One of Canada's best small towns to 'visit during the fall' is this magical coastal escape
This cozy small town in B.C. was just named among Canada's best fall getaway spots. With endless views, long beaches, and quaint shops, this place is perfect for an ideal retreat for the season ahead.
We polled the Narcity audience to find out what the best towns in Canada to visit during the fall are, and this Vancouver Island getaway was a favourite.
Tofino has earned a (well-deserved) reputation as a perfect summer vacation destination, with more than seven stunning sandy beaches, incredible coastal views, and endless outdoor pursuits.
The fall, though, is when the crowds thin out, but the views and nature are just as breathtaking. Time it right and you can still get some good weather, but with shoulder-season perks like less fellow tourists crowding the streets, beaches, and accommodations.
Tofino is set on the west coast of Vancouver Island, a place known for its mild climate and lush natural surroundings.
Even as the summer comes to a close, the temperatures stay moderate, making adventuring into the outdoors still a go even in the fall. It gets rainy here, but there's nothing like breathing in the refreshing air on a rainforest walk or beach stroll.
There's a calm that washes over the town as the fall comes, adding another layer of peace to a trip here.
The most important thing is that it doesn't get any less beautiful. Wind-swept trees frame rugged cliffs along the coast, dipping into white sand beaches. Then you have misty rainforest trails that wind past ancient trees and lead you into a vibrant greenery.
The community has the kind of charm that's usually reserved for small-town rom coms on the Hallmark channel. Cute boutiques, local shops, and quaint streets overlook a calm harbour with rolling mountains – making just wandering around feel like a beautiful escape.
A rainy fall day here means cozying up at Rhino Coffee House, going for a dramatically beautiful walk on the beach at low tide, and settling in for a good meal at one of the restaurants in town.
If you're up for an adventure, you can even book a day trip to Hot Springs Cove to soak in the geothermal hot springs overlooking the ocean.
In November, storm season starts rolling in — which means scenes of waves crashing onto the rugged coastline surrounding the town.
It's actually a well-known destination for storm watching, thanks to the "exposed coastline, with no landmasses between here and Japan, allows the wind to build up the size and power of the waves, producing gigantic barrelling deep blue waves that will roll in at up to 20 feet in height," according to the tourism website.
If you want a fall retreat full of relaxation, unbelievable beauty and slow-paced days (who doesn't?), Tofino will do the trick.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
