Tofino is a popular summer destination, when its population swells to many times its size in winter, attracting surfers, nature lovers, whale watchers, fishermen, or anyone looking to be close to nature.
Close to Tofino is Long Beach, a popular spot all year round in Pacific Rim National Park. Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, with its natural hot springs, is located about 45 kilometres to the north, but can only be reached by boat or floatplane. Every March, the migration of thousands of grey whales is celebrated at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, while the last weekend of April is the Tofino Shorebird Festival.
Although the area is much quieter in winter, many people still visit to watch storms over the Pacific. The settlement acquired its Spanish name in 1909 from the nearby Tofino Inlet, which was named in 1792 by Spanish naval commanders in honor of their Admiral, Vicente Tofiño.
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