Dressing for Dinner on a BC Road Trip
 

I'm trying to pack efficiently for a 2-1/2 week road trip vacation in British Columbia. This is pretty much a jeans-appropriate type of trip in the BC interior. But... we will have a few nights in Tofino and want to eat at the Wickaninnish one night; I think that is probably the only place where we will want to dress a little nicer. Some advice here? I hate to pack an entire outfit for a single meal. But....

Hoping some savvy Fodorites (who are familiar with the Wickaninnish) can advise me here. Could I wear jeans and a nice top? Or if not, what is acceptable? This is an outfit I would need to wear more than just the once.

Apologies for taking your time from more worthy topics, and thanks.

You can wear what ever you like here, you could certainly wear jeans and a nice shirt. They are pretty relaxed, but I would not show up in shorts and a tank top or anything. You will look out of place in a suit and tie for example too. Casual dressy is what we call it.

Whew, thanks!

We went to the W. Inn and it was very casual. View is amazing but food was just okay..

Do you have other restaurant recommendations? We would most definitely be going for seafood (although not fish tacos). We're there for 3 nights and so could use some ideas. Thanks.

Sobo is great, right in Tofino. Great food, all natural ingredients.

HI Sludick - you are really going to covering the province!!!
One of our favourites but haven't been there for a few years is the Schooner http://www.schoonerrestaurant.ca/ The seafood was excellent. Look forward to seeing you!

Yes - when you end up changing your vacation plans, you can get a little crazy! Thanks for the Schooner - that's a definite. We'll be seeing you in a few months, assuming we don't get all stranded somewhere along Highway 20.

live42day - have put Sobo on the list, really looks good, so thanks. It's good to have something "bohemian" on the itinerary. Any Ucluelet recommendations?

Yes, Ucluelet has the Black Rock which also has a fantastic view. On the main street, only open for dinner, is Norwoods which has amazing food, Matterson house and the Blue Room are both good for casual food that is very tasty.
The last three are on the main drag, Black Rock is on the water beside Big Beach. Ask anyone how to get there, it is a very small town.

If you go to Ucluelet the two things that are fun to do there are the Aquarium, very small but all the fish and sea life are from right outside the door, only in tanks for 6 months and then put back and new ones brought in. Very enthusiastic and informative Biology students and grads working there.

The other is the Wild Pacific Trail. You can do the trail right from Black Rock if you like, or start near the light house. This trail hugs the coast and through the forest. Again, anyone in town can tell you how to get there.

Excellent, thank you; I'm putting the Aquarium and Wild Pacific Trail both on the list. We've been to Tofino a couple of times before but never stopped at Ucluelet. This time we are adding a day and plan to spend it down there.

Black Rock does look amazing - was it built fairly recently? And it sounds like Norwoods is the place for very fresh fish and innovative cuisine, wow. Guess I'm set now!

Black Rock was built about four years ago give or take. Another great thing to do here, but if you only have a day you many not get to squeeze it all in, is a tour of the area by water. It is a great way to see whales, sealions, bears and eagles.
http://www.archipelagocruises.com/

We have a total of 3 nights. We're already set up for whale watching in a zodiac out of Tofino, and will probably spend the balance of the day in that town. That will give us another full day plus the afternoon/evening of our arrival day (probably will roll in around 2-3p).

what month are you here?

October 1-4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDsjqoY0GH0
You may see bears at the hatchery if there are fish there. Last year it was very dry and it was later in the month, but normally the beginning of October. This is a five minute drive from Ucluelet and you can get 10 feet , safely, from them.

Very cool! We'll take a look.

It is a little hard to know how to pack for that time of year, will be watching weather trends and plan to layer up. Just don't want to haul a bunch of stuff around, but always have a "pair and a spare" footwear suitable for day hikes.