Tofino

It’s been a while since we’ve been there. And it’s a drive–even for us. But golly is the trip worth it. Even from our part of the Island the drive is over one hundred and fifty kilometres or roughly two hours west. There are winding roads, a few passing lanes and the odd rest stop. There is also the ongoing construction where single lane traffic is a right of passage.

At present the scale of roadwork is nothing short of extreme. All sorts of grading, blasting, reinforcing, et cetera happening at one of the last mountain passes before you hit Kennedy Lake and the junction toward T-town.

The Pacific Rim

There is no feeling like entering the stretch of roadway through Pacific Rim National Park. This is truly a special place. The passage through old growth forest next to the ocean is magic. The air feels charged with calm energy. Negative ions, I’m sure, abound here.

On this trip out we never made it to town. We stopped at Oceanside Break plaza housing the killer Tofitian cafe and the original Live to Surf surf shop. We dropped some coin on Tacofino’s Crispy Chicken burritos, a Tofitian espresso and soaked up the vibes.

We had to check a flat before driving further. We found a filling station just up the road, filled up and pulled a major u-turn near Tofino Brewing Co. back to the beach.

The beach

Long Beach and Incinerator Rock–you heard that right. This time of year you’re lucky to find a parking spot even with the travel restrictions in place. We did, paid for parking (make sure you do, or you’ll get ticketed) and unloaded our beach bum stuff. The vibes! The ocean!

The spray was lifting off the water and slowly floating up the beach. Green Point seemed unreal as if air brushed into the distance. Time was standing still here. Each tick of the wristwatch replaced by the wave action nearby.

This is surf territory

A few hours on the beach and we were ready to sleep the day away like so many lazing around us. We were mesmerised by the sound of surf, surfers, others lounging and, well, just chilling.

When you’re enjoying the beach here, appreciating nature and respecting the environment, you belong. It is disappointing when you look at the clock and see time slipping away. You realise: (1.) that you’re not local, and (B.) how long the drive back home is. We did make sure to dip our toes into the icy pacific before leaving though. . .

Hello, ocean

I’m not sorry we went. Nor am I sorry for the long drive. The stretch of highway is just a little bit steeper and curvier and longer than I’m used to. Not too many straight shots cutting through the mountainous center of Vancouver Island.

It truly is a special place. Maybe it’s even a secret place as not too many are willing to make the trek to the edge of the salty B.C. coast. But one thing for certain: if you have a bit of time and you’re patient, if you follow the posted speed limits and respect the local culture (and the devastatingly beautiful nature here) you may never want to leave. You may just end up leaving everything behind and

sleeping on the beach,

breathing in the surf and realising

just how beautiful this part of the world can be.

I know I’ll be back

–if I can only find the time . . .