Tofino:
A Bird Trail Outpost

A popular place to survey the Tofino Harbour, this large public dock can yield some good sightings, particularly during a low-tide when sandbars emerge from the swirling Pacific. Grab your binoculars or spotting scope and a warm beverage from one of the nearby cafés and make your way to this bustling birding hotspot to hopefully encounter some of the 113 species recorded in the area. You’ll be sharing space with people and vehicles in this scenic hub.

Accessed from a trailhead just a short walk from the town centre, this 3km trail spans coastal rainforest, secret beaches and boardwalk viewing platforms. Whether you choose to make the 6km round trip all the way to Middle Beach, or simply take a leisurely walk to the viewpoint and nearby Tonquin Beach, you are guaranteed some exceptional surroundings on this rugged trail. Despite being close to town, civilization falls away quickly as you navigate the coastal rainforest and hikers should be well prepared for remote conditions. Bird sightings can include a number of songbirds alongside seabirds such as the Red-necked Grebe and Pigeon Guillemot and even the occasional Woodpeckers have been spotted along the trails.

Tucked away by the harbourfront, Savary Island Pie Co. their delicious namesake sweet and savoury pies alongside fresh coffee and baked goods. Stop by for a quick breakfast on their oceanside patio or pick up a full pie to enjoy on your adventures.

Great coffee, mouth watering donuts and a solid line-up of breakfast and lunch options await at this buzzing destination on Tofino’s main street.

Committed to sourcing ethically grown coffee and roasting it daily to ensure peak freshness, Tofino Coffee Roasting Co. serves up expertly crafted espresso beverages alongside their carefully curated brewed coffee. The menu at their bright and welcoming cafe also features house made pastries and Silk Road Teas.

A visit to Tofino’s original whole foods bake shop is an immersion in the culture of this remarkable town with a side of delicious baked goods. Whether you decide to grab a burrito from their breakfast menu, pick up a sandwich for lunch or indulge in one of their delightful gluten free desserts, just make sure you bring cash!

Tofino’s go to spot for casual dining, their expansive patio and creative menu has made them a community staple. Kick back with friends over a delicious craft beer and enjoy the atmosphere in the heart of Tofino.

Experience the best of west coast cuisine with a visit to the exceptional Wolf in the Fog. Featuring locally sourced and hand foraged ingredients alongside inspired cocktails and rustic ambiance, Wolf in the Fog offers a memorable experience that’s meant to be shared. Reservations are recommended. 

A longtime local staple, Shelter offers a casual coastal environment with elevated cuisine. Their legendary surf bowls are the perfect accompaniment to a classic west coast adventure while their extensive menu ensures everyone’s appetites are accounted for.

Located dockside, the Indigenous-led Naas Foods is your destination for some of the best sustainably harvested seafood in the world. Explore the bounty of the ocean at their Tofino Storefront and be sure to pick up some smoked salmon or seacuterie for your journey.

Tofino’s super natural grocer offering local, sustainable and organic produce alongside a well provisioned Juice Bar and Deli with great vegan options.

Merge is a destination for sustainable apparel, self-care, ceramics, and books. Discover unique, thoughtful objects to enhance your daily rituals and embrace understated elegance.

A First Nations owned business specializing in locally crafted Indigenous art and gifts including hand carved masks, sculptures, bentwood boxes, hand engraved silver & gold jewellery, indigenous designed clothing & gifts.

This stunning traditional Northwest Coast longhouse has a carved and painted cedar plank exterior and is a recognizable Tofino landmark. Inside discover Roy’s artwork of paintings, original prints, calendars, art cards, and reproductions hanging on hand adzed cedar walls among totem poles and carvings. Open free to the public year round, visitors will find a number of prints and reproductions are available for purchase in the gift shop. 

Drop by Tofino Sea Kayaking to book your kayak rental or an expertly guided tour and be sure to grab a coffee at their cafe with postcard inlet views and peruse their well-stocked store while you are there. Offering an excellent selection of books about the areas natural history alongside locally sourced products and high quality outdoor gear, whether you are looking to paddle or not, a visit is well worth the time.

Specializing in quality gear to enhance your outdoor adventures, the knowledgeable team at Storm Light Outfitters will ensure you have everything you need to get out and enjoy the coast.

Established in 1997 to conserve critical wildlife habitats, the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area comprises one of the top ten most critical wetland areas for migratory birds on Canada’s West Coast. Designated as an Important Bird Area, the nutrient rich inlet environment offers shelter from harsh coastal storms for over wintering waterfowl as well as long-haul migrants who may hunker down in the area. This fascinating eco-system is best viewed on foot or by kayak, and precautions to avoid habitat degradation and disturbing of wildlife should be taken. For the adventurous, another access point to the mudflats lies at the end of the Yellow Gate Trail, a 1.7km trail through the forest that can be muddy; hikers should prepare accordingly.

