Vancouver Sun

Storm Watching Adventures Await

The West Coast of Vancouver Island is legendary for its storm watching opportunit­ies. Here, brooding skies conjure up crashing waves in an atmosphere that is as electric as it is ever- changing. Swells can reach up to 6 metres in height, and on average be

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Once storms have passed, the eerie calm that is present can be as exciting as the main event, with a turbulent landscape of wind and weather that majestical­ly unfolds right before your eyes.

Chief among storm watching locations are Tofino and Ucluelet. Home to the 16- kilometre long‘ Long Beach’ located along Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino has long establishe­d itself as a popular base for storm watching. Here, the largest waves crash upon Incinerato­r Rock, providing storm watchers with some amazing views of Mother Nature in action. Making the area even more accessible are the numerous trails that run in and out of the Tofino region, including the three- kilometre Big Tree Trail which features a ‘ Hanging Garden’ tree with a circumfere­nce of over 18.3 metres at its base.

While Tofino is a well- known tourist destinatio­n, the neighbouri­ng town of Ucluelet should not be overlooked. The nearby Amphitrite Lighthouse presents a spectacula­r sight for photograph­ers, as storms have sent waves cascading over this landmark dating back to 1915. Numerous options for shopping, arts and crafts, zip lining and outdoor activities exist here. The town’s slogan says, ‘ Life on the Edge’ - an appropriat­e summary for this exciting community.

Few experience­s can match the raw, natural beauty that is offered in these fantastic BC Ferries Vacations ™ Storm Watching Getaways.

UCLUELET RETREAT

Take a front- row seat and witness the raw power of nature firsthand at the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet. Located on Vancouver Island’s rugged West Coast, the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, and the stunning beauty of Pacific Rim National Park.

Being at the heart of the action doesn’t mean sacrificin­g comfort or quality. This resort was designed to pay homage to the area it calls home, and does so through the extensive use of glass, rock and wood- accents throughout the property, with stunning views of the ocean beyond.

Here, guests can enjoy two nights’ accommodat­ion in a Studio Suite, accompanie­d by a bottle of BC Sparkling wine and a luxuriant bath bomb. Starting at just $ 249* per person, return ferry included, this package is a storm watcher’s dream come true.

TOFINO RETREAT

Picture cozying up to a fire place as the wind howls just outside and the surf races ashore. That’s exactly what you can look forward to during storm watching season at the Cox Bay Beach Resort, a boutique oceanfront property nestled on Cox Bay and convenient­ly located just outside Tofino.

Starting at just $ 229* per person, return ferry included, guests can enjoy two nights of storm watching splendor from the comfort of their One Bedroom Beach House Suite. As an added bonus, a welcome basket featuring a delicious array of snacks like cheese, crackers, fruits and chocolate will be waiting in- room for you.**

Some of the best storm watching opportunit­ies in the world lie at our doorstep; taking advantage of them has never been more luxurious - or convenient.

* All packages include return ferry for two adults and one car with BC Ferries from the Vancouver Mainland to Vancouver Island. Prices are per person based on double- occupancy and do not include taxes, fees or surcharges. Prices are quoted in Canadian dollars based on availabili­ty. Some conditions apply.

** Welcome basket is available for new bookings only ( made between November 6 and December 3, 2012 and for travel between November 6, 2012 to March 15, 2013).

 ??  ?? Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
 ??  ?? A surfer takes to the waves at Long Beach
A surfer takes to the waves at Long Beach
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