• Home
  • About
    • About Helen
    • Features & Published Work
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
  • Reflections
  • Food
  • Travel Essentials
  • Photo Gear
  • Copyright

Not Without My Passport

A Travel and Photography Blog

Where Mysteries Lie: The Beaches of Tofino, BC

June 5, 2014 by Helen

211 Shares
Share
Tweet2
Pin209
Reddit
Email
Flip

tofino bc beaches

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.

woman strolls across an isolated beach in tofino bc canada

ocean waves at sunrise in tofino bc

sunrise on long beach in tofino bc

sunrise on long beach in tofino bc canada

And, on North Chesterman Beach next to the Wickaninnish Inn, you’ll find sea creatures abundant at low tide.

north chesterman beach in tofino bc

starfish and mussels on north chesterman beach in tofino bc

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.

surfers on the beach in tofino bc

surfer rides the waves in tofino bc

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…

driftwood on schooner cove beach in tofino

birds on an isolated beach in schooner cove bc

… And for afternoon strolls, like Mackenzie Beach.

woman looks out to the ocean at mackenzie beach

ocean waves

mackenzie beach tofino bc canada

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.

sunrise on cox bay beach in tofino bc

sunrise on cox bay beach tofino bc

man walks his dog on the beach during a spectacular sunset in tofino

silhouette of a woman watching the sunset in tofino

silhouette of three surfers at sunset in tofino canada

a surfer walks across the beach at sunset on cox bay beach tofino

Pin this to Pinterest:

tofino beaches

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.

north chesterman beach in tofino canada

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?

Looking to book accommodations in Tofino? Search Booking.com here (I will earn a modest affiliate commission at no cost to you):

You Might Also Like:

  • 48 Hours in Victoria, BC48 Hours in Victoria, BC
  • Great Canadian Road Trip: Nanaimo to TofinoGreat Canadian Road Trip: Nanaimo to Tofino
  • 10 Things to Do in Vancouver10 Things to Do in Vancouver
  • Wickaninnish Inn: A Rare Eco-Treasure in Tofino, BCWickaninnish Inn: A Rare Eco-Treasure in Tofino, BC
  • Vancouver Island Hiking: Tofino and UclueletVancouver Island Hiking: Tofino and Ucluelet
211 Shares
Share
Tweet2
Pin209
Reddit
Email
Flip

Enjoyed this post? Don't miss the next one!

Sign up to have new posts delivered straight to your inbox plus my FREE, 45-page ebook, Tips to Take Your Mobile Photography From Ordinary to Extraordinary.

Comments

  1. Michael Pinet says

    June 5, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    Lovely photos Helen. Definitely on the Bucket List for me…. Thanks for sharing!

    • Helen Suk says

      June 5, 2014 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks, Michael. I can’t wait to see your photos when you do make it over there! Tofino truly is a photographer’s dream.

  2. Greer Haseman (@GreerHaseman) says

    June 7, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    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”.

    • Helen Suk says

      June 12, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      It definitely is hard to turn away from the ocean in Tofino. Enjoy your second trip there!

  3. jane canapini says

    August 6, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    These shots are stunning, Helen!

    • Helen Suk says

      August 11, 2014 at 11:39 pm

      Thanks a tonne, Jane 🙂

  4. Kristen Bor (Bearfoot Theory) says

    August 12, 2014 at 7:49 pm

    What gorgeous photos! Bet that water is cold!

    • Helen Suk says

      August 15, 2014 at 10:42 am

      Thank you, Kristen. The water was freezing!

  5. Leigh McAdam (@hikebiketravel) says

    August 20, 2014 at 10:19 am

    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.

    • Helen Suk says

      September 25, 2014 at 3:56 pm

      You’re too kind, Leigh 🙂

  6. WanderingCarol says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:27 am

    Yes, you always have amazing photos! I adore Tofino, for me it’s all about the big old trees.

  7. Helen Suk says

    September 25, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    Aw, thanks, Carol.

  8. Asia Photo Adventure (@paul_m_hansen) says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:31 pm

    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.

