Hi everyone. I have heard so much about Tofino and what an "extreme" adventure place it can be. I am travelling with my wife and two adult kids. We are absolutely up for everything. However, we do love our luxuries. I have a tattered "Vancouver" magazine that does a spread on the Wickaninnish Inn. It also mentions RainCoast Cafe and Common Loaf Bakeshop. Can anybody tell me more? I was thinking about having a private dinner catered by the RainCoast - their menu sounds very inventive. We were also thinking of going to Hot Springs overnight. Any info - we would love to stay a few days there. <BR> <BR>Thank you in advance, Gord.

I had actually mentioned this to a different poster a few days ago. There is a houseboat moored just off Hot Springs Cove called "Innchanter" - they have a website (www.innchanter.com). I stayed there a couple of years ago with a friend, and there was a family of four there at the same time. It was lovely, if a bit primitive (the toilet is extremely temperamental but ultimately effective!). Hot Springs Cove is a must-see. It was a more strenuous hike than I had expected but definitely worth the little bit of extra effort. We went at night, which I wouldn't recommend although it is cooler and less crowded than during the day. We got a float plane back to Tofino the next morning. There are water taxis but there seems to be a bit of confusion about when they leave; or maybe we were the only ones that were confused! Do check out the website; it was a wonderful experience.

Gordon, you will love the area! We were there for 6 days in early April. Spent 2 nights at Wickaninnish (great views, incredible dinner the first night and o.k. the second---menu at the RainCoast looked interesting, but try the inn at least once if only for the views!). But our favorite part of the trip was the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (see www.wildretreat.com) which we found to be the perfect combination of wilderness setting coupled with wonderful luxury. We took a day trip from there in a Zodiac with Cosy, their incredibly knowledgeable guide. She got us there early since we were closer to Tofino than "the masses", but, depending on the time of year, I can see that it could be a mob scene not too long after first light in the morning and all through the day! Also, depending upon the tide, we're not talking huge pools of water here! You end up having to kind of "step over" your neighbors if there are too many people! We heard summertime horror stories of a hundred people--or more--waiting their turn to get in the springs! We did see the Innchanter tied up to the dock there, but I don't see how you could improve on the Wilderness Resort! Incredible meals (all included in the price and they were always making sure we had enough to eat!), lovely rock fireplace in the lounge, SO many things to do since it literally floats in the water--kayaking from the dock, hiking up to their upper lakes, whale watching along with trips to the Hot Springs Cove as well as a massage area at the resort with a great masseuse. Plus a hot tub on the deck of the barge. Check out their website for all the available activities. The Wickaninnish would make a great place to stay before and/or after the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort because the Resort has scheduled boat trips to take you out to the resort/bring you back. Since it took us almost 5 hours to get back to Sidney to catch a ferry to the San Juans, and there was only one a day, you just about have to overnight somewhere. Trust me, you'll LOVE the Tofino area. It was our first trip to that part of B.C., and we're already planning a return!

The Wichaninnsish Inn is one of the most spectacular places I've ever stayed. The rooms are just wonderful. The food is great. I'll go back as soon as possible.

Thanks a lot for all the great info - this will narrow things down considerably for us. Thanks again!

I'm thinking of going to Tofino in Feb. with the specific purpose of relaxing by a fireplace and watching winter storms over the ocean. The Wickinnish Inn looks great. Are there other hotels anyone would recommend? I guess I would drive from Victoria, Would I encounter any snow along the way? (I'm a desert rat from Arizona).

Fran - Vancouver Island has a temperate climate, and usually gets a LOT of rain in February. I haven't driven from Victoria to Tofino in February, but I can imagine that in certain mountainous areas, if the elevation is high enough, you could encounter snow.

The Wickaninnish Inn is a great hotel. But I can't say that my kids would have enjoyed the meal at The Pointe Restaurant there at the resort. The food is good, but pretty gourmet and on the pricey side. I think I paid $9 for a very small bowl of soup.