Surfing

The warm summer wind pushes against your board as you paddle away from Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the current gently pulling towards the 2′ – 5′ waves. You ease through the first set and then feel your wave coming A quick pop-up and you ride the crest for most of the 200 feet back to the beach, then jump back in the water and do it again. Today is the best day for surfing.

With 35km (22 miles) of windswept, surfable beaches, Long Beach is for surfers of all skill levels. Wickaninnish Beach is a popular break for Ucluelet locals as well as visitors. The passion of the surf community ensures you get the most out of this unique experience, instilling a sense of wonder for the power of the ocean.

WHERE TO SURF

WHERE TO SURF

For the more adventurous surfer, the fall and winter surf in Tofino gets significantly bigger, with up to 45-foot swells. Jordan River and Sombrio Beach, near Port Renfrew, also offer large swells and desirable waves.

Surf the breakers of Tofino or a pipeline in Jordan River. Let the wind race you along the whitecaps of Nitinat Lake, or practice a downward dog on a SUP on McIvor Lake near Campbell River. With nearly 10,000 lakes and 3,340 km (2,137 miles) of coastline, Vancouver Island is rich with places and spaces to spend quality time on a surfboard.

For more information about surfing in and around Tofino, we recommend visiting Tourism Tofino’s website.

Credit: Tyler Kave, Knight Inlet Lodge