How to Pack for Tofino: All-Season Guide

When you’re perched on the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island like Tofino is, the weather rolling in from the open Pacific Ocean is all part of the four-season fun and adventure. Imagine a place where storms are celebrated, rubber boots go with everything, and you just never know how the day will unfold. Moody skies and blustery winds break through to rainforest cloudbursts, then warm breezes and brilliant sunshine—sometimes in the same beach walk! It’s that majestic, unpredictable magic of Mother Nature that makes Tofino a year-round favourite destination for outdoor lovers. As for how to pack for Tofino and be ready for anything, we’re here to help with an All-Season Tofino Packing List—and bonus, Add-On Packing Lists for each season.

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Read on for our tried, tested, and true Tofino packing lists and suggestions, and be sure to check the weather forecast along with our live Cox Bay, Tofino Webcams before you leave. Ok, let’s get packing!

ALL-SEASON TOFINO PACKING LIST

Rubber boots or waterproof walking shoes – Beach walks and tidepools are more fun with dry feet!
Wool socks – They keep you warm, but not too warm, even if you get wet.
Raincoat or windbreaker – If space is limited, remember your Pacific Sands suite has rain slickers you can borrow.
Fleece jacket, hoodie, long-sleeve t-shirts – Be ready for anything with layers you can add or peel off.
Activewear – Pack what you need for any hiking, yoga, biking, or adventure tour plans.
Bathing suit – Yes, cold-plunging is “a thing,” especially if you combine it with a private beachfront, wood-fired Nordic sauna session.
Surf gear – If you’re a seasoned pro, you know what to bring, but if you don’t want to bring your wetsuit and rent gloves, booties, or even a board, our onsite Surf Shack provides rental equipment. Planning surf lessons with Surf Sister? Your surf equipment is included.
Clothes/shoes for heading into town – Think “casual, Pacific Northwest beach town”; no need to dress up here!
Comfy clothes for lounging in your suite – You’ll want to make room for slippers and sweatpants.
Small day pack – An all-around handy thing to have for hikes or heading into town for shopping.
Sunglasses/sunscreen – The sun is spectacularly bright here, especially reflected off the water. As for sunscreen, harmful rays happen year-round in any weather (your skin will thank you).
Refillable water bottle – Tofino was the first in BC to ban single-use plastics, so be sure to pack your water bottle for easy refilling (bring your reusable straws too).
Insulated, portable cup – For keeping cold drinks cold on the beach or coffee warm on your morning beach walk.
Toiletries and personal essentials – Note that your Pacific Sands suite has locally produced Sea Wench Naturals haircare, body soaps and lotions in eco-friendly pumps.
Tech necessities – Yes, we have resort-wide wireless Internet, including access to streaming services on in-suite TVs. Don’t forget your chargers, plugs, etc.
Extra dog supplies – When you book a pet-friendly suite, you can look forward to dog dishes, treats, and pet towels on arrival. There are also convenient dog bags and disposal stations around the Resort. We’ll leave food and the rest to you!

Here are some “nice-to-bring” all-season suggestions if you’re driving or have room to pack:

Basic foods for your kitchen – All Pacific Sands suites have fully-equipped kitchens which are also stocked with coffee, salt/pepper, and kitchen towels. You might want to consider bringing breakfast or dinner items, but you can always stock up in Tofino. We also have basic food provisions in Guest Services.
Bluetooth speaker – To enjoy your favourite playlists in your suite or on the beach.
Headlamp or flashlight – For barbequing at dusk or beach walks after dark.
Beach blanket – Be beach-ready for a spontaneous nap or picnic!
Binoculars – Get a detailed view of what catches your eye from your favourite spot

ADD-ON PACKING LISTS BY SEASON

Now that we’ve covered the all-season basics on what to pack for Tofino, let’s talk add-ons to bring for winter, spring, summer, and fall.

How to Pack for Tofino in the Winter - Pacific Sands, Tofino BC

WINTER ADD-ONS TO PACK FOR: December, January, February + (early) March

As peak Storm Watching season, winter is when you can look forward to catching a jaw-dropping show on the beach, or from the comfort of your suite. Temperatures range from 3 to 9 Celcius, so we suggest packing for warmth and comfort.

See the All-Season Tofino Packing List (at the top), and consider adding:

Weatherproof coat/warm parka
Extra socks
Warm toque/gloves/scarf
Extra sweater
Rain pants

NOTE: Complimentary Winter Resort Services + Amenities

Board games – help yourself in Guest Services
DVD library – choose from a selection of movie classics to watch in your suite
Beach towels – provided in your suite
Beachfront fire-pits – spark up automatically each evening, so grab a seat!
Barbeque stations – conveniently located throughout the Resort

How to Pack for Tofino in the Spring - Pacific Sands, Tofino BC

SPRING ADD-ONS TO PACK FOR: (late) March, April, May + (early) June

The arrival of spring brings even more bucket-list levels of things to do in Tofino. From wilderness tours and whale-watching to hiking or exploring on 2 wheels with our onsite bike rentals, pack for adventure and temperatures between 5 to 15 Celcius.

See the All-Season Tofino Packing List (at the top), and consider adding:

T-shirts
Light puffer jacket
Warm toque/gloves/scarf

NOTE: Complimentary Spring Resort Services + Amenities

Board games – help yourself in Guest Services
DVD library – choose from a selection of movie classics to watch in your suite
Beach towels – provided in your suite
Beachfront fire-pits – spark up automatically each evening, so grab a seat!
Barbeque stations – conveniently located throughout the Resort
Waterfront hammocks – starting May long weekend

How to Pack for Tofino in the Summer- Pacific Sands, Tofino BC

SUMMER ADD-ONS TO PACK FOR: (late) June, July, August + September

Tofino’s legendary, endless summer—which heats up to between 15 and 25 Celcius—is all about unplugging at the beach, and with Cox Bay steps from your doorstep, you don’t have to go far. In fact, Pacific Sands is an adventure hub for surfing, hiking, and exploring your wild side, including experiencing majestic Clayoquot Sound by kayak, paddle board, fishing, or a Hot Springs Cove day tour.

See the All-Season Tofino Packing List (at the top), and consider adding:

Flip flops/sandals
Extra swimsuit
Sun hat
Beach bag
Bug spray

NOTE: Complimentary Summer Resort Services + Amenities

Summer Kid’s Camps – free to kids (aged 6-12) in July and August
Beach yoga – in July and August
Hammocks – complete with waterfront views
Beach games – including volleyball nets
Beach chairs – these go fast, so bring your own if you can?
Beach towels – provided in your suite
Board games – help yourself in Guest Services
DVD library – choose from a selection of movie classics to watch in your suite
Beachfront fire-pits – spark up automatically each evening, so grab a seat!
Barbeque stations – conveniently located throughout the Resort

How to Pack for Tofino in the Fall - Pacific Sands, Tofino BC

FALL ADD-ONS TO PACK FOR: October + November

Fall is when the beach starts to wind down, and waves start to rise on queue for Storm Watching and prime Surf Season, with Queen of the Peak Women’s Surf Championships held right here in Cox Bay—Canada’s #1 surf beach. Temperatures range from 5 to 14 Celcius, so be sure to pack layers so you’re ready for anything!

See the All-Season Tofino Packing List (at the top), and consider adding: