It is thought that an integral part of achieving and sustaining overall contentment lies in establishing a strong connection with Mother Nature. In Tofino, we are no strangers to this, our personal mantras being to shape our lives around the pristine and idyllic backdrop in which we are so fortunate to live. Come and join us for these vivacious upcoming events, and experience the rejuvenative power of the outdoors for yourself.
Tofino Shorebird Festival, May 2-4: Life is beautifully dynamic, juxtaposing the life cycles of all the species that inhabit the World. Every year through this time, a plethora of sandpipers, Whimbrels, and countless other shorebirds punctuate their long journey from South and Central America toward the Arctic with a rest and feeding pit-stop right here in Tofino. For attendees, this festival is a perfect opportunity to bear witness to the synchronization of season and species, and to broaden their knowledge on the topic with a series of activities, workshops, and lectures offered at the festival.
Special Class SUPYoga, May 30: Yoga has been such a long enduring and ever-expanding art form because it promotes reciprocity between body and mind, a kinship that maximizes body awareness and mental clarity. With the progressive new direction fitness these days is taking, many practices offer fusions of various styles. This class, offered by Tofino Paddle Surf and SUP Vancouver, is one such hybrid, integrating the ancient art of yoga into the modern recreation of paddle boarding! It is open to all abilities of yoga, with basic paddleboarding skills and preregistration required.
RIP Curl Pro Tofino, May 31-June 1: Every great place has a defining characteristic with which they are synonymous, and in Tofino, we are proud to be Canada's crown jewel of surfing. Sanctioned by the Canadian Surfing Association, and the largest competition of it's kind in Canada, this tournament will make champions out of prevailing men and women in a variety of Pro, Master's, and Junior surfing and longboarding divisions.
At the Best Western Tin Wis Tofino, we are excited about where we live, and want to share the beauty of Vancouver Island with you. Make selecting one of our comfortable and affordable rooms the first step in creating your perfect getaway
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When looking for that unparalleled comfort and privacy well away from the crowd and the city, you should visit Chesterman Beach Bed and Breakfast Suites and Cottage in Tofino, BC. One of the most beautiful beaches in the area, it beckons locals and tourists to stay and spend a tranquil weekend.
A Tranquil Haven
Like most people, I feel the need to getaway every once in a while just to avoid the stifling hustle and bustle of the city. And when it comes to a weekend of rest and relaxation, no matter what time of year, the beach will always be the ideal place for me.
For couples looking for a romantic place to spend their special events, this definitely makes it on top of the list for highly recommended places. It is also ideal for families who simply want to enjoy a weekend to have fun and frolic or watch the day go by.
I had a chance to spend a week at the beach a few years ago. The wonderful haven offered at Chesterman Beach, and some time alone definitely does wonders to the soul. If you have not personally tried it, make sure to include it on your bucket list.
Create Great Memories
Each tourist can look forward to creating and experiencing great memories the whole year-round at Chesterman Beach Bed and Breakfast. The amazing tree-lined resort is at close proximity to Pacific Rim National Park. It offers a breathtaking view of the rolling surf and a magnificent oceanfront resort that makes it a premium place to stay.
You can also see the gray whales off shore or revel in a sun-warmed breeze. Experience the rumbling sound of the world-famous winter storms with its window-rattling power during the storm season. Aside from that, the sunsets and sunrises are truly one-of-a-kind so prepare yourself to be thrilled and titillated.
Other Great Activities in Tofino
Get involved with sport fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking and surfing, which are the most popular outdoor activities in Tofino. Long invigorating walks and tide-pool exploration are also some of the wonderful opportunities that the sandy beaches of Tofino can offer. After enjoying the activities and hunger comes to your senses, Tofino has a wide array of eateries ready to satisfy your palette and of course that visit would not be complete without going to the famous SOBO restaurant, where every food lover can enjoy a world-class meal. Aside from food, Tofino also has bookstores, galleries and a gift shop for you to buy souvenir items of your visit.
