17 best hikes in Tofino, BC you absolutely need to try!

If you’re planning to go on hikes in Tofino, you’re in for a treat. This small town on the west side of Vancouver Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience it.

From ancient rainforests to golden-sand beaches, Tofino has it all; it’s no wonder it’s one of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver.

Tofino may be known for its world-class surfing, but there’s plenty to do if you’re not a surfer. 

The majority of the Tofino hiking trails are easy and suitable for beginners so there’s no reason not to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. 

On my trips to Tofino, I’ve loved getting out and exploring these hiking trails Tofino has to offer. Some of the best hikes in Tofino aren’t even that long or difficult, but they have amazing views! 

Many Tofino hikes are in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve but you’ll find others a little inland, on nearby islands, or in the nearby town of Ucluelet. 

Whether you’re looking for walks in Tofino through the rainforest or a more challenging hike up a mini-mountain, Tofino has something for everyone.

So add a few of these hikes to your Canada bucket list, and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of Tofino.

Tofino is located within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, a member nation of the Nuu chah nulth Tribal Council. 

17 of the best hikes in Tofino

Below you’ll find an interactive Tofino hiking trails map. Just click to open up and see where all of these hikes are.

Then below you’ll find the best hikes Tofino has to offer in a bit more detail. 

My top picks for the best Tofino hiking trails

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Here are my favourite Tofino hikes:

• Lighthouse Loop: Short and easy but has great views of the coast
• Cox Bay trail: Absolutely stunning hike offers incredible beach and mountain views. Perhaps the best hike Tofino has to offer.

If you’re planning to go hiking in Pacific Rim National Park, it’s important to note that a Parks Canda Pass is required to park at the trailhead. You can purchase the Park’s Canada pass from a machine that looks similar to a pay parking machine in the parking lot.

Once you’ve purchased your pass, leave the ticket on your dashboard. You must have a valid park pass displayed at all times while you’re parked in the lot, so make sure to purchase one before heading out on your hike.

1. Cox Bay trail

The Cox Bay Trail is a beautiful trail for hiking near Tofino.

This trail is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the forest. It’s a short trail but the terrain is rugged and has some steep sections. 

The trail starts at the south end of Cox Bay Beach and winds its way through lush coastal rainforest, offering glimpses of the ocean through the trees.

In the end, you’ll come out to one of the best views in Tofino with a view of Cox Bay beach and the rainforest as well as the ocean. 

This hike is popular with photographers, especially as a place to watch the sunset in Tofino BC.

It should be at the top of your list of hikes to do in Tofino. 

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 2.6 km
• Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 115 m

2. Willowbrae trail and Half Moon Bay

When it comes to the best hikes in Tofino, the Willowbrae Trail and Halfmoon Bay Trail are not to be missed. These two hikes offer access to some of the most stunning beaches in Tofino and are perfect if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some solitude in nature.

The Willowbrae Trail starts at a small car park and takes you on a 2.8 km hike to Florencia Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches between Ucluelet and Tofino. 

The trail is wide and easy to follow and brings you to a set of stairs that take you down to the beach. One of the highlights of this hike is the solitude – it’s one of the less heavily trafficked trails in Tofino, so you may even have it to yourself. 

If you’re looking to extend your hike, the Halfmoon Bay Trail branches off from the Willowbrae Trail. It’s an extra 0.5 km trail through beautiful forest and down a long set of stairs to the bay. 

While it’s a bit more challenging than the Willowbrae Trail, the views are worth it. Halfmoon Bay Beach is wild, rugged and incredibly beautiful! 

Overall, combining the Willowbrae Trail and Halfmoon Bay Trail is a great way to spend a few hours hiking in Tofino. 

While there are quite a few stairs involved in both hikes, they’re manageable and the views are worth it. Just make sure to start early or go late in the day to get a spot in the small car park.

• Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Distance: 4.2 km
• Difficulty: Easy (moderate if you don’t like stairs!)
• Elevation: 119 m

3. Rainforest Trail

If you’re looking for the best hike in Tofino, look no further than the Rainforest Trail Figure-8. This trail takes you through the old-growth forest of western red cedar and western hemlock as you walk past trees that are over 800 years old! 

This hike is one of the most peaceful in Tofino and provides hikers with the chance to see some of the oldest trees in Canada. 

Unlike many of the other Tofino hiking trails closer to the ocean, where you hear the constant pounding of the waves, this trail is far enough inland that it is virtually silent on calm days, apart from the birds and wildlife. 

