As the vibrant energy of a Tofino summer begins to soften, the pace slows down, the beaches quiet, and the summer buzz gives way to something more relaxed. Fall on the west coast is dreamy and moody: the scent of cedar after rain, the golden light filtering through old-growth forest, the slow pull of the tide as storm season creeps in.
Whether you’re a return visitor or discovering Tofino for the first time, here’s your guide to experiencing the best of this spectacular shoulder season, from forest foraging to culinary indulgences and adventures that embrace the elements.
The Forest Feeds
Come September, the forests and shorelines around Tofino turn into a wild pantry.
Chanterelles, lobster mushrooms, and pine mushrooms begin to appear beneath the ferns, while Nordic chives, evergreen tips, and grassy plants thrive along the edges of the trail. Along the coast, you’ll find bull kelp, dulse, sea lettuce, and salty sea asparagus pushing up between rocks. Even oysters and clams are more abundant this time of year, and if you know where (and how) to look, you might spot gooseneck barnacles clinging to the intertidal zone.
It’s a season of quiet abundance, and for those curious to learn more, guided foraging tours offer a hands-on introduction to what’s edible, what’s medicinal, and how to respectfully harvest from this ecosystem. Whether you’re gathering ingredients or simply walking with a more observant eye, fall in Tofino invites you to see the landscape in a new way.
Even a simple walk in the forest can turn into a discovery. Fall is the perfect time to slow down and explore the landscape on your own terms. Here are some of the best local trails to experience the season up close:
Rainforest Trail (Loops A + B) – Easy, 2.6km, 44m gain
Wooden boardwalks under a towering canopy of ancient trees. Ideal for spotting mushrooms and breathing in the damp, earthy air of the forest.
Tonquin Trail – Easy, 4.5km, 95m gain
A lush path winding through rainforest to quiet beaches—perfect for taking in the meeting of land and sea, with wild plants and berries along the way.
Cox Bay Lookout – Moderate, 3.1km, 143m gain
A short, steep climb through brush and forest, with sweeping views at the top. Keep an eye out for mushrooms and hardy coastal plants along the trail. Mud can be slippery, especially after rain.
Canso Plane Crash Site – Moderate, 7.9km, 256m gain
A moody trek through wetlands to a WWII relic. Rugged and wet, but full of unique plant life—this one’s for the more adventurous.
Lone Cone Trail – Hard, water taxi access with Ahous Adventures only
A steep climb with panoramic views of Clayoquot Sound. Quiet and wild, it’s a great spot to take in the changing colours of the forest canopy.
5040 Peak – Very hard, 8.4km, 933m gain
About an hour from Tofino, this alpine classic is best tackled by experienced hikers. Fall brings clear skies and cold nights—camp at the top or book the alpine hut for a backcountry reward.
Thinking of planning a fall escape around this season?
We offer a Stay + Forage Package in partnership with the local experts at Brite Collective, including a guided foraging walk and a little gift from the ocean: kelp seasoning made right here in Clayoquot Sound. It’s a gentle way to get closer to the land and take a piece of it home with you.
Eating with the Season
Fall is when Tofino’s kitchens lean into comfort. Not the heavy kind (this is the coast, after all) but thoughtful plates rooted in what’s fresh, wild, and warming.
At Shelter Restaurant, the menu shifts with the weather. You might find roasted local salmon, or a dish built around wild mushrooms you saw on a walk earlier that day. There’s something about sitting by a window with a storm rolling in, a drink in hand, and a bowl of something hot that makes fall in Tofino unforgettable.
Beyond Shelter, the town’s small-but-mighty culinary scene thrives in the quieter months. You’ll have no trouble finding house-made pastries, local coffee, or a comforting meal after a long beach walk. And because fall draws fewer crowds, it’s easier to slow down and really enjoy it.
If a good meal is part of your perfect getaway, consider our Stay + Dine Package which includes a gift card to Shelter and a chef-selected tasting dish. Just an extra reason to book that longer weekend and eat well while you’re here.
A Different Kind of Adventure
Fall adventures don’t always look like summer ones. The ocean is moodier, the wildlife a little bolder. You might spot black bears combing the shoreline for one last feast before winter. Or head out on the water in search of whales moving south through Clayoquot Sound.
And then there are the quieter adventures: foggy mornings on Long Beach, tidepooling at Tonquin, warming up in a floating sauna after a brisk morning walk in the rain. Adventure in the fall is about being present, not busy.
If you’re looking to round out your stay with a little more time outdoors, we offer a Stay + Adventure Package that can be paired with:
Hot Springs Cove — Cruise through coastal wilderness, walk a 1.5 km boardwalk, and soak in natural geothermal pools—all before unwinding back at the resort.
Remote Kayaking — Paddle through quiet passages and spot seals, eagles, and even black bears or orcas. Afterward, rest easy in a harbour-side room in the heart of Tofino.
The Ultimate Adventure Tour — Go crabbing or prawning, spot whales or bears, and explore the Big Tree Trail. End the day in comfort at Tofino Resort + Marina.
Remote Floating Sauna Experience — Arrive by boat to an off-grid dock with kayaks, rope swing, hammocks, and more. Then, relax in your cozy harbour-side room.
The Best Time to Feel the Coast
Fall doesn’t compete with summer. It doesn’t need to. It offers a version of Tofino that’s less polished, more personal. You’ll find space to think, time to reconnect, and a landscape that speaks louder the quieter you get.
We call it storm season. We call it shoulder season. But mostly, we call it ours.
And we’d love to share it with you.
And don’t forget, guests who stay + play at Tofino Resort + Marina will be contributing:
- 1% to Tribal Park Allies supports the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in the restoration and guardianship of their lands.
- 1% Eco Fee supports the protection, conservation and sustainability of natural ecosystems in Clayoquot Sound.