Why Your Next Beach Vacation Must Be Tofino, British Columbia

The beach town of Tofino, British Columbia, is small but mighty. With approximately 2,000 residents, the beach town still possesses a succinct wild mystery about it – with towering trees, ancient rainforests, and 25 kilometers of sandy beaches on the Pacific coastline. Known as Canada’s Surf Capital, you can choose to go surfing or stand up paddle boarding on the waters. Located in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and encompassed by the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region, much of the land and waters are sacred and cherished. When you experience Tofino, British Columbia for yourself, you will understand why. Here’s why your next beach vacation must be Tofino, British Columbia.

Go stand up paddleboarding in the Pacific Ocean with Tofino Paddle Surf

If you’ve got an itch to check off paddleboarding in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, you’re in good hands with Tofino Paddle Surf. Simply walk towards the east side of your room patio on the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort property, and you’ll find them, right on the sand. Founded by Catherine Bruhwiler, not only is Bruhwiler a lifelong local surfer, she’s Canada’s first professional female surfer and one of the first members of the Canadian Surf Team. Given her impressive background, Bruhwiler and her team are experts at teaching guests how to navigate the Tofino waters. Tofino Paddle Surf offers 10% off for Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort guests for all rentals and lessons, and also offer private lessons to whole families, so that each experience can be customized. All ages and abilities are welcome. “We had a family bring their grandma, who was 76, and she stood up paddleboarding. Her daughter cried, because how cool was that! The grandma actually stood up and had a paddleboarding experience! It was really memorable to see three generations in the ocean,” tells Marcel Gasparovic, the Tofino Paddle Surf manager, about a notable family that came in recently. Tofino Paddle Surf also gives back to the First Nations community, hosting water activities for First Nation field trips, which can have up to 20 kids coming in at a time. The company invites you to come on by. “Make sure you stop by, even for a chat, ask questions about the ocean – how it works, even what the weather is like. We check the weather ten times a day! It’s a huge responsibility and our passion. Visit us, have fun, and enjoy everything the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort has to offer,” expresses the enthusiastic Gasparovic.

Eat at The Shed

If you’re looking for a beach shack, look no further than The Shed. While not exactly on the beach, ocean views will still greet you as you come in after surfing or kayaking to snack for lunch at this casual eatery. Located next to the Mermaid Tales Bookshop, The Shed is easy to find and easy to dine at. Known for its locally-sourced burgers, The Shed is your go-to spot for filling up after exploring the beach. Though the burgers get all the glory, the other dishes on the menu are just as delicious. The Tuna Crunch Cone and Poke Bowl showcase albacore tuna tartare at its best, and Soto Ayam, is an Indonesian chicken soup with unique flavors.

Go kayaking in a rainforest with Paddle West Kayaking

How often can you say that you kayaked to a rainforest? On the “Discover the Islands” kayaking tour with Paddle West Kayaking, you’ll journey through the waterways of Clayoquot Sound to Meares Island. Owned and operated by Ryan Rogers since 2013, Paddle West Kayaking offers some of the most passionate, educational, and thrilling tours in Tofino. Seeing seals, porpoises, and bald eagles are a common sight on the waters, and paddling to the island is extremely rewarding. There, you’ll find undeveloped land, the result of the “War of the Woods” which was a battle between a timber, lumber company and the First Nations (Nuu-chah-nulth). Ultimately, the land was protected by the First Nations and is preserved today. You’ll hike on the “Big Tree Trail”, a boardwalk-like trail, which has humongous cedar trees up to 1000 years old – they are known as the “Trees of Life” and have been used by the First Nations as a staple to provide shelter, canoes, and more. You’ll learn more about the rainforest’s eco-system from your guide at Paddle West Kayaking, and be in good hands, no kayaker is ever left behind.

Eat at Wolf in the Fog

“Rough. Rugged. Fearless. We’re anchored to the ocean,” says Wolf in the Fog. Ask any local where you should go for dinner, and almost everyone will tell you to go to Wolf in the Fog. Located on the corner of 4^th Street and Campbell, dress up in your favorite outfit and head on out to the restaurant that pairs innovative flavors with local ingredients to serve up dishes with flair. The restaurant offers a rotating menu, so you can be surprised every time you return. From appetizers like the fresh Seaweed Salad and creamy Pacific Scallop Gratin, to the Slow Baked Halibut with clams and potato, you can taste the ocean on your tongue, and will not be disappointed. Even the side dishes, such as the Fried Lingcod Collar, take you by surprise, as the combination of technique and creativity are outstanding. Enjoy the ocean views from the second level or right on the patio.

Stay at Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort

Tin Wis literally means “calm waters” in the Tla-o-qui-aht language, and the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort is proudly owned by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Nestled right off Clayoquot Sound, outdoor lovers can surf or stand up paddle board on-site. Enjoy spacious, pet-friendly rooms, and after chasing your dog on the sand, wake up to delicious complimentary breakfast. De-stress with the new hot tub, right next to the savvy gym. Other amenities include a fun playground and bbq grills that the whole family can enjoy.

From wildlife to city life, there’s plenty of room to roam in Canada. Find more Canadian travel inspiration at Travel Zone | Adventure Across Canada. Explore past the coastline to the turquoise waters of national parks and discover rich, urban centres when you stay with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Canada.