Tofino’s Rainforest Trail: Vancouver Island’s Best Rainforest Hike
Tofino’s Best Rainforest Hike
Tucked inside Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino BC, the Rainforest Trail is one of Vancouver Island’s most scenic easy hikes. Split into two looped cedar boardwalk trails the trail explores an ancient mossy rainforest up close. This is one of the most photogenic trails I have ever walked and is a must do easy hike when you visit Tofino.
Tofino Rainforest Hike Info
So I know this will be controversial but I actually think Tofino’s Rainforest loop is more impressive than Cathedral Grove, and maybe the most impressive forest on Vancouver Island. The rainforest around Tofino is a temperate rainforest that only exists in a couple other places in the world. Make sure you take the time explore this area.
The Rainforest trail is composed of two small loops A and B.
Tofino Rainforest Loop Hike Stats
- Difficulty Level: Easy- Moderate – Walk is mainly on boardwalks that can be slippery
- Elevation gain: basically nothing
- Distance: 2.6 km – Each loop is 1.3 km
- Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Best Time – Weekdays and mornings are quiet
- Dog Friendly – Yes but leash dog for wildlife
- Terrain – Cedar boardwalk bring shoes with good grip
- 4 x 4 – Not required parking is off main highway
Why Is Tofino’s Temperate Rainforest Special
Temperate rainforest requires very specific conditions to thrive that make them quite rare. These forests make up less than 1% of the world. They need at least 2 meters of rainfall annually and consistent temperatures to thrive.
Researchers have found trees in the Tofino area that are over 1400 years old and 15 meters across in diameter. Tofino has some of the only undisturbed temperate old growth in all of the West Coast.
Finding Tofinos Rainforest Trail
To start your hike you want to park at the Rainforest Trail official parking lot. This is a long well maintained parking area with good signage. You will require your park pass or have to pay for parking to visit this area.
Where To Park
Just google Rainforest Trail for directions and stop at the parking right off the highway.
Tofino’s Rainforest Trail Photos
Rainforest Trail Loop A
Park Pass required. There is pay parking machine if you don’t have a Parks Canada pass. They do check tickets here quite frequently.
This year until Sept 2, 2025 Parks Canada access is free!
From the parking lot is an easy walk across the road for loop A. Be carefull crossing the highway here.
Meghan showing you the way! Once you reach this very obvious path youright you have officially started your hike. The trail is quite obvious and it is literally all boardwalk so you can’t get lost.
The start of the boardwalk
The views just inside the tree line!
The path is directional so make sure you go left the way Meghan is pointing. The boardwalk does get a bit skinny in sections so if you have to pass people going the other way it would be a bit of an issue.
the trail really is pretty
The boardwalk can be slippery after it rains.
Some of these trees and parts of this forest are over 1000 years old. The trees really are impressively big even for Canadian standards.
Crossing unders some fallen old growth.
Towards the end of the loop the forest opens up a bit to give you some views. Finish the loop then head back to the parking lot to start loop B.
Rainforest Trail Loop B
Loop B starts at the very end of the parking lot. You don’t need to cross the road just walk to the end of the parking. You will see this path that eventually turns into a boardwalk.
This is the path you want to take.
The trail soon turns into the boardwalk.
Tofinos Avatar Forest
This giant old growth bridge was by far the coolest part of trail B. The forest on trail B is a bit more open so you can see farther into the woods.
What Loop Should You Hike A Or B
If you only have time for one loop I would do A. It has a slightly more scenic boardwalk but the rain forest is equally as impressive on both side.
Saying that they are fairly short walks and if you are paying for parking might as well see both!
Where To Stay To Visit The Rainforest Loop
Tofino has a ton of amazing accommodation. If you are looking to stay closer to Long Beach and the rainforest loop hike I really like Long Beach Lodge. The Great Room restaurant, has spectacular views of the ocean and great food.
Cox Bay Beach Resort is no slouch either and the hot tub on the edge of the beach is amazing! Let’s face it Tofino is not cheap. If you are going to drive all the way up there staying at one of these places is definitely worth it. Cox Bay Beach Resort is probably our favourite beachfront “nice” hotel for the value.
There is also the Best Western Tin Wis which has to be the nicest Best Western I have ever seen right on the beach.
Best Time To Do The Hike
This hike can be done all year. When its sunny and warm the light streams through the trees and it really does look magical.
However I think its my favourite in the rain or right after as the whole forest just looks so alive. There is something about a wet cedar boardwalk in a rainforest in Tofino that just seems right.
Good news for you its pretty much great whenever and its an excellent rainy day walk.
How To Get To Tofino
Tofino is best reached by car or by seaplane from Vancouver. It is about a 3 hour drive from the ferry terminal in Departure Bay Nanaimo.
If driving is not an option for you there are also shuttles with Island Link and the Vancouver Island Connector Bus. Tofino.ca has some great transportation options you can check out here.
What Else To See In Tofino
The beaches here are world class and can’t be missed. One of my favourite spots the Cox Bay Lookout gives you a great view of my favourite beach.
If you are up for a challenge the water taxi to Meares Island and hike up the Lone Cone gives incredible views over Tofino.
Have some extra time heading back south check out the incredible 5040 Peak Hike.
For something a bit more relaxed why not head back into town and warm up at Tofino Brew Co.
What To Do For Data In Canada
If you are visiting from abroad you are going to need some form of cell connection. Canada’s cell plans are notorious for being some of the most expensive in the world. One of my favourite hacks I tell visitors is to use an eSim and bypass our crazy fees. By the far the best eSim deal I have ever found is Hoam. Just download at home and activate as soon as you land or cross the border and you are good to go. Save those extra dollars for your travels!
