FAQ

The Tofino Region

What to Wear / Pack for the West Coast

Tofino is noted for its relaxed and laid back lifestyle, with casual attire acceptable at even the most sublime of restaurants. During stormy winter weather, raincoats and gumboots are de rigeur for locals, as are toques, hats, and gloves. Our best advice would be to dress for the activities you are likely to be taking part in during your visit and be prepared, as you never know what the forces of nature will have in store for you on any given day!

If you are out-of-doors, dress in layers… lightweight shirts, a sweater or fleece layer, a hat or scarf to keep your hair from swirling out of control and a wind/water repellant protective layer - even during summer - will be well used. If you are hiking or exploring the area on foot, hiking boots or sturdy footwear with waterproof soles and a good tread are essential. Summer months roll in the t-shirt and shorts weather, but the constant Pacific breezes and drifts of marine fog will make a sweater or fleece a welcome addition. A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are also standard gear.

Gratuities & Tipping: Does Tofino Have a Tipping Policy / Statement?

Tipping is standard practice in the tourism industry for service providers, with a standard minimum tip of 15 per cent for servers in restaurants and other establishments. Tips can also be given to drivers, hairdressers, bartenders, spa therapists, hotel attendants, bellhops, and tour guides, etc., at your discretion.

Pets in Tofino

By all means bring your four-legged traveling companion with you to Tofino, but please respect any posted signs. Dogs are required to be on leash at all times and there are some areas where local wildlife habitat requires that pets not be brought. Several accommodation properties in the area even have specialized programs that will welcome your four-legged best friend in style and comfort.

Population & Geography

Tofino, in Clayoquot Sound, is located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Clayoquot Sound includes extensive ancient coastal temperate rain forests, rivers, lakes, marine eco-systems and beaches, It also includes part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Strathcona Provincial Park, and several other protected areas. Clayoquot Sound contains the largest area of intact temperate rainforest left on Vancouver Island. The region has become the naturalist's 'Riviera'.

With a year-round population of approximately 1,600, that swells, according to RCMP figures to 22,000 people on some days during the summer months of July and August, Tofino comprises a mere 11.05 square miles of land on what is called the Esowista Peninsula. Bordered on the South by its boundary with Pacific National Park Reserve and on its other three sides by the Pacific Ocean, Tofino is as far west as you can drive by car or bus and is still the only paved road to the open Pacific Ocean in Canada. This end of the road distinction has earned Tofino the official terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Time Zones

Tofino, and the rest of Vancouver Island and British Columbia, are located within the Pacific Time Zone. Our province also follows the Daylight Savings designation from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Some other locations that share the same Pacific Time Zone are:
Vancouver, BC Canada
Seattle, Washington
Portland, Oregon
Los Angeles, California
Las Vegas, Nevada

Money & Banking

Currency

Currency in Canada is based on the Canadian dollar and is similar to American currency with coinage including pennies (one cent), nickels (five cents), dimes (ten cents), quarters (twenty-five cents, and then the one dollar coin commonly referred to as a Loonie (for the embossed image of a Loon that graces one side) and the two dollar coin called a Twoonie (or toonie). Canadian currency also comes in bills of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

You will be able to exchange currency at a local bank or credit union. Many restaurants, accommodation properties and shops will accept US dollars, but exchange rates will vary.

By far the easiest way to deal with currency is to purchase travelers cheques/checks in Canadian currency in advance of your trip.

For your convenience, a rate of exchange utility is available at http://www.gocurrency.com. This feature is based on current Bank of Canada rates and adjusts daily, but will give you an idea of how far your own currency can go while staying in Tofino.

Credit Cards and Debit Bank Cards

Credit Card and Debit Card use is widespread throughout Vancouver Island and Tofino. VISA, Mastercard, American Express are accepted at most local shops and services as are bank debit cards. Check with the vendor if you are unsure.

Local Banks

C.I.B.C.
301 Campbell St, Tofino
V0R 2Z0
T
250-725-3321(Office)

250-725-3311(Fax)

24-hour instant teller, 5 day teller banking

Coastal Community Credit Union
390 Main St, Tofino
250-725-2366

Getting To and Around Tofino

Local Transportation

Tofino Taxi
250-725-3333 (Office)

250-266-2545 (Mobile)

The Beach Bus
This local service provides transportation to the beaches and trails of the Pacific Rim National Park to and from Tofino. Sorry, no surfboards or bikes can be accommodated on the bus. Service can also be arranged, by reservation only, for the Tofino-Ucluelet airport. The bus operates with some scheduled stops, but mostly these are flag-the-bus stops, so don’t be shy… be in the right spot and raise your arms! http://www.tofinobus.com

Tips for the Trip to Tofino

Tofino is accessible to international travelers by booking a flight to the Vancouver International Airport, Victoria International Airport, or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The Comox Valley Airport is also available for selected flights from the U.S.

Once you have arrived in Canada, your journey to Tofino will proceed via local jet, or seaplane service, or using a combination of ferry and vehicular travel. Ferries depart from Washington State, Tsawwassen (South of Vancouver), and Horseshoe Bay (North of Vancouver). Air travel options include scheduled service and charters from Vancouver and Victoria via Orca Airways and Tofino Air, and through Seattle via Kenmore Air and Sound Flight. From Vancouver, flights take approximately 45 minutes and depart from the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport to the Tofino – Long Beach Airport.

If you are driving to Tofino, or taking the bus here, the trip from Victoria (in the south Island) and Nanaimo (in the central Island) is one of the most scenic in the world. Along the way you will pass through the towering old-growth forests of Cathedral Grove, the historic township of Port Alberni, majestic Sutton Pass, along the edge of Kennedy Lake (which is so large you might actually mistake it for the Pacific Ocean) and through the forests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The highway is as narrow and windy as it is scenic, so please drive with due care and attention and pull to the side of the road for photo ops only when it is safe to do so in designated pull-outs. Please note that Port Alberni is the last stop for gas and other vehicular services before heading out onto the Pacific Rim Highway!

Safety

Emergency Services

The Tofino area has 911 Emergency services available so if you find yourself, or witness others, in an emergency situation please make the call! Ambulance, police (RCMP), fire, search & rescue, and coast guard services will be dispatched through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (located in Victoria) as quickly as possible. Stay calm and provide the operator with as much information as you can as to the nature of the emergency, your location etc.

Tofino General Hospital
261 Neill Street (Office)
250-725-3212
Tonquin Medical Clinic
305 Campbell Street (Office) 250-725-3282
RCMP (police)
400 Campbell Street 250-725-3242

Canada & British Columbia - the Basics

Language

Canada is a bi-lingual nation, with both English and French being our official languages. Given the multi-cultural nature of our country and the many visitors we host from around the globe you will hear many languages being spoken while in Tofino, but English is certainly the most commonly spoken language in local restaurants, shops and businesses throughout the region.

Customs & Regulations

If you are arriving here from outside of Canada, by the time you make your way to Tofino you will already have been cleared through Canada Customs. Government regulations require all visitors arriving in Canada by air, from the United States of America and elsewhere, to have a valid passport.

As of June 2009, those arriving via land or sea points of access will also need a passport or a passport card (a new form of identification available for US citizens). Additional documentation may be required such as a visitor visa or alien card permitting entry.

Duty Regulations

Wearing apparel and personal effects for use by visitors are admitted free of duty. Persons aged 19 and over may bring into Canada up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 220 g (8 oz) of manufactured tobacco. Persons aged 19 and over may also bring into Canada 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits or 1.5 litres (45 oz) of wine or 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale. All goods must be declared. Revolvers, pistols, and fully automatic firearms are prohibited entry into Canada. All weapons must be declared.

Non-residents may claim GST rebates (conditions apply). Forms are available on BC Ferries, at Greyhound Bus terminals and other locations.

For more information, call Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise at (204) 983-3500 (from outside Canada) or 1-800-461-9999 (from inside Canada), or visit www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

Weights & Measures

Although Canada officially changed to the metric system in the 1970's it is still customary for both the Imperial and Metric system to be used. Road signage however uses the metric system, so expect speed-limit signs to be posted in kilometres/hour (kmh) rather than mph. Distances will be also shown in kilometers (km) and fuel for vehicles is sold in litres.

At local markets and grocers, fresh foods, seafood and meats are usually sold by the pound, with metric equivalents provided.

Electricity

Canada operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power just as they do in the USA. Canadian electrical goods come with either a two-pronged plug (again the same as within the U.S.), or a three-pronged plug. Most sockets accommodate both.

