(Last Updated on October 12th 2022.)
Tofino and Ucluelet have some of the nicest beaches on Vancouver Island and is quite a popular area for tourism. Tofino is a small district on Vancouver Island, off Canada's westcoast. It sprawls on a peniunsila with Clayoqout Sound, characterised by wild natural scenery including lakes, inlets and ancient rainforests. This area also attracts many surfers year round as is situated within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
These small villages are two of the best places you'll want to visit, while staying on Vancouver Island. In this guide you will find a complete list of some of the best hiking spots, places to eat and stay.
PLACES TO STAY:
I've been to Tofino & Ucluelet alot, so over time I've gotten to know the area quite well and figured out the best places to stay in my opinion.
-Carolyn’s Cove, is a cute AirBNB in Ucluelet, they have a few different rooms to choose from, ours had a balcony with a soft tub. The downfall, there is a small kitchen that is shared with other guests and it only had I believe a mini fridge and hot plate. So you will have to go out for most meals. This place was nice for a couples getaway.
-Tin Wis Best Western, this is a really nice hotel in Tofino that wasn't too bad for the price. I’ve stayed here twice years ago with a boyfriend at the time for NYE. It's located right on Mackenzie Beach. A community hot tub is there as well to enjoy.
-Waters Edge Suites, in Ucluelet is a really nice hotel located right in the marina and has your very own private tub on the deck. Not to be confused with a hot tub. They do get pretty warm however, but they take awhile to fill. Our room had a full kitchen which was great. We stayed here for our babymoon.
-Point West Cottages, is right in Ucluelet just before the Black Rock Resort. These are really cute cabins with your own private soft tub. The downfall, we stayed here on our one year and cera came with us (my sister) and the rooms weren't all that private as its open concept.
-The Cabins at Terrace, located in Ucluelet these are great places to stay with a group of friends. The rooms have massive jacuzzi tubs and are great for storm watching. Huge windows in the rooms with a forest view, and some I think you could get even ocean view. The downfall, there is a shared living space to lounge in which was kind of cool. I'm sure with covid it's different rules now.
-Bella Pacifica Campground, located in Tofino if your more of a camper. I didn’t stay here but my Uncle did with his family and we spent half a day there. It’s right on Mackenzie Beach. We once stayed at Long Beach Campground and it wasn’t our favourite, it was not anywhere close to Long Beach and by an airport. I’ve also stayed at Ucluelet Campground and that was decent for one night. Close to everything in town in Ucluelet.
-The Shoreline, located in Tofino, although I didn't stay here my in-laws and mother did when we got married. They were so cute inside and right near the Tofino Marina. You could step onto your balcony and have ocean view. They are fully equipped with a kitchen, rooms and have everything you need.
-Blackrock Resort, located in Ucluelet if you feel like splurging, I've been to the resturaunt and their spa and it was really lovely. If you feel like being a bit Boujee you could book a stay at Pacific Sands, located in Tofino all of their rooms always look super nice. There is so many really amazing resorts, I've always wanted to keep it relatively inexpensive myself.
I've also stayed at Ukee Peninsula Motel, located in Ucluelet just to rest our heads and for something on the cheaper side.
I'm sure there are tons of AirBNB's I have yet to experience, and when I do I'll for sure add them in here.
BEST HIKES TO DO:
-Cox Bay Lookouts located in Tofino.
-Virgin Falls located off the backroads of Kennedy Lake. (Currently a washout to get there.)
-Skycouch/deck located in Ucluelet/
-Rainforest Walk located outside Tofino.
-Tonquin Trail located in Tofino.
-Lone Cone located on Meares Island.
-Wild Pacific Trail located in Ucluelet.
-Mt. Ozzard located in Ucluelet.
-Hot Springs Cove Tour located on Maquinna Provincial Park.
-Canso Plane Crash Site located in Tofino.
-Radar Hill located in Tofino
-Amphitrite Point Lighthouse located in Ucluelet.
BEST BEACHES:
-Long Beach located near Tofino.
-Cox Bay Beach located in Tofino.
-Chesterman Beach located in Tofino.
-Middle Beach located in Tofino.
-Mackenzie Beach (Also popular spot for beach fires.)
-Big Beach & Little beach, located in Ucluelet. (Great spot for a fire.)
-Florencia Bay located in Ucluelet.
BEST PLACES TO EAT & DRINK:
-Shelter located in Tofino. (Great overall place and they have outdoor seating too!.)
-Middle Beach Lodge located in Tofino. (nice for events such as weddings.)
-Tacofino located in Tofino (THE BEST, you simply can't visit Tofino without eating here.)
-Rhino Tofino located in Tofino. (best coffee and donuts.)
-Shed located in Tofino. (everything about this place is delicious.)
-Tofino Brewering Company located in Tofino. (such a fun west coast vibe and great beer.)
-The Blue Room located in Ucluelet.(Best eggs benny.)
-Chocolate Tofino located in Tofino. (Great coffee and chocolate obviously!)
One of highlights for me was the Hot Springs Cove Tour. We got lucky and it was a beautiful sunny day. We booked a tour with Oceanoutfitters and got to see whales that day even. We went in March and it was pretty busy. I wouldn't recommend going in the summer, to really enjoy it go in the off season when it's less busy and not as hot out. The pools are small but quite hot, so not really fun if it's packed. We went early and it wasn't too bad. Cody and I celebrated our one year here!
(Currently open, limited spots)
Another highlight for me was hiking LoneCone on Meares Island. We had to book a water taxi through Tofino Water Taxi. This was about $60 after tip and taxes, to be dropped off and picked up. This hike was not too challenging for me personally, however my friends were practically dying and out of breath (love you guys.) This hike is only around 700m but you gain elevation fast. I was pregnant at the time and had no idea. The only thing about Tofino is the fog, if you don't go on a clear day you may not get a view of the Broken Islands. We got to the top and there was no view. We waited for almost two hours and finally the fog cleared and the view was incredible. Worth it!
Tofino will hold such a special place in my heart as I recently got married at Middle Beach in August of 2021. I scoped this beach out for years and always pictured a West Coast setting if I were to ever get married. As soon as we came to this beach, Cody and I both knew this was where we’d have it. It was perfect and one of the less busy beaches I’ve ever visited. It was an incredible day, and everything just worked out, including the weather.
Photographers: WithLovePhotography
I hope you get to explore this area if you haven't already. I have carefully added these helpful links with information to help guide you to some of the best spots in this area. Enjoy!
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