A few years ago there was a debate about Turks and Caicos, two Caribbean islands that wanted to join Canada. I don’t see why we would need to bring them on board when we already have a Pacific Ocean paradise – namely, Vancouver Island and the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet (Locally called “Ukee”).
Tofino is a surfer’s paradise. Long Beach and Wickannish Beach are both impressive parts of Pacific Rim National Park – possibly the most impressive beaches in Canada.
Incinerator Rock is large enough to shred any surfer foolish enough to try to evade its shores.
There are other, smaller, beaches such as Middle Beach. I actually stayed at the Middle Beach Lodge, which is an excellent spot. They advertise rates of $120 a night, but I negotiated them to $75/night. There is no Internet connection, but you can always use a wireless Internet cafe in town – they charge 5$ for unlimited access during the shoulder season.
Pacific Rim National Park is amazing for the level of maintenance done. All the bridges were well maintained, as well as the beach itself. Unlike the filthy beaches in Tottori (for example), the garbage here is cleared daily.
Radar Hill has a plaque which commemorates our military victory over China. In a show of unbelivable chutzpah during a holding battle in the Korean War, the Canadian regiment ordered their allies to shell their position to break the enemy attack which had already routed the Australians, the British, and the Americans. The reckless bravery of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry is one of the stories that would be made into a huge Hollywood blockbuster – if the heroes were from the “Good Ol’ US of A”. No need to bash our American neighbours though – the President of the US presented the Canadian unit with a unit citation. This is the only time in history that it has been awarded to a Canadian unit.
The locals are ridiculously friendly. These guys were so drunk that the fella with the red beard (“Benzo”) was laying on the floor, unable to move.
There is an amazing restaurant in town that I whole-heartedly recommend. Pasticceria Conradi on 311 Neill Street (just enter the city and go straight on the street until you have to turn; and turn left, and you will see it) served the best pasta I have eaten in the entire country. The chef’s special was great both nights I was there.
Tofino can be cloudy – the only downside to living in a place where the temperature doesn’t drop below zero. However, on a clear night, you can view every star in the sky – the benefits to living in a town without light pollution. Seeing the stars while sitting on Middle Beach can almost qualify as a religious experience – it simultaneously reminds one of how small we are, and how isolated our existance truly is. It also reminded me of how vulnerable I was – there were bear sightings in the area.
(For the record, most bears do not behave in a predatory fashion)
Tofino is the western-most point you can reach, by road, in Canada. It also has my highest recommendation. Tofino is a stunning locale with friendly locals and tremendous views. Forget the Niagara Fallses of the world – Tofino will be my honeymoon destination, some day.
so when are we going on our honeymoon, that place looks amazing.
Comment by Nader — May 26, 2006 @ 6:00 am
The Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island is certainly an extreemely beautiful place. In regard to the Turks & Caios Islands, We are a group of over 40 islands and cays that are a British Crown colony located just below the Bahamas and surrounded b y the most irridecent, turquoise sea ever imginaned. We have over 230 miles of pristine white sandy beaches and over 50% of the country is deeded as a national parks.
By the way, we in the Turks & Caicos, “Belongers”, are quite happy with our current situation. We have full internal self government under the British Crown. Many citizens of Canada would be fortunate to have the incredible tax benefits, explosive yet tendered growth of our economy, not to mention the ideal temprate climate that we offer.
Comment by Doug Fenimore — May 26, 2006 @ 11:21 am
Mr. Fenimore,
Thank you for your informative reply. I have to admit, I was too flippant about the places you hold so dear, and should have taken care to research it further.
If I am ever so lucky, I hope to visit both islands. However, like you said, the Pacific Northwest & Vancouver Island are tremendous locations. Perhaps it is the truth that Canada would be fortunate to have them both.
Thank you so much for your contribution and the best of health to you.
Comment by The Drifter — May 26, 2006 @ 7:16 pm
Hi mate,
I just wanted to say “thanks for the ride.” That was me and dylan, those ausie blokes, you were kind enough to give a ride to down to flow beach that night. We had a great surf and were lucky enough to score a ride back to town with the last person out of the water. So it was a perfect night in the ocean. Thanks again for making it possible.
I’m actually in england now about to head down the west coast of europe through france, spain and portugal chasing waves and adventures. Canada made such a massive impact on my heart that even though I’m on a road trip of a lifetime I wish i was back there, chillin out in ukee at the lodge with a few lucky’s in hand talkin about the great day just passed and the better one to come tomorrow.
Awesome site too ,
Comment by Pete Webster — July 8, 2006 @ 10:19 am
[...] Nanaimo: is small enough (78,000 people), and it is easy to go to Vancouver (hop the ferry to North Vancouver). It is also relatively cheap, and very beautiful (I was shocked how pretty it was when I went last time). Easy to get to Ucluet and Tofino, my two favourite parts of Canada. Unfortunately, Nanaimo has even less sunny days than dirty Montreal, so I am hesitant. [...]
Pingback by A Rumble in Heaven » Blog Archive » So where to move to? — August 13, 2006 @ 11:00 am
It’s great to see such positive comments about our wonderful little town. It’s a gorgeous sunny day here at the Clayouot Field Station in the Botanical Gardens – a welcome respite from a month of storms.
Stop in and say hello when you are in town…
Comment by John Platenius — December 27, 2006 @ 12:40 pm
I’m curious what time of the year you visited Tofino. I’m also sorry to tell you that the Pasticceria Conradi has closed…
Comment by Tofino — September 23, 2007 @ 5:38 am
Those friendly locals are my friends Ben and Mark. They have a lot of fun roaming the wilds of Tofino and the Island, but the rest of the world is not quite ready for them. That’s a good thing because if the rest of the world was ready for them it would be way too crazy. So they haunt the wilds of the Sound bringing smiles to most that encounter them. Ben has a mountain named after him, and Mark is an incredible athlete and daredevil and has the distinction of doing a two rotation cannonball into a moving boat from off a bridge (by accident) and just fractured an ankle. These guys have survived hundreds of situations that would have been the end of most people. They live in the wilds and endure wild storms in boats and canoes. They are also a two man coastgaurd team, with Ben’s girlfriend a vital third…
If the Big one ever hits the West Coast, these guys will survive and surely tales will be told of their endeavors and chivalry for years to come.
Martin of the woods.
Comment by martin — November 11, 2007 @ 10:05 am
I was lucky enough to have been able to visit both Tofino and Uclulet. Unfortanetly i was only able to spednd a day in both towns. I made one of the best decisions of my life and cancelled the stay at the local Hostel and camped just right outside of Long Beach. I sat all night as i cooked my fish over the campfire and was amazed that a Rainforest could snuggle right up to a sandy gorgous beach at what i can explain to people is like “the edghe of the world”. It was cloudy and gloomy but not in my heart.
If anybody is even a couple of hundred miles away from Tofino or just the PacRim Forest-GO- you will be glad you did. Uclulet on the other end was kind of a sleepy little town were i did stay in the local Hostel and felt very comfotable and respected.
Thank God and the Canadians for such a beautiful place. And what makes it more of a Jewel is the gruling 2-3 hoyr drive you must make across the island from Victoria.
Comment by Joel — October 5, 2008 @ 9:21 pm