By Erin Linn McMullan

Naʔaatah

Listen carefully with your whole being.

Listen carefully with your whole being to the ones who are quietly speaking. We need to listen and observe the plants, animals, forest, ocean, sky, and heavens—that reality which is the source of life. 

—Interpretive sign on the trail to ƛaakašiis (Tonquin Beach Park)

Beyond adventure or the chance to test your physical limits, hiking and biking the west coast is a living meditation – an opportunity to connect with these lands and waters stewarded by Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples since time immemorial. Breathe in that heady mix of salt-scented air and sweet ḥumiis (cedar) as you hike amongst the ancient giants of the rainforest, feel the sand beneath your feet as forest opens up onto endless beach, witness the magnificence of the Pacific as you walk towards thundering waves or whoosh by on your bike across the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii catching tantalizing glimpses of sun breaking through morning mist and sparkling on the surf. 

Be sure to bring your sense of wonder and respect as you get to know this incredible place through its protected marinescape, stories, and place names. Visit the interactive map to learn more.

Hikes for every pace

Discover the perfect hike to match your pace whether you want to meander for a few hours or challenge yourself with a bucket-list hike.

Beach and rainforest strolls

Tonquin Trail

Start from Tin̓uwis in front of Tin Wis Resort to explore the beach at low tide then take the high tide trail to connect with the Tonquin Trail (4.5 kms return) at the far end of Ḥiłwinʔis (Middle Beach). Meander through leafy rainforest and stunning oceanfront overlooks before reaching sheltered Tonquin Beach then take the boardwalk and weathered wooden stairs to access downtown Načiks (Tofino).

Over 22 kms of beaches and 12 kms of trails

In the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve you can explore two different rainforest trails (A and B, 1-km loops), the Shorepine Bog trail (800 m loop) or choose from a series of beaches over 22 kms for a seaside stroll. Time it with low tide to stitch together three beaches into one epic hike walking all the way from Yaaqsis (Long Beach) through Green Point to Cicʔiiʔis (Combers Beach) and cross the mouth of Sandhill Creek (gumboots recommended) to Wickaninnish. Pay attention offshore where you may observe Ḿaaʔak (Pacific Grey Whales) and Yayačam (Humpbacks) returning up the coast during spring migration.

Bucket-list hikes

Free apps like AllTrails can help you navigate breathtaking hikes for a few hours to the lookout over Č ̓aḥayis (Cox Bay) or a day-hike like the Lone Cone Challenge which climbs from sea level to the 742-metre summit overlooking Clayoquot Sound. Open year-round, the trailhead to the Cox Bay lookout (3.1 kms return, unmarked trail, muddy in spring) is at the far end of Cox Bay Beach within the periphery of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. In April, Lone Cone (6.6 kms return, pink flagging tape) is newly reopened for the season (April–October) and accessible via a 12-minute water taxi ride with Ahous Adventures with spring drop-off at 9 a.m. and group pickup at 3 p.m. Suitable for experienced hikers, this steep climb immerses you in old-growth rainforest where General Manager Brent Baker points out, suddenly you’ll look up to discover a tree that would take 10 people to link arms around. Wear sturdy shoes, all-weather gear, and pack a picnic to savour that 360-degree view. The use of trekking poles can be a real advantage with the challenging terrain and there are also a few pairs available for rent at the Ahous Adventures office.

Self-guided biking and guided cultural tours

In April, T̓iick̓in (T-Bird) Ebikes reopens onsite at Tin Wis Resort. Both Ebike and regular bike (adults and youth 8-15) rentals are available along with accessories to include a second rider on a Trail-a-bike or a child in a WeeGo trailer. The local MUP (multi-use path) is easily accessible via the crosswalk at Hellesen Road. Turn left to head downtown or right to connect with the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii then park and explore beaches and trails within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

With quick scenic stops, the 70-km return trip to the Junction takes roughly an hour and a half each way (half-day rental) or for a more ambitious 88-km return trek (full-day rental), T̓iick̓in owner Gordon Taylor shares a favourite destination on the Ucluelet side—the Willowbrae Trail. Lock up at the trailhead to hike in and explore secluded beaches South Florencia (Flo) Bay (1.3 kms) or Halfmoon Bay (1.8 kms). Beach descents via wooden staircase offer stunning views. Plan on a pitstop at Junction food trucks like Ukee Poke to refuel for the ride home.

Starting in May through September, you can book a 4-hour guided cultural tour (minimum 6, maximum 10 people) departing from Tin Wis to visit Long Beach. Employing local guides Hayden Seitcher (Tla-o-qui-aht) and Bryson George (Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ), T̓iick̓in’s eco-cultural adventure offers insight into this incredible place through an Indigenous lens.

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Offers and Promotions

Best Western Rewards members Book Online

During Storm Season (October 1, 2024–May 1, 2025), Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground offers long-term (off-season) monthly rates for RV Sites and Cabins. For more information Visit Here: and to Book, email: manager@tsawaakrvresort.ca

Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive 15% off a session at the newest location of Tuff City Saunas onsite. Book Online using the discount code and present your Tin Wis Bonus Card.

Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground enjoy a 10% discount for online bookings at Tofino Paddle Surf onsite year-round. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Book Here. Learn to surf or shred to the next level with customizable 3-day surf camps for all skills and all ages. Three days of lessons with your own private instructor. All gear up to 6 people. $750. Taxes not included. Add additional surf lessons $275 per lesson. Additional participants $100 per person. Available February 17–June 15, 2025. Blackout dates may apply. For the exclusive discount contact Tofino Paddle Surf: info@tofinopaddlesurf.com or 250-244-6399.

Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive a 10% discount with their discount code on TBird Ebikes’ rentals now reopened onsite as of April 1st. Watch for details about guided cultural tours coming in May. Book Here.

Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive 10% off when booking with Ahous Adventures through our guest services agents. Ahous Adventures is located downtown at 368 Main Street, Unit 313. 

Let Tofino Browns Socialhouse fuel your adventure. Power up with a buffet breakfast (7–10 a.m.), then order food to go or make reservations for lunch or dinner via our online portal Here. Unwind at day’s end with take-out pizza and beverage (6 pack of beer or social wine) for $39.99. Starting April 7^th, join us for open mic on the patio Mondays from 6:30–10:30 p.m. Social Hour all day.  

Plan ahead for next summer’s Tofino Wine & Dine 2025 (June 7-8) by purchasing your weekend showpass Here.