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Top Tofino Experiences
Top Tofino Experiences
Steps from your suite
Explore Tofino Storm Watching Surf Culture Pettinger Point Weddings + Elopements Corporate Retreats Yoga + Retreats Tofino Events

Must-Do Tofino Experiences Start Right Here

Thanks to Mother Nature and one of the most spectacular coastal settings in the world, Tofino is a year-round destination for fun-seeking travellers with a sense of adventure and curiosity. When you stay here at Pacific Sands you don’t have to go far to experience some top Tofino activities. Especially with Cox Bay steps from your suite.

In fact, some of the best things to do in Tofino are right here. Are you ready to try surfing on Canada’s #1 surf beach? Have you ever felt the spray of the sea while watching an awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean winter storm roll in?

How about standing on a rocky point high above pounding waves, looking out to the horizon knowing the next closest land mass is Asia—almost 5,000 kms away. Read on for even more things to do in Tofino when you stay at Pacific Sands. From family activities and free Summer Kid’s Camps to weddings and beachfront events, it all starts right here.

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Your Tofino Adventure

Pacific Sands is your home base for adventure on the edge of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound. Step straight from your suite onto Cox Bay’s waves and trails, then set out to spot whales and bears, wander ancient rainforests, savour local flavours, or soak in hidden hot springs. From handcrafted art and seaside dining to days that drift from beach walks to boat rides, this wild coast invites you to explore at your own pace, then come home to the comfort of Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Explore Tofino

Tofino's Favourite Spectator Sport

Some might say getting caught in a winter storm is unlucky. Talk to a Tofino local or seasoned visiting storm watcher, and you’ll see eyes get wide with anticipation—October through April—when the Pacific Ocean packs an extra-powerful punch. So much so, that Storm Watching is a celebrated attraction. One of the most awe-inspiring things to see in Tofino.

Whether you pull on a Pacific Sands rain slicker and venture out to watch in Cox Bay or enjoy watching fireside from your beachfront or ocean view suite, you’re in for quite a show.

Storm Watching
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Canada's Capital of Surf

With over 35 km of beaches and rugged coastline, year-round surfing is one of the best things to do in Tofino. What’s more, Canada’s #1 surf beach, Cox Bay, spans Pacific Sand’s beachfront, where surfers of all ages and skills enjoy easy access to waves. What’s even easier? Our convenient, onsite Surf Shack offers surfboard rentals and lessons.

Cox Bay also sets the stage for the Canadian Women’s Surf Championships every fall. And if that street—er wave—cred isn’t enough, Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach have been listed as Top 50 surf destinations in the world by CNN. Tofino was also rated one of the best surf towns by Outdoor Magazine.

We love the accolades, but Tofino is actually, quite simply, a humble town that happens to have a legendary surf culture. Whether you ride the waves or watch from the beach, come experience what makes surfing one of the most adrenaline-charged, yet laid-back Tofino activities.

About our surf culture

Moments at Pettinger Point

One of the most unforgettable sights in Tofino, British Columbia, is Pettinger Point. Named after the Pettinger family—the visionary founders of Pacific Sands Beach Resort in 1972—this rugged coastal landmark has been the backdrop for generations of memories. From family reunions and celebrations of life to proposals, weddings, and quiet moments of reflection, Pettinger Point has witnessed it all.

At the north end of the Resort and Cox Bay, guests can follow the Sunset Trail—a whimsical wooden path that winds through towering old-growth forest. Step by step, breathe in the fresh coastal air beneath massive, moss-draped trees, until the trail opens onto grassy seaside flats. To the south lies the pounding surf of Cox Bay; to the north, Rosie Bay and Chesterman Beach; and to the west, nothing but endless Pacific.

Climb the rocky bank to reach the windswept crest of Pettinger Point—a spectacular perch above the crashing waves and one of Tofino’s most iconic sunset views. Standing there at the edge of the world, it’s awe-inspiring to imagine the distant shores beyond—Russia some 4,991 kilometres away, and Japan 7,429.

Sunset Trail Plank Purchase Program

Join the Sunset Trail Plank Purchase Program and leave your mark on Pettinger Point. Help us replace worn planks and keep the boardwalk in great shape.

Buy a personalized cedar plank for $300 + tax, including the engraving of a name or inspirational message. This is a non-profit initiative that simply covers our costs. For us, it’s all about sharing this incredible place with you.

Want to be a part of it? Email us and we will be in touch!

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Say "I Do" Here

With so many breathtaking backdrops, Tofino, BC is a natural choice for destination weddings and events. In fact, weddings and elopements are one of the top Tofino activities!

Pacific Sands offers an ideal setting and selection of spectacular, onsite, Tofino wedding venues. From our Cox Bay location and Rainforest Tent to beachfront and ocean view accommodations, the choice is yours.

To help make planning easy and seamless, queue your Wedding Dream Team: Rare Earth Weddings + Events and the Taste of Tofino catering. Our Guest Services team can also help with bookings for onsite services such as surf lessons, spa services, and bike rentals. Year-round recommendations for more things to do in Tofino is our specialty. Just ask!

Read on for what makes Pacific Sands is a wildly romantic place to say, “I do.”

Weddings + Elopements

Corporate Retreats

Bring your team together where the wild West Coast meets laidback luxury. Our signature gathering spaces are the place for strategy sessions, team-building, and wellness-focused gatherings that feel inspiring, not routine. With flexible spaces, oceanfront suites, and beachfront calm, it’s easy to focus, connect, and unwind while turning big ideas into meaningful breakthroughs just steps from the surf.

Get The Team Together
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Yoga + Retreats

Find your pause where the sand meets the sea. From complimentary summer beach yoga to intimate spring and fall retreats, wellness programs at Pacific Sands invite you to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with nature and self. Join beach yoga sessions, gather for surf and sauna rituals, and experience land-based practices inspired by Tla-o-qui-aht earth wisdom, all on the edge of Cox Bay.

Stretch it out

Tofino Events

From surf competitions and food festivals to seasonal celebrations, Tofino’s events bring this wild coast to life. There’s always something happening here, with the ocean and rainforest setting the scene for moments worth gathering for.

See What's Happening
Oyster Fest - Tofino - Pacific Sands