Access to the remote outpost was by ship until the threat of invasion in World War II saw the building of a military airport. Road access began Tofino's transformation from a remote fishing village in the spectacular Clayoquot Sound to a world-class tourism destination. Nearby Long Beach, a 20-kilometer stretch of sand between Tofino and Ucluelet, a small village to the south, is the area's biggest draw. Open to the pounding Pacific Ocean the beach, inside Pacific Rim National Park, is fantastic for beachcombing, long romantic strolls and storm watching. Trails off the beach lead through the rain forest.
Long Beach is also the home of Canada's surfing crowd.
There's a number of rental places in Tofino. Fishing off Tofino is incredible, with salmon, halibut, cod and crab being the catch of the day. The nearby rivers and lakes offer great trout fishing. Kayakers will love the Tofino area. The numerous inlets and bays offer sheltered paddling, while the more experienced can try the open ocean.