Tofino and Ucluelet Travel Guide: Surf, Scenery, and Coastal Culture on Vancouver Island
The west coast of Vancouver Island is home to two of the most unforgettable coastal towns in British Columbia. Tofino and Ucluelet are known for their surf culture, dramatic beaches, rugged landscapes, and some of the best food and coffee in Canada. This part of the island feels unlike anywhere else, with its laid-back energy, endless ocean views, and creative community spirit.
Whether you’re chasing waves, golden light for photography, or just a relaxing escape by the sea, this region deserves a top spot on your Vancouver Island road trip itinerary.
Cold-Water Surf Capital of Canada
One of the most unique things about Tofino and Ucluelet is that this region is home to one of the only consistent surf breaks in Canada. You will find surfboards strapped to almost every vehicle, locals biking to the beach in wetsuits, and plenty of shops offering rentals and lessons.
But surfing is only part of the appeal. This area has a deeply rooted connection to the ocean, reflected in everything from boating and seaplane culture to beach bonfires and the easy pace of life. Even if you’re not paddling out, the atmosphere here is relaxing and contagious.
Beaches You Shouldn’t Miss
The beaches here are some of the most beautiful I have seen in the country. They are moody, powerful, and constantly changing with the weather and tides. Each one offers something different:
Long Beach
A massive stretch of sand that’s perfect for walks, surf sessions, and wide-open sunsets.Cox Bay
A favorite among surfers and photographers alike. Hike the Cox Bay Lookout for one of the best coastal views on the island.Chesterman Beach
Great for tide pooling, long walks, and beach bonfires. It is quieter than Cox and still incredibly photogenic.Tonquin Beach
A smaller, hidden beach accessible via a short forest trail right from the edge of Tofino. It’s peaceful and ideal for golden hour light.
Ucluelet: The Underrated Coastal Town
While Tofino gets the attention, Ucluelet is quietly one of the best places to stay on the island. It is smaller, more relaxed, and far less busy. One of the biggest surprises was the quality of food in Ucluelet. There are fewer lineups, shorter wait times, and a genuinely friendly local feel to the restaurants and cafes here.
If you’re looking to slow things down, Ucluelet is the better base while still giving you easy access to all the beaches and trails in the area.
Where to Stay: Skip Random Camping
Random camping around Tofino and Ucluelet is not easy. We didn’t plan ahead, hoping we could find a quiet place to tuck the truck in for the night, but the area is heavily regulated. Between high traffic, private land, and bylaw enforcement, stealth camping here is hit or miss and honestly not worth the hassle.
Since we arrived without a reservation, our best option ended up being Surf Junction Campground, located halfway between Tofino and Ucluelet. It turned out to be a solid choice. The campground was clean, had showers, and offered a chill atmosphere with lots of other road trippers and surfers. If you plan ahead, there are plenty of great campgrounds and hotels in both towns. Booking early is highly recommended during the spring and summer months.
Coffee is a Lifestyle Here
If you love coffee, this region will not disappoint. Both towns have some excellent spots for a morning caffeine fix before heading to the beach or the trail. A few favorites include:
Rhino Coffee House in Tofino
Tofitian Cafe for espresso and snacks near the highway
Barkley Cafe in Ucluelet for good coffee and even better breakfast wraps
Final Thoughts
Tofino and Ucluelet are two of the most memorable stops on any Vancouver Island road trip. From cold-water surf culture to breathtaking beaches and an unexpectedly great food scene, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
Even if you are not a surfer, the energy here is magnetic. Whether you are exploring a misty beach at sunrise, watching stormy waves crash into the cliffs, or sipping a perfect flat white in a small-town café, it just feels good to be here.
If you are planning to camp, be sure to book ahead or aim for places like Surf Junction that allow flexibility without the stress. And if you are choosing between Tofino and Ucluelet, the truth is you don’t have to—both are worth your time.
