First Nations
Tla-o-quiaht nation
Part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

'Prior to the arrival of European explorers, Nuu-chah-nulth people lived in a highly organized society in numerous villages spread up and down Vancouver Island's west coast.

For countless generations prior to contact, they led self sufficient lives based on Nuu-chah-nulth teachings. One of the most important teachings, a lesson learned by each successive generation, was that everything is connected. To unduly harm one natural resource meant the almost certain ruin of another.

For thousands of years, Nuu-chah-nulth people lived in harmony with the natural world. They treated the forest with respect, because they knew that the forest protected the streams that the salmon spawned in. And they treated the returning salmon with respect because they knew that wiping out individual salmon stocks would irreparably harm the intricate web of animal and plant life in the surrounding forest.

Millennia before the words "sustainable development" gained vogue, Nuu-chah-nulth people had fully embraced the concept. They had to. It's what kept them alive.'

View photos of this Tofino area First Nations Totem Pole here.

Story of Tofino

How Tofino Got It's European Name
Tofino was named by two Spanish explorers, by Captains Galiano and Valdez in 1792, after their teacher Spanish hydrographer Vicente Tofino de San Miguel. Contrary to popular beliefe, Vicente Tofino was not on the voyage but was highly regarded by his students. Like to know more about the naming of Tofino, BC and read some mail we received from a current resident of the great hydrographer Tofino's native town in Spain? Just click here!

The Origins of The Tofino Settlement
Initially the European settlement was centered on Clayoquot Island, just off the shore of present-day Tofino village. Soon, the residents moved acorss the water to the peninsula where there was more land. By 1913 Tofino was an established settlement for people, other than the Native population, looking for adventure. They found it in the rugged landscape, the open ocean and the temperate climate where rain can be an adventure in itself! The long, dark, rainy winters proved to be a challenge for people. The village was nicknamed 'Tough City' by it's residents: a name that is still in use today. Resources of the water and land were tremendous and Tofino remained a maritime area with boats the only access option. The arrival of ships bringing supplies was an occasion in town.

A Road Links To Tofino
In the 1950's a logging road was punched through from Port Alberni (or Port as locals call it). Tourists wre eager to visit the beautiful setting of Tofino and they were allowed to use the road only on weekends when the logging trucks were not in use. Still, visitors made the trip over the bumpy, gravel road in order to reach this area, even at that time noted for it's supernatural beauty. In 1972 this same road was paved and that's the road that we all use to get to Tofino today. This road leads to the end of the Trans-Canada Highway, located at Tofino's First Street Dock.

Early Environmental Protection
Our Pacific Rim National Park was designated as a major park by the federal government in 1971. Famous Meares Island was protected by a declaration of it's future being put into the Nuu-chah-nulth hands in 1984. And hundreds of people came out to protect the forests of Clayoquot Sound in 1993. You can visit the area of Kennedy Lake where people gathered to voice their disapproval of the proposed logging and feel the energy that turned back the chainsaws. This demonstration of people committed to the health of the forests and it's wildlife residents, brought world-wide attention and more tourists flocked to the area than ever before. In 2000, Clayoquot Sound, including Tofino, was declared a World Biosphere Reserve.

Tofino Today
Today the village of Tofino an oasis of old-growth forests, wildlife, solitude, recreation and exploration. Home to whales, eagles, bears, otters, cougars, wolves, herons, ospreys, salmon, steelhead, trout to name but a few regulars and visited by migrating whales and birds on their journeys both north and south, Tofino is recognized as a peaceful place where one can rest, feed and play. For the two legged animals Tofino and area offers an endless array of actitivites (whale watching, bear watching, surfing, hiking, dining, spas, kayaking, skateboarding, theatre) and accommodations (B&B, Cabins, Private Suites, Houses, Resorts and Hostels).

One great community resource the village offers is our bike path that connects the beaches, local neighbourhoods and the downtown viallage. The path is level and separate from the vehicle road, running parallel to it. Bikers, skateboarders, walkers, runners, and dogs (walking their humans) share the path making it a place to meet neighbours and friends.

Explore the great beaches, wonderful surf and calm kayaking waters. Tofino has four spectacular beaches: Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, MacKenzie Beach, and Tonquin Beach. And Long Beach is just down the road in the National Park. Surf is plentiful, there is lots of room and the vibe is friendly. Kayaking the waters of the inlets offers the chance to get up close and personal to the quiet side of nature and the many birds and animals that live here.

Treat yourself. Join us in Tofino for your next getaway.

West Coast Vancouver Island North

West Coast Vancouver Island South

Heavens Above Sky Chart for Tofino
Heavens Above Constellations
- Configurations and Mythology of Constellations -