Help us make your experience safe and smooth.

• Book rentals and lessons online.
• Have everyone sign an online waiver before arrival.
• If a wetsuit is required, let us know everyone’s sizing with your online booking.
• Wear your bathing suit.
• There are no public bathrooms onsite, but at within a 3 minute walk there is a public beach toilet and sink.
• Read the confirmation email carefully and for more info, content below.
• Watch the appropriate videos for your activity here on our You Tube Channel.
• Return the gear as sand free as possible.
• Smile, breathe, enjoy the beach and be patient with us as we try and keep everyone safe.

General:

• We ask you to stay at home if you feel unwell or have an unusually high temperature (we will refund you). We will do the same.  We’ve moved down to the beach! Please park in the Tin Wis Best Western parking lot and follow the flags down towards the beach. You can’t miss us!
  Our You Tube Channel, Facebook page and your confirmation email also have videos to explain how- to’s and safety.
• Participation requirements:
  We ask you to stay at home if you feel unwell or have an unusually high temperature. We will do the same.
  You should be physically capable enough to handle their own surfboards without assistance. You must have basic swim skills.
• Lesson Check-in/Waivers/Payment:
  We strongly recommend online bookings and payment for both rentals and lessons. Waivers need to be signed online or emailed to prior to arrival, if the booking was done over the phone or email. 
• In the event where this is not possible, you can still book and sign the waiver once you arrive at the shop. Every participant must sign a waiver.

We are closely monitoring developments of COVID-19 and following recommendations from our local health departments and experts at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk in Canada as low, however we take these measures very seriously and continue to communicate awareness and training procedures with our team to reinforce our sanitization, social distancing and safety procedures.

COVID-19 is spread through large liquid droplets when a person infected with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes. The virus in these droplets can enter through the eyes, nose or mouth of another person if they are in close contact with the person who coughed or sneezed. COVID-19 is not transmitted through particles in the air and is not something that can enter the body through the skin. 

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and the common cold. These symptoms include cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing. People infected with COVID-19 may experience little or no symptoms, with illness ranging from mild to severe. 

People who are contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case, meaning they have been or could have been exposed to the virus, but do not have symptoms, are required to self-isolate. Self-isolation means staying home and avoiding situations where you could come in contact with others. Isolated individuals may NOT use any common areas or implements, including ice or pop machines, shared laundry facilities. 

Practice cough etiquette by coughing into your elbow or covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze. Immediately dispose of used tissues and wash your hands. 

At all times you must maintain a physical distance of two metres from others. 

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Do not share food, drinks, utensils, cigarettes, vaping devices, joints or bongs.

Symptoms of COVID-19:
Employees and others showing symptoms of COVID-19 are prohibited from the workplace. This includes anyone who has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 10 days. Symptoms include fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and new muscle aches or headache, anyone directed by Public Health to self-isolate. Anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada or who has had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

RESOURCES:
For further information on preventing the transmission of COVID-19 please visit BC Centre for Disease Control 
To learn more about COVID-19, symptoms, how it spreads and prevention, please visit HealthLink BC 

LINK TO CURRENT COVID-19  TOFINO TRAVEL INFO

Travelling to Tofino During COVID-19 

In the coming weeks, as recommendations to avoid non-essential travel ease, the community of Tofino is looking forward to welcoming you back to this place of natural wonder and awe. 

We want you to know that we are committed to making sure your visit is a safe and healthy one – for you, our staff, and our residents. To that end, we are following all provincial and WorkSafeBC health and safety regulations. 

Please understand that the current COVID-19 threat remains fluid, with government regulations and health guidelines changing rapidly. We monitor provincial health updates closely to ensure both our visitors and residents remain safe. 

Tips to preparing for your visit:

Feel confident about your health

Your safety is our priority. We want our visitors to be confident that we’ve done our part to keep you safe and healthy during your stay. Our businesses have implemented rigorous sanitation, hygiene, and physical distancing practices in accordance with provincial and WorkSafeBC standards. 

We thank you in advance for your patience 

No one enjoys waiting. Unfortunately, our new health and safety practices will likely result in line-ups and slower service times than we’d like. We ask for your patience as we work hard to keep things moving as quickly as possible, while providing a safe and healthy experience for all our visitors.

Physical distancing 

It’s easy to stay 2m (6ft) apart on our expansive beaches but in other places, it’s a little more difficult. Please be respectful of others and use your best judgement to maintain distancing. On trails and sidewalks, walk single file and step to the right to allow others to pass safely.

