
Cox Bay Beach Tofino
A vast, sandy beach renowned for its consistent surf, stunning sunsets, and tidepooling adventures. A quintessential Tofino experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best surf conditions

Cox Bay Beach Tofino
Best Time
Best surf conditions

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, sandy beach renowned for its consistent surf, stunning sunsets, and tidepooling adventures. A quintessential Tofino experience.
"Even if you're not a surfer, Cox Bay Beach is a very beautiful beach just to walk around and enjoy the fresh salty west coast air."

🚗 Parking Patience
Paid parking is available but can fill up quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
🌊 Surf's Up!
Cox Bay is a top spot for surfing, with waves suitable for various skill levels. Consider lessons if you're a beginner.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cox Bay Beach
Expansive sandy shores perfect for surfing, walking, and sunset gazing. A true West Coast gem.

Cox Bay Lookout
North end of Cox Bay Beach
A rewarding hike offering panoramic views of the beach and surrounding coastline.

Tide Pools
North and South ends of Cox Bay Beach (at low tide)
Discover fascinating marine life in these natural rock pools revealed by the receding tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up & Sunsets Down
Tidepooling & Trail Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Paid parking is available but can fill up quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
🌊 Surf's Up!
Cox Bay is a top spot for surfing, with waves suitable for various skill levels. Consider lessons if you're a beginner.
🥾 Lookout Hike
The Cox Bay Lookout trail is challenging but offers incredible views. Wear sturdy shoes!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific. Cox Bay is a prime location to witness them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Paid parking is available but can fill up quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
🌊 Surf's Up!
Cox Bay is a top spot for surfing, with waves suitable for various skill levels. Consider lessons if you're a beginner.
🥾 Lookout Hike
The Cox Bay Lookout trail is challenging but offers incredible views. Wear sturdy shoes!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific. Cox Bay is a prime location to witness them.
🚫 No Campfires
Campfires are generally not permitted on Cox Bay Beach. Check local regulations.
📶 Spotty Signal
Internet and cell service can be unreliable on the beach. Download maps and information beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cox Bay Beach's stunning natural beauty, making it a top choice for surfing and scenic walks. The beach's expansive shores and breathtaking sunsets are frequently praised. While parking can be a challenge and cell service is spotty, the overall experience is highly positive, with many appreciating the well-maintained facilities and the opportunity for tidepooling.
"Top three of my favourite tofino beaches. The shore line is beautiful the water and waves always looked so great. Bathrooms were some of the best at the beaches"
Ange D
"Even if you're not a surfer, Cox Bay Beach is a very beautiful beach just to walk around and enjoy the fresh salty west coast air and watch the surfers, play in the sand, build a fort, etc... It's paid parking and can get pretty full with lots of cars. Worth a stop for sure, not a long walk to the beach."
K FP
"Broad beach, popular with surfers and walkers alike. When the tide is out there are some good spots for tidepooling and both the north and south ends of the beach. Perhaps best enjoyed from one of the adjoining resorts. Note, no campfires permitted (at least during our visit)."
Brian Brewington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cox Bay Beach is located about a 15-minute drive west of Tofino town. You can drive your own vehicle and use the paid parking lot, or consider a taxi or ride-sharing service if available.
Yes, there is paid parking available at Cox Bay Beach. It can get quite busy, especially during peak season and weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
While it's a bit of a distance, it's possible to walk or bike to Cox Bay Beach from Tofino, though driving is the most common method. The scenic route offers beautiful coastal views.
Many visitors drive to Tofino via Highway 4, which has recently reopened. The drive itself is a scenic journey through Vancouver Island's forests.
Public transport options directly to Cox Bay Beach are limited. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or shuttle services offered by accommodations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cox Bay Beach itself is free to access, but there is a paid parking fee. The fee helps maintain the facilities and the beach area.
Cox Bay Beach is accessible 24/7, as it's a public beach. However, parking facilities may have specific operating hours, and it's best to check locally.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Cox Bay Beach. Access to the beach is open to the public. Parking is first-come, first-served.
While generally open, be aware of potential seasonal restrictions, especially regarding campfires, which are typically not permitted. Always check local advisories.
Cox Bay Beach offers public restrooms, which are noted as being well-maintained. Some visitors also mention the convenience of facilities at adjoining resorts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cox Bay Beach is renowned for surfing, beachcombing, tidepooling at low tide, and enjoying spectacular sunsets. It's also a great spot for leisurely walks and building sandcastles.
Absolutely! Cox Bay Beach is considered one of the best surf spots in Tofino, offering consistent waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers, especially in the fall and winter.
Yes, tidepooling is a popular activity at Cox Bay Beach, particularly at the north and south ends during low tide. You can discover a variety of marine life in the exposed rock pools.
The hike to Cox Bay Lookout is described as challenging but highly rewarding, offering stunning panoramic views. It's recommended for those who are fit and prepared for an uphill trek.
Dogs are generally allowed on Cox Bay Beach, but they must be kept on a leash. Always be mindful of other beachgoers and clean up after your pet.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch of Cox Bay Beach offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Cox Bay Lookout provides a dramatic elevated perspective.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset are magical for photography at Cox Bay Beach, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Moody, overcast days can also create dramatic, atmospheric shots.
Look for surfers catching waves, the dramatic coastline, the unique rock formations and tide pools at low tide, and the stunning cloud formations often seen during sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing surfers. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky and water colors.
Drone usage is subject to Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws. Always check for any restrictions or no-fly zones before flying your drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at Cox Bay Beach
Key Takeaways for Surfers:
* Best Waves: Fall and winter often bring the most consistent and powerful surf.
* Rentals & Lessons: Numerous shops in Tofino offer gear rental and surf lessons for all skill levels.
* Safety First: Always be aware of ocean conditions and your own abilities. Consider taking a lesson if you're new to surfing.
Exploring the Tide Pools and Lookout
For those seeking a more elevated perspective, the hike to Cox Bay Lookout is a must-do. While described as challenging, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the beach, the vast Pacific Ocean, and the rugged Vancouver Island coastline. The trail can be steep and may involve navigating some obstacles, so wearing appropriate footwear is essential.
Capturing Cox Bay's Beauty
Beyond the sweeping landscapes, photographers can find compelling subjects in the surfers riding the waves, the intricate patterns of the tide pools, and the rugged textures of the coastal rocks. The Cox Bay Lookout provides a unique vantage point for capturing the grandeur of the entire bay. Remember that cell service can be spotty, so downloading offline maps and having your camera gear ready is advisable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit