Short Trip to Tofino
In early October, friends from Germany came to visit, and we traveled together to Ucluelet and Tofino, spending two nights there. Both towns are particularly popular among surfers due to their excellent beach conditions. There are plenty of options to rent surfboards and wetsuits or take surfing lessons. However, it was too cold for us, so we focused on exploring the many hiking trails instead – surfing is more suitable weather-wise in August or September.
Day 1
On our way to Tofino, we stopped at Taylor River, where the crystal-clear water impressed us. The weather alternated between rain and sunshine, making a rain jacket essential.
After checking into our accommodation in Ucluelet, we drove towards Tofino and stopped along the way for some hikes. The Rainforest Trail is highly recommended as it is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Later, we visited Long Beach and Cox Bay before exploring the Sunset Trail, which led us to the hidden Pettinger Point.
In Tofino, we strolled through the town and grabbed a bite to eat before heading to Tonquin Beach to watch the sunset. The bay was calm and provided a relaxing atmosphere.
Day 2
On the second day, we visited the Thornton Creek Hatchery, where you might be lucky enough to see bears fishing for salmon. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Unfortunately, we didn‘t see any bears, but we did get to observe salmon swimming upstream.
Next, we hiked the Wild Pacific Trail, which runs about 4 km along the coastline and features several stunning viewpoints. To end the day, we completed the Lighthouse Loop, which leads to a picturesque lighthouse. It‘s worth taking a moment to watch the water here – we were lucky to see several sea lions swimming and playing in the waves. We finished the day with a delicious serving of fish and chips.
Tips:
– Tofino is generally colder than places like Nanaimo. While we had mostly sunny weather, we were caught in a heavy downpour, so a rain jacket is a must.
– It‘s helpful to know that parking tickets purchased at one parking area are valid for other trails in the region, making it easier to explore multiple spots.
