## First blog! ‘Gonna be a bit of long one as it was a week long trip and I have a lot to say’

I hope you are thriving wherever you are on this planet. My first-time visiting Tofino was an experience and was a great escape from the world and life while relaxing in its atmosphere, I swear time slows down once you enter the Pacific rim. I’ll share the highlights, the issues as well as some tips and recommendations for anyone who wants to visit Tofino.

## Getting There  

We spent a week in Tofino, arriving on the busy August long weekend. We drove from Kelowna to Coquitlam, a 4-hour drive on the well-known Coquihalla highway. We stayed in a not-so-great hotel, woke up at 4 am for a 6:25 am ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. The morning was tough until I got coffee on the ferry. If you visit Tofino, the next part of the trip will be great: no waits, no problems, and all parks will be open for you to enjoy. However, the Cameron Bluff fire caused closures, leading to road closure on Highway 4, only allowing traffic from 11 am to 1 pm or 6 pm to 8 am. We lined up 2 hours early, had a nap, walked around, and hoped we weren’t too far back.

Two hours later, we started moving and found out we were 17th of 20 cars allowed through before they alternated to the other lane. We watched as traffic lined up on the opposite lane for kilometers. We stopped at J&L Drive-In and Walmart before continuing the journey. The drive from Port Alberni to Tofino is the calm before the storm, with 2 hours of no cell service, surrounded by nature, winding through untouched mountains along rushing rivers, before reaching the Pacific Rim National Park Highway. Then a sign appears, Turn Left to Ucluelet, Turn Right to Tofino.

## Camping at Long Beach Golf Campground 

For the first three nights in Tofino, we camped at Long Beach Campground in the Pacific Rim National Park, a 15-minute drive from Tofino and a 15-minute walk from Long Beach. The campground was well-kept, with clean toilets, hot showers, and fire pits that couldn’t be used due to a fire ban. The sites were surrounded by trees, and our site had a meadow next to it where we often saw deer in the mornings. However, it wasn’t all perfect – we could hear our neighbors snoring every night, and the crows were noisy and tried to steal food. We also experienced a storm on the second night, which disrupted our dinner and breakfast plans the following day.

## Beaches and blunts

Long Beach is the longest and most popular beach in the park but has limited parking space. It stretches for 16 km along the coast, making it perfect for surfing, swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing. The water is cold but refreshing, beware of the sea lice, they will bite bare feet. Mackenzie beach had a strong smell and many dead creatures. Chesterman beach, however, had ample parking and great waves to explore, especially at low tide.

A tip for beaches: the further you are from the town, the better. Tofino does not have a wastewater treatment plant, so everything gets dumped into Duffin Passage, causing environmental issues. But there is hope, as a water treatment facility is being constructed and is due to be completed by Dec ’24. Also, it’s important to note that drinking alcohol on all beaches is prohibited. They didn’t say anything about my blunts or penjamin though.

## Staying at Tofino Resort + Marina 

After three nights of camping, we were excited to pamper ourselves with some comfort, luxury, and warmth! We had many meals at Tacofino, including the separate location they have at the Long Beach Campground, and then checked into Tofino Resort + Marina, situated in the heart of Tofino. The resort was modern and stylish, offering spacious rooms, cozy beds, and breathtaking views of the harbor. The scent of the harbor was quite strong and fishy, which wasn’t very pleasant. The resort also features The Shelter restaurant, Shelter Lounge bar, Tuff Fit Gym, and an Adventure Center connected to the marina, serving as the starting point for various adventures. Depending on the building you stay in, you might need to drive up and down a steep 50-degree slope, which felt like looking straight up while driving up it. The main reception lodge also has a small store, mainly offering Yeti products.

## Exploring Tofino 

Beyond the beaches and adventures, we also spent time exploring Tofino and its surroundings. Tofino is a charming and laid-back town where time seems to slow down – it’s called Tofino Time. You can find many shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries offering local arts, crafts, and delicacies. If you’re interested in seafood, I recommend Naas Foods! They mainly focus on various kelp products, but seasonally they also offer high-quality seafood and fresh prepped fish dinners, as well as seacuterie! Some of my favorite places to eat were Tacofino, a food truck serving delicious tacos and burritos. The Tofitian is a cafe that serves fresh pastries and the best coffee in Tofino! The Wildside grill is a restaurant that serves everything from fish tacos to a classic poutine. If you use cannabis, the dispensaries are of high quality, but be prepared to pay more due to the location. It’s advisable to bring your own supply. BRING ICE!!!! Getting ice was very difficult, so I ended up using the hotel ice machine to fill our cooler. Cell service is also spotty and very slow.

NOTE: This was during the August long weekend when every store and service was strained and pushed to the limit. Now let’s continue with the adventure.

## Weather and Packing 

One thing to know about Tofino is that the weather can change a lot. You might plan to go for a hike in pants and a hoodie, but then have to turn back and change because the temperature gets much warmer while driving. I experienced both sunny and rainy days and nights during my trip, which is typical for Tofino. The temperature was mild, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. So, I recommend packing layers, a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you visit during the summer, bring a swimsuit, a towel, and flip-flops, and good luck if you plan to surf in the winter. Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities in Tofino. Level up your social media with a Tofino trip.

## Conclusion 

Overall, I had a wonderful time in Tofino, and I would love to go back someday. It is a place that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture. It is also a place that has a unique and captivating beauty, that makes you appreciate and respect nature. If you are looking for a destination for your next trip, I highly recommend Tofino. You won’t regret it.