Walk along the sun-kissed sands or peer into tide pools bursting with starfish, anemones, and other marine treasures. Embark on full-day hikes through ancient rainforests, or explore remote coves and waterfalls along scenic coastal routes. Whether you prefer gentle interpretive routes that showcase the land’s beauty or more challenging adventures, every trail offers a new perspective and unforgettable stories to bring home.

Beaches

Tofino is home to expansive, sandy beaches along rugged coastlines with windswept trees, providing the perfect setting for surfing, paddling, playing and gathering with friends and family. While the beaches are world-renowned, please be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty. We recommend taking a surf lesson to learn about the riptides and visiting Coast Smart to learn about coastline safety.

Here are some beaches to explore:

• Chesterman Beach - Just steps from the Inn, this picturesque 2.7km stretch of sandy beach was named the sixth-best beach in the world by Lonely Planet in 2025. Known for its peaceful, residential atmosphere and fewer crowds, Chesterman offers scenic walks, stunning sunsets, and family-friendly tidepools. It’s also a popular surf spot for all skill levels. The iconic tomobolo separates North and South Chesterman and connects to Frank Island at low tide. Fires are permitted on the beach (in accordance with specific bylaws) when no fire ban is in place. Visit our beach cam to daydream about your next visit or check the current conditions.
• Cox Bay - Spanning 1.5 km, Cox Bay is renowned for its consistent surf breaks and hosts professional surf competitions. It’s a lively, active beach perfect for watching surfers and enjoying beautiful sunsets. Campfires are not allowed here, but there is parking and access to local resorts and restaurants.
• Long Beach - At 16km, Long Beach is the longest within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, ideal for long walks and experienced surfing. Nearby spots within the Long Beach Unit include Schooner Cove, Combers Beach, and Wickanninnish Beach. The area offers a rugged, protected feel with dramatic driftwood, endangered sand dunes and occasional remnants of shipwrecks washed ashore after storms. It’s great for all-day outings with good parking and plenty of exploration opportunities.
• Tinwis (formerly MacKenzie) Beach - Sheltered by nearby islands, this beach offers gentler waves, making it perfect for families and calm water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and picnicking. Fires are permitted (according to specific bylaws), and the beach’s proximity to resorts and restaurants makes it a convenient choice for a relaxed day by the water.
• Tonquin Beach - Accessible by a short scenic walk through lush forest, Tonquin Beach is great for wading and relaxing in gentle surf. It’s one of the closest beaches to town, featuring cozy coves framed by rocky outcroppings and dense forest. At low tide, tidepools reveal themselves along the rocky edges. It’s west-facing, making it a perfect place to watch the sun set.
• Florencia Bay - Part of the Long Beach Unit, Florencia Bay is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and is accessible by a rainforest trail with a steep set of stairs. This beautiful, tranquil spot attracts surfers of all levels and visitors seeking peace and solitude amidst nature.
• Halfmoon Bay - Reached by a short hike and a steep set of stairs or wooden ramp, this small crescent-shaped bay is a sheltered, peaceful retreat on sunny days. During winter storms, it comes alive with the nearby Blow Hole and Surge Channel, creating a dramatic display of ocean power.

Trails

Vancouver Island offers remarkable diversity in its trails, from gentle interpretive walks to beaches to full-day excursions that carry you far beyond the familiar. Guided hikes can enhance your experience, offering insights into the flora, fauna, and geography of the West Coast.

In Tofino

There are many, but here is a selection to consider:

• Rainforest Beach Trail (on-site) -

  Walk out the Inn's doors to The Pointe Building’s Parking lot or the Ambassador Hut and find yourself surrounded by ancient forest. Follow the trail through salal, ferns, and old-growth trees, with numerous scenic corners and opportunities for plant identification. The trail winds its way to the driftwood piled on the shoreline of Chesterman Beach. If you are staying at the Wick on a Saturday morning (Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer), join our complimentary nature walk with Long Beach Nature Tours. If your visit coincides with stormy weather, rain gear is supplied for guests to keep them dry and comfortable.

