A land of sand, surf, great food, fine wine
9:45 A.M. HOT SPRINGS
COVE (PENDING REOPENING)
Grab your bathing suit and join the resort’s daily 30-nautical-miles boat ride to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, where a boardwalk leads you through lush forest to the geothermally heated springs. On a cool or rainy day, the 50 C water feels very welcome. After cascading over a rocky outcropping, it collects in small pools, one so close to the ocean that waves wash over it. On the boat ride here you may spot grey whales or orcas and sea otters. Captain Jeff is an engaging storyteller and will keep you entertained coming and going. Warning: Hot Springs Cove is so popular you’ll likely be sharing it with a couple dozen or more others. (Note: Due to community concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 to the Hesquiaht First Nation village in Hot Springs Cove, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park remains closed until further notice.)
7 P.M. DINE AT 1909 KITCHEN
Chef Paul Moran (a recent
Top Chef Canada winner) focuses on ingredients sourced and foraged from Tofino’s ocean, shoreline and forests — and you’ll get good views of all three at this waterfront restaurant. The kitchen can also cook your own catch. If you’re wondering about the restaurant’s name, 1909 is the year the post office opened in Tofino.
9 A.M. BIKE THE BEACH
Rent fat-tire or city bikes from the resort and cycle for about 20 minutes to Chesterman Beach on the multi-use trail that parallels the highway into town. Almost three kilometres long and shaped like a “w” (especially at low tide when Frank Island emerges), locals like Chesterman for walking and flying kites, but the hard-packed sand is also good for cycling.
12 P.M. THE POINTE RESTAURANT AT THE WICKANINNISH INN
Park your bikes near the Carving Shed at the north end of Chesterman Beach and see what local carvers are working on (and selling) before heading into The Wick. It was the inn’s McDiarmid family who helped make Tofino a storm-watching destination in winter, but even on a calm day, the 240-degree view of the ocean and beach from The Pointe is spectacular. Also of note is the inn’s new wine cellar. With its extensive selection of wines and a six-metre slab of yellow cedar for a table, the cellar can be reserved for private parties. (Note: The Wickaninnish hopes to reopen to B.C. residents on June 22 and the rest of Canada on July 6.)
2 P.M. TASTE MORE LOCAL FLAVOUR
On your cycle back to town, turn onto Industrial Way, where you’ll find Tofino Brewing and Tofino Distillery. Both offer tastings of their locally flavoured creations such as Kelp Stout at the brewery and Old Growth Cedar Gin at the distillery. Continue on Industrial Way and you’ll reach the Tonquin Trail Connector leading back to town. If you’re craving more beach time,
park your bike and walk to Tonquin Beach. The rock formations here provide sheltered sunbathing. This small beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets.
9 A.M. CHECK OUT AND GO SURFING
Your experienced and fun-loving instructors from Pacific Surf Co. will teach you how to catch a wave and maybe a new passion. Even though the water hovers somewhere between 7 C and 15 C year-round, wetsuits keep you warm.
1 P.M. WALK TO THE RESORT’S DOCK
And board your return flight with Harbour Air. Be back in Vancouver at 2 p.m. with a smile on your face.