Offering another vantage points over the exceptional Tofino Mudlfats, a large viewing platform offers an accessible and comfortable option for those wishing to soak in the sights of this productive ecosystem. Stop in at the Roar Coffee + Shop (located in the Hotel Zed) for refreshments before proceeding to the trail that takes you to their purpose built deck featuring comfortable chairs and unforgettable views.

One of Tofino’s most famous beaches, the 2.7km long beach features a stunning sandbar dividing the northern and southern sections that is walkable during the low tide. A favourite for surfers and beach-combers alike, this popular beach is also important to migrating populations of Western Sandpipers, particularly in the spring.

Home to many of Tofino’s surf competitions, the conditions at Cox Bay make for consistently challenging surf conditions and you are likely to see some skilled surfers honing their craft on the waves. The North end is worth a visit at low tide, for the tidepools and caves provide an exciting plethora of marine life to be spotted. Shorebirds are known to spend time along these rocky outcrops, and seabirds are often sighted amongst the surf.

Sheltered from the majority of the offshore winds by large tidal rocks, MacKenzie Beach is popular with paddle boarders and families for it’s calmer waters and gentlest of waves. The sandy shoreline makes it a popular stopping off point for shorebirds and the tide-pools at the beaches southern point provide feeding opportunities for hungry migrants. With 159 species observed in the area, this birding hotspot can prove rewarding, particularly if you are willing to visit during off-peak times.

A long-standing cultural hub, Tofitian is the go to for locals and visitors alike. Drop into their cozy cafe for a quality handcrafted beverage, fresh homemade baked goods and some merch featuring their iconic ‘End of the Road’ artwork.

Located in an unparalleled waterfront rotunda with panoramic views of the coastline, The Pointe Restaurant provides an aspirational fine dining experience. Whether you choose to visit for their renowned breakfast offerings, or indulge in a luxurious evening meal you will not be disappointed. Head to their website to learn more about their offerings and required dress code.

Offering stunning views from their impressive Great Room, Long Beach Lodge offers award-winning cuisine with a focus on local and sustainable products. Visit for a memorable brunch, relaxed midday meal or refined dinner at their welcoming west coast restaurant.

Offering a full suite of dining options from breakfast until late, this restaurant delivers exceptional cuisine in a modern, nautical setting. Their menu features fresh local seafood and expertly grilled dishes prepared over fire in their open kitchen.

This women-led delicatessen has been a favourite of the Tofino community for nearly a decade. Call ahead to order one of their sumptuous charcuterie platters for an unforgettable beach picnic or stop by for house cured meats and carefully selected cheeses to build your own board.

Stop in at the Tourism Tofino visitor centre to meet the friendly and informed Visitor Centre Counsellors who will ensure you get the most out of your trip. Open year round, their well equipped centre offers washrooms, free Wi-Fi and a collection of locally made gift items.

Renowned for their quirky retro styling, Hotel Zed pairs the best of the past with the modern comforts of the present. More than just a place to get a great night’s sleep, Hotel Zed offers a platform overlooking the Tofino Mudflats Birding Sanctuary alongside numerous exciting details to uncover.

Located on one of Tofino’s most renowned beaches, Pacific Sands Beach resort offers stunning views and unparalleled access to the popular Cox Bay Beach. Their expansive resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from hot tub suites to beachfront townhouses all with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for families and independent travelers.

Located on the peaceful and scenic Mackenzie Beach, Best Western’s Tin Wis resort is owned and operated by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Their well-appointed rooms feature first nations art, incredible ocean views and all the amenities you need for an unforgettable stay.

Pacific Rim National Park lies just south of the community of Tofino, covering kilometres of sandy beaches, unspoiled temperate rainforests and adventures for all levels of explorer. For bird watchers, the variation in habitat, from windswept rocky bluffs to sheltered rainforest allows for a wide variety of species to utilize the area year round. The park also offers camping and interpretive programming, including Bird Walks departing from the K^wisitis Visitor Centre in the summer months. Visitors should note that a Park Entry Pass is required for access to all beaches and trails within the Pacific Rim National Park. If you prefer to benefit from the intimate local knowledge of professional guides, Long Beach Nature Tours offer 3-hour birdwatching tours in the park.

This remote Island Ecological Reserve was established to protect breeding populations of many seabirds, and to support research and educational opportunities. Since access is strictly prohibited unless by permit, visitors hoping to observe the thousands of seabirds who nest here each year are required to do some from the safety of a boat. Tofino Whale Centre offers tours with an experienced guide for those hoping to spot charismatic seabird species such as the Tufted Puffin, Cassin’s Auklet and Leach’s Storm-Petrels. This 2.5 hour tour requires advanced planning and is weather dependent.