Storm watching is also another attraction when visiting Tofino. Conveniently located on Vancouver Island’s West Coast, because of the winter conditions, wind and rainstorms make a spectacular view. You can have a very good vantage point on the oceanfront.
The Tofino waters provide the best outdoor saltwater fishing adventures especially when done between April and September. Steelhead and trout as well as world-class salmon fishing are among the best fish provided by the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound. Halibut fishing are also the best for offshore fishing in the summer months. Furthermore, shellfish and crab are also abundantly available in the area. And if you want to know more, Tofino has a lot of fishing charter operators to help you as well.
Wildlife watching, bird watching and boating are the highly recommended activities when you are in Tofino. You can see seals, whales, black bears, sea lions, seabirds and eagles in the entire West Coast of Vancouver Island. They can be best seen while you are on the boat tour. There is also an existing protected habitat for birds located in Clayoquot Sound. World-class birds bring great opportunities while you are in Tofino especially while on land based trips to canoe and boat tours.
With all these great attractions, it’s no wonder Tofino remains to be one of the popular Vancouver Island travel destinations.
Accommodations
With a full array of wonderful activities to do in Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC, mae sure to book your accommodations ahead of time to ensure a comfortable stay. One of the premium options includes one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge:
BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge
Box 389 1119 Pacific Rim Highway
Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0
Phone: 250/725-4445 | Fax: 250/725-4447
Known as the premier place to stay in Tofino, the Tin Wis Resort Lodge offers a very best of luxury living as an ideal beachfront hotel. All guest rooms are well appointed with fully equipped with modern conveniences and highly advanced facilities that are designed to ensure a comfortable stay.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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A Celebration of Music at Its Finest with Joe Trio, Tofino, BC
Over the years, music concerts and shows have continued to be a favorite attraction among locals and tourists alike in Tofino, BC on Vancouver Island. Given the predilection to fine music, a string of concerts are slated this year in Tofino. Among the firsts to kickstart the year was Joe Trio, who recently performed last January 28, at the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre. Tickets were sold at $20.
For informatiom on how to get here, please check our Vancouver Island Travel page.
A Great Turnout
As expected, the event was well attended. Joe Trio is a popular group known to play traditional music in a most un-traditional way to the delight and fascination of many. They are clearly the new breed of musicians who have successfully gone ahead and elevated music to a whole new level.
The group, composed of Charles Inkman, Cameron Wilson and Allen Stiles serenaded Tofino playing the violin, piano and cello. The concert showcased a classical repertoire of new works by various contemporary composers and a highlight of their own arrangements of the popular Rock and Jazz tunes.
Breaking the Mold
Since their debut, the group has successfully carved a name and established a strong following with their refreshing, out of the box take on music. Keen on not being neatly categorized, they have brought a whole new twist to music with their versatility and diversity.
But mind you, the night was not only filled with great music, as it was also peppered with laughter, which seemed to be a great natural progression as the evening wore on. They have managed to inject a bit of their quirky humor and unpredictability that brought a round of chuckles every now and then.
All in all, it was a successful event that gave its attendants good value for their money. The Tofino concert scene is definitely well and alive, and both locals and tourists can certainly look forward to more great shows in the coming months.
For informatiom on how to get here, please check our Vancouver Island Travel page.
Accommodations
If you are planning to visit Tofino in Vancouver Island, BC, whether for a short stopover or a weekend getaway, you will be delighted to know there are a number of great hotels and inns that can readily provide premium accommodation. If you are looking of a place to stay in Tofino, check out one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge:
BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge
Box 389 1119 Pacific Rim Highway
Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0
Phone: 250/725-4445 | Fax: 250/725-4447
Recognised as one of the premiere places to stay in Tofino, the Tin Wis Resort Lodge redefines luxury living as a premium beachfront hotel. All guest rooms are fully equipped with modern conveniences and advanced facilities to cater to your every whim and fancy. Whether you are visiting the city for business or pleasure, you can sure to find everything you need to ensure a comfortable stay.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Whether you are a certified surfing enthusiast, or you plan to take up this water sport as a weekend hobby, look no further. At Tofino BC, you can surf all you want, all year round. The beaches of Tofino opens up to the Pacific Ocean, which makes it a perfect surfing destination for people who want to experience firsthand the raw power of the Pacific. With a stunning backdrop of majestic mountains and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect place for that authentic wilderness surfing experience. No wonder its one of the most popular getaways on Vancouver Island.
