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October 7, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Hiking
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My family decided that this year we wanted to stay for a few nights on Vargas Island, and rather than put it off, as we do so many camping trips, we managed to pack-up and find a boat ride to our destination beach for a wonderful camping trip.
The first thing that is important to remember if you are thinking about this adventure is to either:
1. Get to Tofino early (leaving Nanaimo at 7 AM or earlier) so that you have plenty of time for the boat ride out there
or
2. Find some accommodations in Tofino for the first night well in advance so that you are not stuck in the village with no where to stay (accommodations are famously booked in the summer months in Tofino
The second thing that I recommend for this trip is to line up a boat ride in advance (if you are not bringing your own marine transportation (I imagine kayaking would take at least 4 hours, but I'm not sure).
Next, I recommend doing a bit of planning about where you'd like to camp on Vargas Island. There are a ton of long sandy beaches on the island that you can see on Google Maps (satellite view). Apparently some of these beaches are private, so it may be best to stick to the provincial park area of the island (you can find a good map of the provincial park as well as other helpful information on BC Parks website).
Once you known where to go and have your marine transportation figured out, you're ready to go!
We decided to camp in the corner of Ahous Bay, which is one of the bigger, more protected sandy beaches on the island. We had a fantastic time, with exceptional weather. The biggest highlight for my kids was beachcombing (there are a ton of sand dollars, as well as many washed-up buoys and other flotsam).
We went despite the wolf warnings. According to the park officials, this was not a good idea, but we didn't know it at the time. Apparently there have been quite a few "close calls" with wolves and campers, and the prevailing thought is that the wolves are too habituated to humans and may be dangerous. After knowing this information, next time I'll definitely check around to see if there are wolf warnings before I go.
The ocean is not warm enough for a long swim, but you can certainly jump in and exhilarate in the feeling (our kids sure did).
Oh - and don't forget that it's important to arrange specific transportation for the way back. We are lucky in that we have our own boat (a small inflatable Zodiac), but I imagine folks have been stuck out there without a ride home now and again!
All in all, I would say that this is one of the easiest remote beach camping experiences that you can have in BC - you're close to Tofino (very civilized) yet feel completely isolated from the world on your own sandy beach heaven. Quite a trip.
August 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
Honeymoon: Tonifo, B.C.
OMG… I have to include our honeymoon here; we had a wonderful trip. As hubby just started a new job, we couldn’t take a very long vacation… so we went to Tofino… something close-by and yet something remote (a total of 5 hours travel including the ferry ride). We stayed at the Wickaninnish Inn for 6 days and 5 nights; it was just amazing. The ocean was right by our room; we watched the sunset from our bed, looked at the ocean when we were soaking in the tub and listened to the wave before we sleep. Since it was the storm season, the wave actually was very nice. The walk along the beach (which is just 30 seconds away) was just breath-taking. It was so relaxing in the little town of Tonifo (after a “stressful” wedding… we could really use the peace). Couple of restaurants that you might want to visit when you are there; Downtown Tonifo is so small that you will have no problem finding these places 
Breakers Café, Schonner/Upstair, Raincoast Restaurant and, of course, The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn. Note: there is only 1 little shop for grocery and 1 little pharmacy (a small size Shopper Drug Mart). There is no McDonald or Starbuck. Our whole trip was PERFECT!
December 8, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Camping
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I have a soft spot for
Tofino. Sure, it’s foggy (most mornings), it rains (more than 10 feet a year) and it’s not exactly a hot weather beach destination (always pack a toque, even in summer), but there’s something special about this ocean-hugged town.
On past Tofino camping trips, I’ve battled tarps blowing off tents, prepared burritos in sideways rain, and peeked into tidepools while desperately clutching a wind-blown umbrella.
So when the sun finally does shine, I feel like I’ve earned it.
This past summer, a group of friends and I were lucky enough to experience one of those spectacularly sunny days. We surfed, cooked burgers on the beach, watched bald eagles and looked for sea stars and anemones – all under a bright blue sky. It was almost enough to make me forget about the sideways-rain-burrito-incident (almost).
The photo above is from the tail end of that blue-sky day, as we tried to find a way to hold on to those final moments of Tofino sunshine.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Tofino and the weather forecast is looking rather un-summer-like, here are some wet-weather tips:
> Exploring the beach can still be fun on a rainy day, as long as you have good wet weather gear. Umbrellas are tricky to handle when it’s windy, so opt for rain jackets, hats and rubber or waterproof boots.
> You can still
surf if it’s raining. A wetsuit will keep you warm in the water, regardless of whether the water is in ocean or rain format. If you do surf in wet weather, keep your warm clothes/towels in a plastic storage bin on the beach or in your vehicle. There’s nothing worse than “drying off” with a cold, wet towel.
