Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach
Mackenzie Beach
Mackenzie Beach featuring a sandy beach, surfing and mist or fog
Mackenzie Beach featuring mist or fog and a sandy beach
Mackenzie Beach showing surfing, a beach and mist or fog


The calm waters of this beach near Tofino make it an ideal spot for families to take a break from city life and go for a swim.

Visitors flock to Mackenzie Beach to enjoy its calm waters and family ambiance. The Vancouver Island strip of sand is particularly popular because it is close to the town of Tofino and is protected from high winds by rock formations. Its calm waves create a family atmosphere, since more adventurous swimmers and surfers make their way to tougher waters farther south.

Claim a spot on the sandy beach for you and your family to sit with a picnic and enjoy with a scenic view of the ocean. The beach is a hotspot for sunbathers in the summer. Dip your feet in the ocean or go for a swim to cool down after an afternoon in the sun. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water for your time on the coast. Stay for the sunset to see the sky change colours.

The beach is popular in the winter among storm watchers. The tempests, which put on a marvellous light show over the ocean, have also shaped the trees behind the beach. Note that many are bent out of shape as a result of the storms. Meander through piles of driftwood stacked on the sand. Watch kids making forts out of the sand and wood.

Take the kids beachcombing along miles of sand to find interesting items, such as seashells, fossils and driftwood. Play beach volleyball and frisbee with family and friends.

Spend the night at a resort or in the nearby campground. Scenes from the 2005 remake of The Fog were filmed on sections of Mackenzie Beach.

Drive 1.8 miles (3 kilometres) south from the city of Tofino to reach Mackenzie Beach. It faces the Templar Channel on the west coast of Vancouver Island, just north of Chesterman Beach, Long Beach and Schooner Cove. The journey will take about 5 minutes by car, first along main roads, and then via dirt paths. Parking can be quite difficult to find at peak times.

Plan a trip to see Mackenzie Beach

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Sandman Suites Vancouver on Davie
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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Zed Tofino

Hotel Zed Tofino

3 out of 5
1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Hotel Zed Tofino
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

2.5 out of 5
1119 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort
Tofino Resort & Marina

Tofino Resort & Marina

3 out of 5
634 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
Tofino Resort & Marina
Middle Beach Lodge

Middle Beach Lodge

3.5 out of 5
400 Mackenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC
Middle Beach Lodge
Tofino Motel Harborview

Tofino Motel Harborview

2.5 out of 5
542 Campbell St., Tofino, BC
Tofino Motel Harborview
The Maq Hotel

The Maq Hotel

2 out of 5
120 First Street, Tofino, BC
The Maq Hotel
Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses

Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses

3.5 out of 5
1110 Fellowship Drive, Tofino, BC
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Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

Tofino, BC
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman
Dunes Cabin at Chesterman Beach, Tofino B.C.

Dunes Cabin at Chesterman Beach, Tofino B.C.

Tofino, BC
Dunes Cabin at Chesterman Beach, Tofino B.C.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach in Tofino, British Columbia, offers a delightful array of activities for visitors. Enjoy stunning sunsets, engage in birdwatching, and explore local art. The area also features picnic spots perfect for a leisurely meal and walking tours to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. It's a fantastic destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.

Shopping

Tofino Art Glass is a charming store located 621m from Mackenzie Beach, offering unique glass art pieces. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting the Tofino Village Square, about 1.9km away, where you'll find local shops and boutiques filled with souvenirs and gifts.

Recreation

Schooner Cove, located 4.3km from Mackenzie Beach, offers a tranquil setting with stunning coastal views, perfect for relaxation and mindfulness. Meanwhile, Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park, 9.3km away, invites you to immerse yourself in nature, providing serene trails and opportunities for rejuvenating wellness activities amidst lush landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on the Schooner Cove Trailhead, located 4.3km from Mackenzie Beach, for a scenic hike through stunning landscapes. The Rainforest Trail, 7.5km away, immerses you in lush greenery, while the Wild Pacific Trail, 13.0km distant, offers breathtaking ocean views and exhilarating adventure.

Nightlife

Mackenzie Beach offers a relaxed nightlife with charming beach bonfires and intimate bars like the Tofino Brewing Company, known for its local craft beers. Enjoy laid-back evenings at the nearby Floating Bar, where you can sip cocktails while soaking in stunning ocean views.

Find the best attractions near Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach in Tofino offers a delightful array of attractions, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beach, explore local botanical gardens, or relax in urban parks. For a memorable experience, consider RV camping just metres from the beach or take a brief walk to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Don’t forget to read reviews to enhance your stay at this enchanting location.

  • Chesterman Beach: Located 1.2km from Mackenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach offers stunning coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing. Enjoy the sound of the waves as you stroll along its sandy shores.
  • Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens: Just 435m away, these beautiful botanical gardens provide a romantic setting for leisurely walks. With diverse plant species and tranquil pathways, it’s ideal for families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
  • Tonquin Park: Situated 559m from Mackenzie Beach, Tonquin Park combines urban charm with natural beauty. The park features family-friendly trails and scenic views, making it a great spot for picnics and exploration.

Best time to go to Mackenzie Beach

The best time to visit Mackenzie Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mackenzie Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mackenzie Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
March42.4°F (5.8°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.9°F (7.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
July58.8°F (14.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mackenzie Beach

To save money on your trip to Mackenzie Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and November, while booking your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia and aim to stay on a Saturday, as it's the least expensive day. Use Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights and activities for further savings. Don't forget to check for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mackenzie Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Mackenzie Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mackenzie Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Mackenzie Beach is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your stay at a Mackenzie Beach hotel with your flights and activities.