Tofino is a picturesque small town situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with long sandy beaches, lush forests, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. The town attracts a mix of surfers, hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxing weekend getaway in a tranquil setting. In Tofino, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking, whale watching, hiking, and fishing. The town is also home to a thriving foodie scene. Here are the the best places to eat in Tofino.
Best Places to Eat in Tofino
Rhino Coffee
You will know it when you see the line out the door in the mornings. Let me tell you, the “Bro”Nut breakfast sandwich from Rhino is one of the best breakfasts in Tofino! An in-house-made donut sandwiches each side of a fried egg, cheddar cheese, bacon/ham/sausage, lettuce, and tomato! Making donuts fresh each morning puts this place over the top! There are other breakfast and lunch options, but you have to try the “Bro”Nut at least once! Get some donuts while you are there as selection becomes limited on busy afternoons.
Location: 430 Campbell St
Tacofino
The original food truck brings some of the best West Coast tacos you will ever eat! Since 2009, Tacofino has resided at the back of the Live to Surf parking lot, close enough to the windswept beaches of Tofino to grab a bite between surfs. Tacofino is still keeping it real and feeding the people what they love. It is probably the most well-known place to eat in Tofino so expect to wait and avoid prime meal times!
Location: 1184 Pacific Rim Highway
Website: https://www.tacofino.com/location/tofino-original-truck
Shelter
Savour the day while you taste the freshest fare from local farms and waters with beautiful inlet views while you dine at Shelter.
Hours: Daily 5pm-11pm
Location: 634 Campbell Street
Schooner
Schooner has been welcoming guests since 1949 and is one of Tofino’s most well known restaurants. While things have changed over the years, Schooner’s commitment to warm, West Coast hospitality will never change!
Hours: Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Location: 331 Campbell St.
Wolf in the Fog
Wolf in the Fog captures the true spirit of Tofino and makes some killer cocktails as well! They are known for a cedar sour that cannot be beat anywhere!
Location: 150 Fourth St
Tofino Brewing
Tofino Brewing opened in 2011 with two basic ideas: to brew great beer and be a positive addition to the town they loved! While they do not make food, there is a food truck right outside which complements the local beer well!
Tofino Brewing does not take reservations.
Hours: 7 days a week 11am-9pm
Surfside Grille
Since 2008, commercial fisherman Jeff Mikus’s Wildside Grill has been a favourite eatery for Tofino locals and loyal visiting fans, and now, Jeff’s working his culinary wizardry at Surfside Grill on the Pacific Sands property.
Location: 1421 Pacific Rim Highway
Chocolate Tofino
A delectable dessert or cute souvenir is the perfect reason to pop into Chocolate Tofino. If you want an insider tip, try the Lavender Ice Cream! Chocolate Tofino has been making homemade chocolate and gelato for over 20 years!
Location: 1180A Pacific Rim Hwy
Hours: 7 days a week 10am-6pm
You can also order online from their website!
Tofino Travel Tips
How to get here: Start with how to get here from one of these places! Travel from Vancouver to Tofino, Nanaimo to Tofino or Victoria or Tofino. There is no direct ferry to Tofino so depending on where you are coming from, plan accordingly with these posts.
What to pack for Tofino? This comprehensive list of what to wear in Tofino has everything you need to pack for any time of year.
Rental Cars: Click Here to compare suppliers that offer Vancouver Airport pickup (or other locations as well).
Want to Take a Tour or Book an Activity: Check out Get Your Guide to book activities. They are well known for their excellent customer service if you ever need it! That goes a long way these days!
A super unique idea is to book a local photographer on your weekend getaway! It is easy! If you believe that memories make the best souvenirs, then book a photo shoot before your trip! If you use the code LINDSAY you will get $25 off your booking as well! Click here to search and book a photoshoot while in Tofino (or many other locations in BC)
Where to stay in Tofino:
MIDRANGE: Duffin Cove Resort is newly renovated and is right in Tofino. They have a few A frame cabins right on the water that you can book as well. The nice thing about staying here is that you can leave your car and walk into town. Parking can be busy in town in high season.
MIDRANGE: Hotel Zed is right off the highway and less than 500m from Chesterman Beach. It is 1.1 km from Mackenzie Beach. Your stay includes free parking and there is a restaurant on site. Hotel Zed is known for its eclectic styled accommodations. You cannot miss it! Pets are welcome at Hotel Zed.
MIDRANGE: Shoreline Tofino offers a rustic feel with A-Frame loft-style cabins. it is close to the downtown core of Tofino and on the harbour side.
LUXURY: Pacific Sands Beach Resort is the epitome of luxury. Featuring townhouse style accommodations and jetted tubs with a view, few other properties can walk right out to Cox Bay beach! Depending on your accommodation type, you can have a full kitchen and multiple bedrooms. If storm watching or walking the sandy beaches are your thing, choose Pacific Sands! It is perfect for families and getaways with friends!
LUXURY: Long Beach Lodge Resort features oceanfront rooms as well as cabins with hot tubs. There are surfing rentals and lessons right on site. It is situated on Cox Bay beach
AIRBNB: I have a post on the best Tofino Airbnb locations.
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!