Ride the Waves All Year Round
Known as the surfing capital of Canada, a 30-minute ride from downtown Tofino will take you to the heart of its surf town. With its consistent all year round beach break conditions, it’s an ideal place for novices and expert level surfers. The waters of Tofino is known to be a bit chilly, but with the latest technology in wetsuits today, you can keep comfortably warm while you focus on riding those world-class waves. The water temperatures can range from 20°C or possibly warmer during the summer season to 4°C in the winter. So if you want to spend some quality in the water, Neoprene is definitely the order of the day.
If you are planning a weekend getaway, there are a number of surfing schools that offer wetsuit and surfboard rentals as well as basic surfing lessons. If you are a beginner, make sure to take a crash course first before you brave the waves so you understand the dangers, etiquette, and local conditions of this sport. The certified instructors will also teach you the proper surfing techniques and ocean safety.
Among the most famous beaches with big breaks include Wickaninnish Beach, Florencia Bay, Long Beach, Long Beach, Tonquin Beach and Mackenzie Beach. Whether you are simply looking for entertaining Vancouver Island retreats, or an exciting adventure of a lifetime, Tofino is sure to dish up an exhilarating weekend any time of the year.
Tofino Surf Schools and Shops
Here are some of the popular Tofino surf schools and equipment outfitters and rentals that can easily accommodate the needs of experts as well as beginners:
Island Longboards
3464 Brittain Boulevard, Qualicum Beach, BC
Toll Free: 1.800.726-4210
Email: shop@islandlongboards.com
Website: www.islandlongboards.com
Bruhwiler Surfschool
311 Olsen Road, Tofino, BC
Phone: (250) 726-5481
Email: bruhwilersurf@msn.com
Website: www.bruhwilersurf.com
Long Beach Surf Shop
630 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
Phone: 250.725-3800
Email: info@longbeachsurfshop.com
Website: www.longbeachsurfshop.com
Live to Surf
1180 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Phone: 250.725-4464
Email: info@livetosurf.com
Website: www.livetosurf.com
Pacific Surf School
430 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
Phone: 250.725-2155
Email: info@pacificsurfschool.com
Website: www.pacificsurfschool.com
Tofino Surf School
566 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
Phone: 250.725-2711
Email: surfer@tofinosurfschool.ca
Website: www.tofinosurfschool.ca
Surf Sister Surf School
625 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC
Phone: (250) 725-4456
Toll Free: 1-877-724-SURF
Email: info@surfsister.com
Website: www.surfsister.com
Westside Surf School
1180 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC
Phone: 250.725-2404
Email: info@westsidesurfschool.com
Website: www.westsidesurfschool.com
Getting to Tofino
By Land
· From Victoria, Tofino is 321 KM (199 miles)
· From Nanaimo, Tofino is 208 KM (129 miles)
· If you plan to take the bus, Tofino Bus offers regular trips from Nanaimo and Victoria
By Sea
· From Quay in Port Alberni via MV Frances Barkely or MV Lady Rose
By Air
· Tofino-Ucluelet Airport (YAZ)
· Orca Air offers daily flights to YAZ from Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver
Accommodations
Whether you are planning to stay for a weekend or for a full week, there are some greatly great Vancouver Island accommodations you can choose that are perfect for family vacations and romantic weekend getaways. You may want to check out one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge:
BEST WESTERN Tin Wis Resort Lodge
Box 389 1119 Pacific Rim Highway
Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0
Phone: 250/725-4445 | Fax: 250/725-4447
Looking for a home away from home? Whether you’re visiting Tofino for surfing, or any other popular activities, Tin Wis Resort Lodge offers you the ultimate accommodation.
