Wooden walkways protect the forest in Tofino
Never mind the weather, get outside
When storms come from Japan and travel across the Pacific Ocean, they reach the west coast of Vancouver Island, where they create huge waves that crash into the rocky shores and sweep over the pristine beaches. It’s an amazing show by Mother Nature. But the best way to experience a winter storm is to go outside. So we put on all our rain gear, including the yellow rain jackets that the resort provided in the Sunset House’s closet. Right outside the house, there is a nice path that goes to the beach and wooden pathways that wind through the forest without harming it.
Make the most of Tofino beaches when the shines, even a little
It wasn’t all rain and clouds. Indeed, we enjoyed a wonderful day of sun and clear skies–and we made the most of it. The kids explored the beach for shells and driftwood, one of us tried surfing, and we all had a lot of fun.
Winter surf lessons, Tofino © Surf Sisters
What to do on your wild weekend in Vancouver Island
Don’t let the rain spoil your fun. There’s a lot to do. We joined a guided tour with a Paddle West Kayaking naturalist and kayaked along the rocky coasts of Clayoquot or Barley Sound, where there’s a lot of intertidal life. For the adventurous ones in the group, there’s Surf Sister who will teach you how to surf your first (or hundredth wave quickly. We wore our hiking shoes and explored Ucluelet’s Wild Pacific Trail, where 5.6 miles of trails have a beautiful lighthouse, informative signs and benches in hidden viewpoints.
Later, we visited Zoe’s Bakery & Cafe in Tofino where a large menu on a chalkboard with flawless curly writing shows the soup, salads and sandwiches of the day as well as baked goods like peanut butter cups, pot-de-cremes, and cupcakes.
We brought the kids to Howler’s Family Restaurant, a cozy diner with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The main dining area has brick walls with tin panels and simple wood tables with bare Edison bulbs above them. There’s an old-fashioned, 5-pin bowling alley and an arcade with billiards and pool table in the back.
Where To Eat in Tofino and beyond
Tacofino is a food truck that has shut off its engines and found permanent home. The delicious tacos are made with locally sourced fish. For dinner, reserve a table at Wolf in the Fog, where Chef Nicholas Nutting makes a killer Moroccan spiced octopus served on chickpeas, peppers, and tomatoes.
How to plan a family trip to Vancouver Island
We took BC Ferries, which has crossings to Nanaimo from two Vancouver ferry terminals. It’s a leisurely way to get to the island and a nice break for the person behind the wheel. Alternatively, Orca Airways flies directly into Tofino from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn commission when you click on them. This does not influence our editorial standards. We only recommend products and services we believe will enhance your family travel experience.
