Registration Open for the 2026 Tofino Hot Cocoa Trail

As storm season approaches and cozy season settles over the coast, we're excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Tofino Hot Cocoa Trail.

Returning November 20, 2026 through January 2, 2027, the Trail invites visitors and locals alike to explore Tofino's food and beverage community one cozy cup at a time.

More than a seasonal promotion, the Hot Cocoa Trail is an opportunity to showcase your business as part of one of Tofino's winter experiences. Whether you're offering a signature hot chocolate that's been on your menu for years or creating something new for the season, we'd love to feature it.

One of the things we love most about the Trail is the opportunity to tell the stories behind the drinks. Sometimes it's a creative recipe. Sometimes it's a family favourite. Sometimes it's simply the people, atmosphere, and hospitality that make guests return year after year.

Why Participate?

Participating businesses will be featured through:

• Tourism Tofino's website, social channels, email marketing, and winter promotional campaigns
• An interactive Hot Cocoa Trail map powered by CrowdRiff, allowing visitors to discover participating businesses, explore hot cocoa offerings, and access business information in one place
• Direct calls-to-action that encourage visitors to follow your business on Instagram, leave reviews, and learn more through your Tourism Tofino business listing
• A visitor photo-sharing campaign that encourages guests to upload and share their Hot Cocoa Trail experiences, creating valuable user-generated content for businesses and destination marketing
• Consumer giveaways and promotional campaigns designed to drive engagement, exploration, and visitation throughout the Trail
• Advertising and editorial opportunities through Tofino Time, Westerly News, Tuff City Radio, and Tourism Tofino marketing initiatives
• Recommendations from Tourism Tofino's Visitor Centre team, connecting visitors directly with participating businesses
• Potential photo and video content creation to support future storytelling, destination marketing, and media opportunities

How the Hot Cocoa Trail Works

This year, the Hot Cocoa Trail will be hosted on an interactive CrowdRiff map, making it easier than ever for visitors to discover participating businesses and plan their own self-guided tasting adventure.

Visitors can explore businesses, view photos, read descriptions of each featured hot cocoa creation, and access direct links to participant websites, social media channels, and business listings.

Each stop on the Trail encourages visitors to engage with participating businesses by:

• Following them on Instagram
• Leaving reviews after their visit
• Learning more through their Tourism Tofino business listing
• Sharing photos and videos from their Hot Cocoa Trail experience

The Trail is designed to support local businesses while creating meaningful connections between visitors and the people behind Tofino's cafés, restaurants, shops, galleries, and accommodations.

Social Media Giveaway

Help Create the Ultimate Hot Cocoa Trail Prize Pack

We're inviting participating businesses to contribute prizes to this year's Hot Cocoa Trail giveaway.

In return, contributing businesses will receive additional exposure through giveaway promotion across Tourism Tofino's social media channels. The giveaway is designed to generate excitement, encourage participation in the Trail, and introduce audiences to the incredible businesses that make Tofino's winter season so special.

Key Dates

October 20, 2026
Submission deadline

Mid-November
Hot Cocoa Trail giveaway launches

November 20, 2026
Tofino Hot Cocoa Trail begins

January 2, 2027
Trail concludes

Ready to Participate?

Tourism Tofino food and drink members are invited to submit up to two featured hot chocolates.

Please complete the participant form by October 20:

Submit Form Here