Please: stay home if you’re sick

Limited health care facilities exist in Tofino.  Before you travel please take stock of your health. If you or anyone traveling with you has been sick in the previous week, or currently has flu-like symptoms, we ask you to reschedule your trip. We’ll be here to welcome you when you’re feeling better.

Reserve your accommodation 

Make sure to book your accommodation before your stay. Not all hotels, campgrounds, and lodging providers will be open to full capacity or accepting walk-ins.  

Bring your own PPE 

Both federal and provincial health officers now recommend the wearing of masks when physical distancing is difficult and continue to recommend frequent hand washing or sanitizing.

What’s Open

Businesses are opening daily, some with modifications.   Check here for a current list of openings.

Book your activities in advance

Our activity providers have adapted to maintain physical distancing, which means they will be hosting smaller groups on their tours. By booking in advance, you’ll ensure that you don’t miss out on a special experience.

Hot Springs Cove

Trips to the natural geo-thermal pools at Hot Springs Cove will be unavailable through June. Personal boats will also not be permitted.  Check with excursion providers for more information.

Highway 4 construction

Highway 4 between Port Alberni and the West Coast remains open, but travellers should expect delays throughout the summer due to ongoing construction around the east side of Kennedy Lake. Please check the Drive BC website for detailed road closure schedules prior to your visit.

Visiting First Nations 

Currently our local First Nations communities, including Esowista, Ty-Histanis, Opitsaht, Ahousaht and Hesquiaht are unable to welcome visitors.

Things change 

The current COVID-19 outbreak appears to be diminishing—but the situation remains fluid, with government regulations and health guidelines changing rapidly. If the threat escalates, our community will respond to comply with provincial health protocols. We ask our guests to remain flexible and prepared to change plans according to the situation.

Latest BC travel information and updates

Destination BC is the authority on travel in our province.  They provide know before you go facts and updates .

What to expect while you’re here:

What do I do if I am feeling ill?

If you are feeling ill use the COVID-19 online self-assessment tool at: https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en or call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1.

What do I do if I am injured?

If you have been injured go to the Tofino Hospital at 261 Neill Street.   If you have respiratory symptoms call 250-725-4010 before visiting the hospital.

Remember to use hand sanitizer

Most businesses will provide hand sanitizer and request that you use it as you enter their premises. Hand cream will help to counter the effects of frequent sanitizing. 

Shop local—and help our small businesses thrive!

Tofino’s grocery stores and specialty shops can provision you with everything you need. There’s no need to bring supplies from home—shop local and give our small businesses a helping hand.  Please have only one person from your party enter the grocery store.

Visit our restaurants—but please make reservations when possible

In accordance with provincial government health guidelines, our restaurants will have limited seating throughout the summer. Make a reservation or order takeout to eat at outdoor seating areas, or at the beach. 

Activities to keep you enthralled

Immerse yourself and connect with the natural world.  Find information on whale and bear watching experiences,  tours, fishing, kayaking, hiking, surfing and SUP and much more at Tourism Tofino.

Check out our unique shops and arts scene

Tofino is home to a vibrant, eclectic art scene. Make sure to check out our numerous galleries, artist studios and unique shops, and take home a bit of the West Coast with you.

Hit the surf the safe way

Interested in trying the West Coast’s most exhilarating sport? If it’s your first time, we strongly recommended you take a lesson.  Lessons for all ages are provided.  You’ll not only learn how to stay up on your board, but you will learn important etiquette tips, as well as safety information about riptides and offshore currents. 

Parks and public spaces

While enjoying Tofino area parks and trails and our neighbouring Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, be sure to follow the signs in parking lots, on the trails, and at beaches. Be self-sufficient by bringing your own hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, garbage bags, picnic tablecloths and masks when recommended by health authorities. And please, make sure to maintain physical distancing on the beaches, trails, and facilities. 

Please respect various closures within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  Only select washrooms and trails will be open.  For up-to-date information, please visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve official website. 

Ocean safety

The ocean is a place of wonder. But it can also be a serious safety hazard for all ages. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe on and around the water by being CoastSmart.

Single-use plastic free zone

Tofino residents are committed to live in a way that reduces our impact on the environment and we invite you to join us while you’re visiting.  Bring re-usable bags, water bottles and coffee mugs. 

Travelling from the US

The Canadian-US border remains closed.  US visitors should check www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca for border updates.

Helpful links

Tourism Tofino 

Trip planning, accommodations and activities

https://www.hellobc.com/what-you-need-to-know/ 

BC Travel Information  

BC Centre for Disease Control – COVID-19

Helpful info on current COVID-19 information, along with tips on how to keep yourself safe.