Non-North American visitors should bring a plug adaptor if you wish to use your own small appliances from home (i.e. razors, hair dryers). If you are visiting from countries such as Australia, that use a higher voltage, you may encounter problems charging your re-chargeable batteries.

BC / Canada Holidays

Most shops and services are open on public (statutory) holidays in the Tofino area. Most of our accommodations are also open year round.

Stat holidays include, New Year’s Day, Good Friday & Easter Sunday (Monday), Victoria Day, Canada Day (July 1) BC Day (first Monday in August), Labour Day (First Monday in Sept), Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October), Remembrance Day (Nov 11), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (Dec 26).

Drinking & Smoking

British Columbia prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 19 years. Alcoholic beverages can only be purchased at B.C. Liquor Agency Stores, beer and wine stores, and at licensed restaurants, pubs, and lounges.

In general, alcoholic beverages can only be consumed on licensed premises or on private property. Drinking alcohol is not permitted in unlicensed public areas, including all parks, beaches, and streets. Within your own campsite in the National Park, alcoholic beverages may be consumed as it is considered private property.

Please never drink and then drive! Impaired driving is a criminal code offence in Canada. The blood-alcohol limit for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.08.

Smoking is not allowed in any public buildings in British Columbia including restaurants and bars. Please respect any posted signage while visiting the area.

Taxes

In British Columbia there are two taxes that are applied and collected to various goods and/or services. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a federal tax of 5%. Visitors to Canada can obtain a GST rebate by submitting all GST receipts (up to $500.00 CDN in GST) to a participating Duty-Free shop when they exit Canada.

For more information please visit the Canada Revenue Agency Website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/visitors/.

In British Columbia, there is also a non-refundable Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7% on all goods except liquor, which is taxed at 10%.

Accommodation is taxed at 15% to 17%, including the 7% GST which is refundable to non-Canadian visitors.

Driving

In Tofino, as in the rest of Canada and the US, we drive on the right side of the road (same as the U.S.). We use the metric system for distances and speeds, kilometres/hour rather than miles/hour.

Traffic in both directions MUST stop when school buses have their red lights flashing (this means children are getting off and on the bus). At a 4-Way-Stop intersection, the first vehicle at the intersection has right-of-way.

To drive in Canada you must possess a valid driving license and auto insurance. A driving license from any country is valid for the first three months you are visiting Canada, and an International Driving Permit (available in your home country) can be used for up to one year.

The use of safety (seat) belts, vehicle child restraints (car seats), bicycle helmets, and motorcycle helmets is mandatory in British Columbia.

Where to Ask - Even More - Questions

Visitor Centres

If you have any questions about the area, the best place to start is located just before you turn right on the Pacific Rim Highway, 30km south of downtown Tofino, at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre. This Centre is open year-round and caters to visitors traveling to Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park.

To find out information about Tofino, beaches, trails, activities, lodging, places to eat, and pretty much anything else you’d like to know about the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area, stop at the Tourism Tofino Visitor Information Centre, just 24 km down the road towards Tofino, and just 6km from the center of town. It’s open year round, seven days a week.

Tofino Visitor Centre 1426 Pacific Rim Highway
Tel: (250) 725-3414
Fax: (250) 725-3296
Email: info@tourismtofino.com

Our knowledgeable Travel Counselors are able to assist you with the following services:
• Accommodation referrals
• Recreation referrals
• What to see and do while in the area
• Directions & maps
• Shopping information
• Food & beverage information
• BC Ferries bookings and schedules

You can also purchase:
• Pacific Rim National Park Passes
• Vancouver Island detailed road map
• British Columbia Road Map & Parks Guide
• Tofino, Ucluelet, Pacific Rim Area Backroad Map & Outdoor Recreation Guide
• Tofino Insider’s Guide
• Local Postcards & stamps
• …and much more!

Hours of Operation:
Jan 2 through May17: 10:00am – 4:00pm daily
May 18 – Sep 3: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Daily
Sept 4 through Dec 23: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 24-Jan 1: CLOSED

We also have a, in-town tourism office located at 455 Campbell Street (250-725-3429).

District of Tofino Offices

If you require any municipal or business information call or visit:

District of Tofino offices
121 Third Street (Office)
250- 725-3229
Email: office@tofino.ca

Website: www.tofino.ca