Mackenzie Beach Tours and Activities

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


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 colors.

The beach is popular in the winter among storm watchers. The tempests, which put on a marvelous 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 kilometers) 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Oscar Inn & 2bd Suite up to 6 people private
Moda Hotel
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mackenzie Beach

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
Hotel Zed Tofino

Hotel Zed Tofino

3 out of 5
1258 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Hotel Zed Tofino
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
Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guest Houses
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman

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

Tofino
Chesterman Beach Fine Art Vacation House - Walking distance to North Chesterman
Gorgeous Oceanfront Rancher with Stunning views, Sauna, Hot tub and Pool table!

Gorgeous Oceanfront Rancher with Stunning views, Sauna, Hot tub and Pool table!

Tofino
Gorgeous Oceanfront Rancher with Stunning views, Sauna, Hot tub and Pool table!
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 offers a variety of activities perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy stunning sunsets, go birdwatching, or try your hand at surfing. The area features tent camping and picnic spots for a relaxing day by the water. For those looking to stay active, paddle boarding and beach yoga are popular options, making it an ideal destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Shopping

Discover Tofino Art Glass, a charming store just 1.6km from Mackenzie Beach, offering unique handmade glass art perfect for gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit the Tofino Market, about 19.3km away, where you can find local crafts, fresh produce, and delicious treats.

Recreation

Schooner Cove, located 11.3km from Mackenzie Beach, offers serene walks along the shoreline, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Clayquot Arm Provincial Park, 24.1km away, invites you to explore lush trails and tranquil spots, creating a peaceful atmosphere for wellness and reflection amidst nature.

Adventure

At Mackenzie Beach, explore the stunning Schooner Cove Trailhead, located 11.3km away, offering breathtaking rainforest views. Venture 19.3km to the Rainforest Trail for a captivating hike through lush greenery. For a longer trek, the Wild Pacific Trail, 21.6kms away, showcases dramatic coastal scenery and adventure-filled vibes.

Find the best attractions near Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including stunning beaches, serene botanical gardens, and vibrant urban parks. These points of interest cater to families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable beach experience. Whether you're relaxing by the ocean or exploring the lush surroundings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful corner of Tofino, British Columbia.

  • Chesterman Beach: Located 3.2km from Mackenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach offers stunning views and a relaxed beach atmosphere. It's perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and long walks along the shoreline, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers.
  • Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens: Just 1.1km away, this botanical garden is a serene escape for families and couples alike. With beautifully landscaped gardens and diverse flora, it’s a great place to enjoy nature and create romantic memories.
  • Tonquin Park: Situated 1.4km from Mackenzie Beach, Tonquin Park is a delightful urban park that combines family-friendly activities with outdoor adventures. Explore its trails and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding natural beauty.

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 moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mackenzie Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly 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 SunnyAverageAverage
July58.8°F (14.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach in Tofino is a budget-friendly destination with free access and nearby attractions like Chesterman Beach and Tofino Art Glass. To save on accommodation, visit between January to February or November, and book a month in advance for the best rates. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, particularly on Saturdays, which tend to be cheaper than Mondays. Use Expedia's tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling hotel and flight bookings for additional savings. Keep an eye out for hot deals and discounts to maximize your travel budget.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Mackenzie Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 specify your budget, desired location, and various other preferences. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices, ensuring that the most affordable hotels are displayed first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Mackenzie Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.