My wanderlist series is one of my favourite posts to write. At first, it started out as being a fun “what if” scenario but has now become a way to share my trip planning process with you. So many people become overwhelmed with the daunting task of planning. I’ve planed a trip for 1 all the way to a multigenerational trip for 8. It’s all about pacing, finding the right location to go and finding the right place to stay.
I am in the midst of planning a potential trip to Tofino, British Columbia for Canada Day. This year Canada is about to celebrate its 150th birthday as a nation on July 1st and I suspect road trips are going to be a popular option for Canadians. The state of our Canadian dollar, our apprehensive political sentiments about our US neighbours and our own pride in Canadian history all makes for a perfect storm to explore more of our own country this summer.
Why Tofino?
It feels so different than the rest of Canada yet it is still in my home province of British Columbia. It is approximately 11 hours away by car and boat at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. It is a heaven for surf culture, food, picturesque beach views and coastal wildlife including bears, whales, wolves and starfish. I want to celebrate Canada Day with a few fireworks on a beach by the bonfire and a beer in my hand. Simple yet beautiful.
So now that I’ve settled on a location let’s check out available AirBnB options!
Option 1: This condo with a loft has a view of the Clayoquot Sound and is equipped with a gas fire place for those chilly evenings. Walking distance to the town of Tofino, it is a perfect weekend getaway with all the modern amenities if you don’t want to go too deep into the wilderness. At only $150 per night and sleeps 4 friends it is affordable and a better option than a hotel.
Option 2: A cosy cabin nestled within the rainforest is a great option for a romantic getaway. Walking distance to Tonquin beach and biking distance to town, you get that away-from-it-all feel yet are centrally located to restaurants and Tofino culture. At about $100 per night a romantic getaway is suddenly made affordable.
Luxury in the Wilderness
Option 3: If you have a bigger budget or just more people to house then this 3 bedroom cabin at Cedarwood Cove is a solid choice. Beach fires, sauna, hot tub, sunrise views with the ocean meeting the mountains, I couldn’t picture a more wonderful place to experience the Tofino lifestyle.
The hosts are super helpful too as noted by the Superhost badge. They can help you book bikes, tours and SUPs. At about $500 per night you’ll want to start gathering your outdoorsy friends and family members to help you afford the getaway.
What to do in Tofino & where to eat?
If you’re looking to do research on your desired location yet don’t know where to start I find Pinterest to be a good place. It’s especially good if you don’t want to buy travel guides or books yet want quality information on locations around the world. Here are a few guides and stories that I found useful in planning my potential trip to Tofino.
If you’re an American driving up from Seattle and want to take advantage of our lower Canadian dollar here is a great 5 day road trip itinerary by The Brave Little Cheesehead.
Not Without My Passport did a fabulous Tofino food guide fitting every budget and includes Tacofino food truck, the Tofino Co-Op supermarket, and fine dinning such as The Pointe Restaurant at the legendary Wickaninnish Inn.
Spend an afternoon at the Tofino Brewing Company and try some of their delicious beers brewed on the island. Read about their beers at Beer Me BC.
An afternoon hiking the Wild Pacific Trail in Tofino by We12Travel, a couple from the Netherlands who love the outdoors.
This adorable Fairy Door Trail on Salt Spring Island would make a fun day trip with kids, written by Traveling Islanders.
Go Live Explore has written a stunning piece on a guide to 3 days in Tofino.
This BC Blogger wrote an article for Hello BC featuring her surf experience in Tofino.
Bear Watching in Tofino with Ever In Transit.
Tofino has a natural hot spings. Check it out with the Traveling Islanders.
Don’t forget to save on your first AirBnB stay!
I’ll be visiting Tofino in late June as well! Thanks so much for the timely round-up. I have been hearing from Airbnb hosts and others in BC who have tried to book last-minute trips that accommodations in the Tofino/Ucluelet area fill up fast that time of year. They encouraged me to book ASAP. Enjoy your trip!
They do Lulu! We booked about 3 months ago – so 5 months before our trip. It being Canada’s 150th I also suspect it’ll be even busier that weekend. I am really looking forward to it. It’ll be my first time there and I haven’t been on a road trip for some time.
You enjoy your trip as well!!
How incredibly beautiful! I love that there are so many activities and hiking in the area. This would give me the chance to explore and do what I love, while working off some of some indulgence. We live in Cape Town, South Africa and are not short on incredible food and wine, but the pics above are jaw dropping. Thanks for sharing.