If you are looking for an accommodation that provides you easy access to the popular local beaches as well as the Pacific Rim National Park, the Tin Wis Resort Lodge gives you that unrivalled convenience and world-class full service and impressive hospitality Vancouver Island is known for.
Located right at the peaceful and breathtaking view of the Mackenzie Beach, Tin Wis Resort Lodge is a popular destination for surfers and tourists all year round. Featuring well-appointed guest rooms, all full equipped with high-speed Internet access and cable satellite television, it is designed to give you maximum comfort.
Conducting business while on a holiday trip is not a problem. Tin Wis Resort Lodge has a number of business services that includes a meeting room and conference centre that can easily accommodate up to 250 people. With its friendly staff ready to provide you assistance, ensure a full-filled and memorable vacation.
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One of the marvels of the West Coast of Vancouver Island is the Tofino Botanical Gardens. This 12 acre garden is more that just flowers - it is gardens set in a temperate rainforest plus art work - all attractively integrated.
As you can wander down the paths and boardwalks watch for the edible gardens, botanical plans, ponds and a restaurant.
The gardens run from the their Pacific Rim Highway entrance to the Tofino Inlet mudflats. You will experience all that the Pacific Rim is famous for - magnificent forest, beautiful gardens and amazing waterfront.
The Gardens abut over 60 acres of forested reserve and the shoreline is next to 5,000 acres of protected wildlife habitat including an important shorebird section.
Tofino Botanical Gardens
The Tofino Botanical Gardens, a rainforest and shoreline garden, are the gateway to the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
There are approximately 1km (two-thirds of a mile) of boardwalks and paths along the waterfront on the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area. It is short walk from there to the sandy beaches of the open Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can enjoy the great scenery as well as get an appreciation of the conservation goals and history of the Gardens as well as Clayoquot Sound. The art is interesting and counterpoints the gardens and forests.
The Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation, a registered charity, operates educational programs and provides information about conservation of the temperate rainforest.
Clayoquot Sound
Clayoquot Sound is a magnificent wilderness area on West Coast of Vancouver Island encompassing both land and water. Just the land portion is 265,000 hectares (1,000 square miles) and represents about 8% of all of Vancouver Island.
Most of the Sound is forest wilderness and ocean which attracts some one million tourists each year. In 2000, Clayoquot Sound was designated as a United Nations Biosphere Reserve recognizing the Sound's unique ecosystem and our relationship to it.
Clayoquot" — pronounced KLAK-wot — the name of one of the First Nations tribes who inhabit the area.
Darwin’s Café
Darwin's Cafe is open daily and is licensed. You can utilize the cafe for events, meetings and weddings.
Children’s Garden
Following the boardwalks and paths you will encounter:
• The Café and Gift shop
• Flower and medicinal herb gardens
• Kitchen garden on the south side to get maximum sunlight
• A duck pond
• The frog pond
• The Children's Garden - great fun for the youngsters. Adults are allowed if they are accompanied by a child.
• Pocket gardens in a cleared forest area
Wooden Salmon Troller
As part of the Gardens, there is the Evian, a dry-docked 37’ wooden salmon troller typical of the boats plying the waters of the west coast. You also get a great view from its decks.
Old Growth Tree Area
The boardwalk takes you through an old growth tree area. Amongst the towering forest are three Western Red Cedars, affectingly known as the “Three Elders”.
Directions to Tofino Botanical Gardens
Just a mile from the town of Tofino.
Flying from Vancouver: 1 Hour
Tofino Air has daily service to and from the Tofino Harbour and Vancouver (YVR). Orca Air has daily service to and from the Tofino Airport (YAZ) and Vancouver (YVR).
