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The District of Tofino is marking a significant milestone in 2026 by celebrating ten years of participation in the High Ground Hike, while continuing to strengthen community awareness, emergency preparedness, and coastal resilience.

Originally the first community in British Columbia to host a High Ground Hike in 2016, Tofino has continued to work closely with emergency management professionals, researchers, and partner organizations to better understand and prepare for tsunami risks along the west coast of Vancouver Island.

This year’s programming expands beyond Tsunami Preparedness Week (April 12-18, 2026), bringing together academic experts and researchers from around the world who study seismic activity and tsunami behaviour. Through a series of workshops with emergency responders and community leaders, Tofino is contributing to a broader understanding of coastal risk in regions influenced by the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Community Events

Residents of all ages are invited to take part in two events designed to build awareness and strengthen preparedness. Both events are free and open to the public.

Seeing the Science Workshop

Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 1 – 3 PM | Rainforest Room, Long Beach Lodge

This workshop presents an evacuation model that shows how different earthquake and tsunami scenarios could impact Tofino & surrounding areas, drawing on lessons learned from tsunami events around the world and data from last year’s High Ground Hike. The session will be followed by a panel discussion with participating academic experts and researchers, with an opportunity for audience questions.

High Ground Hike & Learning Fair

Friday, April 24, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM | Tofino Community Hall

This event features a simulated evacuation walk to high ground. Volunteers will carry GPS tracking devices to collect data on how people move during an evacuation. The data collected will help support the development of more effective emergency plans for coastal communities like Tofino. Following the hike, there will be an interactive learning fair with local and visiting organizations. Participants will gain practical knowledge of how to respond during an earthquake and tsunami, including recognizing early warning signs.

Building a Prepared Community

Tofino’s ongoing work in emergency preparedness reflects a commitment to ensuring residents, businesses, and visitors are informed and ready to respond when it matters most.

Key information the District is encouraging the community to understand includes:

Types of tsunamis: Local tsunamis, such as those generated by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, may arrive within fifteen to twenty minutes and require immediate action. Distant tsunamis, originating elsewhere along the Pacific Ring of Fire, may allow more time for official warnings and evacuation.

Know your zone: Residents are encouraged to understand whether they live and/or work in a tsunami inundation zone and identify the nearest safe route to high ground.

Tsunami alert levels: Alerts are issued by official sources in stages, reflecting the level of risk and required response. Knowing the difference between these alerts helps individuals make informed decisions and take the appropriate action when needed.

Signing up for notifications: Residents are encouraged to register for Voyent Alert! to receive timely emergency notifications directly to their mobile devices.

Ongoing Preparedness Efforts

The District continues to invest in and strengthen its emergency preparedness systems through:

• Monthly testing of emergency notification systems, including Voyent Alert! and beach warning sirens
• Expansion of public education and awareness initiatives
• Exploration of additional tsunami warning sirens & signage throughout the community
• Evaluation of the feasibility of a future Tsunami Evacuation Tower

Quote

“For a decade, the High Ground Hike has anchored and informed Tofino’s tsunami awareness efforts. This annual event provides both residents and visitors with the practical knowledge and confidence required to respond safely and decisively during a real emergency. The District collaborates with leading academics, researchers, and emergency professionals to continuously refine our coastal preparedness and response strategies. Participating in this hike empowers everyone to practice their designated evacuation routes, engage directly with experts, and ensure their household emergency plans are fully ready.” — Dan Law, Mayor, District of Tofino

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Learn more about tsunami preparedness in Tofino by visiting the Tsunamis page