You know it’s winter in Tofino when the crowds dwindle and the mist and rain roll in. The town’s rhythm slows, and while it may feel darker, quieter, and, well… wetter, it’s also cozy, peaceful, and pure, raw Pacific Northwest.
It’s a season where less truly means more: Less noise, more nature. Less rush, more room to breathe. Less crowd, more connection.
Winter in Tofino is cinematic (and dramatic) with a mix of cozy fires, stormy skies, and moments that remind you why the West Coast is unlike anywhere else. Here’s your guide to making the most of it this season.
Feast Like a Local: Tofino’s Winter Food Scene
When the weather turns wild, Tofino’s food scene heats up. From elevated coastal dining to comfort-forward cafés, local chefs lean into seasonal flavours, fresh seafood and West Coast produce.
Here are a few must-visits:
- Wolf in the Fog (150 Fourth St): A go-to for ingredient-driven cuisine rooted in the oceans, shorelines and forests of Tofino.
- The Schooner Restaurant (331 Campbell St): A long-standing seafood & steakhouse, celebrated for its oyster bar, cocktails and ocean-view patio.
- Ombré (311 Neill St): A more intimate spot for seasonal small plates and cocktails, ideal for a relaxed winter evening.
- Shelter Restaurant (634 Campbell St): A classic waterfront dining experience, with cozy fires and mood lighting, and of course, delicious food.
Don’t miss the Tofino Hot Cocoa Trail (November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026), a self-guided tasting pass where cafés and restaurants serve creative takes on hot cocoa. It’s the perfect way to explore town, one warm cup at a time.
If you’re in town November 21-23, check out the Tofino Oyster Fest: three days of fundraising, food, live music and the top oysters in BC, including The Mermaid’s Ball (Nov 21), The Oyster Gala (Nov 22), and The Shuckers Showdown (Nov 23).
Culture, Creativity, and Community
Winter in Tofino is also a time for storytelling, art, and connection.
Kick off the season at the Tofino Adventure Film Festival (November 13–15, 2025), a homegrown celebration of mountain culture, Indigenous storytelling, and wild places. Each film night brings together the spirit of adventure and conservation that defines this coast.
Then step into the festive heart of town at the Tofino Winter Market (November 29, 2025). Over 50 artisans, live music, local food, and family-friendly workshops fill the community hall with warmth and creativity. It’s the perfect place to find handcrafted gifts and soak in the holiday spirit.
That same weekend, Jingle Into Christmas transforms all of Tofino into a sparkling winter village. Throw on your rain gear and stroll through town, hopping between local shops and taking advantage of the best deals of the year!
The magic of the holiday season is in full swing for Sea of Lights (December 6, 2025). Locals and visitors alike will come down to Tofino Resort + Marina to admire the glowing boats, sip hot chocolate and eat s’mores by the fire, listen to live music, explore our in-room holiday night market, take part or vote in the Gingerbread House Competition, and snap a photo with Santa himself.
Adventure Awaits (Even in the Storm)
While summer brings sunshine seekers, winter calls to the true adventurers.
The ocean feels more alive this time of year, and there’s no better way to experience it than with Tofino Resort + Marina’s ocean adventures. Here are our adventures that operate year round:
Floating Sauna Experience: Step aboard and drift into a world of warmth. Surrounded by rainforest and calm harbour waters, it’s the perfect way to unwind on a misty day.
Hot Springs Cove Tour: Journey through the wild Clayoquot Sound by covered vessel and soak in natural geothermal pools carved by the ocean itself.
Winter Wildlife Tour: Hop aboard a cozy covered vessel for a 2-hour journey through the Sound, where eagles, sea lions, seals, otters and even whales play against a backdrop of mist and mountains.
The Ultimate Adventure: A full-day exploration for those who want it all: wildlife, wilderness, and the raw beauty of Tofino in winter.
Storm Watching: The West Coast’s Most Powerful Show
There’s something hypnotic about standing on the edge of the Pacific during storm season.
The waves crash, the wind roars, and nature reminds you who’s in charge.
Head to Cox Bay or Chesterman Beach to feel the full force of winter swells. For the best view, visit Pettinger Point, just be cautious near the edges, as the sea can surprise even seasoned locals.
Whether you’re bundled in rain gear or watching from the comfort of a waterfront window, storm watching in Tofino is pure, untamed theatre.
Stay Cozy at the End of the Day
You don’t have to be right on the beach to feel the pulse of winter in Tofino. At Tofino Resort + Marina, the adventure continues, from the water to the warmth of your room.
Settle in by the fire at Shelter Restaurant, soak in harbour views, and trade stories of the day’s explorations. When the waves are crashing just beyond the inlet and the rain taps softly on your window, there’s no better place to be.
Here, less really does mean more: more space to roam, more peace to savour, and more time to reconnect with what matters most.
Speaking of less is more, here are some of the best ways to spend less while experiencing more of Tofino:
Tofino Winter Pass: This unique offer includes four weekends, or 8 nights (to be used in whichever combination you’d like) between October 31 and March 15, so you can chase storms, soak in the quiet, and experience Tofino in its most cinematic season.
Stay + Adventure: Wake up steps from the ocean, then head out for a day on (or in) the water. This package pairs your stay with one of our signature west coast adventures: Hot Springs Cove, Remote Floating Sauna, Winter Wildlife, or the Ultimate Adventure.
Stay + Dine: For those who prefer to adventure with a fork in hand. This package includes a Shelter Restaurant dining credit to enjoy fresh, local, and seasonal dishes right here at the resort, perfect after a day of exploring the coast.
Your Winter Awaits.