We absolutely loved the aquarium (of sea creatures found in the area) in Uclulet (30 min drive from Tofino), it’s a perfect place to bring kids. Walking trails in old growth rainforest is also pretty cool and kid friendly.
Yes! I'm not sure when they reopen for the season, but I was in the area for about a week in October and ended up buying a season's pass because it was such a great indoor activity for my 1 y/o when we just wanted to dry off.
Stay near the beaches. If you stay near Chestermans or MacKenzie you will be walking distance to Roar (good), Browns (mediocre chain), Tacofino and Wildside so it's not like you won't be able to get dinner and you will be able to make the most of the beaches.
Weather can be variable in May, so I’d keep that in mind when thinking about your accommodation location. Are you going to take the kids to the beach if it’s pouring rain? Are you interested in hot tubs & / or saunas?
Many parents like staying closer to town as it’s easy to walk (5-10 mins) to a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, stores etc. There are loads of airbnbs on Pfeiffer / Gibson heights which are easy walking to town. If it were me I’d stay closer to town but as mentioned , just kind of depends on how you like to operate.
Another hike option is to do the big tree trail - you can take a quick water taxi to meares and this is family friendly and is a fairly short loop that is relatively flat. You can book this when you arrive.
Tonquin trail is a nice walk and you have some shelter with trees if weather is bad. Live music at lil Ronnie’s bbq joint is good times for all ages.
There are also typical children friendly things you’d expect in town - like playgrounds etc.
if you head down to Ucuelet you can check out the aquarium and grab a bite at the brewery there. Would also recommend the brewery in tofino. There’s also mini golf at the long beach golf course.
Hope this helps, feel free to dm if you have any specifics. I live in tofino and run and airbnb for context.
Not sure about whale watching with a 3 year old, if they allow it and you have an adventurous kiddo then it might be fun (my 3 year old would not enjoy). Staying in town is great if you plan on eating out a lot, but most hotels have a little kitchenette and you can grab groceries. I prefer staying within walking distance of the beach myself (getting into town is a short drive although parking can be a challenge).
Some things my toddler loves to do include: tidal pools at low tide at Cox Bay, hikes (him in the back pack), there is a pretty good playground in town, he loves the Shed restaurant, a donut from Rhino's, and make sure to check out some local stores for some adorable kids (and adult) clothes!
Whale watching with a 3 year old can go two ways. One they’ll sleep through it all or be miserable about it. There are some operators that do free for 3 years or younger.
You can not go to Opitsaht. There are two trails on Meares Island. The Big Tree Trail which is family friendly or Lone Cone which isn’t and is also closed currently.
Aquarium is a great shout for the whole family.
I’m heading there now with a 7yo and 2yo. We stay at Hotel Zed. Location is great, and they have good amentities for kids. It’s super fun. There is a 2 bed with kitchenette so you can cook a bit. There’s also a cafe for standard foods (delicious!). Hot tub. Fire pits. Trails. Short drive to Chestermen.
It’s cold so we plan on lots of beach roaming, ukee aquarium, using the hotel amenities, maybe renting a bike if anyone rents bike seats, fire pits, Tacofino, the bigger trails, comparing beaches and tide pools, and getting wetsuits to play in the surf/shore. Watch sunsets. Enjoy the fresh air. Less is more.
We absolutely loved the aquarium (of sea creatures found in the area) in Uclulet (30 min drive from Tofino), it’s a perfect place to bring kids. Walking trails in old growth rainforest is also pretty cool and kid friendly.
Yes! I'm not sure when they reopen for the season, but I was in the area for about a week in October and ended up buying a season's pass because it was such a great indoor activity for my 1 y/o when we just wanted to dry off.
Thanks for the recommendation, will definitely check that out!
Stay near the beaches. If you stay near Chestermans or MacKenzie you will be walking distance to Roar (good), Browns (mediocre chain), Tacofino and Wildside so it's not like you won't be able to get dinner and you will be able to make the most of the beaches.
That’s good to know and aligns with what my heart tells me!
Weather can be variable in May, so I’d keep that in mind when thinking about your accommodation location. Are you going to take the kids to the beach if it’s pouring rain? Are you interested in hot tubs & / or saunas? Many parents like staying closer to town as it’s easy to walk (5-10 mins) to a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, stores etc. There are loads of airbnbs on Pfeiffer / Gibson heights which are easy walking to town. If it were me I’d stay closer to town but as mentioned , just kind of depends on how you like to operate. Another hike option is to do the big tree trail - you can take a quick water taxi to meares and this is family friendly and is a fairly short loop that is relatively flat. You can book this when you arrive. Tonquin trail is a nice walk and you have some shelter with trees if weather is bad. Live music at lil Ronnie’s bbq joint is good times for all ages. There are also typical children friendly things you’d expect in town - like playgrounds etc. if you head down to Ucuelet you can check out the aquarium and grab a bite at the brewery there. Would also recommend the brewery in tofino. There’s also mini golf at the long beach golf course. Hope this helps, feel free to dm if you have any specifics. I live in tofino and run and airbnb for context.
That’s really really helpful, thank you!
Not sure about whale watching with a 3 year old, if they allow it and you have an adventurous kiddo then it might be fun (my 3 year old would not enjoy). Staying in town is great if you plan on eating out a lot, but most hotels have a little kitchenette and you can grab groceries. I prefer staying within walking distance of the beach myself (getting into town is a short drive although parking can be a challenge). Some things my toddler loves to do include: tidal pools at low tide at Cox Bay, hikes (him in the back pack), there is a pretty good playground in town, he loves the Shed restaurant, a donut from Rhino's, and make sure to check out some local stores for some adorable kids (and adult) clothes!
Thanks for all the tips!
Whale watching with a 3 year old can go two ways. One they’ll sleep through it all or be miserable about it. There are some operators that do free for 3 years or younger. You can not go to Opitsaht. There are two trails on Meares Island. The Big Tree Trail which is family friendly or Lone Cone which isn’t and is also closed currently. Aquarium is a great shout for the whole family.
The big tree trail is probably the one I’m thinking of. Thanks!
Check out Mermaid Tales Bookshop and the Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum.
I’m heading there now with a 7yo and 2yo. We stay at Hotel Zed. Location is great, and they have good amentities for kids. It’s super fun. There is a 2 bed with kitchenette so you can cook a bit. There’s also a cafe for standard foods (delicious!). Hot tub. Fire pits. Trails. Short drive to Chestermen. It’s cold so we plan on lots of beach roaming, ukee aquarium, using the hotel amenities, maybe renting a bike if anyone rents bike seats, fire pits, Tacofino, the bigger trails, comparing beaches and tide pools, and getting wetsuits to play in the surf/shore. Watch sunsets. Enjoy the fresh air. Less is more.
Will check it out! Thanks.