The Tofino Experience

The village of Tofino is about as far out west as one can go in Canada without being totally submerged in the frigid Pacific. Not surprisingly, it has a far out attitude to match. This funky, little, waterfront village is a venerable hotbed of offbeat artists, wealthy vacationists, old time surfers and all too enthusiastic beginners. Its meager population of 1,600 can swell or recede many times over, depending on the season, and as surfing becomes more and more popular in Canada, Tofino is gaining national and international recognition.

Like many of the towns on Vancouver Island, Tofino is also home to a host of fishers, a fair share of loggers and a consistent flow of nature lovers. Unlike other towns, however, this happening little village is almost completely dependent on tourism. As a result, those visiting the area are treated to a buffet of amenities including some of the island's finest dining spots and most sought after accommodations.

Sunset on Vancouver Island 2

Finding accommodation in the area can be easy and fun. However, it is highly recommended that reservations be made well in advance of Tofino's busy summer months and all holidays.

WorldWeb.com offers two useful directories for those visiting Tofino.

Accommodation Directory—This is a complete directory containing detailed information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

Maps—The map of Tofino can help visitors when choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Location
Tofino is situated at the tip of the Esowista peninsula, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It and the nearby town of Ucluelet are the closest towns to the Pacific Rim National Park and Long Beach. Though Tofino is growing steadily, it remains small enough that one can walk to and from many of the village's interesting galleries, funky coffee shops, local stores and world famous restaurants.

Access
Getting to Tofino takes time and dedication—it's a good thing the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Though there are some airports on the island, including the Tofino Municipal Airport, the majority of travellers reach the island by ferry. Five different routes will deposit passengers in Sidney, Nanaimo or Comox. From there, the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 19A connect with Highway 4. A westbound route, Highway 4 winds around some of the world's biggest trees and through some of the west coast's most amazing scenery. It bisects the Pacific Rim National Park and finally terminates on the Pacific shores in Tofino.

	Tofino's Tranquil Harbour 3

When to Visit
The region is known as a year round wonderland of outdoor activities. Throughout the summer, visitors come for the phenomenal whale watching, fruitful fishing trips and outstanding nature hikes. Over the winter months, offshore weather patterns drum up some of the biggest and best waves in the North Pacific, making it a very exciting season for surfers and storm watchers alike. As a bonus, one will also find competitive rates on accommodation during these latter months.

WHERE TO STAY

From the inner village of Tofino to the beaches and forests that lay beyond, there is a rich stream of properties to prospect when trying to find that ideal place to stay. All unique in their own right, these resorts, hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts offer newcomers an insight into the west coast lifestyle while providing a base from which to explore the area.

Resorts
For the discerning traveller, Tofino offers a selection of world class resorts, each fully equipped with modern luxuries and providing exceptional services.

Guest Tent at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort 4

Further up the peninsula, Middle Beach Lodge sits on 16 ha (40 acres) of secluded west coast oceanfront property. Here, two magnificent lodges and 20 self-contained cabins provide a sanctuary for those seeking a quiet retreat, a romantic getaway or a wilderness adventure for the whole family. The resort's elegant restaurant serves gastronomical delights of the Pacific Northwest.

In the fragile Clayoquot Sound Biosphere resides one of the most exclusive and unique vacation offerings in the world—the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. Founded in 1997, this luxurious eco-destination features four-star accommodations, gourmet coastal cuisine and access to some of the country's most pristine wilderness.

Hotels and Inns
Of course, not everyone has a fortune to spend on accommodations. For this reason there are a number of affordable hotels within Tofino that offer visitors everything they need to enjoy their time in town.

Follow the Pacific Rim Highway as far as it will go and there stands the Schooner Motel. This bi-level motel features comfortable, modern rooms with kitchenettes, complimentary coffee and guest laundry services.

	The View at Pacific Sands Beach Resort 5

Minutes outside of town and steps from Tofino's popular Chesterman Beach, the Dolphin Motel's 14 sleeping and housekeeping units have become a favourite with island surfers.

The Wickaninnish Inn, however, offers lodging right on Chesterman Beach. Sitting atop a rocky promontory and surrounded by the ocean on three sides, each room at this artistically adorned inn features panoramic ocean views, fireplaces, deep soaker bathtubs and private balconies.

Near the Seaside Bird Sanctuary, the 40 room Clayoquot-Orca Lodge offers oceanfront accommodations, a licensed dining room and comfortable amenities. Guests can mingle in the delightful lounge with a wood burning fireplace, piano, darts and board games then take a walk down to Long Beach.

Bed and Breakfasts
Those looking for a relaxing vacation away from the crowds may want to check into one of Tofino's many bed and breakfasts.

Chelsea's Bed and Breakfast is tucked into the hills above town, a short walk from the shops and restaurants found there. This large, new home features a spacious guest lounge and three private guestrooms, each with views of the Tofino Inlet. A hearty home-made breakfast is served in the morning.

Over on the west end of town, alongside the pristine Tonquin Beach, Water's Edge Bed and Breakfast has five peaceful, private rooms for hire. Guests are invited to start the day with a home-style breakfast, then, after a day of adventure, relax in the outdoor hot tub.

A View of the Tofino Inlet 6

Outside of town, the Red Crow Bed and Breakfast is nestled into 3 ha (7 acres) of private old growth rainforest at the edge of an intertidal protected waterway. This totally secluded home features two guestrooms and a garden cottage, each with their own spectacular views across the water.

Further south, the Beach Break Lodge combines spacious executive suites, ocean views and beach front access to ensure an unforgettable vacation. Each of the two spacious suites features a master bedroom with fireplace, dining area, kitchen nook, sitting room, huge bathroom with soaker tub and separate shower. Each morning, guests are treated to a breakfast of their own choosing.

Hostels and Dorms
Some choose to travel on a shoestring, looking for the least expensive way to explore new places and meet new people. The hostels of Tofino are sure to provide these backpackers with everything they need, but not much more.

Whalers on the Point is located downtown at the west end of Main Street. The familiar trademark of Hosteling International is seen here and amongst the pricey resorts and booked-up bed and breakfasts, it is a welcome sight. Guests of Whalers can relax in the on-site sauna or shoot a game of pool in the games room.

	A Deserted Beach Near Tofino 7

Take a Trip to Tofino
All along the Pacific Rim Highway, turnoffs tunnel into the rainforest, hiding luxurious resorts and guest houses. In and around town, private beach houses open their doors to visitors wanting to experience this laid back lifestyle. At the heart of town, economically priced inns and hotels overlook the majestic inlet. And all of them lay in wait for anyone adventurous enough to make the journey out to this secluded village.