THE PERFECT WINTER STORM BEGINS ...
Ocean swells, gale force winds, waves that roll in 20' - 40' high. Rain that lashes you from the side. THIS is feeling alive!
Welcome to Tofino, BC, Canada, the "Storm Watching" capital of the world. Watch this spectacular show Mother Nature puts on every year, October to February.
Tofino was the first place I'd ever witnessed a majestic Gray Whale breach in front of me, only meters from our small zodiac boat. I stood up - pointed and yelled (to which the guide prompted me to put my a** back down please) - but I was hooked.
Clearly, I wasn't the only one transformed. Iconic Canadian, Stuart McLean - Vinyl Cafe - had to say this, about his visit to Tofino:
'Like any wave, we are here and then we are gone. And maybe the best we can do while we are here is sit by the fire and stare in wonder. I am so glad that I finally made it to your town. I've wanted to come for so long. Now that I have been, I will come back and when I do, if the waves wash me away, so be it. One day I will be washed away by the wave of time anyway. And time spent here amongst the waves is time well spent.'
Witness giant waves coming in from over 6,000 kms, all the way from Japan and the Aleutian Islands in the Bering Sea to crash on to the shores of Tofino.
Lean into the wind at Chesterman Beach.
Watch the biggest of the waves crash at Cox Bay Beach.
Enjoy spectacular views from the deck of the Kwisitis Visitor Centre, located within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Discover the Rainforest with a kayak + hiking tour.
Take in a storm outside, or in the comforting warmth with some food and beverage in a cozy hotel we offer. Featuring a range of accommodations from Luxury Resorts to Standard Hotels, there's something to fit everyone's travel style.
Witness the ferocious weather from the beach or an oceanfront hot tub.
Enjoy gourmet dining or catch a meal at the famous Tacofino Food Truck.
Shorter lines, lower accommodation prices and more space on the beach.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
You hear the gales howling outside, see the waves rooster tailing, and want to get out there and up close.
Okay - I get the excitement (see my experience above) - and recommend these simple safety rules all responsible West Coasters respect:
- Dress appropriately to keep yourself relatively dry. Wear sturdy gumboots, a waterproof jacket and even rain pants.
- Always check the tide, as it can rise fast, going right up to the foreshore. Water has incredible force and is how those giant pieces of driftwood end up strewn across the beach. And those logs outweigh you.
- Avoid standing on tidal rocks.
- We've all seen great photos from this vantage point, but unless you possess superpowers and a desire to swim fully clothed in cold seas, we recommend staying well upland, beyond the reach of even the biggest rogue waves.
- Stay dry, stay safe and enjoy your Tofino Storm Watching.
Packages can be anywhere from 3 nights/4 days to an extended stay and can begin on the island or in Vancouver. Can include flights, accommodations, transportation, experiences and more ... I can get your there, from whereever you are!
Let me curate your perfect Storm Watching adventure, and start you on the way to your next adventure! CONTACT ME cause Planning A Vacation Makes You Happy (me too!).
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