HOW TO GET TO TOFINO
Tofino, located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, is a breathtaking and popular destination. Set in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rugged coastline, and rich wildlife, including whales, sea otters, black bears, and bald eagles. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as surfing, hiking, and camping.
If you love outdoor adventures and appreciate beautiful scenery, Tofino is an excellent place to visit. Despite its small population of 2,000 residents, the town has a relaxed atmosphere and offers numerous opportunities to explore its beaches, shops, and unique dining experiences.
Top attractions in Tofino include Pacific Rim National Park, whale watching tours, the hot springs in Maquinna Provincial Park, surfing and more.
In summary, if you're seeking a scenic and adventurous destination in Canada, Tofino is definitely worth considering.
DRIVING TO TOFINO
Whether you drive or take a bus, the journey from Nanaimo to Tofino is one of the most spectacular in the world. Along the way, you'll pass through the towering old-growth forests of Cathedral Grove, the township of Port Alberni, the majestic Sutton Pass, and the scenic Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Regardless of the time of year you travel, it’s important to stay informed about road conditions, including any events or delays that might affect your plans, by checking your route on DriveBC.
Vancouver Island, including Tofino, is accessible by vehicle from the British Columbia mainland via BC Ferries.
TRAVELING TIMES
Vancouver to Tofino: (via Nanaimo) 2 hours on BC Ferries and 3 hours by car
Victoria to Tofino: 5 - 6 hours by car, or by Tofino Bus
Ucluelet to Tofino: 40 minutes by car
Plan Your Drive:
We suggest adding an extra 30 min of travel time for reservations + appointments, to allow for delays.
Drive BC for up-to-date information on Highway 4.
BC FERRIES
Taking the ferry to Tofino from Vancouver, you will need to sail with BC Ferries from one of two points near Vancouver to Vancouver Island. We recommend making a BC Ferry reservation on long weekends and during the summer months.
Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay: The Horseshoe Bay terminal is north of Vancouver and this ferry route takes just under 2 hours, arriving at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay.
Tsawwassen to Duke Point: The Tsawwassen terminal is south of the city, closer to the USA border. This ferry route takes approximately 2.5 hours, arriving at the Duke Point terminal, about 15 minutes south of Nanaimo.
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay: The Tsawwassen terminal is south of the city, closer to the USA border. This ferry route takes approximately 2 hours, arriving at the Swartz Bay terminal, about 30 minutes north of Victoria.
FLYING TO TOFINO
You can fly directly to Tofino (YAZ) from Vancouver (YVR).
MORE INFO TO PLAN YOUR TRIP
Here are some helpful links to assist you in planning your trip to Tofino. These websites offer valuable information on travel, accommodation, and tips on things to do:
A frequent question we receive is, "How long should I stay in Tofino?" We recommend staying for 2-3 days. This duration allows you to enjoy a relaxing getaway and explore the main attractions, such as whale watching tours, the hot springs in Maquinna Provincial Park, the beaches, Pacific Rim National Park, and surfing.
Tofino, BRITISH COLUMBIA