They call it the End of the Road, a final destination for west-bound nature lovers, ocean worshippers and adventure seekers.
With old-growth forests on one side and the wild Pacific on the other, Tofino’s beaches in British Columbia are seemingly endless and deeply mystifying. It’s no wonder visitors travel here only to be drawn back again and again or, for some, to never return home. It takes more than a week — some would say even years — to unravel its many secrets.
You’ll hear them whisper as you amble across Long Beach at the crack of dawn. Wake up early enough and the longest sand dune on the west coast of Vancouver Island will feel like the remotest end of the earth.
And, on North Chesterman Beach next to the Wickaninnish Inn, you’ll find sea creatures abundant at low tide.
By mid-day, you’ll find more activity. In the surfing capital of Canada, both locals and visitors descend on the sandy shores to chase the next big wave. Long Beach is popular, but so too are Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay.
This town of 2,000 Tofitians is so passionate about their favourite water sport, I was told, that in the rare event of a tsunami warning, surfing zealots will make a mad dash for the open ocean instead of escaping to higher ground, determined to spend their last moments on the ride of their lives.
For non-surfers, the beaches are the reward for hikes through ancient forests, like this one at Schooner’s Cove…
… And for afternoon strolls, like Mackenzie Beach.
Tofino beaches are undoubtedly the most dramatic — and magical — in the evening. It’s a time to watch in wonder a most dazzling light show in the sky when, in the brilliance of the falling sun, the shimmering hues of gold, dusty rose and tangerine orange fade into darkness.
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Of course, you won’t always see the sun in Tofino — this is BC, after all. The town gets more than its share of Canada’s rainfall, but that’s part of its atmospheric appeal. In fact, visitors from near and far make their way here during the winter storm season to witness the powerful spectacle of howling gales and blustering waves pounding the sandy and rocky coastline. It’s also what attracted filmmakers of the Twilight Saga, the wildly popular fantasy series. For them, the moody beaches were the perfect setting for their second film, New Moon.
So, if you haven’t heard of Tofino, you have now.
It is, indeed, the End of the Road. But when you arrive and step onto its beaches, you soon realize it’s just the beginning of a new journey into another, ethereal world.
What do you remember most about Tofino’s beaches?
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Lovely photos Helen. Definitely on the Bucket List for me…. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Michael. I can’t wait to see your photos when you do make it over there! Tofino truly is a photographer’s dream.
I love Tofino and can’t wait to plan a return trip. I look at your photos and think, yes that is exactly right, its just that beautiful and wild. One has to always remember “never turn your back on the Ocean”.
It definitely is hard to turn away from the ocean in Tofino. Enjoy your second trip there!
These shots are stunning, Helen!
Thanks a tonne, Jane 🙂
What gorgeous photos! Bet that water is cold!
Thank you, Kristen. The water was freezing!
I am overdue for a Tofino fix. I haven’t been in 7 years and I love the area. Your photos really capture the essence of the beaches – just beautiful.
You’re too kind, Leigh 🙂
Yes, you always have amazing photos! I adore Tofino, for me it’s all about the big old trees.
Aw, thanks, Carol.
My back yard and I don’t think Ive been for years. Thanks for the inspiration – I have to get over there asap. Vancouver Island is a paradise of nature, culture and a laid back lifestyle.
How lucky you are to have this so close! It is indeed a paradise. Sometimes I think we Canadians forget how beautiful our own country is. I hope you make it over there soon 🙂
Helen your photos are stunning!! Tofino is one of my favourite places in Canada
Thanks, Cristina! It’s one of my favourite Canadian destinations too.
I’ll have to add Tofino to my places to visit while head to Canada this summer. I can’t wait to see the beautiful beaches and sunsets!
You won’t be disappointed. 😉
Thank you Helen! It’s quite exciting! Your photos are really attractive! Many thanks!
Thanks, William. 🙂
so pleased I found you when I was looking through pinterest. We are of to Vancouver Island to visit my son in August and your photos of Tofino have really inspired me . It was on our list to do but it’s a real priority now. Thanks you
Glad I could help, Karen. Keep in mind, however, that Tofino in August will look very different from the time I was there, which was the off/shoulder season. You’ll see a lot more people during peak summer time but I’m sure it will still be fantastic!
Cannot wait to get back to Tofino, your photos perfectly capture the beauty of the Pacific Rim beaches. My family and I started going camping to Tofino from 1990-2001 until I moved to Australia…I can’t wait to see how it has changed since 2001!
Thank you for the compliment, Jess. More and more people are learning about Tofino so I think one thing you can expect is more people!