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. And fall is a fantastic time to explore one of the most dramatic and drop-dead gorgeous regions in the entire country.

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.

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.

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.