Trip to British Columbia: Part 3 - Tofino

Tofino felt like a town pulled straight from a postcard. Surfers, bikers, and breathtaking scenery. The way the ocean meets the forest here is unlike anywhere we have ever seen.

Getting there was no small feat: a five-hour drive from Victoria, broken up with a one-night stop in Cowichan Bay. But the reward was worth it for sure. Tofino greeted us with perfect weather and the chill vibes of a coastal town that knows it’s special. Dinner that first evening was at a sushi restaurant—decent overall, but boasting some of the freshest fish we’d had on the trip.
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The next morning began with adventure. My dad, my brother, and I set out on a two-hour fishing expedition with a local guide named Flo. Just a couple of miles out into the open ocean, we dropped our lines for salmon. Within minutes, the first catch came, a ten-pounder that set the bar high. Not long after, it was my turn, and after a five-minute battle, I reeled in another ten-pounder of my own. Through the whole two hours, we caught 3 fish! On the way back, Flo pointed out a bald eagle’s nest perched high in the trees, something we had been wanting to see for the whole trip.

That afternoon, we laced up our shoes and hiked the Pacific Rim Trail. The path carried us from the parking lot into the forest, only to open onto a beach. The transition from shaded greenery to shoreline left us speechless. It was one of the most scenic hikes we’ve ever experienced: simple yet unforgettable.

We ended the day at The Shed, a local favorite that delivered in full. Their fish curry was rich, flavorful, and the perfect ending to our time in Tofino.
Next stop: Vancouver.