Seattle Refined - Escape to Tofino, B.C.: Where waves, wellness, and the wild collide
Richard Schmitz for Seattle Refined
Tofino, British Columbia is a small beach town nestled on Vancouver Island's untamed western edge, where highway meets the Pacific, where ancient rainforests meet the rugged, dramatic coastline.
Offering more than picturesque scenery, visitors find it as a sanctuary of sorts, and wellness takes on a distinctly West Coast elegance.
by Maryrose Denton
First, the journey. It's not just about getting there; it's about the experience. After a smooth border crossing, a serene BC Ferry ride maneuvers through the Gulf Islands towards Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Driving along Highway 4 winds you through majestic old-growth forests as you summit Sutton Pass. Then, descending on the other side, that first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean comes into view, where mindful escapes await and that coveted connection to place comes together in one town at the end of the road.
After settling into our cozy, luxe suite, we ventured down to watch the sunset and explore the beach in front of Long Beach Lodge Resort. Unfortunately for us, the Wickaninnish Inn was under some seasonal remodeling and unavailable to guests. But we did tour the iconic Relais & Chateaux hotel with the owner, Charles McDiarmid, who graciously shared with us all the amenities the Wick, as locals call it, has to offer. Meanwhile, our stay at the Long Beach Lodge proved superb.
Literally steps from our room, we walked along this sandy cove in front of the hotel, watching the sky turn into fiery reds and pinks while we also watched the groups of surfers coming and going from the ocean spray. As it turns out, Tofino is a surfer's paradise. Every local, it seems, is a wave rider. We're talking all ages, all skill levels, all perpetually clad in black wetsuits, riding their bikes laden with boards. In fact, one local surfer called Tofino "Canadian Hawaii", although they are braving cooler temperatures of 51-degree water, day in and day out.
Richard Schmitz for Seattle Refined
After the last few rays of sunlight left the sky, we concluded our day by relaxing in our suite by the fireplace.
Day 1: Hot Springs & Harbor Panoramas
Our first full day in Tofino took us on a hot springs adventure with Ahous Adventures. This isn’t your average boat tour. Their curated cruise to Hot Springs Cove is an absolute must, consisting of 20 minutes of cruising through the waters of Clayoquot Sound. On our voyage, we spotted Sea Lions sunbathing on a rocky shoal and encountered a pod of orcas.
credit: Richard Schmitz for Seattle Refined
credit: Richard Schmitz for Seattle Refined