    • Helen Suk says

      November 17, 2014 at 3:59 am

      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 🙂

  9. Cristina ✈ (@travelingjourno) says

    December 27, 2014 at 3:32 am

    Helen your photos are stunning!! Tofino is one of my favourite places in Canada

    • Helen Suk says

      December 28, 2014 at 11:57 pm

      Thanks, Cristina! It’s one of my favourite Canadian destinations too.

  10. brooke says

    April 26, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    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!

    • Helen Suk says

      May 16, 2015 at 7:14 am

      You won’t be disappointed. 😉

  11. William Yao says

    September 29, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    Thank you Helen! It’s quite exciting! Your photos are really attractive! Many thanks!

    • Helen Suk says

      October 6, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      Thanks, William. 🙂

  12. Karen Bicknell says

    May 9, 2016 at 3:49 am

    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

    • Helen says

      May 11, 2016 at 2:07 pm

      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!

  13. Jess says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:10 am

    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!

    • Helen says

      June 15, 2016 at 10:16 pm

      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!

About Helen

Helen Suk

Travel writer. Photographer. Always curious. I search the world for beauty and inspiration while sharing valuable tips to help you plan your next trip.

Read more »

Let’s Get Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

As Seen On

Reader Favourites

  • japanese cherry blossoms at ryoanji temple in kyoto The Meaning of Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Life, Death and Renewal
  • golden sand on outlet beach at sandbanks provincial park Things to Do in Prince Edward County
  • kennedy lake, nanaimo to tofino, road trip canada Great Canadian Road Trip: Nanaimo to Tofino
  • best bali beaches, padang padang Where are the Dream Beaches in Bali?
  • victoria harbour, victoria bc parliament building, victoria bc 48 Hours in Victoria, BC

Mobile Photography on Instagram

Helen Suk

notwithoutmypassport

During a family visit to North Carolina, we spent During a family visit to North Carolina, we spent an afternoon digging the vibes and art murals in Winston-Salem. The artists here have some serious street cred. 💯

#streetart #winstonsalem #graffitiart #northcarolinaart
It was a perfect day for wine tasting in Niagara-o It was a perfect day for wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake.🍷

#visitniagara #niagaraonthelake #niagaraonthelakewinery #ontariowineries #discoveron
Have you experienced @littlecanada? This exhibit s Have you experienced @littlecanada? This exhibit surpassed all my expectations.

.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#miniatureworld #miniatures #explorecanada #discoveron #enjoycanada #tourcanada #thankyoucanada #canadaday
🌸 It’s one of my favourite times of the year. 🌸 It’s one of my favourite times of the year. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and they’re here in Hamilton. These delicate flowers are rich in symbolism in Asian countries like Japan. Don’t wait to take in their beauty - it won’t last long.
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#cherryblossoms #sakura #hanami #bayfrontpark #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton#TourismHamilton #ExploreHamilton #WhatUpHamilton #HamiltonPhotography #HamiltonPhotographer #discoveron
An artist’s haven. .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #doorsope An artist’s haven.
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#doorsopenhamilton #millworks #millworkscreative #dundasont #dundasontario #dundason #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton#TourismHamilton #ExploreHamilton #WhatUpHamilton #HamiltonPhotography #HamiltonPhotographer #discoveron #explorecanada #enjoycanada
Checked out this cool studio for #DoorsOpenHamilto Checked out this cool studio for #DoorsOpenHamilton. 
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#millworks #millworkscreative #dundasont #dundasontario #dundason #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton #TourismHamilton #ExploreHamilton #WhatUpHamilton #HamiltonPhotography #HamiltonPhotographer #DiscoverON #ontarioforyou
#explorecanada #enjoycanada  #oh_canada_
That time I learned Lake Huron is THIS blue. That time I learned Lake Huron is THIS blue.
Hello, Hess Village. You’re cute. .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Hello, Hess Village. You’re cute.
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#electricdinerhamont #HessVillage #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton #ExploreHamilton #discoverON #explorecanada
SO ELATED that @trueshotcoffeeco has re-opened. Fo SO ELATED that @trueshotcoffeeco has re-opened. Folks: this is where you go for the best coffee in Hamilton! 🙌🏼
Follow Me on Instagram
Booking.com

Search This Site

Copyright © 2025 · Not Without My Passport