Plan your trip to Tofino
Getting here, choosing the right month, packing for a coast that does weather properly, and what happens if the sea says no. Everything our booking desk is asked, in one place.
Getting to Tofino
Tofino sits at the end of the road on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Getting here is part of the trip.
By car
Tofino is at the end of Highway 4, about 200 km and three hours’ drive west of Nanaimo. The road climbs through the mountains past Port Alberni and gets narrow and winding near Kennedy Lake, so allow extra time in rain or snow and fill up before you leave Port Alberni.
By ferry
From Vancouver, car ferries cross to Nanaimo from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen. Reserve a sailing in summer and on long weekends, and plan for about five to six hours from Vancouver to Tofino in total.
By air
Scheduled flights and floatplanes connect Vancouver with Tofino–Long Beach Airport, between Tofino and Ucluelet. Taxis and shuttles meet most flights; tell us your arrival time and we will plan around it.
Getting around
Tofino town is small enough to walk. A paved multi-use path runs south from town towards the beaches, and bikes are easy to rent. Our dock shed is a short walk from most of the town’s accommodation.
When to come
Each season has its own tour. Whales from March, bears from April, paddling in summer, storms from November. The hot springs never close for the weather alone.
| Tour | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale watching | Not running | Not running | Best● | Best● | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Not running | Not running |
| Bear watching | Not running | Not running | Not running | Running○ | Best● | Best● | Best● | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Not running | Not running |
| Sea kayaking | Not running | Not running | Not running | Not running | Running○ | Running○ | Best● | Best● | Running○ | Not running | Not running | Not running |
| Hot springs | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Best● | Best● | Best● | Best● | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ |
| Storm watching | Best● | Running○ | Not running | Not running | Not running | Not running | Not running | Not running | Not running | Not running | Running○ | Best● |
Typical daytime temperatures
- Winter
- 4–8 °CRain most days; storm season
- Spring
- 8–13 °CShowers, longer days, grey whales
- Summer
- 14–20 °CDriest months; morning fog
- Fall
- 9–15 °CRain returns from October
Typical ranges, not a forecast. It is always cooler on the water than in town.
What to wear on the coast
Dress for wind and rain, then hope for sun. Cotton jeans and canvas shoes are the two things guests most often regret.
- Layers you can add and remove: thermal top, fleece, waterproof shell
- A warm toque and gloves for every boat trip, all year
- Waterproof shoes or boots with grip for rocks and wet decks
- Rain gear even in summer; we lend shells and floater suits on boats
- A small dry bag for your phone, keys and a spare layer
- Motion-sickness tablets if you need them, taken before departure
How a tour day runs
The same four steps for every departure, from a three-hour boat trip to a winter weekend.
The evening before
We text or call with a weather decision and your meeting time.
Eat first
A light breakfast helps on the water. Skip the big greasy one.
Arrive early
Fifteen minutes before departure, at the dock shed or trailhead in your confirmation.
Gear up
We fit floater suits and rain gear, then a short safety talk before we leave.
If the sea says no
Your skipper or guide checks the marine forecast and the tide table the evening before every trip. If the wind or swell would make the day unsafe or miserable, we cancel and call you. You choose: move to another departure, or take a full refund.
If conditions change once we are out and we have to turn back early, we offer a partial refund or a place on another trip. You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before departure for any reason.
Sample policy for this demo. A real operator’s terms appear here.
Respect the coast
Tofino and Clayoquot Sound are within the traditional territories of the Tla-o-qui-aht, Ahousaht and Hesquiaht First Nations, part of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples. We are guests here, and so are you.
Give wildlife space
Watch bears, whales and sea lions from a distance, never feed them, and keep dogs leashed on beaches where wildlife feeds.
Know the tsunami routes
Tofino is on a coast with tsunami risk. Learn the evacuation route signs near where you stay; your guide explains them on day one.
Leave no trace
Carry out everything you bring, stay on trails and boardwalks in the rainforest, and leave shells, stones and driftwood where you find them.
Do I need a park pass?
You need a Parks Canada pass to stop in the Long Beach area of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, between Tofino and Ucluelet. Our tours that start in town do not need one; if a walk meets at a park trailhead, we tell you in your confirmation.
Is Tofino good for a family trip?
Yes. Beaches, short rainforest trails and calm-water boat trips suit most ages. Check the minimum age on each tour page, and book family-friendly departures early in July and August.
Can I do two tours in one day?
Yes. A morning whale-watching trip and an evening photo walk fit comfortably. The hot springs take most of a day, so pair them with a walk the next morning.
Is there phone coverage?
There is mobile coverage in Tofino and Ucluelet, but it drops out on parts of Highway 4 and on the water. Download your confirmation and directions before you set off.
Pick a date. We will check the water.
Send an enquiry with your tour, date and group size. We reply within one business day, and nothing is charged until your departure is confirmed.