One of Canada's 'best places to visit' is this BC spot with dreamy beaches and endless views
This small town has it all.
Someone on a beach. Right: A small town beach in BC.
Canada is home to many beautiful places to visit. You've got the little mountain towns, the lakeside villages, the remote nature, the ocean views, and everything in between.
One small town in B.C., though, garners lots of attention thanks to its exceptional natural scenery. Think misty rainforests and expansive ocean views alongside rolling mountains, with a charming community to top it all off.
Tofino was yet again put under the spotlight, named among the best places in Canada to visit during the summer, in a recent Narcity poll.
It's an iconic destination for a reason. Nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island, it's set away from any big cities and crowded streets. It's small, but full of shops, restaurants, cafes, breweries, and rental spots.
Thanks to the tourism it receives, the town is lively, while maintaining a quaint feel to it. The list of things to do here is endless, though.
You can spend hours or days, even exploring the beaches that dot the coastline near the town. Rent a bike and head down the paved path, stopping at the beaches along the way and admiring the lush forest beside it all.
Long Beach is a go-to spot, and one of the many places you'll look out and see surfers bobbing in the water.
You can rent a board and get a lesson in town, or opt for kayaking or paddleboarding to get out on the water.
If you're up for adventure, you can take your pick — from a boat tour that takes you to a tranquil hot spring to whale-watching adventures.
Hot Springs Cove is one of those places that's hard to believe is real. From Tofino, it's a 1.5-hour boat tour to reach Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, where the hot springs are tucked away. Once you arrive, you'll wander through a lush forest on a boardwalk trail before reaching the scenic hot pools that overlook the ocean.
The thing about Tofino, though? There are many unreal spots to choose from. Another one is the vibrant temperate rainforest you can explore. Hiking trails within it wind their way through lush greenery and lead you to ancient trees.
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has nine official trails, and the Rainforest Trail is a go-to right off the highway.
A summer visit here means sand, surf, and endless views.
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.