Timely Tofino Festivals and Events
A “Tofino getaway” is a very individual thing. Some people like to sleep in, enjoy a seaside brunch, walk the beach, read, nap, and ease into happy hour. Others venture out surfing, then venture into town, take a flight-see trip to Hot Springs Cove, and dine at a new local hotspot. Whether you’re an explorer or more about downtime, take your pick of pre-summer festivals and events and add a cool, cultural spin to your Tofino trip.
Check out the line-up of escape-worthy happenings in May and June:
Tofino Shorebird Festival – May 5 to 7
Did you know that Tofino is one of the best places in western Canada for bird watching? Every year, the Tofino Shorebird Festival celebrates the annual migration of the thousands of shorebirds that stop here to feed and rest as they make their impressive journey from South and Central America northward to their Arctic breeding grounds. More info.
FEAST Tofino – May 5 to 22
This boat-to-table celebration of seafood is so fresh and so sustainable, that the festival is Oceanwise endorsed. Choose from a delicious range of culinary events celebrating our ocean’s bounty, including guest chef dinners, dock festivals and beach shindigs. Get the full scoop on events.
Rip Curl Pro Tofino 2017
Catch the action right here in Cox Bay, when the best of the best compete for $25,000 in cash and prizes during this big-draw Canadian Surfing Championship. All the epic details.
Tofino’s Public Market – May 20 to Oct 7
“Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Gather it” is the motto behind this weekly event, when local artisans, home bakers, market gardeners, and wild food harvesters gather in Tofino’s Village Green, complete with live music. Enjoy Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
Clayoquot Island Preserve Open House – May 20 & 21
Every May long weekend, the folks on Clayoquot Island open up their island to visitors. It’s a unique and special experience to spend an afternoon wandering the beaches, forest boardwalks and the beautiful gardens of this 25-acre jewel. It is only a short boat ride away from Tofino with complimentary shuttles from the First Street dock on Saturday and Sunday.
Tofino Boardwalk Gala – May 26
Tofino Boardwalk is a collection of 20 unique surfboards created by some of our finest artists. The boards are displayed at sponsored locations around Tofino, but now is the time for live auction bidders to snatch one up at this Tofino Arts Council’s Gala event. Go here for surfboard previews, event details and tickets.
Tofino Food and Wine Festival – June 2 to 4
Celebrating 15 years of good times, this much-loved 3-day festival showcases BC’s bounty of food, wine and music. The headline Saturday event Grazing in the Gardens may be sold out, but there are still tickets available for The Cocktail Show and Sunset BBQ at Schooner Restaurant, and The Morning After Bubbles and Brunch at Jamie’s Rainforest Inn. Get tickets while you still can!
Head here for even more unique Tofino adventures.
Upper banner photo: Patricia Goldberg
