Travel
The City Column: Discover H&H’s Guide To Tofino
Updated on July 10, 2024
This B.C. surf town’s dramatic landscape makes it a must-visit. The restaurants, galleries and shops only add to the fun.
Scroll for our guide to Tofino!
Where To Stay:
Classic: The Wickaninnish Inn
The iconic Relais & Châteaux hotel is perched on the edge of the Pacific (the stormwatching is epic!). The Wick’s Pointe Restaurant, known for its upscale dining, has new chef Clayton Fontaine at the helm. There’s a carving shed on the beach, a small art gallery and trails to explore.
500 Osprey Ln.
New: Duffin Cove
Sitting among the trees just a block from downtown Tofino, this recently renovated oceanfront hotel is a perfect place to soak in the natural beauty of Clayoquot Sound. Stay in a laid-back yet luxe guest room or a beautiful A-frame cabin and explore the rainforest.
215 Campbell St.
Where To Eat:
New: Jeju
This intimate, light-filled restaurant in the heart of Tofino offers an haute take on Korean comfort food — it’s so good, it made Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants long list last year.
120 Fourth St., Suite 101
Classic: Wolf in the Fog and SoBo
Wolf in the Fog has been drawing crowds for years. The menu is packed with dishes that celebrate local seafood and foraged ingredients. You’ll also want to dine at SoBo before it closes its doors at the end of this season. Chef-owner Lisa Ahier’s comfort food features wild, local ingredients, and the biodynamic wines and craft beers are excellent.
150 Fourth St., (Wolf in the Fog) 311 Neill St. (SoBo)
What To See:
New: Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art
Local emerging and established artists working in photography, sculpture and painting are showcased at this recently opened gallery. Discover
works by Rande Cook, a Kwakwaka’wakw multimedia artist who explores nature, culture and science, and Ben Fox, whose paintings are inspired by the B.C. landscape.
430 Campbell St., Suite 105
Classic: Roy Henry Vickers Gallery
Dedicated to the renowned First Nations artist, this gallery is a Tofino landmark. The longhouse’s carved cedar plank exterior is its own work of art. Inside, see Roy’s paintings and original prints and, on occasion, the artist himself, who does storytelling and signings.
350 Campbell St.
Where To Shop:
New: Merge
With its pink exterior and airy interior, this lifestyle shop brings a dose of colour to the watery blues, greens and greys of the Tofino landscape. You’ll find ceramics in fun shapes and patterns, refined glassware, and scented candles and room fragrances that evoke the Pacific Northwest.
305-B Campbell St.
Classic: Caravan Beach Shop
A rotating collection of locally made artisanal pieces including wall hangings created with reclaimed materials, plus clothes, swimwear, decorative accents, jewelry, cards and surf books make this shop an eclectic, fun experience.
346 Campbell St.
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