Storm watching in Tofino

It’s the time of the year when the West Coast beaches of Vancouver Island have such a different face in the winter than they do in the summer. During the cold rainy months from October through March, there is something to be said about Tofino. Storm watching is a spectacular experience, and is at its best and most dramatic during the winter months. The rage of the wind, rain and thunderous waves, produce as many as 15 storms per month that hits the west coast during the storm season.

Despite the extreme weather, the beach explorers of Tofino, locals and guests alike, suit up in their rubber boots and rain gear and head out to the beaches. They are staying outdoor to witness the enormous storms chunched up by powerful gale generating 40 ft waves which in turn when smash into the rocky headland rocket spray 100 feet into the air. Watching these huge waves up close is awesome.

If you are adventurous, you can experience the storm first hand walking the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet and enjoy the sight and sound in all its glory. Or at Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park you can stroll for miles along sandy beaches and experience storm watching up close.

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A Tofino property owner says a rock wall along Cox Bay Beach is an “environmental catastrophe” destroying one of the surf town’s best known beaches.

John English said a 1.5-metre wall of large boulders erected by three beachfront resorts — Pacific Sands Resort, Long Beach Lodge and Cox Bay Resort — is causing the pristine sandy beach to erode and has caused trees and bushes to fall into the Pacific Ocean.

“We’ve lost six feet of shorefront and it’s getting worse every day,” said English, who owns Pacific Rim Resort, next to Long Beach Lodge. Ralph Tieleman, a member of the executive committee of the Tofino chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental non-profit organization, has been documenting the effects of the rock wall on the beach.

The rock wall has been a contentious issue since Pacific Sands Resort put it up last December. The rock wall was erected to prevent erosion and to protect the roots of nearby trees, said resort director Stephen Peters.

Peters said English is exaggerating the changes to the beach.

“There’s been no degradation to the land,” he said, adding the wall is “depositing no rocks whatsoever.”

This summer, the provincial government ordered the resorts to remove the rock wall because it was encroaching on Crown land, but the wall was simply moved back onto their own property.

“Personally, I don’t think the rock wall is making all the change in the beach patterns,” Tofino Mayor John Fraser said.

English calls that “absurd.”

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The final result for is the second annual O’Neill Cold Water Classic Canada is out:

“The second annual O’Neill Cold Water Classic Canada concluded this week under sunny skies on Tofino’s North Chesterman Beach, an anticlimactic final pitting two spent competitors on a relatively calm ocean. Hundreds lined the beach Thursday at daybreak to catch a glimpse of hometown hero and 2009 champion Peter Devries, who fell in the round of 16, and hundreds more returned later in the day to watch Australian Josh Kerr outlast American Eric Geiselman to win the $20,000 first prize”.

The OʼNeill Cold Water Classic Series now moves to its final event of the year in Santa Cruz, California on October 18 in what is lining up to be a dramatic finale.

Read here the report by Globe and Mail>.

Two years ago, Tofino, population 2,000 was selected by O’Neill officials as part of the Association of Surfing Professionals’ World Qualifying Series.  The contest received an enormous boost last year when Devries emerged with a stunning victory on home water.

Tofino – well known as the “surf capital of Canada” revolves around fishery, tourism and the surfing community has played a big role in promoting that surfing industry in Tofino. There are many surf schools – Bruhwiler, Westside, Surf Sister and others providing surf lessons. Tofino was named “best surf town in North America” by U.S.-based Outside magazine last year.

The event was so  well received – both locally and by the visiting pros – that Bernhard Ritzer, O’Neill’s director of global sports marketing, confirmed that it will return to Tofino in 2011.

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Cougar Annie’s legacy, a 117-acre piece of land that has become part of B.C.’s history, is up for sale.

The Clayoquot Sound property, currently owned by the non-profit Boat Basin Foundation, is listed by LandQuest Realty Corporation for $2.2 million.

Ada Annie Rae-Arthur (later Ada Annie Lawson) moved to the land in 1915, clearing a 5-acre patch for a garden from which she ran a mail-order nursery and post office, and where she lived until her death in 1985. Nicknamed “Cougar Annie” for reportedly shooting dozens of cougars, the storied pioneer outlived four husbands and had 11 children.

Read the report here.

Salt water fishing for salmon in Tofino

The coastal communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and Bamfield are the launching pads that support the growing recreation and tourism industries in the Pacific Rim region of Vancouver Island’s West Coast. Salt water fishing for salmon is a very popular out-door pastime by many spot fishermen.

Open-ocean fishing occurs far offshore from Ucluelet and Tofino, near to La Perouse Bank, an undersea plateau and rich feeding ground for fish. Fishing has always been a major attraction for the area, and the commercial and spot fishing support the economy and growth of these coastal communities for many years.

