The Spring Revival - Top 5 Things to Do this Spring
Be here for the coastal renaissance - where you can experience the quietude of the shoulder season with the clamour of rebirth within the animal kingdom.
Where you road trip to n̓ačiqs /Tofino or hop on a flight from Vancouver, the many signs of spring are on full display. You can witness several major natural events: the herring spawn in March, followed closely by the 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 mean more time to play. There are festivals, live music, surf competitions, 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.
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 14 - 21, 2026, including events like the Parade of Whales and Wonders, 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. Step into the newly-redesigned Clayoquot Sound Theatre in the evening to take in live performances from the Tofino Pop all-ages concerts series - bookable in advance. Be among the first to experience the newly-opened gallery at Naa'Waya'Sum (formerly Tofino Botanical Gardens) and see A Show of Coastal Carvers group exhibit, until March 31.
Top things to do in March:
Hop on a whale watching tour
Take a scenic flight
Walk the Big Tree Trail
Go to Tofino Pop
Take in A Show of Coastal Carvers
April -
Kick off the month by making time for yourself - find grounding with the ocean as your backdrop on a yoga retreat at Long Beach Lodge Resort. 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 remains 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 27 - May 1 - 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 1, 2026, to the
- Westcoast Triple Plank, April 30 - May 3, 2026 to the
- Songs for the Sound, May 23
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 16, 2026) and runs until Thanksgiving weekend (October 10, 2026). This artisanal market is the place to see Tofino's creative energy on full display. Come for the music and stay for the community vibes at the third annual Songs for the Sound on May 23rd. This live music event acts as a fundraiser for the Clayoquot Sustainability Fund.
Top things to do in May:
- Hike Lone Cone
- Stroll town, grab ice cream and enjoy the rhododendrons
- Drop by the Westcoast Triple Plank Contest
- Go to Songs for the Sound
- Don't miss the Tofino Market
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 Tofino Wine and Dine June 6 & 7, 2026, 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 14, 2026, and the third annual Vancouver Island Longboard Surf Contest - now a Surf Canada national qualifier - on June 11 - 14, 2026.
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 dropping crab traps, and wildlife spotting.
The Tofino Jazz Festival will not be running in 2026, but we hope to see it again in the future.
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!
