Tofino and its Magical New Bicycle Route that Glides Along Rainforests and Epic Beaches

One of the best and most beautiful new bicycle routes in Canada connects two surf towns on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island — Tofino and Ucluelet.

Pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee, ʔapsčiik t̓ašii translates to “going the right way on the path” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language. And indeed, this path leads travelers on a journey of discovery, winding its way through 25 kilometers of awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural treasures. And we decided to head to Tofino to have a look.

When first visiting Tofino, it was once all about the hippie vibe, the logging protests and counter-culture. Sure, there were surfers, but few and far between, just the way they liked it. Then someone blabbed and everything changed. Now, this small town on the western coast of Vancouver Island is the official surf capital of Canada.

Photo: Tofino Tourism

But, one thing is certain, whether you surf or don’t surf, it has plenty of charm, incredible natural beauty, and, now, it has a bicycle route to match the splendor of the surf.

Now, we are not saying cycling is going to displace surfing as the area’s official pastime, but it is a fantastic addition.

So, here is how to spend a few perfect days in Tofino.

Where to Stay in Tofino

Tofino is a bona fide tourism boom town, but it takes some doing to get there. The easiest game plan is to fly into Victoria airport and drive four hours across Vancouver Island to this little paradise of a town at the absolute western terminus of the Trans Canada Highway.

Long Beach Lodge Resort on Cox Bay

There is a bewildering number of lodging options for such a small town, but our favourite is Long Beach Lodge Resort. It is located, no not on nearby Long Beach, but right on the fabulous Cox Bay, which happens to be one of the premier surf breaks in the area. It also has a fantastic surf school should one be so inclined. Or, just sit back and enjoy the best views one could imagine.

The lodge has a fantastic restaurant, good for lunch or dinner, as well as a snack bar at the surf school. Rooms are great, cabins are event better. There are also dog-friendly rooms available.

What to Do

There are a number of must-dos when it comes to Tofino and most of them involve hopping in a boat and heading out into Clayoquot Sound for adventures.

Our favourite hike in the area is Meares Island and the Big Tree Trail, only accessible via boat, although there are plenty of water taxi options at an affordable rate. Here, a rugged three-hour hike awaits through an old growth temperate rainforest with some of the biggest trees one can find on the planet. It is stunning. And, yes, we mean rugged.

Big Tree Trail on Meares Island

There is also whale watching and bear watching available as well as tours to the surrounding islands.

Another gem is a trip to Hot Springs Cove, which is a bit a long haul boat trip further up the coast to Sydney Inlet. Here, lucky travelers enjoy a short 45-minute rainforest hike on a mostly boardwalk trail to a series of stunning natural hot spring pools overlooking the ocean. Phenomenal.

Tofino Bicycle Route

There is a bike path that winds throughout the town of Tofino. It’s called the MUP or multi-use path and it stretches almost 10 km which is pretty good for a small town. It is a common sight to see surfers pedaling along the path with surfboards attached to their cruiser bikes.

Bit by bit the bicycle route grew and stretched from outside of town until this year the final asphalt was poured and the trail was complete from Tofino all the way to Uclulet — a 25-kilometre trail. And when combined with Tofino’s MUP and a similar trial in Ucluelet, well, that’s a big way for bicycling.

Bicycle route

As you traverse the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii, you’ll find yourself immersed in the beauty of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. From lush forests to pristine shorelines, every twist and turn reveals a new facet of nature’s grandeur. And with each passing mile, you’ll feel the whispers of generations past, as the trail echoes with the stories of the indigenous peoples who have called this land home for millennia.

As you pedal through its winding paths, you’ll encounter ancient cedar groves, towering hemlocks, and sprawling ferns.

You’ll also pedal by some of the most iconic and breathtaking beaches in British Columbia including the one-and-only Long Beach.

At Long Beach

The ʔapsčiik t̓ašii isn’t just for seasoned cyclists; it’s a trail for all. Whether you’re a novice rider or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With its gentle gradients and smooth surfaces, it’s the perfect place for families to explore, friends to reconnect, and adventurers to seek out new horizons.

And for those seeking an extra thrill, there are plenty of opportunities to veer off the beaten path and explore the park’s hidden gems. From secluded beaches to hidden waterfalls, the possibilities are endless. So grab your bike, pack a lunch, and get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

One our jaunt along the trail, we spotted a number of bald eagles, had a picnic lunch at Long Beach, and even enjoy a hike through a rainforest along the way.

Beach Cycling

Another wonderful option in Tofino is to spend an afternoon cycling on the beaches. Yes, it’s allowed, as long as cruiser bikes are used.

The beaches are quite hard packed and great for cruising, and since there are a number of beaches in close proximity, it makes for a great afternoon. There are often whales and other marine life that can be seen from the sand so be sure to keep a lookout.

A few of our faves are Cox Bay, and Chesterman Beach.

There are a few spots to rent bikes around town with options from cruisers to e-bikes.

Where To Eat

In Tofino, one could drop a lot of money on some fancy sounding restaurants at even fancier hotels. But, we are unsure that the results will live up to the expectation and the expense. Here are our faves that seemed a good best for quality, consistency and affordability.

Shelter Restaurant: Gorgeous dockside restaurant, beautiful patio, huge space, Shelter has a well-rounded menu but the best is likely the various bowls such as the Tofino Surf Bowl. Incredible views.

Views from Shelter

The Shed: Sometimes you just want a burger, and if you have a hankering after a long day cycling, or surfing, the Shed is just fun. It was easily the liveliest spot in town, service was fast and cheery and the burgers are very good. Decent beer selection, and I wish I would have bought a hat with a mermaid on it, so if you’re reading this out there in Tofino give me a holler.

Rhino Coffeehouse: This is the true find in Tofino — incredible coffee, but also fantastic sandwiches, especially breakfast sandwiches and housemade donuts. OMG.

Donuts at Rhino

Tacofino: The classic. One simply cannot go to Tofino and not stop by one of the world’s most famous food trucks. This is a gem, very good tacos, good prices, fun atmosphere, especially if you like parking lots. This place actually became so popular, the owners decided to expand and now they have physical locations throughout BC.

Long Beach Lodge: For a hotel restaurant, the great room at Long Beach Lodge actually served up some wonderful cuisine that kept us coming back for more.

Final Thoughts

Tofino is a special place. Before you leave, be sure to hug a tree, play in the ocean, dig your toes in the sand, and smile. It might not get any better than this.