Mention Tofino to Vancouverites and they all have the same reaction... 'Ohhh I love that place, I need to go back there'. Do not leave BC before you've had a chance to experience the laid-back wholesomeness of this coastal peninsular wonderland. The best white sand beaches anywhere in Canada are found here.
Travel can be a barrier and expect the journey to take the best part of a day from Vancouver. The quickest way to access Tofino (or the quieter adjacent town of Ucluelet) is by seaplane, this costs serious coin at around $500 each way. It is cheaper to take a car on the ferry from Nanaimo and navigate the five hour winding road from there. You can catch the ferry as a passenger and rent vehicles in Nanaimo which ended up being more affordable when we visited.
I recommend travelling in early September outside the summer craziness and whilst you are likely to still get some sun. This surfing town hosts some of Canada's top surfers who will be entering the Olympic games. Unfortunately the waves don't pick up until later in the year but in early Autumn you should be able to kite surf or rent surfboards for the day and not be disappointed.
Cathedral grove is a recommended pit stop where you can see the rare and endangered Douglas Fir trees. Once you arrive in town you can walk or cycle to most places of interest. Due to the high tourist presence Tofino restaurants are absolutely fantastic, Wolf in the Fog comes highly recommended. Other must-do activities include:
Day tour whale watching, you will also see otters, bears, eagles and perhaps orcas
Exploring the hot springs, lying in a natural warm rock pool watching waves crash nearby
Enjoying local coffee, baked goods and seafood
Renting a surfboard to catch some waves
Walking sections of the Pacific Coastal Trail
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