Town in British Columbia, Canada
Tofino
Remote surf town on Vancouver Island's wild coast with rainforest trails, storm watching and hot springs. Rooms and meals are pricey, and it is a long drive or flight from anywhere.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$3,090–4,210Comfortable, one person · C$4,400–6,000Details
- Value for money22/100Better value than 21% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–Sep, Nov–DecWarmest: Aug, 18°CDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTofino's water is treated and safe but boil-water advisories occur after storms.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$105–197Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTofino BusWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and tap to pay work in town.Details
Where to stay in Tofino
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tofino town | Walk to restaurants, surf shops and the harbour |
| Cox Bay–Chesterman Beach | Beach lodges, surf schools and quiet sand |
| Ucluelet (40 min) | Cheaper rooms, coastal trails and local cafés |
Apps that work in Tofino
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: No ride apps in Tofino. Local taxis exist but are limited; book ahead for airport and evenings or rent a car.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and tap to pay work in town. Carry small cash for tips, parking meters and some surf shacks.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.