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 TOFINO
- The only way to describe Tofino is picturesque. At the north boundary of Pacific Rim
National Park, Tofino, home to 1,300 people, is the most popular destination on the west
coast of Vancouver Island.Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit each year to this base for grey whale watching, kayaking, wilderness hiking, deep sea fishing and, just recently, winter storm watching, which is becoming increasingly popular. The area also boasts some of the best beachcombing on Vancouver Island. Named in 1792 by Spanish explorers for hydrographer Don Vincent Tofino, the area remained largely the territory of coast Natives who reaped the benefits of the surrounding forests and abundant ocean, including hunting migrating grey whales from open canoes. A decade into this century, less than a dozen non-native settlers were living in the area, considered then one of the remotest parts of the country. In 1913 a church was built at Tofino, soon followed by a post office, logging camps and stores. Access to the remote outpost was by ship until the threat of invasion in World War II saw the building of a military airport. Road access began Tofino's transformation from a remote fishing village in the spectacular Clayoquot Sound to a world-class tourism destination. Nearby Long Beach, a 20-kilometer stretch of sand between Tofino and Ucluelet, a small village to the south, is the area's biggest draw. Open to the pounding Pacific Ocean the beach, inside Pacific Rim National Park, is fantastic for beachcombing, long romantic strolls and storm watching. (Note: Be extremely cautious as huge waves can unexpectedly sweep the beach.) At the south end of the beach is the Wickaninnish Center, (named for Chief Wickaninnish, the famed Clayoquot leader), a marine interpretive facility with exhibits, murals and films about the park's history, heritage and programs. Trails off the beach lead through the rain forest. Long Beach is also the home of Canada's surfing crowd. Hang Ten on the Pacific rollers, but wear a wetsuit - the water is cold!. There's a number of rental places in Tofino. Fishing off Tofino is incredible, with salmon, halibut, cod and crab being the catch of the day. The nearby rivers and lakes offer great trout fishing. Kayakers will love the Tofino area. The numerous inlets and bays offer sheltered paddling, while the more experienced can try the open ocean. Guided trips can be easily arranged. Beginning in March, grey whales begin their annual migration from California to Alaska, passing right by Tofino. Hop aboard one of the many charters to view these magnificent creatures. From mid-March to mid-April, Tofino and Ucluelet celebrate the whales with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, a family-oriented educational and entertainment event. Winter is not lost on this west coast wonderland either. Storm watching continues to grow in popularity as tourists come from around the world to witness the ocean in a fury as it pounds the coastline. Frequent winter storms whip the Pacific into a fury creating row upon row of giant waves that crash in spectaclar fashion all along the coast. It truly is a sight to behold. The town, which has a number of small but impressive sandy beaches, also boasts a museum where you can delve into the area's history. Art galleries and craft stores line the streets. Accommodations range from wilderness campsite to the most luxurious of lodges. Just off Tofino is Meares Island. Home to the historic Fort Defiance, the island is the traditional home of the Clayoquot First Nations. Art galleries offer native art and crafts, and hiking trails meander through the forests. IF YOU GOBY ROAD: From the south, take the Inland Island Highway north out of Nanaimo to the Port Alberni turnoff (Hwy. 4), near Parksville. Head west past Port Alberni to where the highway splits to Tofino (to the north) and Ucluelet (to the south). The highway is a two-lane busy stretch of pavement, so caution is needed. From Nanaimo, the 210-kilometer trip takes about four hours. From Port Hardy, take the Island Highway south to where it connects with the Inland Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue south to the Port Alberni turnoff, near Qualicum. The 500-kilometer trip takes about eight hours. BY AIR: Major carriers have scheduled connections out of Vancouver to Nanaimo. Smaller airlines have flights out of Port Alberni. Floatplane service is also available. Call your travel agent or airline for more information. |
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