Located on the Esowista Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a stunning surf town and fishing village untouched by modern day consumerism. Without a Starbucks in sight, Tofino takes pride in their local shops, cuisine, art and environmentalism. Wildlife is abundant and residents prefer to let the animals roam free at night, void of human interference, as not to disturb the natural balance of things.
According to website Tofino.ca, the “ancient coastal temperate rain forests, stunning vistas, kilometers of pristine sandy beaches and amazing wildlife, draw over 1 million visitors a year, making Tofino one of BC’s premier vacation destinations.”
Surfing in Tofino
Surfers can hit the waves in Tofino year-round, with the biggest waves coming to fruition during the winter months (aka storm season). The famous Wickaninnish Inn attracts tourists looking for the true Tofino storm watching experience. Powerful waves crash up against the clear glass, making guests feel as though they are right in the middle of the ocean while they sit comfortably, sipping a glass of red wine by a roaring fireplace. Visit WickInn.com for more information.
Westside Surf School, located on Pacific Rim Highway, offers surf lessons for all ages and is owned and operated by the Bruhwilers, otherwise known as 'Canada's Royal Surf Family.' They provide visitors with a wetsuit, boots and all the knowledge needed to begin surfing in the vast Pacific Ocean. Visit WestsideSurfSchool.com for rates and other information.
Chesterman Beach is a great place to surf and houses many beautiful bed and breakfasts that are nestled between the ocean and Pacific Rim National Park. Pristine waves crash up against the shoreline and large rocks jet out of the magnificent water. Wetsuits are required for surfing, as the temperature remains at a chilly 6-7 degrees Celsius year-round.
Food and Dining
Shelter Restaurant (ShelterRestaurant.com) provides one of the most incredible eating experiences in Tofino. Using fresh local ingredients, appetizers include Fresh Chucked Vancouver Island Oysters, Seared Local Albacore Tuna and Alaskan Scallops. Enjoy one of their fabulous main dishes such as Macadamia Nut Crusted Pacific Halibut, Steamed Dungeness Crab and House Made Gnocci, followed by Dark Chocolate Mousse or Chevre Cheesecake for a little bit of culinary heaven.
Getting to Tofino
To get to Tofino, take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen then drive for approximately 3-5 hours across the island. Just outside of Nanaimo is a small town called Coombs, whose main attraction is the Old Country Market (OldCountryMarket.com), a mish-mash of fresh produce, baked goods and imported gifts, complete with a grass roof housing real-life goats!
The drive itself showcases the island’s scenic, winding mountain roads with waterfalls cascading down the sides. Picturesque Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is home to 157 hectares of towering 800-year old Douglas-fir trees, and is definitely worth some exploration.
Why Visit
Abundant with natural beauty, Tofino is a perfect destination for surfers, families or couples wanting a secluded, romantic vacation getaway. Feeling more rustic? Stay at a camp site in Tofino and have a bonfire on the beach. Whichever option one chooses, it is sure to be an experience of a lifetime.
