Small business in Tofino
Tofino sits in Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island's west coast, inside the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the region takes its name from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. The District of Tofino describes significant change and growth from a mostly resource-based economy to a growing profile as an international destination, while noting that aquaculture and logging are still present. The Canadian Encyclopedia describes today's economy as primarily tourism-based, with surfing a major part of it since the town's first surf shop opened in 1984. The province gave Tofino Resort Municipality status in 2008, and the District puts the population at approximately 2,000.
Anyone conducting business in the District of Tofino needs a valid business licence. New applications and renewals go through the District's online portal, the application is not reviewed until its fee is paid, and every licence expires on December 31. Short-term rental and bed and breakfast renewals need extra documents, and the District encourages, without requiring, businesses to join the Tribal Parks Allies program, which invites a 1% contribution to stewardship work.
The Tofino Chamber of Commerce has served local business since 1929 and calls itself Tofino's largest and longest-running business organization; joining Tourism Tofino requires Chamber membership first. In 2025 the Chamber ran a Business Retention and Expansion project built on 50 interviews with Tofino businesses about growth, barriers, housing and infrastructure.
Working with us from Tofino
Tofino is at the far end of Highway 4 from us. From Port Alberni the highway runs west past Sproat Lake and Kennedy Lake to the Tofino-Ucluelet junction, then north through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the end of the road in Tofino. Parks Canada describes the Port Alberni stretch as steep and twisting, at least 90 minutes of driving, and very busy in summer. We do not offer visits or pickups in Tofino; our in-person work stays in the Alberni Valley.
Tofino clients work with us online. You upload statements and receipts securely, AutoEntry captures receipts from your phone, we keep your QuickBooks Online, Xero or Sage file current, and we talk by phone or video, at a time that suits a summer schedule. Payroll, GST/HST filing, catch-up work and personal tax returns all run the same way.
We are based in Port Alberni. See bookkeeping in Port Alberni for more about us, or how our pricing works.
Useful local resources for Tofino businesses
- District of Tofino: business licensing: Who needs a Tofino licence, how to apply and renew through the online portal, and the December 31 expiry.
- Tofino Chamber of Commerce: Tofino's long-running business organization, including its 2025 Business Retention and Expansion findings.
- Tofino Chamber of Commerce: join the Chamber: Membership benefits, and how Chamber membership ties in with Tourism Tofino.
- Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot: Port Alberni non-profit offering financing and business development support to businesses in Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield and Port Alberni.
Sources
- District of Tofino: About Tofino
- District of Tofino: Business Licensing
- Tofino Chamber of Commerce
- Tofino Chamber of Commerce: Join the Chamber
- Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: Tofino
- Parks Canada: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Plan your visit
- British Columbia Highway 4 (Wikipedia)