May Long Weekend Bliss in Tofino

Let’s shout it on our rooftops (safely):  Long live the May Long Weekend!  We’re excited for this eventful weekend in Tofino – and for the statutory holiday allowing us some extra downtime on and around our beaches, trails, restaurants and retailers.  Whether you’re a novice traveller to Tofino or a seasoned surfing, beach-walking, fish-taco-eating, art-loving return visitor, here’s the scoop on just some of what’s happening this weekend:

The Tofino Public Market

It’s one of our favourite things.  The market pops up on the Village Green this Saturday, May 17th from 10:00am to 2:00pm for its first weekly appearance, and runs through the end of September.  You’ll find some good bites and it’s colourful, crafty and community-minded.  Go.

Feast Tofino

Our month-long tribute to boat-to-table food culture has most restaurants in town featuring a sustainable seafood, offering a prix-fixe menu – or hosting fun events!

Take in the views and the culinary excellence at the Wickaninnish Inn’s Driftwood Cafe Patio Grill on Friday the 16th with guest Chef Jonathan Gushue, or Dine Up the Inlet with West Coast Aquatic Safaris and Chef Nick Nutting of the soon-to-open Wolf In the Fog.  View the complete Feast events calendar here.

Gallery Hop & Shop on Campbell Street

Hop over to Campbell Street and pop into our local merchants and galleries, all proudly owned and operated locally.  Don’t mind the roadwork as this phase of upgrades to our town core is almost done!  You won’t want to miss the serene beauty of artist Roy Vickers’  Eagle Aerie Gallery, a traditional Northwest Coast longhouse.  Longtime Tofino artist Mark Hobson is travelling to town from his houseboat to paint in his namesake gallery from 1:00 – 5:00pm on Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th.

Visit Paradise

Every Victoria Day weekend, the Clayoquot Island Preserve (like a West Coast Garden of Eden) is open to the public.  Pack a picnic, make alternate plans for your pets, and catch a free boat from Tofino Harbour between 1:00 and 5:00pm.  Meet caretakers Sharon and Chris, who also happen to be the makers of ultra-local Sea Wench Naturals, and learn how they live off the grid.  We’re talking rhododendron gardens, beaches, old forest trails and an overall, feelgood vibe here.

Otalith Festival Release Party

The West Coast’s own music festival takes place August 22nd and 23rd, and this Saturday night lineup release party at the Tofino Community Hall feature’s Vancouver Island’s own Carmanah.  Get more information on this concert and on Otalith Festival here.

Happy holiday weekend – wherever you may wander in Tofino!