SURF’S UP: TOFINO TIME
JUNE 9TH, 2011
SURF’S UP: TOFINO TIME
stay
The huge swath of shoreline at thePacific Sands Beach Resort means all their villas have this perfect waterfront view and excellent surf. The already beautiful accommodations with three levels, three bathrooms, massive soaker tubs and 18 foot ceilings are getting further upgrades: ask for #24, the first one to be finished. For families, the resort has great babysitters, complimentary beach toys and organized kids activities on weekends. Pacific Sands Beach Resort, 1421 Pacific Rim Hwy., Tofino, 250-725-3322, www.pacificsands.com
eat
If you are staying at the Sands, walk 5 minutes down the beach to theLong Beach Lodge for breakfast: their famous bite-sized cinnamon buns and crowd-pleaser eggs benny in the ocean-view Great Room is not to be missed, nor are their beachside summer crab bakes. Insider tip: the chef is also a surf instructor who teaches at the Lodge’s own surf school. Check out the plans for the future surf academy opening in April 2012. Long Beach Lodge Resort, 1441 Pacific Rim Hwy., Tofino, 877-844-7872, www.longbeachlodgeresort.com
eat again
The new Spotted Bear Bistro in the Tofino town centre is getting rave reviews: on our visit, spot prawn chowder was on the brunch menu and the tiny bagels from the new Tofino Bagel Company were almost too cute to eat. Almost. 120 Fourth St., Tofino, 250-725-2215,www.spottedbearbistro.com
hotel picnic
Grab-and-go gourmet or catering from the brand new Red Can Gourmet is the way to go—Chef Tim is the man who made the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, the site of Ryan Reynolds' wedding, famous for its food. Now that Ryan’s single again, Tofino wedding anyone? Red Can Gourmet, 700 Industrial Wy., Tofino, 250-725-2525.
spa
The expanded Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn has an aromatherapy massage with your name on it. Post spa, treat yourself to dessert in The Pointe restaurant (try the cedar ice cream) and watch for neighbour Sarah McLachlan on a beach walk.
getting there
Get your wale watching for free on BC Ferries.
—SB
Bookmark www.tourismtofino.com for updates on Tofino’s new Feast Festival.