Poke Around the Pacific Rim

Hang 10 in Tofino

Want to Learn to Surf? You’ve come to the right place. Here are three rental places and surfing schools In Tofino: Surf Sisters surfsister.com, Pacific Surf Co pacificsurfschool.com, Tofino Surf School tofinosurfschool.ca.

See the Sawmill

McLean Mill National Historic Site will be for self-guided tours with maps available outside the administration office. The Mill will also be offering guided tours in limited group sizes. Dates and times to be confirmed. Gift shop and Steam Pot Cafe are open daily, hours to be confirmed. Campground is open, with online booking available. mcleanmill.ca

Explore the Trails

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The stretch of Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-Tofino-Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails, beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca

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Get Wild on the WPT

The Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park. Follow cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. You’ll view the ocean’s fury from the protection of the trail and from viewing platforms situated at the best headlands along the route. You’ll also be awed by gigantic nurse-logs, raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and ferns. The trail can be walked in two main sections: Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach. Then leave the coastline to visit the largest trees in the area at Ancient Cedars grove. wildpacifictrail.com

Littles to the Lighthouse

Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and 2.6 kms long, can be walked in a 30–45 minute loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk. The trail includes viewpoints and benches for watching whales, birds or catching the sunset. The Bog Interpretive Trail is open, a 300m interpretive loop (within the Loop!). wildpacifictrail.com/lighthouse.html

Learn About Local Marine Life

Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-and-release aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity of local marine life. The touch tanks will be covered for animal care purposes as soap and disinfectants are harmful to the health of fish and invertebrates. Learn about the local marine ecosystems at the mini aquarium and help raise awareness about local marine biodiversity and promote respect for the ocean environment. Open every day, including holidays, from 10am–4:30pm. uclueletaquarium.org

Get Out in the Garden

The idea of the garden is that it can be both a basic introduction to the natural and cultural history of Clayoquot Sound, and a place where the relationship between culture and nature can be explored. A COVID-friendly way to spend a day in Tofino “just to set the heart free.” Now open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. tofinobotanicalgardens.com

Try Out Tuff City Skatepark

Tuff City Skatepark is a surf-inspired park built and powered by the determination of local residents. The result is a well-designed, safe skateboarding area for the young and old, those who are learning or experienced skaters. tourismtofino.com/plan-your-trip/business-directory/tuff-city-skatepark

Or Ride on Over to the Bike Park

This mountain bike park is Tofino’s newest addition to its outdoor playground. The park is located beside the Tofino Community Hall and includes a pump track, table top jumps, a learning area, ladder planks and other obstacles. The park is “use at your own risk” so think safety first.

Indulge in Gelato

Chocolate Tofino offers handmade gelato flavours including Dutch Chocolate, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Raspberry, Hammerhead—a secret recipe—“Kookville” and Lavender Honey, to name a few. With a menu that’s “sometimes seasonal, sometimes as we please,” you never know what you’ll find. chocolatetofino.com

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