It’s that time of year again — winter is on its way out, and the whole family is ready to take a little break and get back outdoors to welcome the arrival of spring. Experience the fun of a family getaway to Tofino this spring break with our top five recommended activities for all ages.
Splash Around In the Pacific
By Tofino standards, it’s never too early in the year to get out and play in the Pacific Ocean. In a warm wetsuit, spring break is open-season for surf, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking the inlet. Steps from your cabin at Ocean Village, you’ll find Pacific Surf School’s convenient SUP Shack, where rentals and lessons are available on-site. Ask our staff about booking a lesson for any age and stage, from beginner to advanced. If you’d like to make a warmer splash with the kids, head to our indoor heated pool — the only one of its kind in Tofino!
Hit The Trails
Most families visit Tofino over spring break to say goodbye to winter and get back out in the great outdoors. We want to help your family get the most fresh air possible! Ocean Village Resort is located just off the main Tofino walk and bike path (known as the MUP, or multi-use path) — a fantastic and conveniently paved route for your family to safely walk or cycle into downtown (take a right!), or all the way out to Cox Bay Beach (take a left!) For bike rentals, we recommend Tofino Bike Co., located a 5 minute walk from our resort. If you’d like to feel a family-friendly trail beneath your feet, get suited up in comfortable shoes and hit the Tonquin Trail, or head out to Schooner Cove. Both hikes are moderate to easy and take you from the rainforest to the shoreline.
Relax At The Beach
Tofino weather in March guarantees a mix of rain and sun (sometimes both in one day!), so take advantage of the cloud breaks by setting up for a beach day that the whole family can enjoy. Located directly on Mackenzie Beach, our resort offers access to countless toys like balls, buckets and sand scoops, bocce sets, and life size connect four and chess — sure to bring out the kid in all of us. If the early spring air takes a chilly turn, we also provide firewood bundles for building your own toasty fire on the sand. On warmer days, join the kids for a beachcombing adventure by checking out the tidal pools for shells, creatures and brightly-coloured sea anemones (just be sure to respect their natural homes by leaving the beach as you found it).
Meet The Local Marine Life
March marks the beginning of whale watching season on our beautifully open coastline, as well as the start of the gray whale migration period. Gray Whales have been known to grow up to 15 metres long! These impressive mammals pass right by Tofino around this time every year as they make their annual run between their feeding and breeding grounds— the longest annual migration of any mammal. Ask our front desk about booking your family in for a whale watching or wildlife tour with West Coast Aquatic Safaris. If the open seas aren’t on your family’s vacation wish list, we recommend taking the kids to our neighbouring town of Ucluelet for a visit to the non-profit Ucluelet Aquarium — a surefire way for the whole family to learn about our diverse local marine life!
Taste the Coast
Trust us — a day spent catching waves, beachcombing, trail hiking, and swimming can bring on a hunger like nothing else. Thankfully, Tofino is not only a haven for outdoor activities, but is also a world-renowned spot for foodies and award-winning and easy-going West Coast grub. While all of Tofino’s eateries are family-friendly, after a long day of spring break adventures, we recommend taking the family to Shed, located in the heart of town (about a 5 minute drive from the resort). Here you’ll find indoor and patio seating, a Pac Man arcade game and large TV, a casual menu featuring burgers, snacks, salads and bowls (all made with delicious local ingredients) and, most importantly, a relaxed atmosphere perfect for the whole family.
For more family-friendly activities and adventures, check out this list courtesy of Tourism Tofino. Still thinking of booking your cabin at Ocean Village? Our staff is available to answer any other questions you may have about spending a fun-filled spring break family vacation with us. See you at the beach!
