Your Dog-Friendly Tofino Vacation
I have been living and working as a wedding photographer in Tofino for several years but prior to living here, I visited frequently with my beach-loving dog pal, Nugget. One of the main reasons for picking Tofino for my frequent surf trips was that it is just such an easy place to travel with a dog.
Where to Stay
Many of the hotels and cabins in Tofino are dog-friendly and the staff are also dog lovers! At most accommodations you will receive dog towels, dishes, treats and doggie bags upon check-in. Below are some of my favourite dog-friendly places to stay in Tofino
Nestled right on beautiful Cox Bay, Long Beach Lodge has it all. The views are spectacular regardless of the season, the surf at your doorstep and the restaurant is top notch. Bring your pooch here and enjoy morning walks along the beach, coffee in hand.
These honey-combed shaped cabins are a dream to stay in. Your dog will be welcomed with treats and MacKenzie Beach is well known an as excellent dog beach for walking and swimming (the water is usually calm).
If your dog likes the best of the best, look no further than the infamous Wickaninnish Inn. Situated on the far North End of Chesterman Beach, the Wick is known for its privacy and stunning views, storm or shine.
Where to Walk
There are so many walks to go on! All of the trails and beaches are dog-friendly and any pup will be in heaven with all the new places to sniff and explore. Below some of my favourite places to walk my four-legged associate, Nugget
The Wild Pacific trail in Ucluelet, is completely dog-friendly and is one of the best ways to see the local coastline. The trail is suitable for almost everyone, with sturdy gravel footing and guard rails on the steeper and cliff sections as well as numerous benches for rest stops and to take in the incredible views with your canine companion.
If your dog is social and enjoys playing with others, this is the beach for you. Most Tofitians take their dogs to this beach for a run & play multiple times a week. Is is the perfect beach to take a leisurely walk while your pup socializes.
Long Beach is exactly what the name states—long, very long. You can walk on the sandy beach for nearly 10 km if you wish to and the sand is usually packed down at lower tides making it an easy going jaunt for you and your furry sidekick.
Where to Refuel
Grab a coffee, sit outside and watch the world go by in downtown Tofino. The sun hits this side of street in the morning depending on the season so your doggie pal can lay in the sunshine as you caffeinate and perhaps enjoy one of their homemade doughnuts, which are insanely yummy FYI. My personal favourite is the Josie jelly doughnut but that is for another post.
Ok, now for my favourite part. Shelter is one of my go-to restaurants in Tofino because the food is reliably tasty and they also have a dog-friendly, heated patio! As long as your pooch is well mannered, he/she is allowed to accompany you on the patio while you sip a local beer and fill up your belly with local fare.
Travelling to Tofino with your dog will be a breeze, it is seriously one of the most dog-friendly towns I have ever been in! If you have any concerns or questions about your next dog-friendly vacation in Tofino and Ucluelet, feel free to head over to my contact page and send me a note.