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Tofino Camping and Campground Information

Tofino is one of the popular BC camping sites and sometimes you need to plan your Tofino camping trip ahead of time. But do not worry, there are several Tofino campgrounds to choose from! Located on Vancouver Island on Canada’s West Coast, you cannot go wrong getting into the old growth forest, exploring the sandy beaches, wandering around with just the light of a head lamp and spending time camping in Tofino. Whether you want to hike in with only a backpack, arrive by kayak, bring in your RV or pack the car up with your tent and the kids, there are several private campgrounds as well as BC Parks and Parks Canada camping options to choose from in the Tofino and Ucluelet area!

If you are looking for the perfect campground or wilderness camping spot in Tofino, you are in the right place. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Tofino Camping and Campground Information

Tofino Camping Vancouver Island Campgrounds

TOFINO CAMPING Vancouver Island | Tofino Campgrounds | Pacific Rim National Park | Tent #vancouverisland #tofino

Tofino Campgrounds

After you finish this post, make sure you head over to my post on the perfect camping captions to get some ideas for the perfect quotes for your camping photos!

Bella Pacifica Campground

Bella Pacifica Campground is located on MacKenzie Beach and is a great choice for families visiting Tofino. It is one of British Columbia’s private campgrounds and features walk-out waterfront sites, full hook up sites as well as forested sites. It is located 3 kilometres before the village of Tofino at the end of Mackenzie Beach Road.

Bella Pacifica Campground Amenities and Facilities:

  • Each site has a picnic table and fire pit
  • Dogs are allowed but need to be kept on a leash at all times
  • Three washroom building with flush toilets
  • Showers ($2.00 – change available at the office)
  • Laundry (paid)
  • Ice (paid)
  • Firewood (paid)
  • Dogs are allowed
  • Picnic table and fire pit on each site
  • Hookups for RVs

Things to Note:

Advance reservations are required in the summer and recommended throughout the season at Bella Pacifica Campground.

Quiet time is 10:00 pm to 8:00am

2018 season is Open From March 1st to November 4th

Campgrounds Vancouver Island Tofino

Bella Pacifica Rates (based on one vehicle and two people)

Beachfront (Sites 1-18) Suitable for small rigs up to 18 feet and tents. Power (15Amp) and Water (most have sewer)

  • Off Season $42
  • Peak Season $58

Seaview Terrace View RV (19-33)… These sites are above the beachfront sites and have ocean views. Services include Power (30Amp), Water and Sewer. Suitable for all RV sizes, 5th wheels and large trailers. Also suitable for tent trailers

  • Off Season $42
  • Peak Season $58

Seaview Terrace 2nd Row RV (34-46) Sites do not have ocean views and are across the road from Seaview Terrace View sites. Services include Power (30Amp), Water and Sewer. Suitable for all RV sizes, 5th wheels and large trailers. Also suitable for tent trailers

  • Off Season $39
  • Peak Season $56

Seaview Terrace 3rd Row (47-55) Sites do not have ocean views and are located behind 2nd Row Services include Power (30Amp) only. Sites 53, 54 and 55 are unserviced tent sites

  • Off Season $39
  • Peak Season $56

Oceanside (56-109) These sites are located on either side of a road that runs above the beach. These sites are designed for tenting with individual or shared parking. Most sites have views of the beach, some have access to the sand. All sites are unserviced. Drinkable water is available from taps and washrooms. These are for TENTS ONLY. No RVs or Trailers

  • Off Season $39
  • Peak Season $56

Non-View Sites (56-109) These sites are sheltered by trees and unserviced. Drinkable water is available from taps and washrooms. These are for TENTS ONLY. No RVs or Trailers

  • Off Season $36
  • Peak Season $47

Forest Power Sites (76, 77, 78, 83 & 84) These sites are side by side with power (30Amp). Drinkable water is available from taps and washrooms

  • Off Season $39
  • Peak Season $56

Tin-Wis Loop (113-143) These sites are sheltered by trees and unserviced. Drinkable water is available from taps and washrooms. These are for TENTS ONLY. No RVs or Trailers

  • Off Season $36
  • Peak Season $47

Forest Loop These sites are sheltered by trees and unserviced. They are larger than Tin-Wis loop sites. Drinkable water is available from taps and washrooms. These are for TENTS ONLY. No RVs or Trailers

  • Off Season $36
  • Peak Season $47

Forest Hill These sites are on the hill top and are unserviced. Drinkable water is available from taps and washrooms. These are for tents and trailers or Rv’s UP TO 20 feet.

