Traveling with Kids Hangs Ten in Tofino, British Columbia – Surf’s Up
As a child of the prairies, there would have been no way of convincing me that there was a surfing culture in Canada. Wheat fields as far as the eye could see and big bodies of still water. That was my reality. My first trip to Tofino, British Columbia as an adult, really was an awakening.
The Town of Tofino is believed to have been named by Captains of the Spanish Navy around 1792 in honour of their teacher and hydrographer, Vincente Tofino de San Miguel. I can imagine that they felt as I did on feasting my eyes on this tiny inlet; breathtaking.
Each time I mentioned our upcoming weekend in Tofino to friends, I would hear “oh it’s so beautiful up there”. I didn’t doubt that comment at all as Vancouver Island is just beautiful period; no matter where you travel on it, but I didn’t get any real specifics. Yes, there is camping, hiking, fishing, and the other outdoorsy things that you do, but when you get the surfing bug, it is the only place to go. An entire community revolves around it here and it compliments the rest of the recreational activities available, nicely.
It is quite a long drive from Victoria to Tofino, however, with little ones in the car. You can break up the 5 ½ hour trek with fantastic side trips along the way. Check out our blog Traveling with Kids – Pit Stops & Side Trips on the Road to Tofino for more information on interesting stops that add both education and fun to stretching your legs.
THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND TOFINO – SURF NORTH CHESTERMAN BEACH, VISIT HOT SPRINGS COVE, AND EAT AT TACOFINO-TOFINO
I think I was actually speechless, gawking out the windows as we cruised through the town of Tofino, trying to make sense of what I was seeing. It was almost a completely different world to me; a different vibe altogether from what I am used to. It felt as though we had been transported back in time. I saw countless old VW vans with surfboards attached to the roofs, driven by bleach-blonde haired drivers like you might see in Beach Boys’ video. Instead of the usual summer attire of shorts, t-shirts and sunglasses we saw full-length wetsuits and bare feet. The feeling of being out of place quickly subsided as the employees in every shop we entered, were extremely laid back and friendly. It felt like such a fun and relaxing place to be.
Numerous business in town offer lessons and rentals of wetsuits, body boards, surf boards etc. and updates on where the best conditions are at any given time of the day.
Beaches – North Chesterman Beach
The beaches are vast with beautiful, soft sand and are a great place for small kids provided you keep an eye on the tide and continue to move your beach toys etc. as the tide comes in. Like every other beach with the presence of ripe tides and waves, you must always keep them at a safe distance from you (in and out of the water), as it doesn’t take long to get into trouble no matter what your swimming level is.
Even if you aren’t brave enough to try surfing or body boarding, simply hanging out on the beach and watching the myriad of weather systems roll in and out is fantastic. One minute there are eerie patches of fog and the next brilliant sunshine.
Hot Springs Cove
The natural hot springs area is an approximate 1.5 hr boat ride from Tofino. In order to reach the hot springs themselves, you must hike through the forest for about 45 minutes. It was not too difficult for the kids, but would not be possible for someone with mobility issues. There is a very small washroom at the top, along with a couple of change rooms. Packing a snack/lunch and water is a necessity as there is no where to purchase anything once you dock apart from a small floating restaurant at the start/finish of the trail. It is a very small, winding creek type of hot spring. Not a pool or large area. It can be quite congested but people seem to be really good about taking breaks to let others have a turn. We were warned of local dogs that hang out at the top waiting for the right opportunity to eat your lunch. I am so glad we were also warned not to fear them, as they did resemble wild wolves to a certain degree.
The boat ride is very scenic and at the right time of year, I’m told you might be lucky enough to spot a whale. We sadly, did not, but we did see sea lions, caves, secluded beaches, and a bald eagle’s nest.
Tacofino -Tofino
This little cantina packed inside a mobile bus, certainly lived up to (and exceeded) our expectations. It serves up amazing fish tacos, burritos, gringas and unbelievable freshies!! Absolutely delicious and worth the long line up. Tacofino is parked about 5 minutes outside of Tofino in a gravel parking lot. This big roadside turnout called Outside Break houses a small community of businesses.
Honorable mention within that group of businesses goes to Chocolate Tofino which had my son’s favourite (salted caramel gelato complete with a chocolate surfboard) and to Tofitian for fabulous coffees and apparel.
WHERE WE STAYED – PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE – GREEN POINT CAMPGROUND
Once again I’m hauled into the wilderness to take part in this camping ritual. I think I have made my stand however, in that, after this inaugural Canadian family camping summer, it will be left to a “boys’ weekend” or at the very least, we’ll meet halfway and rent a tent trailer or cabin for one of the trips.
Green Point offers both walk-in and drive-in sites along a bluff above beautiful Long Beach. The sites have fire pits, picnic tables and flush toilets, but no showers. The Park is extremely diligent in ensuring each site is kept free of attractants due to the wild animals in the area. The campground also has an indoor theatre that shows films and has presentations by Parks Canada personnel.
Long Beach at Green Point Campground
This campground is extremely popular and finding a spot there is very difficult in the summer. Booking well in advance or taking weekday spots is advised. Bookings can be made online via Parks Canada Reservation Services or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
In addition to camping, there are numerous other accommodation options available in the Tofino and neighbouring Ucluelet area. Resorts and Bed & Breakfasts run up and down the coast offering fantastic views and proximity to all the attractions.
This area truly is spectacular and we’ve decided to make it a yearly summer vacation spot.