Discover Tofino's Best Hikes
Tofino, located on the west side of Vancouver Island, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a blend of ancient rainforests and stunning beaches, particularly in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The area is perfect for short hikes, with most trails accessible by car. Consider renting a car for flexibility in exploring these trails, which are typically less than five kilometers and can be combined for a full day of adventure.
1. Rainforest Trail
Experience the serenity of Tofino's old-growth forest on the Rainforest Trail, featuring some of Canada's oldest documented trees. This easy walk is a journey through time, with trees over 800 years old and fallen logs that support new life as they decay. The trail is divided into two loops, each just over a kilometer, offering a quiet escape from the ocean's roar.
2. Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet
About a 40-minute drive south of Tofino, the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet offers a rugged coastal experience with two main sections: the Lighthouse Loop and the Brown's Beach to Rocky Bluffs trail. The Lighthouse Loop is a 2.6-kilometer journey with dramatic views, while the second section provides a tamer eight-kilometer return-trip hike along the coast.
3. South Beach Trail
Starting from the Kwisitis Visitor Center, the South Beach Trail leads to a picturesque cove with a mix of soft sand and pebbles. This short hike can also be an extension of the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, which heads to Florencia Bay.
4. Long Beach
The 16-kilometer-long Long Beach offers an extensive walk along the shore, with access points like the Long Beach parking area. The iconic Incinerator Rock marks this stretch, and the hard-packed sand makes it easy for a long stroll.
5. Nuu-chah-nulth Trail to Florencia Bay Trail
This five-kilometer return-trip hike connects Wickaninnish Beach to Florencia Bay, featuring cultural insights into the Nuu-chah-nulth people. The trail is adorned with large trees and boardwalks, offering a unique beach experience.
6. Ancient Cedars Trail, Ucluelet
Near Ucluelet, the Ancient Cedars Trail is a short loop that showcases red cedars up to 800 years old. This one-kilometer trail rivals the giant trees of Cathedral Grove.
7. Meares Island Hike (Big Tree Trail)
Accessible by boat, the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island is a 2.4-kilometer round-trip hike through ancient forest, highlighted by the 2,000 year-old Hanging Garden cedar. An optional muddy trail extends the hike to 5.4 kilometers.
8. Combers Beach Trail
This one-kilometer round-trip hike leads to Combers Beach, a distinct section of Long Beach with a desert-like appearance at low tide. It's a quieter alternative for beach walking.
9. Willowbrae Trail and Half Moon Bay
The Willowbrae Trail offers a 2.8-kilometer round-trip walk to Florencia Bay, with an optional spur trail to Half Moon Bay. It's a less crowded path leading to wild and scenic beaches.
10. Tonquin Trail
The three-kilometer-return-trip Tonquin Trail is a convenient hike from downtown Tofino, leading to calm and clear waters at Tonquin Beach, ideal for swimming and sunsets.
11. Shorepine Bog Trail
The Shorepine Bog Trail is a unique, less than a kilometer boardwalk hike through a miniature forest of shorepines and 400-year-old sphagnum moss, offering a sunny and open environment.
12. Schooner Cove Trail (May Be Closing)
The Schooner Cove Trail, potentially closed, is a kilometer-long hike through rainforest to a beautiful beach. Check with park staff for current accessibility.
Where to Stay in Tofino for Nature and Hiking
Tofino, near Pacific Rim National Park, offers a range of accommodations from luxury resorts like Pacific Sands Beach Resort and Wickaninnish Inn, to mid-range options like Middle Beach Lodge and Best Western Tin Wis Resort, and budget-friendly places like Tofino Resort + Marina and Ocean Village Resort.
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Explore more of Vancouver Island with outdoor activities in Tofino, hiking trails around Victoria, and top attractions on the island. Visit cities like Victoria and Nanaimo for a complete experience.