  • Off Season $36
  • Peak Season $47

Bella Pacifica Campground Map

More Information about Bella Pacifica Rates and Rules:

  • Children 5 and under are free
  • Extra people aged 6 and over are $3.00 per night
  • Max 4 persons per site but some exceptions are made for families
  • a $10 non-refundable reservation fee is required for all reservations
  • 2 night minimum stay with reservations (three night stay on long weekends)
  • Check in time is 2PM, check out is 11am
  • One vehicle is permitted per campsite. Additional vehicles are $15

To contact Bella Pacifica Campground

Phone + 1 250 725 3400

Email campground@bellapacifica.com

Long Beach Camping Vancouver Island Tofino Family Travel

Mattias and Markus on Cox Bay Beach outside of Tofino. Would you believe this was January! It could be the middle of Summer in Tofino!

Do not forget to check out our Beach Packing lists for everything you need for your beach vacation!

Lone Cone Hostel and Campground

Lone Cone Hostel and Campground has 25 campsites, positioned to maximize privacy and take advantage of the pristine white sandy beaches that makes Tofino so famous. It is located on Mears Island and is accessed by water taxi. There is a communal kitchen with BBQs available for use. Two shared stone fire pits and one gazebo are located on the site.

Lone Cone has 8 sites that are hosted with camping gear. Sleeping bags, are mattresses and tent (up to 6 people) is available for booking. Price is $75 for two people. $10 per additional person.

The 17 remaining sites can be booked for $55 per nite for 2 people. Additional guests are $10 each.

Lone Cone Campground Facilities

  • firewood ($10 per bundle)
  • snack shop
  • flush toilets
  • showers (free)
  • water taxi cost included in your stay

Things to note about Lone Cone Camping

  • Camping check in time is 2:30 pm and check out is 11:00am.
  • The cost of the Water Taxi to Mears Island is included in your stay.
  • If camping is not for you, Lone Cone Tofino Hostel has 30 beds with separate mens and women”™s dorms as well as private rooms. It has a large kitchen and living room. The hostel does not provide blankets so bring your own or sleeping bags (they do have pillows and a sheet per bed.Hostel Cost $35 per person per night.

More about Meares Island

Meares island is known for its magnificent old growth forest with tress ranging from 800 to 1500 years old. It gives visitors a true west coast feel with moss and ferns carpeting the first floor.

Contacting Lone Cone Tofino Campground

Phone +12507252169

Email reception@loneconetrail.ca

Reception is located in downtown Tofino 368 Main Street. The campground and hostel is a 10 minute water taxi ride from the docks in Tofino.

Tofino Private Campgrounds BC

Do not forget to pack the marshmallows. But if you do, there is a grocery store in Tofino where you can buy just about anything you may have forgotten!

Crystal Cove Beach Resort: Tofino Camping for RVs

Crystal Cove Beach Resort is located on Mackenzie Beach in Tofino. It has cabins and RV Camping sites. It is about a 5 minute drive from Tofino and 15 minutes drive from Pacific Rim National Park and Long Beach.

This RV Camping on Vancouver Island has 60 sites just a short walk from the beach. It also has 9 5th wheel units for rent if you do not have your own RV. The cabins can also be rented and some are located on the beach with private hot tubs. There are also cabins located in the forest.

Crystal cove is family friendly with an adventure playground with a tire swing a surf board and a climbing wall. S’more kits are available from the office in the summer and small beach fires are allowed below the high tide line for an amazing beach experience. Seasonal activities such as Easter Egg hunts and pancake breakfasts are a few of the things going on at the “kids in the Cove” spring and summer program.

Crystal Cove is open year round providing RV camping in style. Each of the 60 sites has power (30amp), water and sewer. A picnic table and fire pit are also on each of these RV sites. With a Starbucks coffee bar, wireless internet and free shower facilities, Crystal Cove is the perfect glamping spot on Vancouver Island.

