Surf, storms and ancient rainforest
Tofino sits at the end of the road on Vancouver Island's Pacific coast, next to the Long Beach section of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Long sandy beaches draw surfers all year, and in winter people come to watch huge storms roll in off the ocean. Old-growth cedar rainforest grows right down to the shore, and boat trips head out to Clayoquot Sound's inlets and hot springs, and to spot grey whales, bears and sea otters. The town is small and relaxed, with good seafood.