There’s something about celebrating Canada Day in a small town that just warms the heart – especially when that town is Tofino, of course!

This weekend has a number of fun things in store for both Tofino visitors and residents.  How to celebrate the Canada Day week-end in Tofino?  Allow us to count the ways:

Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers

Celebrated artist and Order of Canada recipient Roy Henry Vickers will be at his Eagle Aerie Gallery for some storytelling at 11:00am on Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.  It’s difficult to describe the charisma he emanates and his stories of childhood memories and life experiences can leave you a little misty-eyed.  Although Roy commands a very attentive audience, he will announce that children are most welcome to his storytelling.  Get thee to his traditional Northwest Coast longhouse this weekend.  Roy does return to Tofino a few times a year, and he always has a different story to tell.

Tofino Public Market x 2!

The Tofino Public Market is a living homage to making it, baking it, growing it and crafting it, right in Clayoquot Sound.  It’s also a wonderful way to take in Tofino and to meet some talented local residents (and those of us who admire their wares).  This weekend, the market will take place on two days:  Saturday, June 29 and Monday, July 1 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Double the Tofino Public Market, double the pre- or post-beach fun.  And perhaps double the Tofino Cake Studio cupcakes, double Sarah’s tamales, or double Jules’ hearth-baked breads…

Pacific Rim Summer Festival

These eleven days of music, dance, theatre, visuals, and art in Tofino and Ucluelet wrap on Canada Day, July 1st.  On the menu for the next few days are performances by The Washboard Union, described as Canada’s only 7 piece outlaw band, pianist Sarah Hagen, and the Best of Ballet Victoria, including a dance workshop for aspiring ballerinas.  Don’t forget to pack your pointe shoes along with your wetsuit.

Canada Day at the Tofino Village Green

Aside from the Tofino Public Market, there will be live music from Tofino’s Smalltown Empire, circus crafts, a dunk tank and some cake cutting, all while the annual Tuff City Skate Comp takes place.  In 2012, the youngest competitor was one year old, and we look forward to seeing how his technique has evolved…

There’s a lot to do in Tofino, from visits to our beaches to excursions on the water, be it for surfing, SUP, wildlife viewing, Hot Springs Cove-ing, kayaking and more.  We look forward to seeing you, and if you can’t make it to Tofino, we wish you a happy red and white Canada Day from Vancouver Island’s west coast!