This fall, expect less in Tofino...
Kyler Vos
Visiting Tofino in the fall means enjoying less—less traffic, less busy-ness, and a slower pace—so you can have more of what matters.
Break away from your everyday and embrace a season where you can truly unwind. In Tofino, the rhythm of the waves and the golden glow of shorter days create the perfect backdrop for relaxation—or reinvigoration. Expect less this fall: less waiting and less rushing, giving you more time and space to explore.
Plus, with lower accommodation rates, you can stretch your stay and dive deeper into what makes Tofino special.
Here are some of the things you can enjoy in Tofino this fall:
1. Sauna & cold plunge - Whether steps from your beachfront stay or at a remote floating sauna or bathhouse, feeling the cleansing power of a sweat and chilly dip cycle at the sauna is top of our list. Book a day trip to Hot Springs Cove - geothermal hot springs in Ahousaht territory that cascade into the ocean.
2. Low tide walks - Scan the tide guide and plan a stroll in the wind and rain or glorious sun (fall is always a mixed bag!) and hug the shoreline in search of tide pools. Crystal Cove, South Chesterman, and Tonquin Beach are usually good bets. Tip: check the lunar phases before booking if tide pools are a priority (the largest tides in a month usually fall around the full and new moon).
3. Oceanview coffee - Savour a quiet moment. Bring your coffee tumbler (or pick up a ceramic mug from a local shop) to one of multiple coffee shops before a walk to the beach. Park yourself at the Driftwood Cafe at the Wickaninnish Inn, the Great Room at Long Beach Lodge Resort, or the scenic Savary Island Pie Company by the Tofino Harbour.
4. Fireside sips - Warm up by a fireplace after a stormy day outing. Enjoy a cocktail in the 70s-inspired lounge served by Roar at Hotel Zed, partake in Happy Hour at Middle Beach Lodge (adults-only lounge), savour an aperitif before dinner at the Great Room at Long Beach Lodge, or catch up with friends along the water at Shelter.
5. Self-care time - Whether self-care means forest walks, lounging in a soaker tub, a massage to the sound of the rain, floating in a sound-deprivation tub, or grounding yourself at a yoga studio, there is truly no wrong way to take time for you.
6. Get cozy with board games - Ask your accommodation provider if they supply games (many do) or head to Tofino Brewing Co. to show your competitive side (crib boards and card decks available). Make it a family affair at Hotel Zed with the kiddos. Bonus: try their hidden arcade with vintage games!
7. Prioritizing good eats - Tofino is home to a diverse culinary scene. Girls night out? Share small plates at Ombre. Grabbing a pint at the brewery? Try Toki Doki, preparing Japanese street food in the Airstream on-site. Seeking bold flavours? Sample modern Korean cuisine at family-run Jeju Restaurant. Having a celebratory night in? Order a charcuterie platter from Picnic Charcuterie. Want to savour the coast? Try the elevated tasting experience down the road in Ucluelet at Pluvio. Looking for a crowd-pleaser? Tacos - enough said.
8. Chasing the rain - Tofino is in a temperate rainforest, so it gets wet here. Throw on a raincoat, a toque and some gumboots, and step out! Find shelter under the tree canopy along the Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, or along the Tonquin Trail. Go for a run along the beach, or join your kids as they puddle jump. Try a self-guided outdoor art walk celebrating works made from upcycled marine plastics as part of the Salvaged Art Project (until late November).
9. Culinary events - Come for the Tofino Oyster Fest - a 3-day event, November 24 - 26 - including the Oyster Gala and Shuckers Showdown. Tofino Winter Nights events are in December, including the month-long Tofino Hot Cocoa Trail.
10. Bike between towns - Biking in the fall along the multi-use path and through the National Park Reserve is a treat. Cooler temperatures make it comfortable to get your sweat on if you like (there are about 40 km between Ucluelet and Tofino) and cycling is a great way to sightsee as you pop into beaches and trails along the way. Get creative and make your own taco-tasting trail between Tofino and Ucluelet - the hills will surely keep you hungry!
11. Surfing the swell - The fall months can bring bigger swell, with fun whitewash for beginner surfers or boogie boarders. There's also more to play with for the intermediate crowd that has already taken a few lessons and wants to learn to catch green waves. Lessons are always highly recommended as the currents can be strong and local knowledge is key.
12. The Great Indoors - Step into the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art, House of Himwitsa, or see Roy Henry Vicker's art at the galleries in town. The Ucluelet Aquarium - Canada's first collect-and-release aquarium - is a great spot to learn about local marine life and get hands-on learning at the touch tanks (open seasonally until November 31). Take a group of friends to the golf simulator at Long Beach Golf Course or teach your kids how to swing to get them ready for the spring.
Ready to find your affordable fall stay? Book a fall package to do more for less.