> The
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre is a favourite place of mine to visit on a rainy day. Enjoy a hot chocolate from the
neighbouring café and watch the waves.
> If you’re camping, bring a couple of tarps. You (or your friends who forgot a tarp) will be thankful you packed them.
> It’s foggy most mornings, but don’t despair. The fog often burns off mid-afternoon.
October 28, 2008 | Tips from Us > Tofino, Surfing
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Never thought it would happen but the other day I found myself on one of Sydney, Australia's northern beaches, sitting in the sand and dreaming of the surf in Canada. Sure, it didn't help that my Canuck buddies were texting me pictures of a decent Canadian west coast swell that rolled in up there while down here we were suffering a wave drought down here. But that aside, once in a while no matter how much warmer and more consistent the waves usually are in Australia I find myself longing to be bobbing in the lineup at North Chestermans, practically alone out there, staring off at snow-capped Meares Island while eagles drift and dive around me.
Didn't know BC had a decent surf scene? It's burgeoning to be certain, but it does exist. If you've got even an inkling to see Canada's west coast from the water, it's an awesome way to do it.
If you doubt me, check out Tofino-based photographer Jeremy Koreski's site: www.jeremykoreski.com. His images prove beyond words that not only are there waves to be found in Canada, but the guys who live there and ride them are nothing to be scoffed at either. And ladies, there's plenty of gals in the lineup in Canada so don't be afraid to wax up your sticks either.
Couple things to remember: you will need to rock a thicker wetsuit than you wear down here, with booties, gloves, and a hood. You can rent everything you need at an array of shops in both Tofino and Ucluelet. Don't underestimate the power of the ocean. The rips on the west coast can be pretty strong. Read the beach signs so you are surfing safely. And while you shouldn't be too worried about sharks up there, never, ever stare a sea lion in the eye. Trust me.
August 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
Late fall and winter are great times to visit Tofino on BC's wild, west coast.
This video compilation was put together after a terrific long weekend spent in Tofino storm watching in November 2006. Most days were clear, cool blue skies with tormented seas.
Accommodations were excellent - we stayed at the Middle Beach Lodge which has a terrific and comfortable common area (great place to warm up and play board games after a refreshing stroll on the beach) and easy beach access.
We dined at various restaurants but my favourites were Sobo for down to earth, well priced, delicious simple seafood (think Thai seafood tacos, polenta fried for about $10) and the Raincoast Cafe for finer dining (refined west coast cuisine in a comfortable, non-pretentious setting).
But alas we could not pass up enjoying a drink at the Wickininnish - superb setting, magnificent, dramatic view, prices to match.
Also enjoyed a jaunt to up Ucluelet and had great Halibut and Chips in a little road side diner called Smiley's. You can eat and go bowling at the same time!
May 3, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Whale Watching
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I've been doing research for a recent trip to Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert Area. It seems every area boasts about the best fishing, the best whale watching, the best kayaking. Help!! How can I vary my experiences in the island? We're starting in Nanaimo, going to Tofino, Campbell River, Port Hardy, inside passage to Prince Rupert and then back to the island and on to Vancouver. Any great ideas or recommendations? Any help would be appreciated.
May 2, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Surfing
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There is absolutely no place like Long Beach, on Vancouver Island. Here, you get it all - crashing waves, sunsets to die for, long stretches of sandy beach, no crowds, eagles overhead, ancient rainforest. What else could you possibly want? Oh ya, the surf! That's here too!
March 3, 2008 | Tips from Us > Tofino, Walking
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It doesn't matter how many times I go out to the west coast of Vancouver Island, I'm always amazed at the raw beauty of our natural wonders. It was even more evident as seen recently through the eyes of our two English guests who while well travelled, seemed totally delighted with everything British Columbia had to offer. Of special interest to one was the old growth forest and the other the expansive and tantalizing beach.
So they are both coming back, one to explore our coastal rainforests and the other to body surf all summer long.
May 1, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
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Chesterman Beach in Tofino is a yearly pilgrimage for our family. We spend time beachcombing, surfing, watching the tide come and go, and looking for the telltale fins and flukes of passing pods of whales.
March 31, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Tofino, Aboriginal & Cultural
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My family and I experienced a cultural adventure I will never forget! We paddled in a carved canoe made by our leader Joe Martin, to the shores of Echachist Island. Once ashore, we were lead by Joe and his daughter Gisele about the island and experienced its flora and fauna both by taste and history. After circling the island, we returned to the beach where Joe cooked a fresh salmon over an open fire. (Please refer to the photo). The salmon is the best I have ever eaten. After spending several hours on the island, we paddled back to Tofino and learned about many interesting water plants and animals along the way. Joe and his daughter were kind and generous, providing us with first-hand stories of their interesting lives. My son still recalls with detail the stories told to us that day.
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