Driving from Nanaimo: 2.5 hours
Drive north from Nanaimo, which is a major BC Ferry destination, on Highway 19 for about 30 minutes to the Qualicum Beach exit, exit west onto Highway 4 . Once in Port Alberni, follow the signs to Tofino. Stay on the highway to Tofino. Once you pass Beaches Grocery and Live to Surf Shop on the right, watch for the sign on a gazebo to your right.
Contact Info:
Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation
1084 Pacific Rim Highway, (Mail to PO Box 886), Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 Canada
Telephone: (250) 725 1220 Fax: (250) 725 2435 Email: info@tbgf.org www.tbgf.org
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 Tofino and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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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.
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Tofino, ‘Surf Capital of Canada’, lies on the west coast of Vancouver Island, right out there on the edge of the Pacific Rim. The Editors’ Choice Awards from Outside Magazine gave Tofino the title ‘Best Surf Town in North America, and the title ‘Best Beach in Canada’ came from TripAdvisor’sTraveler’s Choice Awards.
Tofino Beaches
No matter the moniker or who has bestowed it, it’s easy to see how they are accumulating when you start to visit the beaches of tofino, like Chesterman, Long and Cox Bay. Chesterman Beach is known for good summer waves, Long Beach has the largest stretch of sand which seems to just draw surfers in, and Cox Bay gets strong wave action, more than others in the summer.Tofino creates a unique surfing adventure, and wetsuits and other gear are a necessary blessing when surfing here.
Tofino weather is not that typical of the climates you usually find surfers; ocean temperatures are on the average 50°F/10°C, but the exquisite terrain of
Popular Tofino Surf Spot
Some beaches are better for newbies to learn how to surf and some are better for pros to ride the waves. The beaches of Tofino are good surf beaches for both novices and seasoned surfers, as they tend to have flat and sandy bottoms. And while some of the beaches are sheltered, making them a bit kinder and gentler to surf, some of them face the Pacific head-on, which creates a more challenging surf, so there is a range of surfing possibilities, even including kayak surfers.
You could do a 5-10 minute drive from downtown Tofino to get to the Beaches or you could do what the locals do, and bike to the beach of your choice, with your board on-board.
Tofino’s Surf Schools
The nine surf schools in Tofino offer equipment rentals, comprehensive lessons regarding safety, technique and the etiquette of the waves:
· Bruhwiler Surfschool – Surf with Canada’s best known pros
· Island Longboards – Lots of Longboards and SUP
· Live to Surf – Original Tofino Surf shop that provides Surf, Skate and Skim, Sales, Rentals, and Lessons for all ages.
· Long Beach Surf Shop – Large selection of rental and retail gear; largest selection of CD’s and vinyl
· Pacific Surf School – Learn from our coastal crew on the Island’s rugged west coast.
· Storm Surf – High quality surf gear, sales and rentals
· Surf Sister Surf School – Canada’s only women surf school (gents welcome as well)
· Tofino Surf School – Tofino’s newest surf school!
· Westside Surf School - Most advanced techniques learnt from director Sepp Bruhwiler, Canada’s internationally known pro
Do a quick hour lesson as a brush-up, or take a day or two and learn the basics. Take a 2, 3, or 4 day excursion or plunge into the world of surfing with a week-long option.
Tofino – O’Neill Cold Water Classic and Surfing Events
In 2009 and 2011, Canada’s first professional surfing event, the O’Neill Cold Water Classic was hosted in Tofino, with hundreds of professional surfers from all over the world in attendence, including some of the local surf pros, including 2009 winner Peter Devries, Jeremy Koreski, Noah Cohen and Raph and Sepp Bruhwiler.
Tofino Annual Events that have surfing
· Pacific Rim Whale Festival (March)
· Feast! (May to June)
· Rip Curl Stew (June)
· Queen of the Peak (October)
Come out and experience the Tofino surfind adventure, or just watch some surfing – it’s a beautiful sport to observe.
