by Wendy Burgess, Wilp Gybuu (Wolf House) Bed and Breakast
"I
think every person dreams of finding an enchanted place with beautiful beaches,
breathtaking forests, numerous islands and amazing wildlife.
Most people give up on it, because they've never been to Tofino!"
Tofino is a quaint and beautiful fishing village located at the edge of Pacific Rim National Park in Clayoquot Sound – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Tofino is on the very west coast of Vancouver Island and if you drive onto the Government Dock at the foot of 1st Street you’ll arrived at the west most terminus of the Trans-Canada highway system. Here you can revel in the majesty of ancient old growth forests and pristine waters located in one of the last remaining – and largest – old growth temperate rainforests in the world. Many of Tofino’s residents were lured to the area by the magnificent winter storms. Tofino has the warmest winter temperature in Canada. Check out Tofino Weather. Another surprise is that we have more sunny days than Vancouver and Seattle in spite of the 3 to 4 meter annual rainfall!!
Tofino has wonderful galleries is home to many artisans including First Nations. The Nu-Chul-Nuth people are the First Peoples of this area.
What To Do:
Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park have over 30 km of spectacular beaches to explore. Most beaches have hard packed sand so walking is an absolute joy! Some of the best rainforest trails I have ever experienced are found here. Beachcombing may bring you a glass ball float from Japan if you’re really lucky. Lava Rock tide pools shelter multi-coloured starfish, sea urchins and hermit crabs. Grey Whales love Tofino, too! Migration to Alaska from Mexico begins at the end of February and many stay around Tofino until the gang from Alaska go back to Mexico at the end of October. Lucky visitors get a close up visit from “the friendlies.” with Jamie's Whaling Station. “Jamie's” and “Sea-Trek Tours” will also take you up to Hot Springs Cove for a relaxing day in a natural rock hot springs. Want to see black bears in an unobtrusive way? Take a bear-watching trip with Seatrek Tours at low tide when they look for crab and salmon along the shore. If bird-watching is your pleasure Just Birding will show you all the best places. If that’s not enough Raincoast Backroad Adventures take you (and a gourmet lunch) to see Virgin Falls and other wonderful sites most people never get to see. Want to visit Meares Island or travel up Lemmons Inlet? No experience is required to kayak with experienced guides to some of the most beautiful spots on the west coast. If that isn’t enough the early morning bears on Long Beach Golf Course might make you think twice about hunting down those “gone astray” balls.
Getting There:
The most popular means of transportation to Vancouver Island is via BC Ferries from the lower mainland. >From Nanaimo you drive across Highway 4 an incredibly beautiful drive that takes you over mountains, beside rivers and lakes and through spectacular Cathedral Grove. Alternatively you can fly with North Vancouver Air or enjoy the scenery on a Gray Line Bus. If you arrive in Tofino without a car there is a small bus that offers service from Tofino to Pacific Rim National Park.
It is about a 3 hour drive from Nanaimo and 5 to 6 hours (stopping for lunch) from Victoria. Ferry service from the mainland takes about 2 hours.
Where to stay:
Canada Bed and Breakfast Hosts will say that Wendy, Ralph and Gino, the cat, will give you a warm welcome at Wilp Gybuu (Wolf House) Bed and Breakast. Located in a quiet residential area overlooking the inside waters and islands of Clayoquot Sound Wilp Gybuu is only 4 blocks from restaurants, galleries and tour offices in the "heart" of Tofino with Tonquin Beach just a short walk away. Wilp Gybuu is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring this “wonderland”. A delicious full breakfast and lively conversation in the morning will get you off to a great start.
Eating Well:
No surprise here – Tofino has some of the best seafood around! Dungeness crab is a specialty of the area as are the roasting oysters. Wild salmon, halibut, mussels and shrimp abound. If you are a vegetarian or prefer meat you’ll find that too. You won’t find a fast food chain in Tofino. You will find some of Vancouver Island’s very best restaurants. Cafe Pamplona - Tofino, Long Beach, Schooner Restaurant, Raincoast Café, The Pointe and The Sea Shanty the are some of my favourites. I can’t forget Cafe Vincente Internet Cafe with fabulous sandwiches and the best coffee on Vancouver Island (maybe even BC).
Return to CanadaBBHosts:BC page