Tofino

The questions people ask first about Tofino, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
• SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
• TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
• SafetyTofino is a small, safe town; the real risks are the cold Pacific, the twisty highway and summer crowds.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
• Sit-down mealRestaurant dinner, main course$25–45 (≈ US$19–35)
• BeerDraught beer in a pub$8–12 (≈ US$6–9)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across town$10–20 (≈ US$8–15)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$55 (≈ US$40)
• Mid-range bedMotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
• High-end bedMotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$650 (≈ US$500)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$110 (≈ US$80) · Mid C$200 (≈ US$150) · High C$380 (≈ US$300)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

YAZ Tofino-Ucluelet Airport (Long Beach Airport) (19 km (12 mi) south-east of town on Highway 4; Pacific Coastal Airlines flies from Vancouver and Victoria, about 45 min, roughly $250–300 one-way) · YVR Vancouver International (Connect by seaplane from downtown Vancouver, about 1 h, or fly to YAZ) · YYJ Victoria International (Seaplane from Victoria harbour about 1 h; or drive about 4.5–5 h via Highway 4)YAZ Tofino-Ucluelet Airport (Long Beach Airport) (12 mi (19 km) south-east of town on Highway 4; Pacific Coastal Airlines flies from Vancouver and Victoria, about 45 min, roughly $250–300 one-way) · YVR Vancouver International (Connect by seaplane from downtown Vancouver, about 1 h, or fly to YAZ) · YYJ Victoria International (Seaplane from Victoria harbour about 1 h; or drive about 4.5–5 h via Highway 4)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$90–150 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed

Mid

$150–260 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed

High

$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed

• Highway 4 west of Port Alberni is twisty and narrow; drive it in daylight and expect slow traffic in summer.
• Parking in town is paid and limited, with few overnight spots; use the Honk app and read the signs.
• Summer hotels and campsites sell out weeks ahead; walk-in beds are rare in July and August.
• Winter storms close beaches and some businesses; check conditions before you go.
• Wildfire smoke can cut visibility and air quality in late summer; check BC Wildfire Service and DriveBC.
• Cold water year-round: surf in a 5 mm wetsuit, and never turn your back on the surf.