More information…
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.
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Cascading waterfalls flowing into natural soaking pools, carved by Mother Nature herself into the surf rock, which in turn leads down into the waters of the Pacific Rim near Tofino BC on Vancouver Island. Inviting image, yes? That’s just one of the many beautiful images that will invite and entice you to visit the Tofino Hot Springs. Bubbling hot water, infused with healing powers by the ancient magma, filling the springs with a magical quality. The springs beckon – Imagine being out on the edge of the Pacific Rim where the Hot Springs and the cold ocean waters meet. I must admit, that’s the picture that always gets to me, and in fact, each of these images aptly describes the Tofino Hot Springs.
Take a Scenic Boat Ride or Float Plane
Accessible only by boat or a float plane, you travel 26 nautical miles north of Tofino, to the coastal Maquinna Provincial Park where you find, a thousands of years old, natural thermal hot springs in Northern Clayoquot Sound. A long-favourite destination stop for locals, the Tofino Hot Springs is perched overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
This adventure is open year-round and most charter companies offer transportation via either water or air, and incorporate whale watching and/or bird watching as part of the day’s activities. Departures are usually morning and early afternoon.
The Rainforest Hike
Once you arrive at the bay you begin the next chapter of your adventure: that of hike along a boardwalk through the ancient rainforest terrain (approx 1 mile/1.2 km); it involves climbing numerous groupings of 20-30 stairs at a time. It’s majestically beautiful, but you will want to be physically prepared – and your reward for making the trek is the treat of the rustically spectacular Hot Springs themselves – Nature really got it right!
If you’re game for an evening adventure in the hot springs there is a lodge, a bed & breakfast and a campground where you can stay. Regardless of how long you plan to visit the hot springs, you will want a good pair of walking shoes and warm clothes.
Contact a charter company or tour operator for current prices and travel conditions and get ready for this bracing and breathtaking escapade.
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 Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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There’s nothing like a leisurely walk in a garden to remind you of the sheer beauty of nature and Tofino is a veritable festival of gardens.
The Tofino Botanical Gardens
The interconnected walkways that take you through 12 acres of the Tofino Botanical Gardens’ floral gardens, forest and shoreline illustrate the relationship between nature and civilization in a simply and beautiful way.
You’ll find the flower, herb & kitchen garden, as well as the duck pond, and Children’s Garden to start. As you move into the forest, you’ll discover that there are clearings, which have been cultivated into a series of pocket gardens, that exhibit plants that once flourished in other coastal temperate rainforests around the world; art installations, which have been designed to survive the natural elements; and garden buildings, comparing and contrasting culture with nature
A Non-profit Foundation, The Tofino Botanical Gardens mission is to inspire the conservation of the Temperate Coastal Rainforests around the world; Temperate rainforests are broadleaf or coniferous forests and occur only in a few regions worldwide with ocean-coastal climates like that of the Pacific North West. The Tofino Botanical Gardens found on Vancouver Island also offer Environmental Education and Student Field Trips.
For more information about the Tofino Botanical Gardens http://www.tbgf.org/
Ken Gibson’s Rhododendron Hill
Way up high on a hill looking over all of Tofino sits one of the most outstanding rhododendron gardens in the world. Ken Gibson has spent literally decades creating his garden with hundreds of the different varieties of the flowering shrubs. Don’t be surprised if you recognize the view from some of the local postcards; this garden is internationally known. Flowering starts in early spring and peaks in early summer. You may want to bring a camera, so all your friends can gaze in amazement when you show them where you went and what you did.
Clayoquot Island Gardens, Stubbs Island
You will find Clayoquot Island, otherwise known as “Stubbs Island” off the shore of Tofino. This 25 acre private island is set with beautiful gardens on a nature preserve. This was the original centre for the town of Tofino up until the early 1920’s.
