The Spring Revival
Kyler Vos
A coastal renaissance - where you can experience the quietude of the shoulder season with the clamour of rebirth within the animal kingdom.
Spring in Tofino is marked by several major natural events: the herring spawn in March, followed closely by the impressive migration path of the Grey and Humpback whales, foraging shorebirds heading north in April, and the explosion of rhododendron, salmon berry, and thimble berry blossoms from May into June.
Along with nature reawakening, longer days and fewer visitors mean more time to play and less to pay. There are festivals, surf competitions, live music and other events to make your trip even more memorable.
March -
The seasonal shifts are almost palpable - the sun sets at 6 PM in early March, you can spot the spouts of whales feeding from beach or trail walks, migratory birds flock to the shores and can be seen in beautiful murmurations, all flying in sync.
The return of the Grey and Humpback whales - feeding along their migration north to Alaska - usually coincides closely with the herring spawn. These small forage fish come closer to shore and make a splash: the males broadcast spawn, creating a milky cloud that turns the water a beautiful, tropical-looking turquoise colour. This is when Tofino's residents re-emerge - eagles, sea lions, a flurry of seabirds, bears and other predators come to feast on the spawn. Take to the skies on a scenic float plane tour to see all the action from above.
Ryan Ell
Hideaway Creative
Hideaway Creative
With so much activity, this is one of the best times of year to hop aboard a whale watching tour! Celebrate the return of the whales with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival from March 15 - 22, 2025, including events like the Parade of Whales, Whale Spotting, the Baleen Bash concert, and many more!
More daylight comes with more opportunities for multiple adventures; journey to Meares Island to walk the Big Tree Trail and marvel at the massive ancient cedars in the protected Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park. The Canadian Surfing Association (CSA) is also bringing the Longboarding Nationals to Tofino's shores (time and location to be determined) on March 29, 2025.
Top things to do in March:
Hop on a whale watching tour
Take a scenic flight
Walk the Big Tree Trail
Go to the Longboard Nationals
April -
Kick off the month by making time for yourself - find grounding with the ocean as your backdrop on a yoga & surf retreat at Pacific Sands Beach Resort or Tofino Resort + Marina. While the temperate rainforest is typically mild throughout the winter, April is often when we start to get some warmer days. Rent a bike and ride from Tofino to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve along the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) pathway to enjoy forest, bog and beach views. Sauna and cold plunging is always on here, especially since the ocean temps remain cold all year round. And enjoy the sound of the coast - from the warble of birds along the shore on a birding adventure, or live music in the evening. The Tofino Shorebird Festival - from April 28 - May 4 - includes free birding events hosted by Raincoast Education Society.
Top things to do in April:
- Sign up for a yoga & surf retreat
- Take a ride along the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii
- Go to a floating or beachfront sauna and run into the ocean
- Go birding and take part in the Tofino Shorebird Festival
- Listen to live music
May -
May brings an explosion of colour to Tofino when the rhododendron bushes that line many streets bloom in magenta, lilac and yellow. The blooms also usher in a burst of activity from the:
- Tofino Shorebird Festival April 27 - May 4, 2025, to the
- Carving on the Edge Festival April 30 - May 4, 2025, to the
- Westcoast Triple Plank, May 1 - 4, 2025 and the
- Rip Curl Nationals surf comp May 9 - 11, 2025.
The Carving On the Edge Festival is a celebration of traditional and contemporary coastal carving arts. The Westcoast Triple Plank is a snow, surf and skate competition weekend fundraising for Redd Fish Restoration Society's environmental work.
This is also a great time for early-season camping trips before school is out in late June! Enjoy less foot traffic on wide-open beaches & trails and while shopping in town. Up for a challenging hike? Take the Ahous Adventures water taxi to Meares Island to hike the Lone Cone Trail.
The Tofino Market - every Saturday from 10 AM - 2 PM - returns for the season starting May long weekend (May 17, 2025) and runs until Thanksgiving weekend (October 11, 2025). This artisanal market is the place to see Tofino's creative energy on full display.
Top things to do in May:
- Hike Lone Cone
- Stroll town, grab ice cream and enjoy the rhododendrons
- Go to the Westcoast Triple Plank Contest
- Go to the Rip Curl Surf Nationals
- Take part in the Carving on the Edge Festival
June -
The longest days of the year mean more time on the beach! There is so much space to play, from booking a surf lesson to renting boogie boards, to bocce ball and campfire singalongs (provided there is no fire ban in effect).
Let your tastebuds lead the way at the start of June with the Tofino Wine and Dine festival June 7 & 8, 2025, overlooking the beach at Tin Wis Resort.
Get inspired for your surf lesson by watching contestants in local surf comps: the Bruhwiler Kids Surf Classic on June 15, 2025, and the second annual Vancouver Island Longboard Surf Contest on June 18 - 22, 2025.
It's also a great time to get out on the water with the extra hours of daylight - book your fishing charter ahead of time because they fill up fast, or choose a family-friendly adventure that includes some hiking, dropping crab traps, and wildlife spotting.
Celebrate the start of summer at the Tofino Jazz Festival from June 26 - 29, 2025!
Top things to do in June:
- Tofino Wine & Dine
- Bruhwiler Kids Surf Classic
- Vancouver Island Longboard Surf Contest
- Go to the Tofino Market - a Saturday artisan market
- Go fish!
