SIGHTSEEING/PADDLING/WHALE WATCHING/SURFING
Vancouver Island
Because Vancouver Island is fairly small (about 460 km – or 290 mi x 80 km – or 50 mi) it’s easy to get anywhere in a day. But there are some places worth staying and exploring while you’re there.
About a 4 hour drive west will take you to one of the most breath-taking places on earth (I think!) which is Tofino/Uclulet and Pacific Rim National Park. The park is a long (actually called Long Beach) … very long … stretch of sandy beach where you can stroll during sunny and warm weather or see the wild side during the storm season.
Many people come specifically to do some ‘storm watching’ in the winter. There are some wonderful
[/fusion_builder_column]
Great Surf at Long Beach
motels/resorts and one of the finest, world-class resorts is The Wickinninish Inn with it’s beautiful west coast style with modern comforts. It boasts one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten in – and the view from the dining room is awesome!!
It’s no wonder that Tofino is Canada’s surf capital.
The waves keep rolling in along miles of sandy beaches – 35km of surf-able beach break to be exact, leaving plenty of room for all boarders, from absolute beginners to seasoned longboarders.
The water is a cool, yet fairly constant 10°C/50°F, making surfing a year-round activity in Tofino, with some of the best rides being caught during the winter when the surf is definitely up with a strong, fairly consistent swell. A wetsuit is essential, along with recommended booties, gloves and a hood if you want to spend quality time in the water.
Check HERE for more information specifically on surfing in and around Tofino!
Tofino itself is a very small, quaint town with a few shops and some really wonderful art galleries, one of the best is the Eagle Aerie Gallery with paintings from the famous Roy Henry Vickers. Amazing!!
Whale watching is popular
From the town you can go on whale-watching tours, rent kayaks and explore the surrounding coast … or stay on the beach for some of the best surfing anywhere!
Even tho you can drive there and back in a day … I’d consider staying at least a couple of days to savour the area. You’ll LOVE it!
When you get to the end of Hwy #4, a right turn will take you to Tofino/Long Beach … and turning left (or south) will take you to the village of Uclulet. Smaller than Tofino, Ulculet does have a variety of accommodations and restaurants, some neat trails, an aquarium (closed in winter), departures for kayak trips, surfing, fishing etc. Well worth a look!
Tofino is one of my most memorable places on the planet!
Staying for 2 whole days in Long Beach with my wife and two grandchildren (6 and 11). What is recommended to carry with us for 5-6 hours there? Could we find some shelter from the sun or any place to eat and rest or we have to go to Tofino or Ucluelet?
Hi Benedicto, First of all … I’m not a professional travel agent. I can only give you my personal experience. As you will be on the extreme west coast you can expect anything for weather! Even in summer, it can be warm, wet, windy or cold. So come prepared. The beach walking is amazing … make sure you have appropriate footwear. If it’s nice and warm, barefoot or flip-flops are ok … if cold and windy boots come in handy. There really isn’t much in the way of shelter on Long Beach. You may want an umbrella – but beware of the wind! There are no food services available other than Tofino or Ucluelet. Bring food/snacks with you to the beach – a cooler is great to pack lunches/cool drinks. It’s a beautiful place but still remote so not a lot of ‘tourist’ type amenities. At least not the last time I was there. I hope you enjoy your stay! It is a spectacular place!