The Rainforest Trail in Tofino is divided into two sections; loop A and Loop B, both just over one kilometre in length. Both loops leave from the same parking lot and take you over a series of wooden boardwalks through dense, lush rainforest areas.

While there are a lot of stairs involved, this is one of the Tofino walks that is short and suitable for beginners.

One of the interesting features of loop b is a huge fallen log which serves as a bridge, and the park has installed handrails on each side. 

If you do only one hike while in Tofino, make it the Rainforest Trail just to experience the magic of the rainforest if nothing else.

• Duration: 45 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3.2 km
• Elevation: 53 m

4. Canso plane crash trail Tofino

​​The trailhead for this hike was not easy to find, but it’s worth putting in the effort to find it and it’s one of those classic Tofino trails – by which I mean, muddy!

The Canso Bomber ruins trail starts out quite wide but soon becomes much more rugged and challenging. There are fallen trees, roots, and steep sections on the Tofino plane crash hike.

Even though there hadn’t been any rain in a long time, I found the trail to be very muddy in parts. 

Parks Canada has recently put in a boardwalk over the boggiest section but you’ll still find plenty of very muddy areas.

The hike ends at the site where the Canso 11007 plane crashed into the hillside while on a routine flight from Coal Harbour to Ucluelet in 1945. Everyone survived the flight, and the plane remains largely intact but it has been vandalized. It’s quite an eerie sight nonetheless.

Despite the challenging sections, this hike to the plane crash site turned out to be one of my favorites in Tofino. It was unexpected and offered a unique mix of natural beauty and history. 

Note: Do not climb inside or touch the plane. The plane has experienced substantial degradation due to hikers over the years, and there are many exposed and sharp pieces of metal throughout the site.

• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy -moderate
• Distance: 7.6 km
• Elevation: 236 m

5. Hot Springs Cove

If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience during your visit to Tofino, look no further than Hot Springs Cove where you can hike to one of the best hot springs in BC. 

Hot Springs Cove is in a remote area on Vancouver Island’s west coast, about 50km from Tofino, but the journey to get there is well worth it. Jamie’s in Tofino offers tours.

You’ll need to take a 1-1.5 hour water taxi trip or a 20-minute float plane flight from Tofino. The boat ride to the hot springs is an adventure in itself, and you may even spot wildlife such as seals, otters, eagles, bears, killer whales, or humpback whales along the way.

Once you arrive, you’ll follow a well-maintained boardwalk for 2 km through an old-growth forest. This Tofino hike is relatively easy and takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the hot springs in Tofino. 

When you finally reach the hot springs, you’ll be rewarded with an experience like no other. The area is truly spectacular, with rocks and pools of water that are perfect for soaking and relaxing. 

Depending on the tides, some of the best spots are located where the waves wash up and fill the pools of hot water, cooling them to a comfortable temperature. 

Take caution when climbing down to the water, as the rocks can be sharp. It’s best to wear footwear like sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

• Distance 3.9 km
• Duration: 30 mins
• Difficulty: Easy (the hardest part is getting there!)
• Elevation: 103 m

6. Tonquin Trail

The Tonquin Beach trail may not receive as much hype as some of the other beaches in the area, but it is still a fantastic Tofino hike. 

From Tonquin Park road, the 3 km Tonquin Trail leads to a series of small, beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming or wading in the clear, calm waters. Plus, Tonquin Beach is protected from the wild Pacific Ocean, making it a great spot to catch a beautiful sunset.

The trail itself is fairly flat, with only a few sets of stairs down to the beach. This Tofino hike winds its way through the lush rainforest, before coming out at Tonquin Beach. 

From the beach, you can continue along the trail to Third Beach, a small and rocky inlet that provides stunning views of Templar Channel, Wickaninnish Island, and the wreck site of The Tonquin.

Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views from tree-house-style viewing platforms and outlooks over the water. 

• Distance:  3.2 km
• Duration:  45 to 60 minutes
• Difficulty:  Easy 
• Elevation: Minimal

7. South Beach Trail

The South Beach Trail is an absolute must-do hike in Tofino, and it’s one of the more popular hikes in Pacific Rim National Park. 

Starting off from the Kwisitis Visitor Center, the hike takes you through a dense forest, with the option to detour onto the Nuu chah nulth trail to Florencia Bay.

