5 Eco-Beach Adventures in Tofino
By Erin Linn McMullan
With May’s lengthening days and warmer ocean breezes, there is no better place to spend your time than the beach. Whether it’s a quick island getaway or the May long weekend, the life-giving beaches within ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Tribal Parks are abundant with biodiversity, offering a deeper connection with Nature, and a chance to commune with the Pacific. From low tide walks to watersports and cold plunges, bird and whale watching, to stargazing, there are a panoply of ways to enjoy these west coast beaches respectfully. Make your visit to this extraordinary marinescape amidst old-growth rainforest even more meaningful by taking the ʔiisaak Pledge.
Savour these 5 beachy eco-adventures:
- Low tide on ḥiłwinʔis (Middle Beach)
Easily accessible via the high tide trail from tinwis, ḥiłwinʔis (pronounced hilth-win-is) is an incredible place to explore at low tide and learn more about local marine life. The sandspit which forms at low tide provides access to tidal pools and rocky headlands. Look closer amidst those dazzling ochre stars for the tiny northern striped dogwinkle, colourfully shelled snails from the mollusc family, and living fossils like the armour-plated chitons whose design is unchanged over 300 million years. At the far end of the beach, near the trailhead to ƛaakašiis (Tonquin Beach Park), discover a megalopolis barnacle colony and hidden tidal pools atop the rocky promontory.
Check the tide forecast Here and the trail map Here.
- Whale spotting at ƛaakašiis (Tonquin Beach Park)
If you’re lucky, you may spot ihtuup (whale) “ih” meaning “really big” and “tuup” meaning “animal” or “creature” offshore at ƛaakašiis (pronounced tlaa-ka-shiis), “the place where whales stand on the beach”. Whether they’re rubbing their heads on the sand of the steep drop off, spy hopping, or spouting with that percussive exhale, it’s an electric feeling to experience their presence. With its widening creek and white sand beach amidst the rainforest, this beach is a local favourite for relaxing with a picnic. Please practice leave no trace.
Learn more about the whales who call this place home Here.
- Bird watching at t̓iičakḥsaʔa (Grice Bay)
t̓iičakḥsaʔa (pronounced tiich-akh-sa-a) is a peaceful intertidal setting for birdwatching [https://smartbirdid.app/] within the abundant biodiversity of Indigenous co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Witness the aerial maneuvers of tiny Rufous hummingbirds with their 80-beat per second wingbeat and powerful raptors like c̓ixwatin (eagle) and Peregrine Falcons. Listen to songbirds like the Varied Thrush trilling their morning song from the rainforest and watch shorebirds like ʕaanis (Great Blue Heron) fish alongshore.
Learn more about recent bird sightings Here.
- Surfing at č ̓aḥayis (Cox Bay)
The epic waves at č ̓aḥayis are embodied in its name. č ̓aḥayis (pronounced Cha-ha-yis) means “rough landing or big waves landing onto the beach”. This bay has been home to surf competitions from the international O’Neil Coldwater Classic to the Rip Curl Nationals to homegrown Queen of the Peak. Surf legends are made here. In spring through summer, with more manageable waves, it’s still an exciting break for lessons or leveling up your skills.
Check the surf report Here.
- Sunsets and stargazing at tinwis
After your sunset SUP or sauna/plunge session, pull up a lawn chair to a firepit on the dunes in front of Tin Wis Resort and settle in to enjoy the celestial show. Take advantage of the dark sky window mid-May for prime stargazing and meteor watch then marvel at the rare blue moon spreading its light across the ocean waves at month’s end. It’s the perfect setting to practice your astrophotography or simply gaze up at the hiłaayił (sky) in wonder.
Learn more about stargazing in Indigenous BC Here.
Please check for current fire regulations at Tofino.ca.