than Victoria. Follow BC-19 N, take exit 60 then take BC-4 W to Tofino.
From Victoria take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N then merge onto Highway 19 (North) via the ramp to Parksville/Campbell River after take exit 60 and merge onto BC-4 W to Tofino.
For more visit westcoasttraveller.com or Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News
(Check this website for current details on travel.)