As you descend the stairs to South Beach, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of a secluded cove and large rock formations, setting it apart from other beaches in the area. 

Along the way you can stop at the Kwisitis Visitor Center to learn about the cultural history and natural features of the area, adding an educational element to your hiking adventure. 

There are also signs along the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail from which you can learn about the Nuu-chah-nulth people. This cultural aspect makes it unique from other beach hikes in Tofino.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 201 m
• Distance: 6.4 km

8. Long Beach

Long Beach is a must-visit destination in Tofino, even if you are not a hiker. This 16 km beach, divided by headlands, can be an all-day hike, or just a casual stroll along the sand. 

Long Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets, where the reflections on the water create a mirror effect. Even on cloudy days, the beach is a beauty and worth taking at least half an hour for an easy walk!

One of the most impressive parts of Long Beach is accessed from the Long Beach parking area. 

If you feel like hiking more than just a beach stroll, you can follow the 10 km long Long Beach trail. Just remember to check Tofino tide times beforehand, you’ll want low tide Tofino conditions.

• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 182 m
• Distance: 15.3 km

9. Shorepine Bog Trail

The Shorepine Bog Trail is a hidden gem in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and it’s a great beginner-friendly hike in Tofino. 

This unique trail is less than 1 km and takes you on a journey through a forest of twisted Shorepines, giving you the feeling of walking through a miniature forest.

 The bog is one of the most unique ecosystems in the park, with incredibly acidic soil in which only a limited variety of vegetation can grow. As you walk this Tofino trial, you’ll see sphagnum moss which can grow up to 2 m thick and be 400 years old!

The trail is on a level boardwalk, making it accessible for most hikers and those with kids in strollers too. 

The Bog Trail is located in the same area as two other must-visit spots – Wakaninnish Beach and Florencia Bay, which have separate parking areas but are all on the same road off the main highway. You can easily combine a stop here with a visit to either of those two areas. 

• Duration: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 0.8 km
• Elevation: None

10. Ancient Cedars Trail

Located just outside of Ucluelet, the Ancient Cedars Trail is a must-see destination for anyone travelling to the Pacific Rim region of British Columbia.

his short hike transports you to another world as you stand among the towering, centuries-old cedars. The red cedars here are up to 800 years old and some have a circumference of up to 12 metres! 

If you’re enjoying the tall trees and the scents of the rainforest, you can make the hiker longer by continuing on to the Rocky Bluffs trail. 

The Rocky Bluffs Trail provides a unique perspective of the coastline, offering views of the ocean and rainforest. 

• Distance: 0.8 km / 3.2 km
• Duration:
• Difficulty:
• Elevation: 30 m / 68 m

11. Meares Island Hike (Big Tree Trail)

The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island is a must-do hike for those visiting Tofino. This 2.4 km round-trip hike takes you through an old-growth forest with trees estimated to be 1,000 years old or more. 

The boardwalks make the trail suitable for hikers of all abilities, and the highlight of the hike is the Hanging Garden, a massive 2,000-year-old cedar tree with an 18-meter circumference.

It’s no wonder this trail earned its name as soon as you see these big 1,000+-year-old spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees!

Originally conceived as a protest against logging on Meares Island, this trail is a testament to the natural beauty that should be preserved. 

The boardwalks end at the Hanging Garden, but it’s possible to go another 3km on an unmarked trail. 

There are several places in Tofino that offer boat rides out to Meares Island or you can rent a kayak or canoe to get there too. It’s a short (2 km) addle to the island and well worth it to see these amazing trees! 

• Distance:  3.2 km
• Duration:  1 – 2 hours
• Difficulty:  Moderate 
• Elevation: 114 m

12. Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

A few of these hikes are already on the Wild Pacific Trail, but I think it deserves its own mention too.

The Wild Pacific Trail, located in Ucluelet, is a must-do hike on the west coast of Vancouver Island and one of the best things to do in Tofino BC and one of the best hikes on Vancouver Island.

It’s an 8km trail that follows the rugged coastline, showcasing breathtaking views of beaches and forests. 

You can also split this hike into two sections, starting with the Lighthouse Loop trail and then driving to the start of the next section of the trail to avoid the section in the middle where you need to walk along the road. 

The Wild Pacific Trail is unique compared to other coastal hikes in the region as it offers stunning views of the jagged rocky points and offshore islands, rather than the soft-sand beaches of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

​​13. Lighthouse Loop

The Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop is one of the most recommended trails by locals and for good reason. It’s one of the best hikes in Ucluelet and one of the most popular Ucluelet hikes. 