• Tonquin Trail - Less than a kilometre from Tofino's center, this family-friendly coastline trail offers a perfect way to stretch your legs and experience the lush rainforest on the ocean's edge. Walk along the forest and gravel floor to a short boardwalk with breathtaking views of Templar Channel and the historic wreck site of The Tonquin. Be sure to carve out extra time for the stairs that lead down to discover hidden beaches and scenic gems along the way.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Trails

This protected area offers a variety of ways to experience the ancient temperate rainforest.

• Rainforest Trail (Loops A & B) - Elevated boardwalks take you along two separate loops, about one km each. Stroll through lush old-growth forest filled with towering cedars and hemlocks. Interpretive signs highlight the ecology of coastal rainforests, making this perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
• Nuu-chah-nulth Trail - A five km round-trip trail connecting Florencia Bay to South Beach, this trail offers dense rainforest walks with beach access. Interpretive signs and artwork share the cultural history of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.
• Shorepine Bog Trail - An 800 m loop, affectionately called the “Broccoli forest", features small trees, damp soil, and a thick layer of Sphagnum moss. This unique bog environment supports survival adaptations for its tiny inhabitants, making for a whimsical trek.
• Combers Beach Trail - Descending from the highway through mossy forest to a wild expanse of beach with powerful surf, this one-kilometre round-trip is a perfect way to enjoy the raw coastline.
• Florencia Bay Trail - This 2.5 km round-trip forest walk with a stair descent to a secluded sandy bay framed by cliffs offers a peaceful retreat for visitors.
• Halfmoon Bay Trail (via Willowbrae) - This 3.6 km round-trip with wooden stairs leads to a tucked-away crescent-shaped beach surrounded by towering cliffs.
• Willowbrae Trail - A 2.8 km round-trip gentle forest walk ending in two branches: one leading to Florencia Bay and the other to Halfmoon Bay, providing multiple beach options in one hike.
• South Beach Trail - Starting from Kwisitis Visitor Centre, this short 1.6 km round-trip trail winds through the forest to a black volcanic pocket beach with pounding surf.

Guided walks and hikes

Guided walks and eco-tours led by local naturalists deepen your understanding of the region’s rich ecology, Indigenous heritage, and geological history.

• Kwistis Interpretive programs | Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Let park interpreters reveal the region's ecology and cultural history through engaging programs within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
• Long Beach Nature Tours - Expertly guided experiences range from fly fishing and bird watching to interpretive nature walks and wildlife safaris, all dedicated to creating memorable and enriching outdoor adventures. Join them for half-day tours, full-day hikes and multi-day treks.
• West Coast Nest - Join education-focused events in our community, designed to celebrate curiosity, encourage dialogue, and build meaningful connections.

Trails accessible by boat

• Big Tree Trail on Meares Island - Home to ancient old-growth trees, some over 1,000 years old, the Big Tree Trail is just a 10-minute boat ride from Tofino. Enjoy a 2.4 km walk along the boardwalks to see the largest tree, known as the Hanging Garden, or take a 4.2 km loop combining boardwalks and a dirt (often muddy!) path.
• Hot Springs - Located in Maquinna Provincial Marine Park, the hot springs are accessible via a 1 to 1.5-hour water taxi trip or a 20-minute float plane ride from Tofino. A 2 km cedar boardwalk and stairs lead you to the springs.
• Lone Cone on Meares Island - This 6 km round-trip trail ascends steeply through dense forest, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Clayoquot Sound and Tofino. While the hike is relatively short (approximately 4 hours), it's considered difficult due to the steep elevation gain of over 700 meters and slippery terrain. Access is available by water taxi or kayak to Meares Island.

Heli hiking

• For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, heli hiking with Long Beach Nature Tours offers access to the otherwise inaccessible alpine wilderness of Clayoquot Sound. Guests are flown by helicopter to remote mountaintops or alpine lakes for customized guided hikes, ranging from light scenic walks to demanding ridge scrambles. Difficulty and distance vary based on the route chosen, but this is one of the most unique and exclusive ways to escape the crowds. Tours depart directly from the Tofino area.