Crystal Cove Features and Amenities:

  • 60 RV units with power (30Amp), water and sewer
  • fire put and picnic table on each site
  • wireless internet
  • Starbucks coffee bar on site with free drop coffee in the mornings
  • books, board games and DVDs in the office
  • playground
  • pet friendly ($7 fee in the RV park and $30 in the cabins)
  • Flush toilets
  • showers (free)
  • Firewood (available for purchase)
  • Ice (paid)
  • Course computer, telephone and TV
  • complementary DVDs, book exchange and board games available in the office
  • complementary coffee in the mornings
  • Laundry (paid)

Crystal Cove Map Tofino Accomodation

Rv Park Rates for 2018 at Crystal Cove in Tofino

  • Low Season (Jan 1-May 31, Oct 1-Dec 31) $55
  • Peak Season (June 1-Sept 30th) $70

Rates are based on two people and one vehicle

Additional People (6 years and older) $3/night

Pet Fee $7

Things to Note about Crystal Cove Tofino Camping

  • Advance bookings between June 15th and September 3rd 2018 require a 3 night minimum stay.
  • Tent camping is not allowed at Crystal Cove as it is an RV park only. Quiet time is 11Pm
  • Check in time is 1pm and check out is 11am

To Contact Crystal Cove Tofino

Phone 1-877-725-4213

Tofino Camping and Hiking and Old Growth Forest Clayoquot Sound

Clayoquot Sound Old Growth Forest – There are so many things to do for the outdoor lover while camping in Tofino! Hiking in Tofino is one of them!

MacKenzie Beach Resort

MacKenzie Beach Resort  in Tofino is a combination of camping and rustic cabins. Tent camping and RV sites are first come, first served basis. There are oceanfront and forest campsites and RV sites with hookups.

The exception to the first come first served is for sites 1-6 which are on the beach. They can be booked in advance with a $40 non-refundable deposit.

If you want to go camping but do not have a tent or an RV, you can sleep in one of the renovated 1970s airstreams on site!

Under new management has meant some new changes at the Mackenzie Beach Resort. New bathrooms, showers, laundry and a new lobby with an indoor fireplace to get out of the rain are a few of the major upgrades for the 2018 season. The cabins have new beds and mattresses, fresh paint and nespresso machines.

If you are not into camping, the cabins at MacKenzie Beach resort can sleep up to 8 people. These Tofino cabins are fully equipped and have fireplaces and free wifi.

Any Season is Gumboot Season in Tofino, Pick up your own pair before you visit! And do not forget a [easyazon_link identifier=”B076CF9GMV” locale=”US” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ localize=”n”]rain jacket[/easyazon_link] either! You are going to a Rainforest!

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”110″ identifier=”B076CF9GMV” locale=”US” localize=”n” src=”https://carpediemourway.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/41FFUPY2BPjL.SL110.jpg” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ width=”85″]… [easyazon_image align=”none” height=”110″ identifier=”B076BRYBXP” locale=”US” localize=”n” src=”https://carpediemourway.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/51SQ0L1BkhL.SL110.jpg” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ width=”110″]… [easyazon_image align=”none” height=”100″ identifier=”B00DU93P6E” locale=”US” localize=”n” src=”https://carpediemourway.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/41FcCDATRNL.SL110.jpg” tag=”cadiouwa-20″ width=”110″]

Mackenzie Beach Amenities and Facilities

  • showers (paid – opening May 2018)
  • laundry (paid)
  • fire pit and picnic table on site

Rates at Mackenzie Beach Campground

Beachfront (walk in sites, no vehicle access)

  • Low Season (Sept 15th – April 15th) $46
  • High Season (April 16th – Sept 14th) $59

Forest Sites (no hook ups )

  • Low Season (Sept 15th – April 15th) $36
  • High Season (April 16th – Sept 14th) $49

RV Sites with full hookups (15Amp or 30Amp, water and sewer)

  • Low Season (Sept 15th – April 15th) $48
  • High Season (April 16th – Sept 14th) $59

RV Sites with no hookups

  • Low Season (Sept 15th – April 15th) $38
  • High Season (April 16th – Sept 14th) $49

Additional charges

  • extra adult $8
  • extra child (2-15) $5
  • Extra vehicle, boat or trailer $15
  • beachfront sites have a $40 non-refundable reservation fee

More Information about Mackenzie Beach Campground:

  • Camping rates are based on two people and one vehicle with ones tent or RV per site.
  • Beachfront sites are walk in only, so be prepared carry your gear in.
  • Camping is pet friendly, and animals must be on a leash. Only dogs and cats are permitted and max of two per site.
  • Check in is 4 pm Check out is 11am
  • Monthly RV Site rentals are available except for July and August. Call for rates