It’s a relatively easy, 2.6 km loop trail that meanders along the coastline and through the forest. 

This scenic trail is perfect for wildlife spotting, with plenty of opportunities to see humpback whales, grey whales, seals, otters, and if you’re lucky, even orcas. March is an especially great time to visit as 20,000 grey whales migrate along the coastline.

The Amphitrite Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1915 and is still in operation today. 

As you walk along the trail, you’ll encounter twisted and windblown trees, rocky outcrops, and panoramic views of the Carolina Channel. The trail is lined with benches and views of the water and peaceful areas to watch the waves crash against the rocks.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 1 hour
• Distance: 2.9 km
• Elevation: 68 m

14. Radar Hill

Take a hike in Tofino up to Radar Hill, in Pacific Rim National Park, for stunning views and historical significance. 

From the lookout point, take in panoramic vistas of the coast, mountains, and forests while relaxing in one of the iconic red Adirondack chairs. 

You can also visit the Kap’Yong Memorial which honours the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War. 

This memorial holds great historical significance as the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry is the only Canadian Unit to have ever received the United States Presidential Unit Citation, as noted on the plaque. 

Don’t miss this unique hike that combines breathtaking views and historical remembrance as it’s one of the best easy hikes Tofino has to offer.

• Difficulty: easy
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Distance: 0.5 km
• Elevation: 11 m

15. Lone Cone Trail Tofino

*Closed indefinitely

For adventurous hikers seeking a challenge, the Lone Cone Trail is a must-do in Tofino and it’s known as one of the best hikes around Tofino.

With stunning views from the top, this trail is not for the faint of heart, featuring a steep and slippery ascent that may require ropes at times. 

Expect mud along the way, but the views at the end are a reward that’s well worth the effort. The trail has an elevation gain of 730 m so it’ll definitely get your heart rate up! 

To get to the trailhead you’ll need to book and take a water taxi and there are several companies in Tofino that offer this service.

16. Schooner Cove Tofino

The Schooner Cove Trail offers a great hiking experience for anyone visiting Tofino on Vancouver Island. 

This short and winding boardwalk trail takes you through dense forests, across bridges, and past a 600-year-old Sitka spruce before descending to the very northern end of Long Beach. 

From here, you have the option to turn right and explore the secluded beaches of Schooner Cove or turn left for a 10 km walk down the entirety of Tofino’s Long Beach.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a short and easy walk, the Schooner Cove Trail is a great choice for a hike in Tofino.

• Distance: 1.9 km
• Elevation: 53 m
• Duration: 40 minutes (each loop)
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate 

17. Combers beach trail

Combers Beach may only be a short 0.8 km hike from the parking lot, but it packs a big punch and is one of the best Tofino hikes. 

The steep gravel path may seem hard, but once you reach the sand at the bottom, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden oasis. Combers Beach has a unique feel compared to other beaches in Tofino.

At low tide, Combers Beach stretches out from the forest to the water’s edge and it’s a great place to be a beachcomber when the tide is out.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Long Beach, this is the perfect spot for a peaceful and secluded walk on the beach on one of the best hikes near Tofino.

• Duration: 15- 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 33 m
• Distance: 0.8 km

Other top things to do in Tofino

Hiking Tofino isn’t for everyone, so if you’re looking for some other things to do in Tofino, here are a few more ideas.

Grab a beer from Tofino Brewing

Tofino brewing does some great beer. They have a tasting room and you can also visit the tasting room just to fill up your growler, or grab a few cans.

The tables and chairs in the tasting room for this Tofino brewery go quickly, so get there early if you want a seat! 

Get tacos from the original Tacofino truck!

I LOVE Tacofino and it orginates from Tofino. The Tacofino truck in Tofino is a must-visit during your trip to Tofino.

What better way to fuel up for hiking (or post-hike) than with a few tacos?!

​​Surfing

Tofino is famous for surfing and with a variety of beaches and breaks, it’s the perfect place for both beginners and experts to catch some waves. 

When it comes to what to do in Tofino, you’ve got to try surfing the West Coast waves!

There are several surf schools in Tofino and you can book lessons as well as rent gear during your stay in Tofino.

Panoramic seaplane ride

Enjoy a breathtaking view of Tofino’s sandy beaches and mountains by taking a scenic flight with Tofino Air.

