Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Beach · Tofino, British Columbia
Chesterman Beach
A sandy beach south of Tofino, with tide pools, Frank Island connected to the sand at low tide and surf suitable for beginners.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Chesterman Beach
Chesterman Beach is a few kilometres south of downtown Tofino, outside the national park. It’s a wide beach of pale sand, split into sections by a small island, Frank Island, which is connected to the beach by a sandbar at low tide.
At low tide, the rocks around the island reveal tidal pools with starfish, anemones and crabs. The waves are usually gentler than at other beaches in the area, and the beach is used by surf schools for beginners. Houses and guesthouses sit behind the sand among the trees.
Frank Island is private property: do not go up on it. Pay attention to the tide, which covers the sandbar quickly.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two hours.
Best time
At low tide, for the tidal pools; at late afternoon, for the light over the Pacific.
How to get there
About 5 km from downtown Tofino, with pedestrian access from the neighbourhood streets.
Tip
Check the tide table before you go to see the tidal pools at the right time.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chesterman Beach
Is Chesterman Beach good for beginner surfing?
Yes, the waves are usually gentler, and there are surf schools.
Can you go onto Frank Island?
The island is private property; you should not go up on it.
Where are the tidal pools at Chesterman Beach?
On the rocks around Frank Island, visible at low tide.