By Indigenous Tourism British Columbia
Tofino is situated within the haḥuułii of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) and ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) First Nations, two of 14 Nuu-chah-nulth communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Nuu-chah-nulth translates to all along the mountains to the sea, and their haḥuułii stretches over the water, as far out as the mountains are visible.
With a profound and essential connection to the land and sea, Nuu-chah-nulth traditions such as fishing, hunting, gathering, carving, language, singing, and dancing all tell the story of this relationship.
Rain or Shine
In načiqs – Tofino, summer calls you to soak in the calm waters and lush forests, while winter storms showcase the dramatic power of the Pacific. Rain or shine, Tofino beckons. Tofino’s temperate climate makes it a year-round destination. Hiking? Check. Surfing? Double-check. Storm watching? Absolutely. Tofino’s outdoor activities and everchanging ocean scapes suit every mood and energy level..
Catch a Wave
Tofino is a surfer’s northern paradise, drawing wave riders from around the globe. Beginners and pros alike find their rhythm here, whether solo on long sandy beaches or at surf schools eager to help you master the art of the ride.
Prefer a different kind of water adventure? Kayak through the calm inlets of Clayoquot Sound or embark on a scenic boat tour to discover hidden coves, vibrant intertidal life, and hot springs tucked away in a forest at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Storytelling, art galleries, experiences, and guided tours on water and land led by Nuu-chah-nulth hosts offer insight into the local weave of culture, community, and sustainability.
Credit: Destination BC/Jeremy Koreski Hot Springs
Craving a combo of adventure and relaxation? The Tofino Hot Springs Eco-Tour with Ahous Adventures is a must. This 5.5-hour journey through Ahousaht haḥuułii weaves through the waters of Clayoquot Sound, leading to a rainforest trail that ends at natural hot springs.
Here, amidst the steam and the sound of the ocean, Nuu-chah-nulth stories are alive. Shared generously by the tour’s Ahousaht hosts, your chats on the water are not rehearsed performances but authentic exchanges where curiosity is welcomed, and the learning flows both ways.
Meares Island
One area highlight is the iconic Meares Island, just a short boat ride from Tofino and home to the Tla-oh-qui-aht village of Opitsaht. With environmental allies, the Nuu-chah-nulth protected Meares Island from overharvesting in the early 1980s. Now, fans of the forest are welcome to enter the haven to see for themselves a precious place worth protecting.
Step onto the boardwalk, which invites you to slow down and embrace mindfulness. It’s a fitting way to approach the awe-inspiring Tree of Life, a 1,500-year-old cedar whose towering presence humbles and inspires all who visit. Thanks to the Guardians, plans to update the trail are underway to ensure its beauty and accessibility for future generations.
Tribal Parks
Ecological sustainability and cultural integrity are at the heart of the work of Tribal Parks Allies as part of a community of businesses supporting the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s protection and restoration of the Tribal Parks Ancestral Gardens and the resurgence of Tla-o-qui-aht culture and governance.
The Tribal Parks Guardians are succeeding in their ultimate goal–to get more Nuu-chah-nulth People out to enjoy and care for their haḥuułii.
The Guardians do the work of their ancestors, with present-day environmental monitoring and restoration, stream keeping, trail building and maintenance, backroad, beach, and marine cleanup. It is a big area and a lot of work, but nothing is worth more to the Nuu-chah-Nulth.
“We have such vast territory–halfway to Port Alberni. It’s a daunting task when you look at it from a topographical view, but we still need to take care of it and be stewards. We’ve definitely come a long way.
There were only two guardians to start, and I was lucky enough to be one of them. Now it has expanded to an entity where it’s not just Tribal Parks Guardians, it’s Tribal Parks Allies, getting businesses that support our program with a 1% fee.”
–Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardian
Meares Island | Destination BC/Jeremy Koreski Roy Henry Vickers Gallery If you love the ocean and all life in it–there is nowhere better than Tofino to visit. The oceanside town is full of people, organizations, and businesses working together as part of Tribal Parks Allies to protect the beauty of the ancestral gardens in collaboration with Tribal Parks Guardians.
Make Memories
The closest word the Tla-o-qui-aht have to welcome is ƛayaaḥuɁał (Tla-yaa-huu-alth), a greeting that means so much more than welcome. It is an invitation with an expectation that you will carry yourself with dignity, honour, humility, and respect–and take these values home with you.
Begin Your Journey:
Reaching Tofino is an adventure in itself. The town is accessible via a scenic drive from Nanaimo or Victoria, with ferry rides adding to the journey’s charm. Flights are available from Vancouver to Tofino’s small airport for those seeking a quicker route. Once there, various accommodations, from cozy inns to luxurious resorts, cater to diverse preferences.
Łaayaksiinḥ iʔin:
Consider donating some time to help with beach cleanup or support the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Allies program by shopping, staying, and eating at the local Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses that contribute 1% to the long-term protection of the Ancestral Gardens.
As a visitor, you are invited to practice the Nuu-chah-nulth principle of Łaayaksiinḥ iʔin(Thlaa-yak-siin-hi-in)–Let us be generous and helpful: There is no end to the work of building community.
Learn more about the Tla-oh-qui-aht Tribal Parks, the work of the Guardians, and the local eateries, hotels, shops, and services who support the care of the place they call home–the ancestral gardens of Tla-o-qui-aht.
Ahous Adventures Beach at Tin Wis in Tofino 
