Cox Bay
Cox Bay is Canada's surf capital—a beautiful beach break surrounded by old-growth rainforest on Vancouver Island's wild west coast. Tofino has become a surfing mecca, drawing everyone from beginners to experienced chargers. The water is cold year-round (thick wetsuits required), but winter storms deliver consistent Pacific swells that light up the sandbars. The setting is stunning: rainforest, black bears, and pristine wilderness. Canadian surfing at its finest.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (260°)
- Direction range
- 220° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2.5m
Water temp
11°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Or fly into Tofino airport (YAZ)
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cox Bay?
Cox Bay works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Cox Bay?
Offshore wind at Cox Bay blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 45° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cox Bay?
Cox Bay wants W swell (220° to 300°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Cox Bay?
The main season at Cox Bay is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, May, Sep. Winter storms deliver consistent swell. Cold water year-round.
How do I get to Cox Bay?
Fly into YYJ, then allow about 240 minutes by road. Or fly into Tofino airport (YAZ)
What kind of wave is Cox Bay?
Cox Bay is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Sep
Winter storms deliver consistent swell. Cold water year-round.