Tofino, British Columbia is the undisputed surfing capital of Canada.
Located in British Columbia, Tofino was named the best surf town in North America in Outside Magazine's 2010 Editors' Choice Awards.
Around Tofino, waves build up steam without interruption, travelling all the way to Vancouver Island from Japan. There are 35 kilometres of magnificently surfable beaches, if you can brave the cool, average water temperature of 10°C/50°F. Thanks to the stormy Canadian weather, winter boasts some of the most dynamic surfing ever seen, with boarders and surf kayakers performing like stars of Cirque du Soleil.
Surf culture in Tofino, British Columbia
Surfers ranging from total novices to veteran waveriders find their nirvana in Tofino. Surfing is a culture here. Against the epic setting of the ocean roaring in towards BC's world-famous mountains, Tofino life is laid-back, unmindful of tomorrow, reverent in its elopement with nature. Surfers who vacation in Tofino for other reasons often wind up on a surf board. Vancouver residents and tourists often day trip to Tofino to escape the big city and ride the waves.
In March 2011, Tofino was awarded Trip Advisor’s 2011 Travellers’ Choice award as the #1 “Best Beach in Canada”. This bodes well for surfers and spectators alike, who get a chance to savour all that Tofino has to offer during its warm summers and famed “storm-watching” season. Warm and welcoming accommodations, amazing cuisine from award-winning restaurants, and up-close encounters with the forces of nature make the sleepy Vancouver Island town one of the world's most desirable travel destinations year-round.
O'Neill Cold Water Classic
In 2009, Tofino, BC hosted Canada's first professional surfing event, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic. It attracted almost 150 professional surfers and countless surfing enthusiasts. Tofino lit up on the surfer's map of the universe rendering it a must-see surf vacation destination for the wave-hungry traveler.
In 2010, this event gained more momentum, with Tofino's own surf hero Pete DeVries hopeful to defend his title. He competed alongside Vancouver Island pros, including brothers Sepp and Raph Bruhwiler, Noah Cohen, and friend and acclaimed Canadian surf photographer Jeremy Koreski.
Koreski and DeVries recently won the second round of Taylor Steele's Innersection project in the Spring of 2010. It was the first time a Canadian surfer appeared in one of Taylor Steele's movies, arguably the ‘Warren Miller’ of surf flicks.
2011 saw a surge in women’s participation in the competitive surf arena as well, during the Second Annual “Queen of the Peak” all-women’s surf competition. Look for this event to signal the launch of next years’ fall surf season festivities in Tofino, BC.
Thank you to the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze for sponsoring the "Top 8 Day Trips from Vancouver" series.
Where to get surf gear in Tofino
Wetsuits, booties, gloves and a hood are essential gear, particularly in winter. Tofino's many surf shops rent equipment to vacationers, and can provide advice on weather conditions and different beaches. A wide variety of equipment rentals, lessons, day camps and week-long excursions are available through the nine local surf schools and shops, for all levels and abilities wishing to try surfing Tofino's famous waves. Lessons stress safety, etiquette, and basic technique to start.
Surf beaches around Tofino
Where is that epic wave, the one that lives on in the soul for a lifetime? With an amazing 16 kilometres of golden beach, Long Beach, BC is the single greatest stretch of sand on Vancouver Island and a natural magnet for surfers. Cox Beach, BC boasts more powerful wave action than other beaches in summer. On any day from June through September, Vancouver Island's North Coast is a surfing festival. The exquisite Chesterman Beach varies with the winds, but surely struts its stuff in winter, especially during Vancouver Island's famed storm season.
Tofino surf shops
Tofino's smallest surf shop, Long Beach Surf, offers a big selection of equipment and gear. Live to Surf on the Pacific Rim Highway has a complete selection of equipment and also offers lessons. Storm Surf specializes in high-performance surf gear for boarders ready to take on winter surfing.
Tofino surfing schools
Tofino has at least five surf schools that address surfers of all ages and levels of expertise. Wheter on a day trip or a week long vacation, travellers can learn to catch a wave and surf the pristine Pacific Ocean waters in Tofino.
Pacific Surf School offers surfing lessons and operates a surf camp. Lessons last three hours, take place on the beach and cover the territory from surfing etiquette to best techniques. Gear is included, and private lessons are available for all levels and ages, making it easy to plan a surf trip without worrying about buying costly gear or travelling with bulky boards. Lessons for people 60 and over are free, if accompanied by a paying customer.
Surf camps are all-inclusive, with two-, three- and four-day options and accommodation at Bella Pacifica Campground. Beaches are chosen to take advantage of the best conditions. Surfing in Tofino is the ultimate adventure vacation.
Surf Sister is Tofino's only all-girl school, but guys ("Surf Misters") are welcome, too. The enterprising outfit offers daily lessons, weekend clinics, teen camps, and the Yoga & Surf Retreat in conjunction with Milagro Retreats.
Vancouver Island riptides
One common danger in surfer heaven is the vicious riptide—powerful currents sweeping out to sea. Strong riptides lurk at either end of Cox Beach and at the south end of Long Beach. Before going to the beach, check conditions at Tofino or Ucluelet surf shops or the Pacific Rim Visitor Centres.
If caught in a riptide, the best strategy for escape is to swim at right angles to the current towards the nearest breaking wave until you're out of it. Then, using the waves for extra push, make your way to shore. If exhaustion sets in, don't be inhibited about yelling for help.
For more information on surfing, drop by the Tofino Visitor Centre; located at 1426 Pacific Rim Highway, about 6 kilometres before the town proper. The Tofino Visitor Centre lies in the heart of Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Open year-round, the Visitor Centre offers many services, including an email accommodations search, and caters to visitors travelling to Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park.
For more information and to view spectacular images of the local surf and our local characters, please visit www.tourismtofino.com
Thank you to the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze for sponsoring the "Top 8 Day Trips from Vancouver" series.