How to Contact Mackenzie Beach Campground in Tofino

Phone +12507253439

Email stay@mackenziebeach.com

Address: 1101 Pacific Rim Highways, Tofino BC V0R 2Z0

Tofino Canada Pacific Rim Camping

Exploring Tofino’s Famous Beaches and Pacific Rim Camping

Long Beach Campground

Long Beach Campground and Golf Course offers 76 large private campsites nestled in the west coast wilderness and it only minutes away from Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit and drinking water is available through out the site. Long Beach Campground also has flush toilets, laundry facilities, a library, daily surf reports and showers.

If you are looking for some great activities to stay busy while you visit Pacific Rim National Park Long Beach Golf Course and Campground has a Championship 9 hold course, a driving range, 18 hole mini put course and paintball.

Check Out Time 11am and Check In Time 1pm

Amenities

  • flush toilets
  • showers (free)
  • laundry facilities (paid)
  • picnic table and fire pit at each site
  • 18 hole mini put course (paid)
  • driving range (paid)
  • Championship 9 hold golf course (paid)
  • paintball (paid)
  • pet friendly (inquire in advance)

Rates for Long Beach Campground

Campsites

  • March 1 – Sept 14th $40
  • Sept 15th – Dec 1 $30

Full Hookup (30amp)

  • March 1 – Sept 14th $50
  • Sept 15th – Dec 1st $50
Long Beach Campground Map Tofino Vancouver Island

Long Beach Campground Map

More Information About Long Beach Campground:

  • $5 non-refundable reservation fee will be charged at the time of booking
  • Prices are based on 4 people and up to 2 cars
  • Children 5 and under are free
  • Dogs are permitted, one time fee of $5

To Contact Long Beach Campground

Phone +12507253332

Email… golflbgc@gmail.com

Address 1850 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino BC

Long Beach Camping Tofino

Plenty of Private Campgrounds on Vancouver Island are perfect for your camping trip. Parks Canada and BC Parks campsites are also available in the Tofino area

Pacific Rim National Park Camping: Green Point Campground

Green Point Campground is located on a forested terrace above Long Beach, in Pacific Rim National Park. It is run by Parks Canada. It is conveniently located between Ucluelet and Tofino and is 12 kilometres. North of the Ucluelet-Tofino junction on Highway 4. The beach can be accessed by trails from the campground. Reservations should be made in advance. There are 94 drive in and 20 walk in sites available and Green Point is the only campground in the long beach area of the Pacific Rim National Park.

Drive in Sites and walk in sites allow up to 6 people or up to 7 (with 2 adults and their dependant children only). Maximum 2 tents or 1 RV/Camper and one tent on the drive in sites. Maximum 2 tents for the walk in sites and pets are not permitted in these sites. 2 vehicles are permitted and maximum stay is 7 nights.

Green Point Campground has a group site available that accommodates up to 24 people (8 person minimum). It does not allow pets, alcohol or stereos. It is charged per person at a rate of $5.80 and the maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.

If you want to try and unique experience, consider the Parks Canada oTENTik. This tofino accommodation has soft sided tents on a platform. They include a table a chairs, fire pit, picnic table, cold water tap and food storage. You can have the camping experience without having to bring any of the gear! For first time campers, there is no point buying all the gear if you do not know it is for you! These oTENTik options are available at quite a few Parks Canada sites.

Green Point Campground offers an indoor movie theatre with scheduled evening presentation from late June to Early September. It has easy beach access to Long Beach but does not have beach sites.

Please note that buses are not permitted and most drive in sites accommodate trailers and RVs but the sizes differ. On the Parks Canada reservation system there is information on specific sizes for each individual site.

For the 2018 season, reservations open on Jan 8th at 8am (PST)

Amenities and Facilities

  • flush toilets
  • pet friendly (drive in sites only)
  • showers
  • fire pit and picnic table on each site
  • firewood available (paid)

Rates for Green Point Campground Long Beach Unit

Drive in Sites (94 available) with electrical

  • March 8 – October 8 $32.30

Walk In Forest Sites (20 available)

  • March 8 – October 8 $27.40

To Contact Green Point Campground

Phone +12507263500

Reservations 18777373783

email picric.info@pc.gc.ca

2039 Pacific Rim Highway, Ucluelet BC V0R3A0

Paddling a Kayak near Tofino

Experience Wilderness Camping like no-where else when you can paddle to an island near Tofino and stay the night

Vargas Island

Vargas Island is a Provincial Park located in Clayoquot Sound near Tofino. It offers wilderness camping and people come for the paddling, exceptional wildlife viewing and west coast flora and fauna. If you are looking for Tofino Camping for Free, Vargas Island is a good choice. It is run by BC Parks.

