Edge of the World

There’s an impenetrable wildness to Tofino, located on one of the most westerly points of Vancouver Island and surrounded by UNESCO-recognized Clayoquot Sound. It embodies a special edge-of-the-world energy and there’s no better way to soak it up than with a group of friends and an itinerary that embodies wellness, wilderness, and coastal fall weather.

Where to Stay

Fall asleep to the sounds of crashing waves by checking into a hotel with Pacific Ocean proximity, perfect for sunrise beach walks and impromptu cold-ocean dips with pals. Keep your crew together with cabin-like accommodations like the Rainforest Cottages at Long Beach Lodge Resort, complete with Douglas fir furniture and full kitchens for group dinners, or the equally luxurious Pacific Sands just down the road. If walkability is high on your list of must-haves, opt for suites at The Shoreline, a quick stroll from downtown; it also offers a full resort takeover for groups of 12–20. If co-existing in cabins isn’t your preference, the retro-cool Hotel Zed is all about that fun factor: in the lobby alone there’s a disco room, secret arcade, bike path, psychic’s den, and sunken living room–style lounge.

Things To Do: Spa, Surf, & Storm-Watch

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Cold weather and hot saunas are a match made in Tofino heaven. Take your group on a 15-minute boat ride over to Moon Jelly Spa, a new self-led floating boathouse, to bathe in antioxidant-rich saltwater hot tubs laden with sustainably harvested seaweed, then take an invigorating cold-water ocean dip before cozying up beside a gas fireplace in the on-site covered gazebo.

There’s also a remote floating sauna at Tofino Resort + Marina for a taste of pure, invigorating solitude. After soaking and sweating, activate your core by taking to the waves with a group lesson from Surf Sister, an iconic surf school which operates rain or shine, all year round. Next, if the winds are really kicking up, get into your sweats and take in another of Tofino’s main attractions: storm-watching. Owner and managing director Charles McDiarmid of the luxury Relais & Chateaux Wickaninnish Inn popularized the activity when he built “The Wick” hotel on a point jutting into the ocean, then encouraged guests to take in the sights and sounds of nature’s powerful symphony of crashing waves and wailing wind. For the best views in town, keep dry and see all the action from the hotel’s aptly named The Pointe Restaurant or head to The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge for dinner by the fire.

Where to Dine

Recharge with weekend brunch at one of the hottest new restaurants in town, coastal-inspired Ombré. Executive chef David Provencal was longtime sous chef at one of Tofino’s top culinary spots, Wolf in the Fog, and it shows. Sip on a non-alcoholic cocktail like the Elba, a lemon soda with strawberry sumac syrup, then try a Croissant Tartine with pea pesto, poached egg, white ham, and parmesan, or a classic Salade Niçoise. Go for an afternoon pint at Tofino Brewing Company—the Spruce Tree Ale is made with hand–picked sitka spruce tips—then stock up on picnic-friendly provisions like French cheese and artisanal meats at nearby Picnic Charcuterie. For dinner, whet your appetite with scallops, spot prawns, and Wagyu tartare at award-winning modern Korean restaurant, Jeju, then order their bucket-list dish, Galbi Korean BBQ short ribs, aged for 35 days before being charcoal-grilled to perfection.

How to Get There

Tofino is located on western Vancouver Island within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. It is accessible via car and ferry, bus and shuttle, or charter flight. We recommend visiting Tourism Tofino for more detailed information on how to plan your trip.