A 3-Day Tofino & Ucluelet Adventure
Nestled along the rugged, breathtaking coastline of Vancouver Island, the towns of Ucluelet and Tofino offer a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and culinary delight. This carefully curated three-day itinerary combines exhilarating activities with time to immerse yourself in the region's stunning landscapes and rich culture, and to make lasting memories.
Getting to Tofino & Ucluelet
Getting here is easier than you might think, with several convenient options depending on where you start.
From within Canada: WestJet flies directly from Calgary or Edmonton to Comox, where you can rent a car and drive to Ucluelet (about 3 hours). Air Canada flies into Nanaimo, or you can fly into Vancouver and take a commuter flight to Tofino, about 30 minutes from Ucluelet, with Orca Air.
From the USA: Many visitors fly into Vancouver, rent a car, drive to the Tsawwassen ferry (about 45 minutes), and take the ferry to Nanaimo (Duke Point), roughly 2 hours, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Ucluelet. You can also fly into Victoria, Comox, or Nanaimo and rent a car there. If you're driving, take the Horseshoe Bay ferry from Vancouver, or the Port Angeles to Victoria ferry if you're coming from Seattle or further south.
Pair these options with a premium stay, like our wood cabins with saunas and cold plunges, and your three-day adventure will be a memorable, hassle-free escape into the region's natural beauty.
At a glance
Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Surf lesson at Cox Bay | Lunch at Jiggers, then a fishing charter with Salmon Eye | Cook your fresh catch at the cabin |
Day 2 | Hike the Wild Pacific Trail | Lunch at the Floathouse, then kayak Barkley Sound | Dinner at Wolf in the Fog |
Day 3 | Wildlife cruise of Barkley Sound (lunch aboard) | Chesterman Beach | Dinner at The Pointe, Wickaninnish Inn |
Day 1
Morning: surfing lessons at Cox Bay · Noon: lunch at Jiggers Food Truck · Afternoon: a 4-hour fishing charter with Salmon Eye Charters · Evening: cook your fresh catch back at the cabin.
Surfing lessons
Kickstart your Tofino adventure by catching the swells of the Pacific with a lesson from the acclaimed Pacific Surf School. This local outfitter is known for passionate, certified instructors who make your safety and experience their top priorities. You'll be fully equipped with high-quality rental gear, including beginner-friendly lesson boards and premium wetsuits built for the chilly Pacific.
What sets Pacific Surf School apart is its dedication to the quintessential West Coast surfing experience. The instructors are certified in First Aid, CPR-C and Bronze Cross, and under their guidance you'll master proper technique and ocean-safety protocols. Photography packages are available so you can immortalize your time on the iconic waves, and by choosing them you support a community-driven, locally owned business that gives back through initiatives like the local elementary school's surf-club program.
Lunch at Jiggers Food Truck
After a morning on the water, there's nothing like satisfying your hunger at the beloved Jiggers Food Truck. This local institution has been serving up mouthwatering fish and chips for decades. Each bite of flaky, tender fish in a light, crispy batter is a revelation, perfectly complemented by tartare sauce and creamy coleslaw. Ucluelet has welcomed a diverse array of food trucks since, but Jiggers remains a beloved taste of the region's culinary heritage and the true essence of this charming ocean village.
Fishing charter with Salmon Eye Charters
The highlight of the day: a 4-hour charter with Salmon Eye, where you'll reel in prized salmon while keeping an eye out for eagles, bears, whales and sea lions. From the breathtaking scenery to the world-class fishing, you'll be hooked from the moment you step aboard one of Salmon Eye's 25 to 31 foot boats with large heated cabins and washrooms. You'll fish with top-of-the-line gear, Scotty downriggers and quality rods and reels, and the crew expertly cleans your catch so you can simply enjoy the thrill. Fishing starts at 2 p.m.; vacuum-sealing is available nearby. Visit salmoneye.net.
Cook your catch at the cabin
After an eventful day, there's no better way to unwind than preparing a home-cooked meal with your fresh catch. Our premium wood cabins connect you with the outdoors, imagine cooking in a cozy cabin kitchen surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Many cabins feature private saunas, cold plunges, hot tubs and fireplaces where you can relax and savour your meal while taking in the ocean view. As the sun sets, you may even spot whales breaching in the distance.
Day 2
Morning: hike the Wild Pacific Trail · Noon: lunch at the Floathouse · Afternoon: kayaking in Barkley Sound · Evening: dinner at Wolf in the Fog.
Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail
Escape into the rugged coastal beauty of Vancouver Island on the renowned Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet. This multi-phase trail system hugs dramatic cliffs and shoreline, offering breathtaking vistas of Barkley Sound, the Broken Group Islands and the open Pacific at every turn. The 45-minute loop meanders through ancient cedar and spruce forest before emerging at viewing platforms that frame spectacular seaward panoramas. Pause along the way to soak in the wonders around you and capture memories you'll treasure.
Kayaking Barkley Sound
Experience the tranquil beauty of the west coast by kayaking the serene waters of Barkley Sound with Paddle West Kayaking. Begin from the historic Ucluelet Harbour, where bald eagles soar overhead, seals bask on rocky outcrops and sea lions play in their natural habitat. Glide through mystical kelp forests and hug rugged shorelines teeming with intertidal life; for an extra thrill, paddle further into the open ocean for breathtaking coastal vistas. Ucluelet offers unparalleled access to these wonders without the crowds found at hotspots like the Broken Group Islands.
Dinner at Wolf in the Fog
Indulge in a culinary experience at Wolf in the Fog, one of Tofino's most acclaimed restaurants, renowned for exceptional service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Savour locally sourced, seasonal ingredients expertly prepared by talented chefs, don't miss the charred octopus appetizer, and for your main, the halibut dinner for two showcasing the freshest Pacific catch. The extensive wine list offers perfect pairings. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Day 3
Morning to afternoon: an Archipelago Wildlife Cruise of Barkley Sound (with lunch) · Late afternoon: Chesterman Beach · Evening: dinner at The Pointe Restaurant, Wickaninnish Inn.
Archipelago Wildlife Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable cruise departing from Ucluelet aboard the luxurious 53-foot "Raincoast Maiden" motor yacht. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating, washroom facilities and hydraulic stabilizers for a smooth ride, you'll cruise in comfort through the picturesque waters of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands. Knowledgeable guides share their enthusiasm for the region as you watch for bald eagles, breaching whales, sea lions, seals and sea otters. A gourmet lunch is served while anchored in a scenic spot, making this an immersive West Coast experience, not just a wildlife cruise.
Chesterman Beach
No visit is complete without immersing yourself in the region's beaches. Spend an afternoon strolling the sandy shores of Chesterman Beach, taking in the crashing waves and picturesque scenery. In its January 2024 review, Lonely Planet named this 1.7-mile stretch the 6th best beach in the world. Mornings dawn with a romantic, misty ambiance; afternoons beckon walks along the surf and explorations of tidal rock pools and Frank Island at low tide; and as the sun sets, the beach becomes an enchanting backdrop of changing colours.
Dinner at The Pointe (Wickaninnish Inn)
As the day winds down, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at the renowned Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn. Perched at the edge of Chesterman Beach, it offers stunning ocean views that complement its expertly prepared West Coast cuisine, fresh, local ingredients crafted by talented chefs who celebrate the flavours of the Pacific Northwest. Raise a glass to toast your Tofino adventures and the memories you've created.