Locals in Tofino are anticipating a hot summer, and I don’t just mean temperature-wise. The surf town was highlighted by Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook report, which reveals a 35% increase in searches for Tofino, reflecting Canadians’ desire to travel domestically this summer. In fact, Tofino topped Expedia’s list of trending domestic destinations, so we’ve put together the ultimate travel guide.
Where to Eat in Tofino
The dining room at The Pointe Restaurant is modelled after the old family cottage that can still be seen out on the rocks. Executive Chef Clayton Fontaine has been at the helm since 2023. He and his team create items for a menu that is ever-changing so that guests at the Wickaninnish don’t tire of the options. For those looking for fine dining, The Pointe is an excellent choice for breakfast or dinner. The atmosphere is beautiful, the service is impeccable, and you can walk along Chesterman Beach afterwards.
Shelter is a beloved Tofino institution that found a new home following a fire, much to the joy of locals. Now, they have waterfront views and a spacious patio. Their cafe, which is tucked in the back, is open daily for breakfast. Then, Shelter serves lunch and dinner that showcase fresh, local ingredients. Their Sakamoto Tuna Tataki is light and refreshing, and the chimichurri they toss their Saltspring Island mussels in is unforgettable.
Old, New, and Maybe Closing
Eat at Jeju while you still can because this beloved Korean restaurant is for sale. That said, the team, which consists primarily of Chef Dylan Kim and his mom Julie, don’t have any hard plans yet. For now, you can still visit Jeju and indulge in the incredible galbi, which comes with all of the essential sides like kimchi and jangajji. If you’re looking for a lighter bite than the 35 day aged beef short ribs, Jeju serves complex and flavourful raw seafood dishes and Korean classics like Bibimbap, Japchae, and Mandu.
Since 2014, Wolf in the Fog has been serving some of Tofino’s best cocktails and seasonal fare. Their Cedar Sour is rightfully enshrined in the Archived Classics section of the “wolf-tail” menu. When it comes to food, there are two likewise archived dishes that have remained on the menu since opening: the Potato Crusted Oysters and the Tofino Seaweed Salad. Both are a must. The rest of the menu changes frequently, sometimes even from day to day, depending on what “lovingly-harvested” ingredients are available.
The Wolf in Fog has a new baby sister. So named in honour of Tofino’s impressive sunsets, Ombré has taken over the old SoBo space and is serving a coastal Mediterranean dinner menu as well as brunch. Their flavours are bright and fresh — think house-made pickles, acid-packed salads, and delectable handmade pasta. A standout is their Madeleine & Foie Parfait starter that looks like dessert, but tastes rich, salty, and savoury.
Tofino Food Trucks and Sweet Treats
Now, Tacofino is a long burning star of the Tofino food scene. They are so popular that wait times for the food truck can exceed two hours in the summer, which is why they’ve acquired property for a brick and mortar space in Tofino. However, development in the small surf town can take time, so don’t bank on that location taking the pressure off the original food truck for this coming season. If you don’t mind the wait, Tacofino’s burritos and tacos are tasty.
Toki Doki is a newer Tofino food truck serving up affordable and delicious Japanese street food from the patio of Tofino Brewing Company. While their speciality is Okonomiyaki (try their loaded Spicy Seafood one with prawns and Humboldt squid), their Zangi Fried Chicken is crisp, juicy, and tastes even better tossed in chilli sauce. The Staff Meal changes daily and is specifically priced low at just $8. Today’s is a Mushroom and Garlic Fried Rice.
Whether you’re craving a hot chocolate at the height of storm season or looking to cool off with a summertime scoop or two of gelato, Chocolate Tofino is the sweet spot. The owners loved Tofino so much that they decided to buy the business and move from Saskatchewan. They fell in love not only with the landscape, but the community. Now, they get to share their handcrafted treats with locals and visitors alike.
Where to Stay
For beachfront proximity, outdoor dining, and private hot tubs, stay at Pacific Sands Beach Resort. Get funky and have family fun at the rainbow and retro Hotel Zed. Or, enjoy the ultimate in rugged luxury with unparalleled hospitality at the Wickaninnish Inn.
