1. Cox Bay, Tofino, Vancouver Island
Tofino may be Canada's surf capital; it is rightly famous among Canadians and surfers worldwide for its spectacular surf beaches, which span kilometers of rainforested coastline: think mist, cedars, snow-capped mountains, and bald eagles. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino has been a popular surf destination since the 1970s for surf tourists and expert competitors alike. The area features multiple popular surf beaches, meaning there's something for everyone!
Cox Bay is arguably the most popular surf spot in Tofino, and therefore Canada. It features three different breaks ("The Corner," "The Middle," and "Lando's"). The Middle offers the most opportunity for surfing, as it features breaks in almost any tide and season. Lando's is more popular for northwest waves, and The Corner can offer bigger southern swells; however, riptides in The Corner make this area more appropriate for expert surfers. Cox Bay is Tofino's most popular, and busiest, surf spot, so locals recommend fall and winter surfing to avoid crowds.
- Difficulty: Beginner to Expert Surfers
- Driving time: 5 hr 15 min from Vancouver (including a ferry); 4 hr 15 min from Victoria (on Vancouver Island)