Michelle

Hello,<BR><BR>I will be making a day trip to Tofino this summer and wondered what would be the best way to spend my time there. I've read a lot of things about whale watching, etc. but will only have about 4 hours there so time is tight.<BR><BR>Could anyone recommend a good "itinerary" so that I could get the most out of my time there?<BR><BR>Thank you!

Robyn

Too bad you won't have more time! But if 4 hours is all you have, try not to spend all of it in the town of Tofino as the beauty in the area lies in the beaches and parks outside of Tofino, around Long Beach.<BR><BR>Have lunch in Tofino, visit an art gallery or two. There are beautiful art galleries devoted to native artwork and artwork inspired by the local natural beauty. Then drive south down the road toward Ucluelet and visit the Pacific Rim National Park, particularly the Wickaninnish Centre, as it will give you all sorts of information on the culture, geography and history of the area. The Wickaninnish Centre's on Long Beach, so you can go for a stroll, check out the sea creatures in the tidal pools... watch the surf roll in.<BR><BR>Leave the Wickaninnish Centre and find yourself another portion of the Pacific Rim National Park. There are many parking lots at the entrance of trails. <BR>While the forests don't look spectacular from the side of the road, you'll understand the beauty once you enter the forest and step foot on the trails. The trails are elevated boardwalks over the forest floor and can be rather enchanting.<BR><BR>That will probably eat up your 4 hours in no time!

Robyn

Here's a few links that may help:<BR><BR>http://www.vancouverisland.com/002regtown/towns/index.asp?townID=28&webregionid=1<BR><BR>http://www.vancouverisland.com/002regtown/towns/index.asp?townID=4022&webregionid=1<BR><BR>http://www.vancouverisland.com/002regtown/towns/index.asp?townID=3970&webregionid=1<BR><BR>http://www.vancouverisland.com/002re...&webregionid=1

Michelle

Thanks for the tips. Any special hike that you could recommend? Since we're so limited in terms of time, I'd like to have something planned if at all possible.<BR><BR>Or would they be able to recommend something for us at the Wickaninnish Centre?<BR><BR>Thanks!

Robyn

I'd get recommendations from the Wickaninnish Centre. The last time I was in the Tofino area was in August of 94 - I forget the exact names of the trails, but I'm sure they'd be very helpful!

Clousie

What a shame you only have 4 hours....but, here's my suggestion.<BR><BR>We were there last year, and our very favorite hike was the Schooner Trail. It starts in a rain forest, so you get the "mossy" look and ends at a wonderful beach with lots of small islands. If you're lucky to be there at low tide, the tidal pools are really spectacular. Then you can just walk as far as you want.<BR><BR>I agree with Robyn that the real beauty is in the beaches and scenery and not in the town of Tofino. Although others may disagree, I didn't find Tofino to be anything special, but you couldn't pull be away from the beaches.<BR><BR>You can pick up a map at a small info center as you enter the area or at the National Park Headquarters.<BR><BR>We enjoyed a casual coffee and dessert there on a deck overlooking the beach while we were overlooked by a bald eagle. They also have meals, and since you're so short of time, I'd suggest eating here rather than a place that may eat up all of your time. Or even better, bring a picnic for the beach and do the dessert and coffee route on the deck.<BR><BR>You'll love it!<BR><BR>

Michelle

Thanks for the tip on Schooner Trail. Could you (or anyone else) tell me how long a hike this is? Also, once we are at the beach, would we have to hike back the same way or is there a loop that would take us back to the car but on a different route?<BR><BR>

Clousie

Michelle,<BR><BR>Check out this website which describes the hikes.<BR><BR>http://www.longbeachmaps.com/parks.html#anchor781106<BR><BR>Although the trail through the rainforest is short, it's really pretty in a mossy sort of way. Once we got to the beach, we turned right toward the rocky islands and wondered for several hours including a lunch stop on some large driftwood pieces.

Michelle

Hello Inspector,<BR><BR>Thanks for the great website link. Lots of good information and I'm already wondering exactly how early I can manage to wake up that morning in order to squeeze more than 4 hours on the West coast!<BR><BR>It's unfortunate that it will be the last day of a 3-week trip. Hope I'll still have the energy to try for an early start!

Clousie

Topping for Todd

Todd

Thanks Inspector. Will check out the website.<BR>