You’ll get incredible views of the beaches around Tofino and the mountains, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

You can also take a seaplane tour out to Hot Springs Cove which is one of the best Tofino attractions.

Kayaking and whale-watching boat tours

Take a kayaking or whale-watching boat tour to experience Tofino’s natural beauty up close. 

These tours are most popular from May to September when Tofino is busiest and when the whales are visiting the oceans nearby.  

If you are staying on Vancouver Island for a while, be sure to check out these grizzly bear and whale watching tours!

Visit the Tofino hot springs

There is a stunning hot spring in Tofino in the remote Maquinna Provincial Park, accessible only by water or air. To get there, you’ll need to take a 1.5-hour boat ride from Tofino or a seaplane.

A short hike along a boardwalk through an old-growth forest takes you to the hot springs. 

The pools are tiered, with the hottest pool at the top, and the coolest pool at the bottom. The water temperatures range from 45°C to 29°C and while you soak in the pools you’ll get stunning coastal views and the sounds of the surrounding forest.

How to get to Tofino

If you’re planning a trip to Tofino, BC, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get there. As Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, you’ll need to take a ferry or a seaplane to get there. 

While Tofino does have its own small airport, most visitors choose to drive in from either Vancouver or Victoria. 

One of the best reasons to take a car to Tofino is that you can explore some of the beautiful places on Vancouver Island along the way.

Check out my full guide on how to get to Tofino from Vancouver and where to stop along the way! 

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Tofino from Vancouver

The easiest way to get to Tofino from Vancouver is to take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. 

The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and you can check the ferry schedules and reserve your sailing in advance.

Top tip: Reserve your ferry crossing well in advance on long weekends and weekends during the summer! These sailings book up quickly!

Once you arrive in Nanaimo, you’ll need to drive for another three hours to get to Tofino. To do this, you’ll drive north on Highway 19 and then west on Highway 4.

Tofino from Victoria

If you’re starting in Victoria, you can drive to Nanaimo via Highway 1. The drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Once you arrive in Nanaimo, you’ll take the same route as you would from Vancouver. Drive north on Highway 19 and then west on Highway 4 until you reach Tofino.

You can also follow this route to get to Tofino from Vancouver if you’ve taken the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. 

What to know before hiking in Tofino and Ucluelet

Before you hike Tofino, there are some things you should know to ensure the trails stay accessible and open to everyone. 

• Leave no trace: Practice leave no trace principles and always leave things how you found them or better!
• Always pack your 10 essentials
• Trip plan: Tell someone where you’re going and what time you’ll be back
• Bear smart: While it’s unlikely you’ll see a bear in Tofino, be safe, carry bear spray, and be bear aware.
• Respect closures of trails and land

What to pack for hiking in Tofino BC

Below is a brief list of what to pack for these hikes in Tofino British Columbia. Be sure to check out my complete day hiking packing list for more ideas.

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Tofino’s weather can be unpredictable. Start with moisture-wicking base layers and add insulating layers like fleece or down. The town is also known for its wet weather, so pack waterproofs even in summer!
• Footwear: Good, waterproof hiking boots are a good idea, or trail runners in summer. You’ll need something with a good grip on slippery roots and rocks.
• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
• Bear Spray: Tofino is in bear country, so being prepared is crucial.
• Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: Ensure you have enough water for the duration of your hike.
• Energy Snacks: Bring items like trail mix, energy bars, or fruit to keep energy levels up.
• Backpack: To carry all essentials comfortably.

FAQs on hiking in Tofino BC

Final thoughts on best hikes in Tofino

Tofino, British Columbia, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with a range of hiking trails for all levels and some of the best hiking in British Columbia. 

If you’re looking for the best trails in Tofino, you have loads of choices. You can choose between hikes through the rainforest, along beaches, and over boardwalks through unique ecosystems. 

For those who want to explore the coastline, the Wild Pacific Trail is a must-do, offering panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. For a shorter hike, the Shorepine Bog Trail leads visitors through a unique ecosystem, dominated by Sphagnum moss and Shore Pine trees.

If you’re looking for more things to do on Vancouver Island, besides this list of the Tofino best hikes to discover, be sure to check out my guide to these cool places to stay in Victoria BC, what to do in Campbell River, the best things to do in Victoria in winter, the best easy hikes in Victoria, how to plan a day trip to Victoria, or all my Gulf Island travel guides.

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Hannah