Tofino

Rainforest-lined Canadian beach break with bears on the sand

Cox Bay is the crown jewel of Tofino's surf scene — a scenic, crescent-shaped beach break on Vancouver Island's wild west coast that produces consistent, fun waves suitable for all levels. The beach is split into three main peaks: the Corner on the right side, the Middle (most popular), and Lando's on the left, offering both lefts and rights on a forgiving sandy bottom. Fall is the sweet spot, with September through November delivering increasing swell size while water temperatures remain manageable in a 4/3mm wetsuit. Winter brings massive 20-30 foot storm surf that closes out the bay, but between storms there are incredible sessions for experienced surfers. Prevailing west-northwest swells funnel straight into the bay, and the beach picks up virtually any swell in the water. Water temperatures range from a chilly 7 degrees C in winter to 14 degrees C in summer — a thick hooded wetsuit with gloves and booties is mandatory from November through April, while a 3/2mm or 4/3mm suits the warmer months. The surrounding old-growth rainforest, misty mountains, and resident wildlife (bears frequently roam the beach at dawn) give Cox Bay a raw, untamed atmosphere unlike any other surf destination.

Type

Beach, Left, Right

Crowd

3 / 5

Safety

9 / 10

Price

$$$

Best months to surf

Fall

Other things to do in the area

Whale watching for gray whales, humpbacks, and orcas

Soak in the geothermal pools at Hot Springs Cove by boat

Bear watching tours through Clayoquot Sound

Hike the old-growth rainforest trails in Pacific Rim National Park

Current forecast

Surfline