The Bear Bierhaus: A Must-Visit Restaurant in Tofino, BC

When exploring Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, make sure The Bear Bierhaus is on your list. Located inside the revitalized MAQ Hotel at 120 First Street, right in the heart of downtown, The Bear is Tofino's only West Coast Bierhaus — a high-energy room built around bold food, cold drinks, and the kind of night you'll want to stay for. Whether you're a local or just passing through, here's what makes it worth the stop.

A Chef-Driven, Seasonal Menu

The menu at The Bear changes with the seasons, the catch, and the creativity of the kitchen — but the approach stays the same: fresh local ingredients, inventive small plates, and standout mains designed for sharing.

Start with the fresh shucked oysters — a curated local selection served with horseradish, mignonette, lemon, and house hot sauce. From there, the menu moves through shareable snacks, vegetable plates, house-made pastas, and large-format mains that showcase what's local and in season.

The MAQ Burger: The House Signature

One item that's earned its place as a staple is the MAQ Burger — house ground chuck, smoked gouda, braised onions, pickled jalapeño, tomato, arugula, and tarragon aioli, served with some of the best hand-cut fries this side of Tofino.

Beer, and Everything Beyond It

It's in the name: The Bear pours cold craft beer, from crisp pilsners to hoppy IPAs, including local and German selections on tap. But beer is just the start — the drinks list runs from creative cocktails and margaritas to a solid wine selection. Whatever your round looks like, there's something for everyone at the table.

Something Happening Every Day

Part of what makes The Bear a favourite with locals is the weekly rhythm:

• Lunch, daily from 12:00–4:30PM — bold plates when you actually want them, not just at dinner

• Happy Hour, daily from 3:30–5:00PM — 30% off the Snacks section, plus drink specials

• Patio Day Wednesdays — Rosé and Aperol Spritz specials all day long

• Game Day Thursdays — beer, burger & fries for $28, with live sports on the big screens

• Weekly Features — new every Friday, hyper-seasonal, and gone when they're gone
  

Warm Service, Come-As-You-Are Vibes

Guests consistently call out the service at The Bear — attentive, friendly, and genuinely knowledgeable. Dietary restrictions and allergies are taken seriously from the moment you mention them, and the staff are quick with recommendations if you're not sure where to start. The room is wheelchair accessible, the patio is pet-friendly, and walk-ins are always welcome. Elevated quality without the formality.

Plan Your Visit

The Bear Bierhaus is open daily, with lunch from noon, happy hour in the late afternoon, and dinner nightly until 10PM. Its downtown location inside The MAQ Hotel makes it an easy stop whether you're wrapping up a beach day, looking for a spot to catch the game, or planning a night out in Tofino.

The Bear Bierhaus 120 First St., Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 (inside The MAQ Hotel) Open daily · Lunch 12–4:30PM · Happy Hour 3:30–5PM · Dinner nightly +1 800-665-3199 thebearbierhaus.com