Plizio Visual Lab
Tofino
Set on a peninsula within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino marks the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway. The town is flanked by long sandy beaches, most notably the 16-kilometer Long Beach located within the adjacent Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The area receives over 3.2 meters of rain annually, which sustains the massive Sitka spruce and western red cedar trees in the surrounding rainforests. Tofino is considered the surfing capital of Canada, with year-round wave conditions at spots like Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach. During the summer, visitors take boat tours to observe gray whales, humpback whales, and black bears foraging along the shoreline. Hot Springs Cove, accessible only by boat or floatplane, features natural geothermal pools set directly into the coastal rocks. The tourist season is divided into two distinct periods. Summer brings hikers and beachgoers, while the period from November to February is designated for winter storm watching. Visitors sit behind massive glass windows in coastal lodges to watch five-meter waves crash against the rocky shoreline of the Pacific Ocean.
- Location: Canada
- Top sights: Crystal Cove Beach Resort · Mushroom Island · Surf Sister
- Nearby: Ucluelet (42 km)
- Population: ~2.516 (2025)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 318 | 170 | 213 | 155 | 80 | 74 | 51 | 61 | 115 | 210 | 324 | 286 |
Geography
Facts
- Western end of Trans-Canada Highway
- Located in Clayoquot Sound
- Adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park
- Surfing capital of Canada
- Famous for winter storm watching
- Whale watching center
- Annual rainfall over 3.2 meters
- Old-growth rainforests
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tofino (10)
Frequently asked questions
Tofino: where is it located?
Tofino: what is there to see?
Tofino: when is the best time to visit?
Tofino: why is it worth visiting?
















