3 Day Adventure Itinerary
DAY ONE: Arrive, Breathe in, Settle Down
MORNING — A WALK TO CLEAR YOUR HEAD
Welcome to Mackenzie Beach Resort! You’re on island time now, leave all the daily stresses of life behind and relax. First things first, head straight to the beach for a peaceful morning walk along the shoreline — let the salt air do its thing. The smell of the ocean and cool, coastal breeze are sure to start your morning off right. After your stroll along the beach, make your way into town and stop by Rhino Coffee for a great coffee and nutritious breakfast before the day opens up.
AFTERNOON — COX BAY & THE LOOKOUT TRAIL
In the afternoon, take a trip down to Cox Bay and hike the Lookout Trail. One of the most popular trails in Tofino, it’s a moderate difficulty hike in the world-famous Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. After a 1.5 hour hike you will be treated to a breathtaking view of Cox Bay and the Esowista peninsula. Make sure to pack some snacks and wear comfortable hiking shoes!
EVENING — DECK, BBQ & CEDAR HOT TUB
Head back to your Airstream or Surf Bungalow and kick back on the private deck. Spend some time with your significant other, or with friends, under the ambient lighting of overhead string lights. Fire up the BBQ for dinner and finish off the night with a long soak in your private cedar hot tub to wind down. The perfect welcome to Tofino.
DAY TWO: CATCH WAVES, EAT WELL, STAY EASY
MORNING — INTO THE WAVES
Wake up and get ready to get out on the water. Pack your equipment and head down to Chesterman Beach or Cox Bay, both of these locations have great break for all levels of surfer. Pick up a rental or join a lesson through any of the surf shops in town. Just a note, all Mackenzie Beach Resort guests get 10% off at Tofino Paddle Surf! Regardless where you go, you can trust that all the instructors here are all excellent with beginners.
AFTERNOON — EXPLORE THE CULINARY SCENE
After a morning in the waves, take a break for lunch and explore the culinary scene in Tofino (it’s worth exploring, trust us). Start off at TacoFino, a local company that started in Tofino in 2009 and has since opened many locations across the Lower Mainland. Known for having the best burritos and tacos in town — TacoFino delivers every time. After a some delicious latin food, move over to the Tofino Brewing Co. and treat yourself to a well-earned pint of award winning beers. Then spend the rest of the afternoon at your pace — the beach, the resort deck, or just a long nap; don’t forget, you're on island time.
EVENING — LOCAL FAVOURITES IN TOWN
For dinner, either stay in and cook in your full kitchen or on your deck BBQ, or take your pick from some of Tofino’s best:
Ombré — elevated and relaxed atmosphere, with shared plates centring around seasonal, coastal inspired food, made with local ingredients.
Shelter — comfort food with a West Coast twist, located right on the waterfront, a true staple of Tofino’s dining scene.
Wolf in the Fog — sister restaurant to Ombré and showcasing local seafood and foraged ingredients, it was named Canada’s Best New Restaurant in 2014.
DAY THREE: CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
OPTION A — GO BIG
Book a Hot Springs Cove boat tour through Jamie’s Whaling Station — the scenery, wildlife (grey whales, sea otters, bears, eagles), and natural hot spring pools make it an unforgettable day. Alternatively, opt for a dedicated whale watching or bear watching tour, or drive into Pacific Rim National Park for a long walk along the stunning expanse of Long Beach.
OPTION B — SLOW MORNING & EXPLORE
For your last day, take it easy by sleeping in, make coffee in bed, then take the Tonquin Trail, either by foot or bike, an easy and short trail past some sheltered and peaceful beaches and through the forest that brings you into downtown Tofino. Then, at your own pace, explore the wide selection of galleries and local shops hosting artisan crafts and local products.
EVENING — SUNSET AT TINWIS & ONE LAST SOAK
However you spent the day, end it the same way: catch the sunset from Tinwis Beach, just steps from the resort, then settle into your hot tub one final time. This is what you came for.