By mid-June Coho Salmon start to show up, both offshore and in the shallow waters of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. These ealy runs Coho Salmon may be just 4-8 lb fish, but they are feisty fighters for the light tackle fly-fishing enthusiasts. Beside the Chinook and Coho, other Salmon Family like Sockeye, Pink and Chum Salmon are also abundant at during the Salmon run season. Fishing for salmon around Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area has made Tofino British Columbia’s premier sport fishing destination.

Salt water fishing for salmon become more exiting from July through August along the near-shore areas of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. By now the maturing Chinook Salmon can reach weights of over 30 to 40 lbs, and some trophy-class fish breaking the 50 lb mark. The abundant numbers of various species of hungry salmon provide a fantastic time for fishing.

There are many fly-fishing and spot-fishing charters operating out from Tofino, Ucluelet and Bamfield. If you are looking for a an exciting summer you can enjoy with friends and family members, go fishing with a fishing charter around Tofino or Ucluelet. Clayoquot Venture is one of the many charters you can join to have a great summer break.

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Canadian professional ice hockey centre, Brendan Morrison who is with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League, announced that he will host the First Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby to be held in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, from July 31 – August 1, 2010.

The event is held in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65 annual fishing derby (now in its 23rd year), the Tofino Saltwater Classic is limited to 100 participants and has a $250 entry fee that includes a celebratory dinner and silent auction hosted by Brendan Morrison on August 1, 2010. Spots fishing for Chinook salmon, Coho salmon and halibut is a hugely popular summer recreation for fishing enthusiasts in around Tofino and Ucluelet.

Cash prizes up to $12,000 will be awarded to the winners in five categories: three largest Chinook salmon, largest Coho salmon and largest halibut. All fish must be caught on rod and reel in accordance with British Columbia’s saltwater sport fishing regulations. The remainder of the entry fee proceeds, along with the proceeds from the silent auction, will support a number of Tofino community initiatives including Wickaninnish Elementary School programs and the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society.

“The Legion is very excited about partnering with the Tofino Saltwater Classic derby,” said Branch 65 Royal Canada Legion President, Whitey Bernard. “Working together boosts our fundraising efforts and gives even more anglers a great west coast sport fishing experience.”

Follow the news posted on www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com.

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Tofino and Ucluelet are two most visited places on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Tofino offers the best way to experience BC’s pristine wilderness. At Tofino’s doorstep is British Columbia’s most prized nature reserves, Pacific Rim National Park. At Tofino’s doorstep is Clayoquot Sound, a world UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Most visitors associate Tofino with the beautiful beaches near to Tofino village. The most famous Tofino Long Beach is a component of the Pacific Rim National Park. Tofino is best known for the wonderful beaches where surfers enjoy year-round surfing along the coastline. There are many good reasons why surfing has taken off around Tofino – the surf capital of Canada.

Tofino offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors beside surfing. Fishing, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, hot springs excursions and beach combing are just a few popular activities you can enjoy around Tofino.

Over the winter months, storm watching in the Tofino area of BC is soaring in popularity in recent years. On the wet and wild west coast, nothing is more awe inspiring than the rage of the wind, rain and thunderous waves through a winter storm. There are as many as 15 storms per month that hits the west coast during the storm season.

Some of the best wilderness hiking on Vancouver Island can be found around Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park. You can choose to hike some of the relatively easy trails or embark on something more challenging. The many trails around Tofino cater to the casual to those who like to hike in the middle of rugged and  To really experience the beauty of this enormous park, come prepared to explore the backcountry.

Accomodation in Tofino

There are a wide variation of Tofino accommodation choices to suit all budgets, tastes, and  needs of visitors. From an economical campsite, B&B, motel, guesthouses to world-class 4-star hotels.

One can stay at a waterfront inn or bed and breakfast, or vacation rental homes that can accommodate families and groups. There are also many wilderness lodges deep in the rainforest, quiet and serene with the scent of cedar in the air. For those who prefer to stay in the town core of Tofino, there are many lodgings of all varieties. There are also many unique cabins located on islands, floats, and in remote inlets a short boat ride from Tofino.

Enjoy your next vacation in spectacular Tofino, British Columbia, Canada!

Tofino Fishing Report by ReelReport.com is a timely and valuable report most fishing enthusiasts follow.

For B.C.’s fishing enthusiasts, June is when plans are made and memories unfold, while fishing opportunities all over the province turn from great, to excellent, and even “world class”. The peak Coho Fly fishing and light tackle action begins through mid June, and stays consistently strong through mid September.

The outside waters around Tofino and Ucluelet offer Chinook salmon fishing that will be reliable and steady for the season’s largest Salmon species, but the sheer numbers of transient Salmon and Halibut in the earlier part of the season have definitely encouraged anglers to consider the season’s best opportunities are now earlier than later.