There are no designated campsites but wilderness camping is allowed. It is accessible all year round

Because this is a wilderness site, be extremely vigilant about food storage. Ensure you have gear to hang food if the food caches are full. Wolves have been known to enter the sites at night and camping outside your tent is not recommended. Dogs should not be brought to Vargas Island as they are an attractant for wolves and other large carnivores.

Free wilderness camping accessed by a water taxi

Amenities

  • fires are allowed (below high tide)
  • 6 pit toilets near the camping beaches
  • food caches

Getting to Vargas Island

Numerous kayak companies offer day and multi-day kayak tours to Vargas Island.

Water Taxi service is to Vargas Island is available from

Clayoquot Connections (+12507268789)

Tofino Water Taxi (+12507258844).

In Tofino, you can access a water taxi to take you to the small islands around Clayoquot Sound

Flores Island

Flores Island is a popular destination in Clayoquot Sound and is also run by BC Parks. Visitors can enjoy hiking, whale watching, fishing, kayaking and beach camping. The old growth Sitka spruce, rocky coasts, sandy beaches and west coast eco-systems make it an excellent choice to visit. If you are looking for free camping in Tofino, Flores Island wilderness camping is a good choice.

Backcountry camping is available year round with a permit. There is no fee for winter camping. If you visit Flores Island, ensure you are bear aware and read the section at the bottom about wolves. It is recommended that you do not bring your dogs to Flores Island. BC Parks has documented incidents of wolves killing dogs in the park.

Accessing Flores Island

The trail is best accessed from the village of Ahousaht. Water taxis to Ahousaht depart numerous times a day from the 1st street dock in Tofino.

Camping Fees:

There are no BC Parks fees to camp within Flores Island Provincial Park. However a permit is required to hike the Walk the Wildside Trail. You can obtain a permit by calling +12506706803 or email info@wildsidetrail.com

Amenities and Facilities at Flores Island

  • wilderness camping
  • campfires allowed below low tide
  • Pit Toilet at Cow Bay
Tofino Sunset on the Beach

Tofino Sunsets are Epic during your Vancouver Island Camping trips

Hot Springs Camping Tofino: Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is a popular destination on account of its natural hot mineral spring pools. Nestled in Clayoquot Sound, it is northwest of Tofino and offers wilderness camping.

Accessing Tofino Hot Springs

Numerous companies in Tofino, Ahousaht and Hotsprings Village offer tours and transportation to Hot Springs Cove. You need to arrive by water or air. To access the hot springs, you must traverse a 30 minute boardwalk trail (about 2 km).

This is a geothermal wonder not to be missed on Vancouver Island. The geothermal hot springs cascade down a waterfall to natural rocky pools. They flow from one level to the next becoming gradually cooler as the hot water is cooled by ocean swells. When you plan your visit, avoid high tide as the pools may be full of debris and cold water.

Hot Springs Cove Lodging and Camping

The Hesquiaht First Nation offer accommodations as well as wilderness camping. They are a 2km walk from the Hot Springs. If you would like more information contact Bernard Charleson.

To contact Hot Springs Cove Camping in Tofino

Phone +12506701112

Email: hotspringscampgroud@hesquiaht.ca

Whatever the time of year, it is the right time to try Surfing in Tofino! I went out for the first time this year and had a blast!

Ucluelet Camping: Surf Junction Campground

Surf Junction Campground appeals the tenter and the RV camper. It is located at the entrance to the Pacific Rim National Park but is a private campground. Their RV sites can accommodate up to a 40 foot vehicle and are just as good for a tent trailer! There are pull in and out sites as well as smaller sites. The Tent sites are extremely private and most are surrounded by trees.…  All sites have picnic table and a fire pit.

Reservations are recommended from June until September at Surf Junction Campground in Ucluelet. A three night minimum is required on long weekends. A $5 reservation fee and deposit for the first two nights is due at the time of booking.

