Tofino (population: 1,655) sits on a narrow peninsula bordered by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west, north and east. Tourism has replaced timber and fishing as the mainstay of the local economy. No wonder: Tofino lies in the centre of Clayoquot Sound, a United Nations World Biosphere Reserve, that supports many uncommon plant and animal species. Its scenery, which includes miles of sandy beaches, stands of massive old-growth cedars and a seascape dotted with verdant islands, is breathtaking by any standard. Outdoor recreation, such as whale watching, surfing, kayaking and storm watching, is the be all and end all of a Tofino holiday. Excursions from Tofino An excursion from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove by boat or seaplane is an unforgettable experience; these all-natural, thermal hot springs are accessible after a two-kilometre hike along a boardwalk trail. Options include six-hour boat trips to Hot Springs Cove that include whale watching, as well as tours that take you to the hot springs by boat and then back to Tofino by plane. Cougar Annie's Garden is accessible by plane or boat from Tofino. This beautiful garden on the edge of Clayoquot Sound was established in 1915 by Cougar Annie, a west coast legend who earned her name defending her family from multiple cougar attacks. Activities in Tofino The Tofino Botanical Gardens is another horticultural highlight. Twelve acres of gardens, forests, and shoreline explore the relationship between culture and nature. Features include kitchen gardens, the Frog Pond, Children's Garden, and a series of pocket gardens in forest clearings. Other Tofino attractions include the excellent displays about the temperate rainforest and the creatures that inhabit it at the Rainforest Interpretive Centre and the fascinating collection of marine artifacts and whale skeletons at the Whale Centre Museum. Near Radar Hill, a two-hour hike leads to an old World War II plane wreck. Arts, gifts, and provisions can be found in Tofino's many shops and art galleries, as well as a wide range of adventure and tour options.
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