Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park

Trip Information

You can’t leave Vancouver Island without visiting the West Coast. From Pacific Rim National Park to Cox Bay, experience some of Canada’s most beautiful beaches and wild, rugged coastlines. A stop in downtown Tofino reveals a quaint surfer town with local artisan shops and art galleries. Take some time to find the perfect café or restaurant and take in this laid back community’s unique coastal culture. Join us at some of our favourite beaches and watch the surfers catching beach and point breaks, or search the shoreline for Pacific Ocean treasures. 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Wickaninnish Beach 

Wickaninnish Bay marks the southern end of Long Beach within the Pacific Rim National Park. It sits just barely above the 49th parallel between Portland Point and Quisitis Point. 

Wickaninnish is the hereditary name of the principal chief of the Tla-o-qui-aht first nations. The name was sometimes used to refer to the Tla-o-qui-aht people in general. Chief Wickaninnish wielded great power over Clayoquot Sound in the 1700’s. He was widely respected and sometime feared.

Wickaninnish is a beach explorer’s paradise. Its location at the southern end of the 16km stretch of Long Beach allows it to act like a damn — collecting flotsam, jetsam and driftwood unlike any other beach in the region. As you wander your way north through this treasure trove you see the beach dunes in the distance.

Tofino

On the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, sits the village of Tofino. Nestled in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is a prime destination for year-round surfing, beach time, exploring the outdoors through a number of guided activities and seeking inspiration from the wild.

Things to do while visiting Tofino:

Cultural Discovery

If these trees could talk. Take a walk – or a paddle – through time for immersion into the history of this area.

Beaches

Every day is a beach day in Tofino! Get to know our local spots for sand, surf, sun and storm watching.

Shops + Galleries

Walk around and stay awhile. Shops and galleries in Tofino are locally owned and operated, making them one-of-a-kind finds.

Food + Drink

Tofino's food culture is unforgettable. Thoughtfully-sourced ingredients capture the taste of our coast, while a range of local spots captures the imaginations of foodies and casual diners alike. There's a Tofino taste for everyone.

Tofino Brewery

They brew small batch, handcrafted beer using high quality malted barley and Pacific Northwest hops. Their tasting room is open 7 days a week from 11am-10pm. Try a flight of their staples and seasonals, enjoy a pint of your favorite, or just grab some beer to-go! Please note – you are not legally allowed to drink on the bus or on public beaches, streets or sidewalks. You are welcome to purchase the beer and bring it back home to Nanaimo. http://tofinobrewingco.com/home

What to wear

• Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and for walking

 WHAT TO BRING:

• Umbrella or rain coat (in case it rains)
• Water bottle 
• Money if you wish to shop or buy food
• Snacks & Lunch (or money for food)
• A backpack to carry all your items

MEETING LOCATION:

VIU Building 255 - Main Lobby

TRIP INCLUDES:

Round-trip transportation to Tofino, time at Wickaninnish Beach, shopping & free time 

POLICIES, HEALTH & SAFETY

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person in Building 255.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card,
2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
3. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

HOURS & LOCATIONS FOR SIGNING UP WITH US:

Faculty of International Education Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm pm in Building 255, Second Floor Reception.

Lunchtime Activity Information Desk Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 1pm in Building 255, First Floor International Commons.

WAIVER FORM

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

CONTACT

Kelsey Moon – Activity Program Coordinator
Kelsey.moon@viu.ca
250-753-3245 x 2737