There are 16 tenting sites, rates for hikers with no vehicle, as well as power sites and full hookups. There are also three group sites which accommodate up to 15 people. In total, Surf Junction Campground has 49 sites available.

Amenities and Facilities

  • fire pit and picnic table on each site
  • fresh water taps out side most tent sites
  • group sites and rates
  • 30 Amp full hook up RV Sites
  • Surf Rentals and Lessons
  • Camp Store
  • Showers
  • Flush Toilets
  • Hot Tub and Sauna
  • Expresso Bar
  • Wet Suit Washing Stand

Rates at Surf Junction Campground

Regular Campsites

  • March 29th-May 17th $25
  • May 18th-20th $40
  • May 21st-June 28th $32
  • June 29th-SEpt 2 $40
  • Sept 3rd-Oct 8th $32

Walk ins / Hikers (no vehicle)

March 29th-May 17th $20

  • May 18th-20th $35
  • May 21st-June 28th $27
  • June 29th-Sept 2nd $35
  • Sept 3rd-Oct 8th $27

Power sites (15A) and Water

  • March 29th-May 17th $27
  • May 18th-20th $42
  • May 21st-June 28th $34
  • June 29th-Sept 2nd $42
  • Sept 3rd-Oct 8th $34

Power Sites 30A and Water

  • March 29th-May 17th $28
  • May 18th-20th $43
  • May 21st-June 28th $35
  • June 29th-Sept 2nd $43
  • Sept 3rd-Oct 8th $35

Full Hookup (15A/30A), Water and Sewer

  • March 29th-May 17th $30
  • May 18th-20th $45
  • May 21st-June 28th $37
  • June 29th-Sept 2nd $45
  • Sept 3rd-Oct 8th $37

Additional Rate information at Surf Junction Campground Tofino:

  • Rates are based on up to 4 people and 2 cars
  • Extra adults $5
  • Extra children under 12 $3.00
  • Extra vehicle $5
Surf Junction Campground Tofino Camping Map

Surf Junction Tofino Camping Map

Surf Junction Surfing Information:

Surf Junction offers a three hour lesson, rental and snack for $79. Lessons are held at Wickaninnish Beach, 5 minute drive from the campground. You should bring sunscreen and a towel. A drink and snack are provided during your lessons.

How to Contact Surf Junction:

+12507267214

surfjunctioncampground@gmail.com

2650 Tofino Ucluelet Hwy, Ucluelet BC V0R 3A0

Camp Coffee

Do not forget the coffee! But if you run out, or forget the camp fuel, there is a grocery store in Tofino and many campgrounds have small stores as well

Tofino Camping: Essential Information for Tofino and Ucuelet Campers

If you have chosen where you want to camp, the rest of the details are below. If you still want to consider other options look up the best Airbnb Tofino or top Ucluelet Airbnb accommodations. Check out my post on The Best Canadian Souvenirs to bring home from your Canada visit!

Sani-Dump

located at the Co-op gas station and dump fee is $5.60 (or free if you purchase fuel)

Parking an RV in Tofino

Parking is available in town but limited.

parking map https://tofino.civicweb.net/filepro/document/64531/2017%20Parking%20Map.pdf

Getting to Tofino BC

For visitors to Vancouver Island, a Tofino trip involves taking the BC Ferries from the Metro Vancouver Area to Nanaimo and then driving (about 3 hours) across the Island. There are two terminals on the mainland that will go to the Nanaimo region. There is Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) to Departure Bay (1.5 hours) or Tsawwassen (South of Vancouver, closer to USA border) to Duke Point (2 hours).

I recommend making a reservation.

For more information on the drive from Tofino to Nanaimo that includes stops to make along the way, check out my post on driving from Nanaimo to Tofino.

If you are doing this in the winter, expect snowy conditions along the way. Tourism Tofino recommends you check out the Sutton Pass Webcam as the area can be very snowy! It is a small highway, one lane each way (for the most part) and accidents or poor road conditions can delay your arrival.

You can also fly into Tofino ( YAZ Tofino-Long Beach Airport) by plane from Vancouver. This is increasing in popularity and there are daily flights.

What to Pack

I have a handy list for camping with kids that includes pretty much everything you need to have a great trip to Tofino with your family. If there is something on the list that I forgot, please let me know!

