Growing up in British Columbia, many locals are aware of a beautiful hidden gem called Tofino. When I show friends from other provinces pictures of the smooth sand and blue skies, the normal response is “Where is that?” When I tell them it’s a small town on the west coast of Vancouver Island, most people express disbelief.
The unique landscape and beautiful beaches seem more suited for the sunny coast of California, rather than our local rainy climate. The fun in having a surf town on our rainy coast is not worrying about getting wet. Whether you choose to brave the cold waters in May, or you decide to sit in the sand and watch, make sure you bring a raincoat.
Surfing the coast takes a certain type of dedication. Talking to locals, surfing is more than just a sport for them; to many it’s a way of life. Local surfers run shops and teach lessons hoping to share their passion with newcomers.
Tofino’s tourism website advertises an array of activities from kayaking to whale watching, and specifies that it is more popular to surf in the summer — although that doesn’t seem to stop people from going out in the spring. Located in a world-recognized national park, the beaches are pristine with white sand and blue waters. The website also states that, in 2000, Tofino received recognition from the United Nations (UN) as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) biosphere reserve.
Despite the natural beauty of the area, surfing the coast is not for the faint of heart. According to Tofino’s surf forecast website, water temperatures in Tofino range from 9 C in March to 14 C in July, requiring a thick head-to-toe wetsuit complete with gloves, head cover, and boots. During this adventure some of the surfers learned the hard way not to take the wetsuit off. When you come out to warm up, putting it back on is nearly impossible once the inside is exposed to the cool spring air.
Although some may have reservations, the experience of being in the water is a rush unlike any other. The unparalleled joy and adrenaline that accompanies the cold is what keeps surfers coming back again and again. If you aren’t one to take risks, you can safely sit in a lawn chair with a drink in your hand and your feet in the sand listening to the hoots and hollers of the surfers.
The city itself offers other unique activities, making the town of Tofino an experience of its own. From Tofino Brewing Company to unique barbeque restaurants like Lil Ronnies BBQ, the city is full of interesting hidden gems that are so much fun to explore, including the iconic Tacofino. The cool surf town offers shops and an interesting history dating back to the 1700s. Historical sites and galleries give some insight into how the town was established, despite being so far away from everything else. This gem is well worth the six-hour adventure to get there.
Image: Alexandra Johnson
