Parking in Tofino

In the past, parking congestion at Tofino's beaches and downtown core has negatively impacted the experience of both visitors and residents. Informal and poor parking habits frequently resulted in degraded road safety, infrastructure damage, high enforcement needs and reduced parking convenience and access.

In 2021, the District of Tofino committed to improving public parking layout and design to address this issue. Beach and Downtown pay parking was introduced to cover the costs related to parking, including the dedicated enforcement resources. Up until now, parking-related costs have been funded by taxation.

Pay Parking is a proven method to increase parking availability in publicly used spaces, which provides more opportunities for shared access to public assets. Parking revenues also offer a new and important funding source for programs, services, and facilities benefiting the community.

No. Municipalities are prohibited from assisting businesses under section 25 of the Community Charter. Providing a free parking pass for a business-owned vehicle would violate this rule. However, business owners can pay for hourly, day, and annual passes, and parking receipts can be recorded as business expenses.

Parking passes can be purchased at the pay stations or via the online parking apps highlighted on the pay parking signage throughout the community.

Annual commercial passes can be purchased in person at the Municipal Hall at 121 Third Street.

Parking revenues are commonly used to pay for parking system infrastructure and operating costs. This new revenue stream could offset these costs, which are currently funded from taxation.

Further revenues are dedicated to facilities and programs that directly benefit the community.

Customers can pay and manage their parking needs via the parking meter (credit card or coin payment), via digital apps such as Honk Mobile App, Pay By Phone App and also payment through a 1-800 number listed on the parking signage.

Campbell Street is a provincial highway under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), and it is not included in Downtown Pay Parking.

Campbell Street does have free time-limited parking available.

All available parking spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overnight street parking is not permitted except for downtown residents with a permit and displayed vehicle decal.

Overnight camping in any vehicle throughout the District of Tofino is not permitted at any time.

The Municipal Hall lots are designed for long-term parking.

Recreational Vehicles, motorhomes and campers (over 20’ in length) are authorized to park in designated pay areas.

To reduce large vehicle traffic in the downtown core, please consider using another active and alternative transportation option, such as biking, walking, or public transportation, to travel to and around the village.

Designated RV parking zones are located on Gibson Street and Arnet Road, just outside the downtown core.

Click to view: Downtown Pay Parking Map (PDF)

The free resident parking program only applies to eligible residents. If a vehicle is registered to a business, the owner is required to purchase a parking permit or use parking stalls at the business's facility.

Employees working downtown without a resident pass must pay the hourly rate in pay parking areas.

Residents with a free Downtown Pay Parking permit who can not park at their place of business are encouraged to park on Gibson Street and side streets. The goal is to free up parking availability nearest Campbell Street so that residents and visitors can have easier access to local businesses.

A Downtown Pay Parking permit cannot be used to park at the Municipal Hall lots. Separate payment is required if parking at these lots.

It is recommended that those who work in the downtown area consider alternative modes of transportation such as biking, walking, or taking public transit.

No, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has its own pay parking system.

Yes, the decals that downtown residents receive, allowing them to park on their street, are renewed annually and must be collected from the Municipal Hall prior to May 1 each year.