Three Days in Tofino

Tofino is Canada’s surfing capital and a foodies delight-an adorable seaside town on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island.  Come in Summertime for gorgeous sandy beaches and scenic hikes, or Winter for Storm season which becomes a local spectacle. Whatever the time of year, Tofino delivers that end-of-the earth kind of solitude and peace of nature we all crave.

We were lucky enough to spend three days at the picturesque Pacific Sands Beach Resort, a beachside haven tucked away on Tofino’s coast offering a range of luxurious accommodation including our beautiful 3 storey beach house complete with stunning beach views, direct beach access and of course the private hot-tub with a view. 10/10 recommend staying at Pacific Sands-beach walks, coastal hikes, bike rental, paddle boarding, outdoor fire pits-what more could you ask for?

If you come in Winter you’ll be coming for storm season-where residents and hotels rug up, grab a wine, and enjoy the display of enormous, powerful storms roll in from Japan. The suites come equipped with rain coats so you won’t miss a thing.

There is so much to do in and around Tofino, including just chilling out and enjoying nature and watching world class sunsets. By the time you’ve had a morning beach stroll, gone for coffee, had a surf or hike, afternoon drink as the sun goes down followed by a yummy dinner, your day is done and you’ll be full of happiness.

There is an awesome, very muddy hike through the forest to an old WWII bomber plan crash. It crashed into the side of the mountain in 1942 and is basically still intact. Definitely worth getting dirty for! The Schooner Cove trail is also beautiful and short, lovely boardwalk trail, but honestly any of the countless trails will be fabulous.

Our favourite was our afternoon walk to the headland on the grounds of Pacific Sands for sunset over the beach as the surfers made their way in. Bliss. Followed up by a sensational seafood chowder, of course.

Getting there:

The best option is to take a Ferry from Vancouver as you’ll need a car on the Island. We got the ferry from Horseshoe bay in Vancouver’s north (stop by Lynn Canyon on the way!) The ferry is about 1.5 hrs and $34pp. The drive from Departure Bay to Tofino is 3 hours. Remember that supermarket food and alcohol is expensive in Tofino, so stock up on treats and groceries in Vancouver or in Nanaimo when you get off the Ferry.

Tofino is an absolute foodies heaven-full of local seafood and produce. From A class restaurants to food truck, you wont go hungry and  you wont want to leave.
My recommendations:

-Tacofino. A MUST for insane tacos, burritos and mexi treats. My fave was the fish burrito. Their cookies are to die for too!
-Wildside grill. Next door to Tacofino and serving up awesome fish and chips. (among other things!)
-SOBO- gorgeous local seafood and produce. CHOWDER!
-Shelter – a contemporary restaurant/bar with a nice outdoor heated area. Just good food!
-Wolf in the Fog-A touch more expensive than the rest of the list, but gorgeous seasonal menu and a must eat.
-Rhino coffee- best coffee in town!