Tofino
Tofino is a small district on Vancouver Island sprawling on a peninsula within Clayoquot Sound. Within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, sits the village of Tofino.
With its sandy beaches with year-round surfing facilities include Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach and popular Long Beach, part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it’s easily understandable why the surfing capital of Canada is at the top of so many lists of the places to surf in the World.
In spite of its World notoriety, Tofino remains a picturesque rough-and-tumble frontier that is easygoing, outgoing, enterprising, unpretentious and resolutely friendly. Yet it also boasts swank beachfront resorts, excellent restaurants and a dynamic First Nations arts scene rooted in nature.
Things To Do In Tofino
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of the most spectacular location in Canada its endless soft-sand beaches are perfect for long walks and to surf. I would recommend stopping by the Kwisitis Visitor Centre to learn about the Nuu-chah-nulth fascinating culture.
Hot Springs Cove
Located 27 nautical miles northwest of Tofino, this gem is on the coastline of Maquinna Provincial Park. It is a full day adventure to get to this remote and rusting cove. On your journey to reach the hot springs expect to see all the amazing wildlife Vancouver Island has to offer.
Paddle Boarding
If surfing isn’t for you, the spectacular beaches of Tofino are also perfect for paddle boarding. If you ever encounter a playful whale, just relax and be serene; keep your distances, don’t get in the way, and enjoy.
Devices That Make Kite Surfing Safer & More Enjoyable
I am far from being a hardcore pro kite surfer but here are some devices for beginners that aren’t mandatory to start kite surfing regularly but are definitely must-haves if you want to casually get into it..
Search GPS Watch
This nifty watch tracks your GPS coordinates and the data is accessible via an app on your phone or on the phone of a loved one. It can also help give first responders your last known location in case something goes wrong.
Inflatable Hybrid Wing
Forget about bow or C-type wings; if you are ready to invest into a kite surfing wing but want versatility and ease of use, I would definitely recommend spending a few extra bucks getting a hybrid wing and inflatable ones are the best for beginners.
Waterproof MP3 Player
Some people can’t listen to music and deal with everything associated with handling a kite while balancing on a board; for me, it’s the opposite. If you’re like me, get a waterproof music player; it will make surfing even better.
Ucluelet
Ucluelet, or “people of the safe harbour” in the indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth language, is a much smaller area than Tofino but this unpretentious town is home to outgoing and easygoing people who call it “Ukee”.
Despite offering big experiences like whale watching, bear watching, bird watching, fishing, surfing, hiking, biking, ocean kayaking, and even zip lining; Ukee has a completely different vibe than Tofino.
It’s a more soulful and stress free place somewhere to leave it all behind, unplug and reconnect. It’s a little piece of heaven where clean pure ocean air, breathtaking oceanside walks, temperate rain forests, stunning sunsets and wicked storm watching; showcase Mother Nature at her best.
Things To Do In Ucluelet
Half Moon Bay & Florencia Bay
Located a couple of kilometers south of the Tofino-Ucluelet junction, these two bays are breathtaking. Halfmoon Bay has a myriad of tidal pools and Florencia Bay is a hidden gem that is best visited at low tide. It’s impossible to take a bad photo there.
Wild Pacific Trail
This Ukee part of the trail is composed of two different sections: the Lighthouse Loop is shorter while the Big Beach followed by the Ancient Cedars Trail loop trail is lengthier. It’s easy, family-friendly and along the reefs you can see shipwrecks and beautiful vistas.
Ocean Kayaking
If Tofino is great for surfing, Ukee’s true beauty is revealed from the water. There kayaking is the way to go; except during storm season, it’s pretty safe and doesn’t require a lot of practice to get into it; just follow the best safety practices and you’ll be fine.
The Stunning & Unpredictable Wildlife
Vancouver Island is a gorgeous place filled with wildlife even mostly they are harmless, especially big cetaceans in the water, on the land, there are a bunch of untamed animals who aren’t afraid of humans and that can be a very real danger so remember to make yourself as big and loud as possible, don’t turn your back at them, and don’t run from them.
Cougars On The Trails
It is not uncommon to see mountain lions/cougars on the trails, just be aware of it. They are absolutely beautiful creatures but they are also fast and deadly so avoid them; by this I mean make sure they are not following you.
Wolves On The Beaches
I’ve seen wolves on roaming on beaches a few times, they’re usually scared of humans but if they’re not running away after seeing you, they might be desperate for food, and that’s when they can be dangerous.
Bears Falling From The Trees
Being a city dweller, I never knew that bear could climb trees and I mean climb really high, until I saw a few big cubs where I was expecting to see an eagle’s nest. So don’t forget to look up for bears.
Where To Stay & What To Look For
Wickaninnish Inn
Off the Pacific Rim Highway, this Relais & Châteaux property is on Chesterman Beach and is only a few kilometers from Tofino. The best suites are the ones with a soaker tub and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
This Ucluelet hotel, surrounded by rain forest, boasts a spa, outdoors hot tubs and a swimming pool. The sleek suites overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer kitchenettes and it’s located minutes from downtown Ukee.
A Hot Tub And A View
After a long day of surfing and walking, you’ll more than likely feel pain in your thighs. This is why no matter where you’ve decided to stay make sure there’s a hot tub to relax and a view to enjoy the sunset.
Delicious Eateries in Tofino & Ucluelet
The Schooner
It’s a bit pricey but the quality of the food is great. Their fish and chips is one of the best in town. The menu is varied and quite contemporary.
Tacofino Cantina
If Tofino’s village is too far, this is the place to stop on Pacific Rim Highway. It serves some of the best Mexican food outside of California.
Hank’s Untraditional BBQ
Everyone in Ucluelet will tell you Hank takes BBQ seriously and it shows! Their brisket is phenomenal and you should definitely make a reservation.
Ukee Dogs
Bar none the best hot dog I’ve ever had! They have a wide variety of different dogs and if you need a coffee or something; this place is cheap and good.
