When people think of Tofino, they often picture rugged coastlines, towering rainforests, and abundant wildlife. It’s common to hear Tofino and Clayoquot Sound described as the “wild coast” or a “rugged wilderness.” But this beautiful corner of the planet is far from wilderness.
Merriam-Webster defines wilderness as “a tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings.” Yet these lands and waters have been home to Indigenous Peoples for millennia. Long before visitors arrived, the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), and hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht) and other nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations lived, governed, harvested, traded, and cared for this place.
Rather than a wilderness, Clayoquot Sound is a living homeland, one with a rich cultural history and ongoing Indigenous stewardship that continues today. Tofino is located within the unceded territories of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), and hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht) First Nations.
As visitors, we are guests in these territories. One way to show respect during your stay is by taking and following the ʔiisaak Pledge.
What is the ʔiisaak Pledge?
Developed by the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Tribal Parks, the ʔiisaak Pledge encourages visitors and locals alike to travel thoughtfully, care for the land and waters, and support Indigenous stewardship. The pledge offers practical ways to ensure your visit leaves a positive impact on the places and communities that make Tofino so special.
The word ʔiisaak (pronounced ee-saak) is a nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) teaching that means respect with caring and consideration.
The ʔiisaak Pledge encourages visitors and locals alike to be mindful of their impact and to help protect the lands, waters, wildlife, and culture of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Tribal Parks.
The pledge is built around four guiding principles that help visitors travel more responsibly while exploring Tofino and the surrounding region.
1. Practice ʔiisaaksinḥiʔin (ii-saak-sin-hi-in)
“Let us be respectful of Natural Law. Let us observe, appreciate and act accordingly.”
When visiting Tofino, this means recognizing that we are part of a larger ecosystem and that our actions have consequences.
You can practice this principle by:
- Keeping a respectful distance from wildlife
- Never feeding animals
- Never litter, and pick up litter you spot on the ground
- Securing food and personal belongings
- Staying on designated trails and viewing areas
- Preparing for changing weather and ocean conditions
- Being aware of how your choices impact the environment
Whether you’re whale watching, hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying a beach walk, small actions can help protect the wildlife and habitats that make this region so special.
2. Practice taaquqḥłiʔin (taa-quuqh-thli-in)
“Let us speak truthfully and act honorably. Let us learn the history of this place and its People, correcting colonial narratives like the myth that this is a wilderness.”
This principle encourages visitors to learn about the history of this place and the people who have stewarded it for generations. Many visitors see Tofino as a remote wilderness, but these lands have been inhabited, cared for, and governed by Indigenous peoples long before tourism existed.
You can honor this principle by:
- Acknowledging ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) rights and title
- Learning about Indigenous history and culture
- Using Indigenous place names when possible
- Being open to listening and learning
- Helping educate others about responsible visitation
- Reporting concerns such as illegal dumping, wildlife harassment, or unsafe fires
Travel becomes more meaningful when we understand the stories and communities connected to the places we visit.
3. Practice łaayiksinḥiʔin (thlaa-yak-siin-hi-in)
“Let us be generous and helpful: There is no end to the work of building community.”
Responsible travel isn’t just about reducing harm, it’s also about giving back. The ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) teach that there is no end to the work of building community. Visitors can contribute in meaningful ways during their stay.
Some ways to help include:
- Participating in beach cleanups
- Supporting local conservation efforts
- Shopping with Tribal Park Allies businesses
- Contributing to the Tribal Parks Responsible Visitor Fee
- Supporting local Indigenous-owned businesses and experiences
Every purchase and action has the potential to contribute to the long-term protection of this region.
4. Practice Qʷaasiinḥapin (Qwaa-siin-hap-in)
“Let us leave healthy habitats undisturbed, keeping them as they are for future generations of life.”
One of the simplest ways to protect Tofino’s natural beauty is to leave places as you found them, or better. This principle encourages visitors to respect sensitive habitats and ensure future generations can enjoy them too.
You can help by:
- Packing out all garbage
- Properly extinguishing beach fires
- Leaving shells, rocks, plants, and cultural items where they belong
- Respecting seasonal closures and protected areas
- Walking, biking, driving, and camping only where permitted
- Avoiding disturbance to nesting birds and other wildlife
The goal is simple: leave no trace and help preserve the natural integrity of Tribal Parks.
Take the ʔiisaak Pledge
A visit to Tofino is an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful places on the West Coast, but it’s also an opportunity to travel with intention. By following the principles of the ʔiisaak Pledge, visitors can help protect wildlife, support Indigenous stewardship, strengthen local communities, and ensure that Tofino remains vibrant for generations to come.
Before your next adventure, take a moment to reflect on how you can leave a positive impact. Respect the land. Respect the people. Respect the future.
That’s the spirit of ʔiisaak.
Support Indigenous Stewardship During Your Stay By Staying With Us
One of the easiest ways to support responsible tourism in Tofino is by choosing businesses that participate in the Tribal Park Allies Program. This partnership between local businesses and the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) First Nation helps fund stewardship, conservation, cultural revitalization, and education initiatives throughout the Tribal Parks.
At Tofino Resort + Marina, we’re proud to contribute to the protection of Clayoquot Sound and the stewardship of ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Tribal Parks. When guests stay and play with us, they help support these efforts through two guest contributions:
- 1% Eco Fee supports the protection, conservation, and sustainability of natural ecosystems throughout Clayoquot Sound.
- 1% Tribal Park Allies Contribution supports the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in the restoration, stewardship, and guardianship of their lands and waters.
Together, these contributions help support a healthier future for the region, its ecosystems, and the communities that continue to care for them.