Tofino Attractions: A Practical Guide for Visitors

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Long Beach Unit)

Established in 1970, the park lies in the territories of nine Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, as Parks Canada notes. The Long Beach Unit between Tofino and Ucluelet holds the area’s most famous beaches and rainforest trails. You need a Parks Canada pass to park inside it; see our beach guide for pass details.

Kwisitis Visitor Centre

At the south end of Wickaninnish Beach, the Kwisitis Visitor Centre has exhibits on the area’s culture and ecology, a replica longhouse, a First Nations gift shop and a viewing deck for surfers, whales and winter storms. It’s open year-round with reduced winter days, so check current hours.

Hot Springs Cove

Natural hot springs in Nism̓aakqin Park (formerly Maquinna Marine Park), co-managed with Ahousaht. There’s no road: you arrive by boat or floatplane with a permitted operator, then walk a 2 km boardwalk to the springs. BC Parks lists the rules: no camping or fires in the hot springs area, no alcohol or glass, and no pets beyond the start of the boardwalk. Check BC Parks for advisories before booking.

Whale and bear watching

• Gray whales migrate north past the coast in spring, with March a key month according to Parks Canada. Tour operators commonly run whale trips from spring into fall.
• Black bears forage on the shoreline at low tide; boat-based bear-watching tours generally run from spring to early fall. Seasons vary by operator.

Book with an established local operator, and keep your distance from wildlife: in the park it’s illegal to approach within 100 m of a bear, cougar or wolf except from a legally parked vehicle.

Storm watching

From November to March, Pacific swells make for dramatic surf. Parks Canada suggests the Kwisitis deck, the beach between Kwisitis and Lismer Beach, and the Florencia Bay lookout. Stay well back from the water and off drift logs.

Surfing

Tourism Tofino calls Tofino Canada’s surfing capital, and people surf year-round. Water ranges from about 7 to 14°C, so Parks Canada recommends at least a 4 mm wetsuit in summer and 5 mm in winter. Beginners usually start with a lesson at a sandy beach break.

Roy Henry Vickers Gallery

The gallery of renowned artist Roy Henry Vickers is in the Eagle Aerie building at 350 Campbell Street, built in 1986. Check opening hours before visiting.

Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum

A small museum on local history at 331 Main Street, in the lower level of the Legion building. Hours vary seasonally; see Tourism Tofino.

Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens

Formerly known as the Tofino Botanical Gardens, the 12-acre gardens at the Clayoquot Campus (1084 Pacific Rim Highway) are run by the IISAAK OLAM Foundation. Nuu-chah-nulth citizens and children up to 12 enter free, per Tourism Tofino. Confirm hours before going.

Meares Island Big Tree Trail

A short water-taxi ride from town, this boardwalk trail through ancient cedars is in a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park. A tribal park fee applies through operators. See Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.

Nearby: Ucluelet Aquarium

About 40 km south, the Ucluelet Aquarium describes itself as Canada’s first collect-and-release aquarium. It’s seasonal, usually closing in late autumn.

Tips for visiting

• Book boat tours and Hot Springs Cove trips ahead in summer.
• Many attractions reduce hours in winter; check before you drive out.
• Bring rain gear year-round.

Plan more of your trip: best things to do in Tofino, hiking trails and getting to Tofino from Vancouver.

Sources checked November 2026: Parks Canada, BC Parks, Tourism Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, Ucluelet Aquarium.