Tofino Surfing Guide: Seasons and Beaches

Tofino Surfing Guide: Seasons and Beaches
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Tofino Surfing Guide: Seasons and Beaches

As Canada’s Surf Capital, Tofino BC is renowned for its year-round surf appeal, many sandy surfable beaches, and world-class waves. Whether you’re an enthusiastic new rider, a seasoned surfer or a happy spectator, Tofino is where you want to be for a surf culture that’s so relaxed, wet suits and rubber boots go with everything. Learn about Tofino’s unique seasons and beaches in our Tofino Surfing Guide.
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Tofino Surfing Seasons

First up, let’s talk seasons. As the water temperature remains cool and consistent throughout the year (10C/50F), what differentiates the surf seasons in Tofino is the size of the swell.

Spring (March – May)
As the west coast weather starts to warm up in March, Tofino still gets some residual, larger swells out of the Northwest from the subsiding winter storms. Some spring seasons deliver the bonus of sought-after southern swells towards the end of April and beginning of May. These systems originate from the southern hemisphere, working their way up past Mexico and the Western states, which is great news for everyone from California to Vancouver Island. But typically by May, the wave size starts to die down—perfect for intermediate and new surfers wanting to get some experience before the busy summer season.

Tofino Surfing Guide - Spring, Summer Seasons and Beaches - Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino, BC

Summer (June – August)
A beginner surfer’s dream, the summer months are all about sunshine, smaller waves, and ideal conditions for first-timers wanting to take lessons and learn to ride. The summer months usually produce gentle rollers and small to mid-sized wind swells from the west/northwest, with a nice combination of long period groundswell from the south. Although be aware that larger southern swells are always a possibility. Some summer downsides are northwest winds, which consistently howl from noon to sunset, however, this is a non-issue for early risers who get their surfs in before the wind picks up. Crowds also arrive with the nice weather, so line-ups can be a bit busier this time of year, but fear not, it’s still not crowded by international standards.

Tofino Surfing Guide - Seasons and Beaches - visit Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino, BC

Fall (September – November)
Sssssh! As Tofino locals will attest, the fall season is “Surf Season” and the best time of the year to ride the waves! Thanks to the summer sun, the water is the warmest it will be all year, winds switch to offshore (southeast) for perfectly groomed shape, and the beaches start to get less crowded and peaceful. The best part—especially for those who have been patiently waiting for big waves—is the first large swells of the season start to arrive in October, bringing frothy 10+ foot swells. Surf events also line up in the fall, including Queen of the Peak and the Women’s Canadian Surf Championships, held right here in Cox Bay.

Tofino Surfing Guide - Fall, Winter Seasons and Beaches - Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino, BC

Winter (December – March)
Winter is when Mother Nature puts on a show of awe-inspiring power, with wild and raw storms often creating 20 to 30 foot waves. Huge systems from the northwest sweep across the Pacific Ocean on their way down from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska, pounding into Vancouver Island. Winds are still offshore from the southeast grooming the waves to perfection. Seasoned surfers braving the cold waters and stronger winds are rewarded with uncrowded line-ups, epic conditions, and challenge. While this time of the year is not the best for new or beginner surfers, there is always a sheltered beach with smaller waves for those looking to learn. And on days when the waves are too big and unruly to surf, Tofino’s favourite spectator sport of storm watching is a celebrated attraction.

Tofino Surfing Guide - Pacific Sands, Tofino, BC

Tofino Surfing Beaches

With 35 kilometres/22 miles of sandy, surf-able beaches, it’s no wonder Tofino has earned Canada’s Surf Capital status. Here are the top four surf beaches:

Cox Bay

Located steps from Pacific Sands—and named the #1 Surf Beach in Canada—Cox Bay is the largest in the area, capturing swells from anything coming out of the west, and ideal winds out of the southeast. Cox Bay delivers year-round waves of all sizes, and offers awesome storm watching in the winter when waves are maxed and too washed-out to surf. In the summer months, this beach will be where you find the majority of surfers.

Tofino Surfing Guide - Cox Bay, Tofino, BC

It is broken into three main spots: the “Corner” on the right-hand side (if looking out to the ocean), the “Middle,” and the left-hand side known as “Lando’s.” Most surfers ride the Middle, catching the shifting peaks that work on all tides. Northwest swells will have Lando’s working with long lefts that peel down the beach towards the Middle. Southern swells—when angled properly—will hit the Corner just right, providing a nice right wedge that on occasion can be one of the most high-performance waves in Tofino. That said, the Corner should be left to the pros and more advanced surfers who frequent this surf spot, as it comes with a very hazardous and strong rip current out to sea.

Check out the latest Cox Bay conditions on our Tofino Webcams. Need surf rentals or lessons? Our onsite Surf Shack offers surfboard rentals and lessons for all ages and abilities with Surf Sister Surf School.

North Chesterman

When Cox Bay is too big, the general rule of thumb is North Chesterman is the next beach to check. It is a bit more sheltered than Cox Bay, so waves are naturally a few feet smaller. The preferred wind is still east or southeast.

Tofino Surfing Guide - Chesterman Beach, Tofino, BC

North Chesterman is a very seasonal beach in that summer waves are essentially flat, while winter delivers reliable swells and it becomes one of the main spots to surf consistently. Being a steeper beach, it can also offer more vertical and shapely waves, with potential for more hollow waves during the winter when the conditions are right.

Mackenzie Beach

While surf-able, the break on Mackenzie Beach will only work a handful of times during the winter months. Meaning when big systems blow into Tofino, this beach can deliver a spectacular fall-back plan.

Surf Mackenzie Beach, Tofino BC - Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Basically, when Cox Bay and North Chesterman are too big, Mackenzie Beach is the next spot to check as it is very sheltered compared to the other main surf spots.

Long Beach

Located about 20 minutes south Tofino in Pacific Rim National Park, Long Beach is legendary. It’s where Tofino’s surf culture started to emerge when surfers were drawn to its lively, beach-dwelling scene and dramatic coastline. By 1968, a small surf school began operations on Long Beach, and by 1971, the less nail-biting, newly paved Pacific Rim Highway 4 to Tofino attracted a wave of newcomers. The word was out, and by the mid-70s, Tofino was on the map as a year-round, virtually untouched surfer’s playground.

Tofino Surfing Guide - Long Beach - Tofino, BC

Although it is called “Long Beach,” it is actually a series of stretches of beach, with the main spot being called “Incinerator Rock.”* Long Beach is a very popular spot during the summer months, as it captures south swells nicely and offers shelter from the typical onshore northwest winds. During the winter, it can be a trickier spot to surf, with mixed swells offering messy conditions.

* Note of caution: there are many strong rip currents surrounding Incinerator Rock.

Getting Here

Be sure to check out our travel resources and directions. Whether you take the ferry from the Vancouver Lower Mainland and drive to Tofino or fly on the airlines offering Tofino flight services, the journey is part of the adventure.

From the stunning Georgia Straight and majestic mountain passes to ancient forests and pristine lakes, check out these Top Stops Along the Way. Next, wondering how to pack for Tofino? Here’s an all-season packing guide to help you pack smart and prepare for awesome.