Tofino
Canada
Vancouver Island is an amazing add-on to any west coast Canada ski holiday. We recommend basing yourself in Tofino, with the mighty Pacific Ocean on one side and temperate rainforest on the other. Perfect tranquillity.
Roughly the size of England, Vancouver Island is mainly covered in temperate rainforest and, with mountainous areas in the middle and the Pacific Ocean to the East, has the most incredible scenery. Tofino sits on the east coast within the Pacific Rim National Park. With long sandy beaches ideal for surfing on one side and old-growth rainforest to explore on the other, it's the perfect place to step away from the bustle of life.
Make time for whale watching and bear spotting, take a float-plane for a bird's-eye view of the island, unwind in the geothermal rock pools or immerse yourself in the rainforest with the Wild Pacific Trail which winds along the coast through coves and beaches. The area is also a major centre for First Nations art and culture.
It's easy to add a few nights here to your west coast ski holiday and forms a part of our popular Vancouver Island Ski Safari which includes a stay in Vancouver city.
"Perfect for everyone but in particular families because of the wildlife watching, and couples because it’s simply the most romantic spot!"
Attractions
Whale Watching - if you time your visit between March and early April you have the best chance of catching the grey whale migration, when thousands of grey whales make the long journey from Mexico to the Arctic, passing right along the coastline of Vancouver Island. The whales feed in the shallow bays and inlets on their journey, making this the perfect place to see them.
Black Bear Kayaking - visiting a little later in the season will give you the chance to spot black bears as they come out of hibernation along the coast in Tofino. April is the perfect time to spot mothers with their cubs - they'll be tiny having just emerged from their dens - but make sure you keep your distance!. The best way to get up-close and personal is with a kayak tour - when the tide goes out, the bears emerge to scout the shoreline for their next meal. The trip around Clayoquot Sound is stunning too so even if you miss the bears you’ll usually see harbour seals, otters and bald eagles along the way.
Pacific Rim National Park - there are many boardwalk trails in the temperate rainforest or you can tackle the Wild Pacific Trail that winds along the coast through coves and the long sandy beaches. The scenery is incredible and you'll spot plenty of wildlife. Be sure to make some noise to avoid startling bears and cougars!
Hot Springs Cove - 27 km north of Tofino there is a unique set of hot springs, accessed only by boat or floatplane and a 1.5 km boardwalk through old growth rainforest. It's well worth a visit as the journey is spectacular, with seven different geothermal rock pools as your destination. They all vary in size and temperature, with some right on the edge overlooking the ocean. You might even spot whales while you bathe!
Float Plane Sightseeing - book a sightseeing trip with a local floatplane company for a bird’s eye view of the incredible coastline. With its remote bays and inlets, it really provides you with an insight into just how isolated the communities on this coast are.
Ucluelet - Drive thirty minutes south through the national park and you'll find the small town of Ucluelet. A laid-back fishing village, a translation of its name means "people of the safe harbour" in the indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth language. It's a foodie's haven with amazing bakeries, untraditional BBQ, wood-fired pizza, must-try seafood trucks and one of British Columbia's top ranked fine dining restaurants. It is also home to Canada's only catch and release aquarium, with all profits going into environmental marine research.
Storm/Sunset Watching - or simply relax with a glass of wine by the fire in your beachfront room and watch the Pacific storms rolling in and the magnificent sunsets unfolding.
Our prices
Every holiday is tailor-made, just for you.
To give you the most choice and best value, we create every holiday from scratch. This means that the quotation you receive is unique, based on your preferred departure dates, group size and holiday preferences.
We save you time and get the most for your money.
We sift through the prices and promotions for every airline, hotel and resort, exploring all options. We don’t publish all our prices online. Instead, we give personal quotations within 1-2 days of receiving your request.