Along with the popular Salmon fishery, various species of Bottom fish help create a colourful mix to the experience. Regardless of age or experience, big boat, small boat or no boat at all, Tofino’s varied fishing options should be highlighted on your calendar this June.

Read the full fishing report from ReelReport.om

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Tofino is a romatic getaway and a perfect vacation destination! Whether you just have a weekend or a week for a romantic getaway with your love one, there is no better place to visit than Tofino. Tofino is a serene west-coast town with its many eco-activities, fabulous cuisine and first-class accommodations for romance.

Tofino’s shallow seas and temperate rainforests support a plethora of wildlife, including bears, otters, hump-backed, killer and blue whales, which could be sighted off the coast from April to October. A more intimate and popular option is to explore the numerous inlets and bays by  kayak. You can book a guided tour or take a self-guided tour through many of the Kayaking Guides operating out of Tofino.

A unique way to experience Tofino and Cloyoquot Sound’s scenery is from the air by taking a seaplane tour with Atleo Air. You will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the many small islands, jagged shoreline cliffs, incredible turquoise waters and lush green temperate forest below.

Tofino is the surf capital of Canada, and Tofino Long Beach is popular with surfers who are drawn this sandy beach.  The waves keep rolling in along miles of sandy surfable beaches, leaving plenty of room for all surf boarders, from absolute beginners to seasoned waveriders.  Tofino is well-served with many surf schools catering to visitors who come here to surf. There are many surf shops offering rentals of wet-suite, surf boards and lessons.

A popular attraction is the natural thermal Hot Springs Cove located 26 nautical miles from Tofino. Unique to Hot Springs Cove is the natural hot spring that bubbles up from a crack in the earth near the mouth of the bay. A number operators in Tofino offer transportation via water or air, and most of these trips to the hot springs include whale watching, bird watching and other eco-activities.

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Why Tofino could be your perfect weekend getaway?

Tofino is an ideal weekend getaway for people within a few hours drive from Tofino.  It is a popular tourist destination for visitors from Canada and other parts of the world.  For visitors who are planning a holiday close to nature, Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park could be the perfect place to visit.

Tofino is located at the very north-western edge of the the Pacific Rim National Park. The most popular, and accessible beach at the Pacific Rim National Park is Long Beach, located between Ucluelet and Tofino. Long Beach is consited of a large area of coastal forest in addition to the sandy sea shore to the west.  Tofino is not a part of the national park, but it is a convenient launching pad for visitors to explore the Pacific Rim National Park.

You can indulge yourself with the excellent outdoor wilderness activities, or take a leisurely stroll to browse the shops in Tofino village.  You can take your time to sample the find food and hospitality bestowed by the local eateries.  A more enjoyable holiday will take one to two weeks to fully explore the many sandy beaches including the popular Long Beach, the surrounding hiking trails and other outdoor activities like sea kayaking and whale watching.

Photo used under Creative Commons from BayloBear78

Beach-combing could be the best thing to do, wandering and combing for fascinating sea creatures, numerous shells, species of algae washed out onto the shore, and birds soaring above. There are endless fascination along the shoreline, walking along the beach in a pounding surf and living ecosystems to explore.

Surfing is one of the most popular past time for surfers who may spend hours catching the next better and bigger waves.   Tofino and Long Beach is definitely surfing destination for the enthusiasts.  Tofino has a relaxed atmosphere and the vibe and culture of a “heaven-on-earth” paradise feel for the surfers and people who hang out here.

Sea kayaking is also common, particularly in the islands of the Barkley Sound. You can paddle and tour around the sheltered waters exploring the shoreline and enjoy the expansive views around you.  There are seals, birds, fish, kelp beds, mountains and old growth forest, all around you and they are all part of the experience you take with you!

Hiking is popular, with numerous short trials accessible from the road in the Long Beach area of the national park. Hiking under the evergreen canopy of a rainforest, along mountain ridge and spectacular lookouts, you can enjoy the wonders of nature and the wilderness around you. You trails may include stretches of andy beaches and mud-flats, hiking opportunities are varied can be a once in a lifetime experience exploring the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Fishing is popular around Tofino and Ucluelet, and there are many fishing cabins and resorts catering to the people who come here for fishing.  The area is also famous for frequent whale sightings, being on the migratory route of grey whales (these are most often seen in the spring) as well as having some resident local greys, humpbacks and an occasional orca

There are also bear watching trips as well as tours that combine marine life watching with a hike on land, for example the Hot Springs trip from Tofino. In the winter months, storm watching has became a recognized activity in recent years, where powerful winds wipe up huge storm waves battling the coast around Tofino and the surrounding area.

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