On the water
Surf
Tofino is the best surf town in North America, and it breaks nearly every day of the year.
On the water
Tofino is the best surf town in North America, and it breaks nearly every day of the year.
The big-day beach break, consistent and powerful. Where the shortboards come out when a real swell shows up.
Gentler in summer, the schools' home break. The tombolo to Frank Island appears at low tide.
16 km of open Pacific sand, room for everyone. Pick a peak and paddle out.
Surf schools take beginners at the north end of Chesterman, where the whitewater is forgiving and the sand is soft. Board and wetsuit rental is easy to find in town, no need to bring your own. The water runs 8 to 15 degrees C year round, so a 4/3 wetsuit, boots and often a hood are standard, even in August.
By November the winter storm season sets in and usually lasts until February or March. Locals and visitors turn up every year to watch 3 to 6 metre seas hurl themselves at the shore. Gale force winds up to 70 km/h throw massive waves against Chestermans Beach, Frank Island, Long Beach and the Amphitrite Lighthouse in Ucluelet.
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