Be Bear Aware

Bears and other wild animals may be encountered anywhere on Vancouver Island. They are not an attraction and can be unpredictable and dangerous. Ensure you do not contribute to food-conditioning. Garbage or food may be irresistible to a bear and once they begin eating human food and waste, they become food-conditioned and become a threat to park visitors. Often these bears end up having to be destroyed as they will not stay away from humans and pose a threat.

  • Never feed or approach a bear or other wildlife
  • store food in airtight containers in your RV or vehicle
  • store garbage with your food and pack it out or ensure it is disposed of correctly. Never throw it into toilets. Only paper products should be burned in a campfire.
  • cook well away from your tent
  • do not leave cooking utensils or grease lying around
  • toiletries can also attract bears, deodorant, toothpaste and other products with perfumes should be stored with your food, not in a tent.

For more bear information http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/misc/bears/

Wolf on Vancouver Island

You are visiting Clayoquot Sound where wolves, bears and cougars have been seen. Ensure you know how to deal with these wild animals in case of a chance encounter

Wolf Encounters

Normally wolves do not desire to come into contact with humans and will avoid areas with people in them. However, some have become habituated to humans, drawn by food and pets.

To avoid encounters with wolves in Tofino and Clayoquot Sound

  • cook and store food away from your tent
  • use food caches or hang food, toiletries and garbage
  • secure all loose items as wolves have been reported removing personal and non-food items
  • keep children nearby and in sight
  • keep pets at home or on a leash at all times
  • choose a camp near toilet facilities
  • do not camp anywhere near an animal carcass. It is a natural attractant for them to scavenge
  • wash dishes in a container and dispose of dirty water back into a water source and away from camp
  • if paddling, do not come ashore near a wolf that is foraging or swimming
  • do not clean fish near your camp
  • do not store food in a kayak as wolves have been known to open hatches
  • do not approach under any circumstances. Report an aggressive wild animal by calling a conservation officer 1-877-952-7277

What to do If a Wolf Approaches

If a wolf appears unafraid or aggressive, take the following action as soon as you notice the animal

  • before the wolf gets within 100 meters, raise your arms and wave them to appear larger, make loud noises or use air horns, throw sticks, rocks or sand to scare them
  • when in a group, act in unison to send a clear message that wolves are not welcome
  • If a wolf displays aggressive behaviour back away slowly, do not turn your back to the wolf
  • use pepper spray if you have the skills to use it safety. Ensure you know the range of your spray and take weather into consideration

If you are looking for some Luxury on your Tofino visit, we recently enjoyed the Pacific Sands Resort!

Want to read on some Tofino Information? Check out these books:

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Tofino Camping | Tofino Campgrounds | Tofino Cabins | Vancouver Island Camping BC | Pacific Rim National Park Camping | Tent Camping | RV Camping Ucluelet

Photo Credits:

Kayak on Water – Jeremy Koreski

Exploring Old Growth Forest – Noel Hendrickson

Walking in Pacific Rim National Park – Parks Canada

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Garry Bussey

Monday 8th of November 2021

Great info very well detailed

Lindsay Nieminen

Wednesday 26th of January 2022

Glad it was helpful!

lepassage bureau

Saturday 14th of September 2019

very nice post, Thanks for sharing. very useful .

Christopher Grimm

Tuesday 5th of June 2018

Wonderful writing with lots of unique tips, You explore the Tofino, All the places are wonderful, Adventure lovers will be crazy to visit those places. Camping is the main attraction in every trip, your camping guidelines will help us for the best camping experience in Tofino. I would love to visit the Clayoquot Sound Old Growth Forest and the Vargas Island. Thanks for your article.

Ami Bhat

Wednesday 2nd of May 2018

The one thing that I love about North America are the variety of camping grounds and the facilities that you have there. This post quite proves that. And it is so well written with travel tips and suggestions of prices and their facilties. I am sure someone out there who is planning their camping trip is thanking you.

Lindsay Nieminen

Thursday 3rd of May 2018

thanks Ami! Yes we sure love the outdoors!

Siddhartha Joshi

Wednesday 2nd of May 2018

Wow! What a comprehensive post Lindsey. There are so many campgrounds in Tofino and they are all so well laid out - makes planning so much easier. I also loved how the maps look...with those tiny pods :)

My only trip to Canada was limited to Toronto, but clearly I need to visit once again while my visa is still valid. Hope that happens soon :)