As you traverse the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii, you’ll immerse yourself in the beauty of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. From lush forests to pristine shorelines, each bend reveals a new facet of nature’s majesty. And with every mile you travel, you’ll feel the whispers of generations past, as the trail echoes with the stories of the indigenous peoples who have called this land home for millennia.
As you cycle through the winding trails, you’ll come across ancient cedar groves, towering hemlocks, and sprawling ferns.
You will also cycle past some of the most famous and stunning beaches in British Columbia, including the unique Long Beach.
At Long Beach
The ʔapsčiik t̓ašii is not just for experienced cyclists; it’s a trail for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With its gentle gradients and smooth surfaces, it’s the perfect place for families to explore, for friends to reunite, and for adventurers to explore new horizons.
And those looking for an extra thrill can get off the beaten track and explore the park’s hidden gems. From secluded beaches to hidden waterfalls, the possibilities are endless. So grab your bike, pack a lunch and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
On our trip along the trail, we saw several bald eagles, had a picnic lunch in Long Beach, and even went for a hike through a rainforest.
Beach cycling
Another wonderful thing to do in Tofino is to spend an afternoon biking along the beaches. Yes, this is allowed as long as cruiser bikes are used.
The beaches are fairly hard surfaced and great for cruising. With several beaches in close proximity, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. Whales and other marine life can often be seen from the sand, so keep an eye out.
Some of our favorites are Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach.
There are several bike rental shops throughout the city, from cruisers to e-bikes.
Where to eat
In Tofino, you can spend a lot of money on fancy-sounding restaurants in even fancier hotels. However, we’re not sure the results live up to expectations and cost. Here are our favorites that seemed to be the best choices in terms of quality, consistency and affordability.
Shelter Restaurant: Beautiful restaurant on the harbor, nice patio, huge space, Shelter has a balanced menu but the best thing is probably the different bowls like the Tofino Surf Bowl. Incredible view.
Views from the shelter
The shed: Sometimes you just want a burger, and if you’re craving one after a long day of riding or surfing, the Shed is a great place to go. It was by far the liveliest place in town, the service was quick and cheerful, and the burgers are very good. Good beer selection, and I wish I’d bought a hat with a mermaid on it, so give me a shout if you’re reading this out there in Tofino.
Rhino Coffee House: This is the real find in Tofino – incredible coffee, but also fantastic sandwiches, especially breakfast sandwiches and homemade donuts. OMG.
Donuts at Rhino
Tacofino: The classic. You just can’t go to Tofino without stopping by one of the most famous food trucks in the world. This is a gem, very good tacos, good prices, great atmosphere especially if you like parking. This place actually became so popular that the owners decided to expand and now they have branches all over BC.
Long Beach Lodge: For a hotel restaurant, the large hall of the Long Beach Lodge actually served such wonderful dishes that we were happy to come back again and again.
Final thoughts
Tofino is a special place. Before you leave, be sure to hug a tree, play in the ocean, dig your toes in the sand and smile. It doesn’t get much better than that.
