Surfing on Vancouver Island takes place on the rugged west coast, home to rock reefs, white-sand beaches, and some of the most scenic cold water surfing in the world.
Tofino is Vancouver Island’s most popular surfing destination and was voted “Best Surf Town in North America” in 2010 by Outside Magazine. Tofino has also earned acclaim in Surfer Magazine and SBC Surf, and has hosted the O’Neill Cold Water Classic professional surfing competition.
Discover year-round waves near Tofino, Ucluelet and Sooke, ranging from beginner-friendly beach breaks on sandy shores to remote reef breaks sought out by experienced pros. Summer brings small waves, while surging storm swells batter the shores in winter.
Vancouver Island has dedicated surf communities, accommodation that ranges from beach cabins to resorts, and plentiful outdoor activities.
Popular Vancouver Island Surf Spots
Vancouver Island’s most popular surf spots are near Tofino and Ucluelet, home to numerous (and easily accessible) sandy beaches and surf shops. Head to popular Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach for year-round waves that appeal to all levels, or surf at Long Beach (with 16km/10mi of shoreline), MacKenzie Beach and Florencia Bay.
The rocky beaches of Jordan River (near Sooke and Port Renfrew) see bigger swells in winter, and Sombrio Beach has gentler, more sheltered surf; both are accessible by day from Victoria.
Experienced surfer? Bring your surfing gear to Tahsis in Nootka Sound where local charter operators shuttle surfers to wilderness locations along remote coastline.
Cold Water Surfing on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island surfing destinations may not have tropical climates, but they are still home to incredible surfing and scenery. Winter swells have been known to reach 6m/20ft here – challenging for even the best surfer – but there are plenty of sheltered beaches offering easy, beginner-friendly surf.
Ocean waters are a cool 8C/46°F during winter months, meaning 5mm neoprene wetsuits, booties, gloves and a hood are essential. Lighter gear (4mm) can be worn in summer when temperatures average 16 C/60°F. Surf gear rentals are available at local surf shops.
Surf Schools, Shops and Lessons
Find the largest concentration of surf shops/schools near Tofino and Ucluelet, where nine surf shops rent equipment and provide instruction for all levels of expertise and ages, ranging from hourly lessons to day camps and week-long surf excursions.
Lessons cover safety, surfing etiquette and basic techniques, while surf camps are all-inclusive with two-, three- and four-day options. Don’t have surf gear? Wetsuits, boards and some clothing can be rented with or without lessons.
O’Neill Cold Water Classic and Surfing Events
In 2009 and 2010, Tofino hosted the O’Neill Cold Water Classic, which drew hundreds of pro surfers – including locals such as 2009 competition winner Peter Devries, the first Canadian to win an international professional surfing competition.
Head to Tofino and Ucluelet for annual surfing events, such as the “Queen of the Peak” (October), Canada's first all-girl surfing competition, or compete against regional surfers at the Rip Curl Stew (June).
Smaller local festivals often feature surfing, among other events; for example, at Feast! (May to June), surf lessons are followed by a gourmet meal from acclaimed chefs (including Iron Chef Rob Feenie).
Practical Points
- Surfing on Vancouver Island is possible year-round.
- Vancouver Island has both sandy and rocky beaches; be aware of some rocky outcroppings and riptides.
- Check with local surf shops for surf conditions, and visit local Visitor Centres for help with accommodation, transportation and trip planning.
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