If you can't make it to New Zealand, Canada’s surf capital Tofino, draws visitors seeking outdoor experiences, breathtaking scenery and laid-back vibes.
Tofino offers adventure activities for all levels of enthusiasts. It’s no surprise this small town on the edge of the west coast of Vancouver Island is consistently voted among the world’s top tourist destinations.
"You can embark on a rainforest hike through ancient cedars and start your day wrapped in the ocean mist while walking endless beaches," says Danielle Fox of Tourism Tofino. "Take a surf lesson or kayak the calm waters surrounding quiet islands. Discover wildlife on land like bears or wolves, or at sea, where you can witness whales, otters, sea lions, birds and more. End your days watching the sun set behind the edge of the Pacific Ocean. In Tofino the possibilities are endless."
The compact downtown has a number of excellent restaurants, including Wolf in the Fog, along with boutiques and galleries, including the landmark gallery owned by Tsimshian artist Roy Henry Vickers.
A few minutes from Tofino by water taxi or guide boat, discover the cedar plank boardwalk of Big Tree Trail on Meares Island. Marvel at towering old-growth trees, some more than 1,000 years old. Now a Tribal Park, Meares Island is cared for and protected by the Tribal Park Guardians, members of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation whose people have lived on these lands for thousands of years.
