Tofino, BC on the west coast of Vancouver Island, at the edge of the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound, is an ideal location for canoeing and kayaking. Tofino is world famous for surfing and whale watching but the maze of nearby islands of Clayoquot Sound are perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
Tofino with its temperate climate has much to offer visitors from rare, old-growth rainforests, to miles of sandy beaches and abundant wildlife both on land and in the Pacific ocean.
Clayoquot Sound Tofino BC
Clayoquot Sound is an immense and wild area with many interesting animals and sea life. You can also explore the islands with their white sand beaches and hiking trails.
Clayoquot Sound was designated as the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation) Biosphere Reserve making it a development laboratory devoted to sustainability and education.
A good part of the west coast of Vancouver Island falls within the traditional lands of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations people.
- Kayaks on Meares Island near Tofino
Paddling Destinations
There are trips suitable for beginners, experts as well as escorted adventures.
Day trip locations close to the dock in Tofino:
• Meares Island - a large horseshoe shaped Island to the west of Tofino. Also called Wah-nah-juss/Hilth-hoo-iss by the Tla-O-Qui-Aht and Ahousaht First Nations
• Stubbs Island - has a great sandy beach
• Vargas Island - a 5km (3mile) paddle - north west of Tofino. The west side is a Provincial Park.
• Wickaninnish Island - a small island to the west of Tofino
Longer Trips:
• Flores Island - it is 20km (12 miles) north of Tofino. There are remote white-sand beaches on the island's west and south sides.
Wildlife Viewing in Tofino
While you are paddling you can watch for the plentiful wildlife and sea life in the area:
• Porpoises
• Sea Lions
• Grey Whales
• Orcas
• Black bears
• Harbor seals
• River otters
• Bald eagles
• Great Blue Herons
• King Fishers
• Wolves
• Cougars
• Osprey
• Marbled Murrelets
• Pacific Loons
• Roosevelt Elk
• Martens
• Raccoons
Ocean Going Canoes
You can experience the costal shorelines with local First Nations guides in an ocean going canoes. These are the same canoes that once hunted humpback whales miles offshore. Their trips run from May to September deepening on weather.
You will get to experience both the rich First Nations history together with wildlife that can be seen from a calmly moving canoe.
Contact info:
TLA-OOK Cultural Adventures
Box 899, Tofino, BC VOR 2Z0 Canada
Local phone: 250-725-2656 Toll-free: 1-877-94-CANOE email: info@tlaook.com
www.tlaook.com
Ocean Kayaking Operators
Majestic Ocean Kayaking
Box 287 Ucluelet, BC Canada V0R 3A0
Phone: 1-800-889-7644 toll-free or 250-726-2868 FAX: 250-726-2860
www.oceankayaking.com
Tofino Accommodations
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:
Located on the peaceful and scenic Mackenzie beach of British Columbia’s Clayoquot Sound, the BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort proudly offers friendly customer service and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. This Tofino area hotel, owned and operated by the First Nations People, features well-appointed guest rooms each fully equipped with cable satellite television and high-speed Internet access.
Enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant before taking advantage of a variety of other hotel amenities including an exercise facility, hot tub, business services and meeting facilities accommodating up to 250 people. Just steps from the hotel; Mackenzie beach, local galleries and shops, whale watching tours, fishing trip charters, fun on the water.
Contact info: BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge, Box 389 1119 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia, V0R 2Z0, CA Toll Free: (800) 661-9995 Phone: (250) 725-4445 Fax: (250) 725-4447 Email: guestservices@tinwis.com
Come and enjoy surfing in Tofino and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.