Parks & Natural Spaces
Freedom to Roam
Situated at the tip of the Esowista Peninsula on the traditional lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tofino is bordered on the North, East and West by water, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the South. Within the District of Tofino there are numerous parks, trails, beaches and natural spaces for both residents and visitors to explore and enjoy.
We want everyone to enjoy our beaches, and we have guidelines and rules in place to make sure we all beach responsibly.
Explore Safely
Be Coast Smart
The Pacific Rim coastline of BC is a beautiful, wild place to visit and enjoy. It can also be hazardous at times, so it’s essential to know how to stay safe next time you visit the beach or hike a coastal trail.
CoastSmart is a public safety pilot project in the Pacific Rim region of British Columbia. The pilot is led by Parks Canada, the District of Tofino and the District of Ucluelet and was made possible by funding from the Government of Canada. The goals of CoastSmart are to reduce public risk and enhance coastal safety, near-water and in the surf zone.
Know before you go near the water by visiting CoastSmart.
Near the water
- Take time and observe the conditions closely before you step out onto the shoreline.
- Keep an eye on the incoming waves and stay alert.
- Check the daily tidal information.
- Stay in arm’s reach of your children when near the water.
- Stay off drift logs if the tide or swell is high.
In the water
- Stay warmer with a wetsuit.
- Learn surf etiquette and how to navigate the surf zone.
- Stay in shallow water unless you are trained and suited.
- Be alert to the effects of cold water.
- Know how to avoid a rip current, and how to escape one if caught.
Be Bear Smart
Tofino is bear country. It is important to be prepared and report all wildlife encounters to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Be bear smart by:
- Not storing garbage or other organic waste outdoors.
- Putting your garbage and recycling in bear-proof dumpsters and placing curbside only on the morning of pick-up.
- Removing attractants from your property such as birdfeeders, fruit and compost heaps.
- Feeding pets indoors and keeping pets inside at night.
- Keeping your barbecue clean by burning off uncooked food and emptying the grease container.
If you encounter a bear in an urban area - make lots of noise to encourage it to leave.
For more information about being bear safe visit Wildsafe BC.
How to Beach Responsibly
Show you care for the coast by following these simple rules:
Help to preserve the land for all to enjoy by leaving no trace when you visit the beach. Pick up dog waste and properly dispose of all garbage.
Fires directly on the beach are not permitted. Restrictions are now in place providing a compromise that allows beach fires to continue while working to limit the environmental impacts. Elevated wood and propane fires only.
Check current fire prohibitions and regulations here.
Beach Fires:
- Check if there is a fire ban here. No fire ban? Proceed by following the rules below:
- Are only permitted on Mackenzie and Chesterman
- Beaches between 8 AM and 10 PM.
- Must be contained in a Clean Burning or Reduced Smoke Fire Appliance*
- Must not consume beach materials (such as driftwood), garbage, refuse, noxious material, or any other material other than wood.
- Must not be larger than 24 inches in diameter.
What is a Clean Burning or Reduced Smoke Fire Appliance?
A clean burning or reduced smoke fire appliance:
- Uses propane or dry firewood.
- Is raised off the ground.
- Allows air to be introduced either mechanically or through ventilation openings.
On-leash dogs are welcome at all Tofino beaches. Keeping your dog on leash helps to protect the shorebirds that land to rest here on their long migratory path. If the birds are disturbed too often, they will be reluctant to return to these beaches.
Alcohol is not permitted on public property, including Tofino's beaches, at any time.
Due to the proximity to the Tofino Harbour Water Aerodrome and to the Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ), drone use in the District of Tofino is restricted by law.
Fireworks including display fireworks, pyrotechnic special effects fireworks, consumer fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited, except between the hours of 5 PM and midnight on the following days:
January 1, July 1, July 4, October 31, and December 31
View the Firearms and Fireworks Display Regulation Bylaw No. 1219.
Tofino's outdoor public spaces are smoke & vape free. No smoking is permitted within 6 metres of recreation spaces, customer service areas, transit stops or outdoor workplaces. View the Smoking and Vaping Regulation Bylaw No. 1249
There is no free camping in Tofino. Camping in RVs, trailers, cars & tents is not permitted in parking lots, beaches or streets.
The Pacific Ocean is a dangerous place, even in the Summer. Respect ocean etiquette and risks by being CoastSmart.