Spend an afternoon walking the beaches, the forest boardwalks and the exquisite and extensive gardens: The island is a is a modern-day illustration of how people can continue to live simply off the sea and the land, without the bombardment and dependency of the overly electronic age, most of the rest of the us are plugged in to constantly.
Take a boat to the island, provided gratis, bring a picnic, explore, enjoy.
Catherine’s Floating Garden, Clayoquot Sound
This new and unique garden is one that floats, actually it’s a series of floating gardens and sculptures and is truly a ‘must see’!
A cruise takes you to a magic cove where you will find a floating home, a garden, and a new ‘Eco Lifestyle’, created by 2 local artists who have called this place home for the past 10 years. It’s a delightful surprise, and one that will help you relax and recharge.
Cougar Annie’s Garden, Hesquiat Peninsula
Named for the courageous and colorful pioneer woman who created and worked the garden for more than 40 years, visitors find Cougar Annie’s Garden captivating and mystically beautiful. Cougar Annie’s is surrounded by the tall trees of the West Coast rainforest. This was a working nursery and garden that the much-married Ada Annie Johnson Rae-Arthur Lawson ran, shipping numerous types and varieties of plants all across Canada. The 5 acre clearing (cleared by Annie herself) that makes up the garden is filled with criss-crossing pathways, adding interest to your walking garden viewing.
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 Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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The Amazing 9th Annual Tofino Food & Wine Festival on Vancouver Island
The 9th Annual Tofino Food & Wine Festival is right around the corner. Featuring the Tofino Botanical Gardens, and participating Tofino restaurants, this year will be nothing short of amazing!
Celebrating the marriage of food and wine, the festival originated simply as a local event, but as word spread it has grown into one of Tofino’s favourite events, for tourists and locals alike. Sumptuous foods and extraordinary locally grown wines plus amazing Vancouver Island scenery makes this a truly memorable event and a great introduction to British Columbia.
Food, Wine & Purpose
Dedicated to the promotion of education and professionalism in the hospitality industry, and culinary and sommelier programs, the festival also highlights Slow Food, a non-profit company created to recognize the importance of pleasurable food in conjunction with sustainable agriculture.
Additionally, the festival supports several non-profit organizations and initiatives, including the Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation, Community Children’s Centre and Tofino’s Community Garden, Lighthouse Trail and Multi Use Path (MUP), through fundraising efforts at several of the festival events.
The Events
This year on vancouver island, the Tofino Food & Wine Festival opens with the Epicurean Showcase on Thursday June 2, 2011, where Chef Liam Paul kicks it off with an evening of canapes and wine, and it closes, June 5, 2011, with ‘In A Pinch’ – Effortless Cooking with author/chef Caren McSherry.
In between there are another eight yummy events, which include:
Main event: Grazing in the Gardens @ the Tofino Botanical Gardens – focusing on local culinary excellence, paired with British Columbia’s finest wines, you’ll be treated to live shucked oysters with Robert Steinbach of Moby’s, from Salt Spring Island and gourmet bites by local chefs.
The Rainforest Harvest Luncheon at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Two Annual Winemaker’s Dinners, one from Cedar Creek’s at the Wickaninnish and the other from Alderlea’s at the Shelter Restaurant
Bienvenue! At the Darwin Café: A Taste of BC Bubbles, 10 fine wineries with their limited release bubbles, live music, fresh shucked oysters, overlooking the Tofino Botanical Gardens – What could be better?
The Cocktail Show at The Schooner Restaurant, where Special Guest bartenders will create cocktails and pair them with canapés, with live music.
The Schooner’s Annual Sunset BBQ with Phillips Brewery and Tofino Brewery featuring fresh Dungeness Crab, Halibut Burgers, BBQ Salmon and all that goes with it.
Sips and Seafood @ The Shore, where seafood and wine, ocean and sunset views join together for an exquisite evening
For more information and to obtain tickets/packages for the festival:
http://tofinofoodandwinefestival.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 Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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