Tofino has always been a bucket list travel destination in Canada because of its nature, wildlife and relaxed vibes. Having been to British Columbia a few times, I knew a trip in early fall would be ideal to take in the foliage, moderate climate and the shoulder travel season of September, October and November.
However, getting to Canada’s West Coast gem isn’t always easy. After taking a ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island’s Nanaimo, it’s a three-hour drive to Tofino. To make it possible, I quickly rented a car from Turo, which is essentially the Airbnb of the automotive travel space. I channeled my inner Carmela Soprano with a Porsche Cayenne 2023 — it was as simple as a few clicks in the Turo app, connecting me with a B.C. local whose car I’d enjoy for the next five days.
5 best things on the way to Tofino
I love when a vacation includes a road trip, as I take in the scenery that surrounds my destination. Below are the key spots and activities that are worth checking out before you make yourself at home in Tofino.
Enjoy the ferry ride
To start my trip, I stayed at Vancouver’s Wedgewood Hotel, which features a convenient car valet. As I headed to Horseshoe Bay Terminal, I made a small detour on the Sea to Sky Highway — one of the world’s most stunning coastal roads.
I then parked my car on the ferry, and proceeded to enjoy the Pacific Ocean views from their seaside decks on the way to Vancouver Island, which is about a 1.5-hour ride. BC Ferries also has a very underrated café that served up a great Eggs Benny.
Old Country Market — Goats on the Roof
The first stop after disembarking the ferry in Nanaimo is the Old Country Market, a picturesque group of shops highlighted by literal goats, Pip and Penny, on the roof. Highly recommend the Doughnut Shop, especially their Nanaimo Bar, and then venturing into the market for some early-trip souvenirs.
Little Qualicum Falls Park
This park is known as a camp spot, but it’s great for picnics and offers an easy 55-minute hike. As a Toronto kid who is the son of immigrants, I’ve been to Niagara Falls about four thousand times, so it’s tough for any waterfall to really wow me. But Little Qualiacum had some cute ones and the park’s waters ranged in different dynamic blues.
Cathedral Grove
B.C.’s lush old-growth forests and their massive trees always remind me of Jurassic Park. Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is stunning with sky-high canopies that the sun shines through. Its jewel is “The Big Tree,” an absolute unit of a Douglas fir that’s over 800 years old, is 76 metres tall and nine metres in circumference.
If you’re pressed for time and have to choose between Cathedral Grove and Little Qualicum Falls Park, I would go with the former, but be mindful of the limited parking.
Wild Pacific Trail — Lighthouse Loop in Ucluelet
Located in a neighbouring municipality, Ucluelet is a small detour, but this 2.6 km trail provides those beautiful Pacific Ocean views that this area is known for. It’s mystical, filled with rock and cave formations along the Coast. The loop seems ideal for a trail run, but there are also tons of benches at nice viewpoints.
Top 3 things to do in Tofino
When you think of Tofino, surfing and storm watching come to mind, thanks to its ideal, year-round conditions that have attracted tourists for decades. I was in a relaxed mood for this vacation, so here’s how I spent a great two-day stint:
Mushroom foraging
Tofino is a world-class spot for wild mushrooms. I loved immersing myself in the woods like a mouse, picking Chanterelles. I highly recommend doing it with an experienced guide, to help you avoid a trip to the hospital or a desensitization room, considering some are inedible or even hallucinogenic. I finished with about two pounds of Chanties, which I brought back to Toronto for a lovely mushroom lasagna.
A culinary experience
An easy way to enjoy a vacation is to treat yourself to some quality food. For breakfast, Savary Island Pie Company and its waterfront views are a must. For lunch, Tacofino is worth the hype — especially the beef gringa. Down the road is Tofino Brewery for a nice flight of beers. And then for dinner, Wolf in the Fog is a classic, but I also enjoyed Roar at Hotel Zed, where I stayed throughout my trip.
Whale watching
There’s no better way to take in B.C.’s wildlife than on a boat, ripping through the waters of Clayoquot Sound. I did a tour with The Whale Centre, where we saw grey whales breach, a cute seal, some massive sea lions puffing out their chests, and my personal favourite: sea otters, which are much bigger than I imagined (at 90 pounds, they’re basically the size of 4th graders). Along with the wildlife, the foggy scenery was absolutely serene.
The journalist was hosted by Turo throughout his trip in British Columbia.
