TRVL Journal: Guided by the Rhythm of the Sea in Tofino, BC
Travel
TRVL Journal: Guided by the Rhythm of the Sea in Tofino, BC
2024 / 5 mins
"The ocean is the lifeblood of Tofino, where work and play are deeply intertwined. For the people here, the sea is the center of their lives."
At “the end of the road,” where the Pacific Rim Highway reaches the end on the westernmost tip of Vancouver Island, lies Tofino—a remote outpost on this wild coast. Dense rainforests meet rugged shorelines, and the Pacific Ocean stretches endlessly. But Tofino is more than a place on the map; it feels like the edge of the world. More than just travel, it was an immersion into connection, nature, and adventure in its purest form.
Our purpose in Tofino was to explore a unique corner of the world. Driven by a desire to dive deeper into the culture of Tofino and connect with the community that makes this place so special, we connected with three remarkable locals: Shelter Restaurant’s Head Chef, Matheus Tedesque; Kyler Voss, a surf and wildlife photographer and Zodiac tour operator; and Pilot Jay Bertin, owner of Atleo River Air Service.
Kyler was our connection to the community and led the way as we set out to experience Tofino, joined by friends Caley Vanular—a professional snowboarder and talented photographer—and Angel Rodriguez, a creative director with a passion for surfing. Together, we dove into Tofino’s vibrant culture and daily rhythms. This wasn’t just a visit; we became part of the heartbeat of this coastal town. We experienced the landscape, the community, and the Tofino “way of life” by stepping into the spirit of the local culture, taking away lasting connections and memories that only a place this special could offer.
For Caley and Angel, locals to BC, Tofino is a regular destination for both of them. Though they have experienced some of Tofino’s secrets—from surf trips to epic sunset beach bonfires, fishing expeditions to remote hot springs, this trip would provide a new opportunity to immerse themselves with other locals whose life paths play instrumental roles in the heart and flow of Tofino.
The ocean is the lifeblood of Tofino, where work and play are deeply intertwined. For the people here, the sea is the center of their lives. From fishermen to surfers, guides and pilots to other community members, the ocean shapes both their livelihoods and their passions. They respect the sea’s beauty and its unpredictability, and their commitment to caring for it is inspiring. Spending time with each local made that connection come to life, as we saw firsthand how the ocean and wilderness shape their daily lives and fuel their work contributing to this amazing community. Watching the sunsets over the ocean, breathing in the fresh air, and hearing their stories reminded us of the value of slowing down and being present. These experiences left us with a lasting appreciation for the powerful bond between people and the places that shape and inspire them.
Ready to experience the magic of Tofino for yourself? Check out our favorite spots and activities below and save them for when you’re ready to plan your own adventure to this incredible place.
Favorite Places to Eat & Sleep
- Pacific Sands Beach Resort – Staying at Pacific Sands is an unforgettable experience. The oceanfront property features thoughtfully designed suites with stunning views of a pristine beach. This special place is nestled under a canopy of ancient trees and truly has everything you could ask for during a cozy stay on the coast.
- Shelter Restaurant – Stop by Shelter Restaurant for an incredible meal with views of the water and surrounding mountains. If you’re lucky, you may even have the opportunity to enjoy a meal thoughtfully prepared by Chef Matheus featured in our film.
- Tacofino – If you’re looking for something casual that you will be craving throughout the entirety of your trip, stop by Tacofino. The food is fresh and delicious, and you will absolutely be coming back for more.
- Tofino Roasting Company – this was hands down our favorite coffee shop and we very quickly became daily visitors. This spot is modest and unassuming, but the coffees and lattes are a notch above the rest.
Favorite Things to Do
- Sea Plane Tour with Atleo River Air Service – Float planes are a way of life in Tofino. Getting to see this incredible place from the sky is a magical experience and one that we cannot recommend enough.
- Explore the waters with Clayoquot Marine Adventures – Everything in Tofino is connected to the ocean. Experiencing nature from an open boat with a gifted guide like Kyler Vos is something you will never forget. Keep your eyes open and be on the lookout for bears, whales, seals, eagles, and more!
- Get into nature by foot – the mountains and forests here are pristine. It is a breath of fresh air to be able to look out and all you can see for miles is untouched land and ocean. Check out Cox Bay lookout for a hike that will deliver stunning views of Tofino.
