Special Events Permits

A special event permit is required if your event will be held on or require the use of District property. District property includes beaches, public parking lots, parks, walkways, roads or pedestrian areas. To begin the process please fill out the Special Event Application.

The District of Tofino aims to strike a balance between the desire to host memorable events and the expectation of residents and other visitors that the beaches will largely be free of privatized endeavours such as wedding receptions and private parties.

Ceremonies on public beaches are welcome, but please keep in mind the following:

• Public access cannot be restricted.
• No structures or large equipment may be erected without approval by Council.
• Alcohol is not permitted on public property, including Tofino's beaches,  at any time.
• All users of public property are encouraged to leave the space better than they found it.  All items such as small PAs, chairs, arbors, etc. should be set up and removed as close to the ceremony as possible to minimize the disruption of public space.
• Additional restrictions may apply.

A damage deposit from the event organizer is required once a special event permit has been approved by Council.  The damage deposit amount is based on the number of participants expected to attend (as shown below) and will be refunded after a site audit has been completed.

Fewer than 25 participants & attendees: $100

25-75 participants & attendees: $150

75 - 150 participants & attendees: $500

More than 150 participants & attendees: $1,000

A Special Event Permit (SEP) from the Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch is required if you wish to serve, sell and consume alcohol at your event.

Find out more information at Provincial Liquor Special Event Permit. Approval by District of Tofino Council is also required.

Alcohol is not permitted on public beaches at any time.

A temporary food service permit from Island Health is required if you wish to serve food at your event. For more information about temporary food service and to apply for a temporary food service permit visit Island Health Food Safety.

Council must approve the sale of food on public property. You will be required to indicate your intention to sell food at your event when you complete the special events permit application.

The District of Tofino requires a copy of your Temporary Food Service Permit 14 days before the event.

Council must approve the sale of merchandise on public property. You will be required to indicate your intention to sell merchandise at your event when you complete your special events permit application.

Please contact Fire Chief Mark McKeough by email or call 250-725-3365 for more information.

A traffic management plan is required if your event will divert traffic or impact road safety. Your traffic management plan must consider the safe and effective movement of event participants, volunteers, and vendors.  It must also demonstrate how interference with normal traffic movement will be minimized. You are encouraged to consult with the Tofino RCMP and local emergency agencies if your event will impacting normal traffic flow.

When your event takes place along a provincial highway, you will need to obtain a permit from the local Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure at least 30 days before the date of the event.

The District of Tofino requires a copy of your event traffic management and route plan and/or highways permit 30 days before the event.

Are you having your event at the beach? The District of Tofino has traffic management best practices that events will be required to implement.