If sandy beaches, forest boardwalks and secluded coves is what you’re looking for, Tofino ticks all the boxes for the best girls weekend getaway! Whether you’re in need of an escape from city life or just a change of scenery, I always leave this beautiful place feeling so rejuvenated. Tofino, is a picture perfect coastal town nestled on the edge of Vancouver Island.
Tofino is a bit of a trek if you’re coming from Vancouver but so so worth it. Known for its stunning natural beauty, charming shops, and amazing dining options, you could easily spend a week here. Here’s your guide to the best things to do and places to eat during your weekend trip to the West Coast.

Overview of Tofino
Tofino is a small district on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it attracts tourists with its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches. Tofino is a popular destination for surfing, whale watching, and storm watching, especially in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Getting There
If you’re coming to Tofino from Vancouver, BC ferries or a Harbour Air flight will be the best way to get there! The most direct ferry option goes from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo in just under 2 hours. If you have a car you’re looking at $200 return roughly for the vehicle, then $20 per person for passengers. This route usually takes 5 hours+ depending on where you are coming from in Vancouver.
If you’re looking for car hire, I couldn’t recommend Enterprise in Kitsilano more! They’re affordable and have great customer service in comparison to other rentals I’ve tried. Also If you have an Evo membership you can also take them across on the ferry, this would be the cheapest option due to them reimbursing your fuel.
Harbour Air is the fastest way to get to Tofino and therefore the most pricey. The views you’ll get going across Howe Sound would be spectacular. I’ve not personally done that exact route with them but I’ve flown on the ‘Vancouver Classic Panorama’ tour which was amazing. Read more about this experience in my Vancouver Travel Guide. Getting to Tofino from Downtown Vancouver costs roughly $370 each way and includes a 10lb bag and only takes 50 minutes.
Things to do on your girls weekend
Beach Hopping
Tofino has the most gorgeous beaches, if walks and dips in the ocean with a bit of tanning is up your street definitely allocate a bit more of a chilled day here. Our favorites are Chesterman beach and Cox Bay. Would highly recommend checking out Cox Bay lookout for sunset!


Surf Lessons
Tofino is renowned for its world-class surfing opportunities, and what better way to bond with your besties than attempting to catch some waves. Most of the session was spent learning about how to judge where is safe, where to avoid and having the best time trying to stand up on the board. We booked with Surf Sisters for a beginner lesson, and they were fab! They cater to all levels so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, they’ll make sure everyone has a great time.

Hiking in Pacific Rim National Park
Exploring the breathtaking trails of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is always a highlight of the trip. From lush rainforests to rugged coastline, this park offers great hiking options with stunning panoramic views. The Tonquin Trail is a favorite, offering a moderate walk with incredible vistas of Tofino’s coastline. We usually just wear trainers as opposed to hiking shoes for this unless the weather isn’t good. That being said, it is the perfect spot for storm watching but equally gorgeous on a sunny day.
Whale Watching Tour
If you’ve not had a chance to see whales before, a whale watching tour is a truly unforgettable experience. All of the local tour companies are in regular communication when out on the water so that everyone has the best chance at seeing the majestic animals. Tofino is a prime location for spotting gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, and other marine life so bring your binoculars if you have some.
Hot Springs Tour
Treat yourselves to a luxurious spa like day to unwind and rejuvenate. We booked the hot spring tour with the Whale Centre and had the best day out. Although this one isn’t a whale tour specifically, the crew do their best to locate whales en route. We got super lucky seeing 3 different pods of humpbacks on our trip. The hot springs themselves are a short hike through the forest and since the only way you can get there is by boat it’s very secluded.


Where to eat in Tofino
Tofino has SO many amazing food options it’s super tough to pick favourites! Pub and seafood are the two main cuisine types that you’ll find here. No girls’ getaway is complete without indulging in delicious food and drinks so it was important to discuss these prior to arriving! The restaurants in Tofino get super busy so be sure to reserve a table ahead of time to ensure you’re not disappointed.
Wolf in the Fog
Named Canada’s Best New Restaurant in 2014, Wolf in the Fog is a must-visit. It’s the most fancy restaurant you’ll find in Tofino, outside of the hotels. Indulge in their creative dishes like crispy octopus or their famous halibut, all while enjoying their rustic interior. In general, Tofino has a chilled vibe but for this restaurant we all brought nice outfits to dress up! We enjoyed a cocktail before dinner and would be a great place if you’re looking for a spot for a nice drink as well.
Shelter
For a casual yet delicious meal with a view, head to Shelter! The original restaurant sadly burnt down a couple of years ago and they just finished refurbishing thankfully! There was a lot of hype around this place, and rightly so! Their fish tacos and seafood platters are legendary, I’ve had their lingcod fish and chips and the wild sockeye salmon and both were unreal. Get there early to avoid huge line ups and ask if they have a table by the window and watch the sunset if you can choose. They have a wide cocktail menu and are fully stocked with BC wines and beers!
Tacofino
For a casual and quite possibly the delicious Mexican meal outside of Mexico, head to Tacofino! This is a very well loved local spot known for its tacos and burritos. Though Tacofino is a chain, this one in Tofino is the original, the other locations are in Yaletown or on Main Street in Vancouver. Their vibrant and flavorful dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It is super laid back with outside wooden seating. You’ll be waiting in line for a while around peak eating times but it’s worth the wait!
Rhino Coffee House
Fuel up for a day with a visit to Rhino Coffee House, a cozy café known for its coffee and breakfast offerings. Try out their fluffy pancakes, yummy breakfast sandwiches, or avocado toast paired perfectly with tea or coffee. Their selection of donuts is like no other, I’ll let you decide if bacon belongs on top of a donut!
Gift options in Tofino
Merge
Everyime I enter Merge I want to purchase everything. Merge is a brand in its own right and sells beautiful apparel and accessories. However it also houses design-forwards goods, focussing on locally made products. Being a Graphic Designer myself, I am totally in awe at what they have created so if you’re looking to treat yourself, or purchase presents for loved ones, this is the place.
Roy Henry Vickers
Roy is a renowned Canadian First Nations artist, he began his career as a print maker and now houses his beautiful artwork in the gallery he built. The gallery itself is quite the landmark in Tofino, with its traditional Northwest Coast design, it has been carved and painted beautifully. Stop in to check out the super unique gallery and check out beforehand is Roy is doing a talk when you are scheduled to visit. You’ll find original prints, calendars, art cards among the totem poles and carvings throughout.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, gourmet dining experiences, or simply a relaxing weekend by the sea, Tofino definitely offers a little slice of paradise. We tagged on an overnight hike to 5040 peak after our girls’ getaway, which I’d highly recommend if you have the time. It’s rated difficult and you do need an AWD with a high clearance vehicle but it was the icing on the cake to our trip! I’d love to hear if you found this helpful, please reach out with any questions!
Love, Chrissy x