Area Attractions Directory

Vancouver Island's west coast is known for its long, sweeping, hard packed sand beaches. The most famous is undoubtedly Long Beach, which is located inside the boundaries of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and is a total of 20.9 km (13 miles) long.

The Wickaninnish Inn is situated on the western most point of Chesterman Beach. Arguably the most beautiful beach in the Pacific Rim region and at 2.7 km (1.7 miles) long, it is the longest beach outside of the Park boundaries. If you take the opportunity to walk out on the sand spit of Chesterman Beach that leads to Frank Island, please respect our neighbour’s residences on the islands by staying within the central open area between the forested islands.

Our Team would be pleased to provide you with information about, and directions to, the many other beaches in this area.

Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.

Be aware that local beaches and rocky foreshore areas are subject to exceptional tidal surges. These surges occur unexpectedly, particularly around periods of extreme weather and are very dangerous. During these periods we recommend against beach walks at any time other than low tide and to refrain from climbing on rocks.

Tofino is the gateway to Clayoquot Sound, and was the base of operations for the environmental demonstrations that took place from the mid 1980’s through the mid 1990’s. The environmental issues surrounding Clayoquot Sound were largely settled with the creation of the “Forest Practices Code,” considered one of the most comprehensive logging guidelines in the world. In addition, even more stringent and selective logging practices recommended by the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel have been implemented throughout our Clayoquot Sound region.

The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region totaling approximately 349,947 hectares, includes the entire Clayoquot Sound watershed with Tofino roughly at the heart of the reserve. A diverse range of ecosystems exists within the biosphere reserve boundaries, including temperate coastal rainforest, open ocean shorelines, and calm protected inlet waterways. Nine of the large forested valleys remain untouched by logging or other industrial development. www.clayoquotbiosphere.org.

First Nations and local communities are integrally involved in all resource planning and management initiatives in the region. The permanent population of the biosphere reserve is roughly 4,000 and with about half Nuu-chah-nulth and half of non-aboriginal descent.

Tofino and the West Coast are famous for producing and attracting some of Canada’s finest artists and artisans and are home to many galleries which display and offer for sale, various samples of the finest Canadian and Canadian First Nations art available. Not to be missed is our own in-house Henry Nolla Gallery and Gift Gallery where you will find an excellent selection of casual wear, local jewelry, rock sculptures, masks and so much more throughout the Inn. Speak to one of our Concierge or Guest Service Representatives if you are interested in knowing more or need assistance with selection.

Inside the boundaries of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the Long Beach Golf Course offers a 9-hole course which is open year-round and offers a driving range and 18-hole mini-putt course. Hours vary seasonally, so please check with the Concierge or Guest Reception for operating hours and directions.

Within the boundaries of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are numerous trails ranging in length from 1.5 km to 5.0 km. In general, the trails offer easy walking and each has a unique character and destination. In addition, the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island offers beautiful scenery and an opportunity to view some of the most ancient Western Red Cedar trees in the world, some up to 1500 years old! Our Concierge or a Guest Service Representative can provide you with detailed information on Meares Island access. In addition, the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet is 2.6 km (1.6 miles) an easy ocean side hike and a great location for safe viewing of giant winter storm driven waves. For further information on these and other hiking trails in the area, please contact the Concierge or Guest Reception.

Hot Springs Cove is a natural hot spring located approximately 45 km north of Tofino. The springs are accessible only by boat or float plane. Upon arrival at Hot Springs Cove, visitors walk twenty minutes along a cedar boardwalk, through an old growth forest, to the site of the springs. Most local charter companies run daily trips to Hot Springs Cove.  Please contact Guest Reception or Concierge for further information and remember to pack your bathing suit and a picnic lunch. Hiking sandals or aqua shoes are recommended to fully enjoy and explore the pools, ask the Concierge for a pair. Please check with the Concierge or Guest Reception for further information.

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve was established in 1971 as Canada's first national park to include a major marine component. The park encompasses a total area of 49,962 hectares of land and ocean.  Approximately 43% of this area consists of marine waters and small offshore islets. The park stretches, although not continuously, from near Tofino in the north to Port Renfrew in the south. There are three separate geographic units of the park: The Long Beach Unit, The Broken Group Islands Unit and The West Coast Trail Unit. For trips within the Pacific Rim National Park, please be sure to obtain a park pass, which is available at the Tourism Tofino Information Center or the automated National Park Entry Pass Machines, available at most parking lots throughout the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Please be aware these machines take credit cards only, and while most credit cards are accepted, some international cards are not.

Tofino's sister town, Ucluelet is located at the opposite end of the Pacific Rim National Highway, 38 km from Tofino. Ucluelet is roughly the same size as Tofino and like Tofino has an economy based primarily on tourism, forestry and fishing. Ucluelet has a variety of activities available including the superb Ucluelet Aquarium, The Aquarium is closed December –March. www.uclueletaquarium.org.   Please check with the Concierge or Guest Reception for further information.

Ucluelet is also home to the Wild Pacific Trail.  This family-friendly trail provides ocean vistas and enjoys a dense rainforest canopy providing a natural wind break on blustery days.  The trail can be walked in two main sections.  Section one, the most popular, is a 2.6km loop starting near the lighthouse, overlooking the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  Section two extends 5 km north from Big Beach Park. www.wildpacifictrail.com.